The islands, beaches, and rainforests that surround Cairns make it world famous—an essential stop on any trans-Australian itinerary. It’s the most popular base for diving or snorkeling over the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, but you might struggle to fit that in around the bungee jumping, hot air ballooning, skydiving, fishing, white-water rafting and horse riding. You can take tours to the World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, or ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail at Kuranda in the Atherton Tableland. Animal sanctuaries are plentiful, so you’re certain to indulge your koala-cuddling fetish, and there are miles of eco-friendly boardwalks that penetrate deep into the rainforest. Then there’s the nightlife—enough clubs to sate your bump n’ grindin’ requirements. Cairns has a squillion tours, and here are some of the best.
Day 1: Best of Cairns
Take a full-day tour that combines the best of Cairns, Kuranda and their environs. The Kuranda Scenic Railway will take you to Kuranda to enjoy the village and Kuranda markets. The breathtaking Skyrail rides high above the rainforest canopy, before a thirty-minute helicopter ride to a helipad on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. From there it’s a cruizy ride back to Cairns aboard the Osprey V. There’s also a half-day cruise-fly tour.
Maybe you’d prefer an early morning hot air balloon ride that and also takes in the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park theatres and museums? This also includes the Skyrail Cablecar gondola ride and an eco-systems guided tour.
If heights, pre-dawn starts and champagne at breakfast makes you feel queasy, try an all-day 4WD Daintree and Cape Tribulation Tour that will keep you on terra firma. Morning tea is taken at the Daintree River, and then you go deep into the world’s oldest rainforest. Idyllic Cape Tribulation Beach is next, where you can walk along the pristine sands.
Once your day-tour is over, head down to the Aussie BBQ at Cairns Night Zoo, which features steak, seafood and vegetarian options served with fresh salads and drinks. After ‘grub’ you’ll seek out owls by torchlight (flashlight), pat possums and koalas, and enjoy a traditional bush dance.
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