Lovers of Reef and Rainforest: embark on an adventure you’ll never forget with our wrap of five must-do day trips from Cairns.
Image Credits: Ocean Spirit
#1 Castaway to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef aboard Ocean Spirit, a beautiful 32 metre sailing catamaran. Encircled by fringing reef teeming with colourful marine life including sea turtles and giant clams, you shall find a unique and pristine environment that doubles as a protected seabird sanctuary. Snorkel in the cay’s protected shallow waters, opt for an exciting introductory scuba dive or simply cruise in the semi-submarine for a diver’s view of the reef, watch the fish feeding presentation and observe the fascinating island bird life.
Image Credit: Billy Tea Safaris
#2 Explore the world’s oldest surviving rainforest on a day trip to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation. Wander through rainforest boardwalks and search for crocodiles on the Daintree River with tours by Billy Tea Safaris. See where the rainforest meets the reef at Cape Tribulation or cool off in rainforest swimming holes.
Image Credits: Fitzroy Island
#3 Experience Island Time at Fitzroy Island. Only 45min from the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns, time seems to melt into a soothing drip on this island where you can walk to the stunning Nudey Beach, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak off the main beach or simply relax and enjoy a cocktail at Foxy’s Bar.
Image Credits: Kuranda Tourism / Skyrail Rainforest Cableway / Kuranda Scenic Rail
#4 Travel back in time on the Kuranda Scenic Rail aboard heritage style carriages once used to transport wounded soldiers in WWII. Enjoy local cheese, coffee, macadamias and sorbet in Gold Class en-route to the Barron Falls and the elevated rainforest village of Kuranda. Spend the day visiting wildlife parks, browsing local stores and Heritage Markets before heading back to Cairns on the Skyrail Cableway, gliding metres above the pristine rainforest canopy.
Image Credits: Reefinity Adventures
#5 Cast a line with Reefinity Adventures, a charter fishing outfit departing from Half Moon Bay Marina. No tackle, rods or reels required as the ‘Aurora’, a custom-built 28 foot game fishing boat, comes fully equipped for bottom fishing for Red Emperor and Coral Trout or trolling for prize game sports fish such as Giant Trevally, Spanish Mackerel, Yellow Fin Tuna and Mahi Mahi. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just want to drop a line in, you’ll be sure to have a great day and take home your prize catch.