Buckle up for 12 of the best adventure activities to do in Cairns

Summer in the tropics brings bursts of green and rushing rapids to Cairns' natural playground - so grab a paddle and head out on the white water.

Raging Thunder safely connects adventurers with the rugged beauty of our Wet Tropics at two different white water rafting locations. A half-day rafting experience in Barron Gorge National Park will see you race past sheer cliff faces and cajole down tearing rips as you tackle certified grade two and three rapids—including the infamous Rooster Tail. Or, spend a full day as the winding Tully River sets your course among grade three and four rapids. You'll soon see why this spot earned its reputation as a world-class rafting destination, hosting the 2019 IRF World Rafting Championships.

2. Soar over Port Douglas

Take to the skies and hang glide over the immense Daintree Rainforest and sandy coastline of Port Douglas. Up this high, you’ll score spectacular 360-degree views of Cairns and the lush landscape of our tropical north. As Cairns adventure activities go, this will quite literally leave you breathless.

Take a tandem hang gliding flight with Air Play Hang Gliding, or see the sights with Port Douglas Microlights. 

3. Bungy jump in the rainforest

Featuring a 16 option ‘Jump Menu’ (including BMX, blindfolded jumps and forward flips, should you feel so inclined) the world-famous bungy tower at Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett is a mecca for adrenalin chasers - and it's now home to a giant swing and 'walk the plank' experience!

At 50-metres high, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the northern beaches and out to the Great Barrier Reef before you take the plunge, then reach 120 kms in just 3.5 seconds. Intense and highly addictive.

4. Skydive over the Great Barrier Reef

Most visitors to the Great Barrier Reef choose to dive below the surface - but how about taking in the views while freefalling from 15,000 ft?

Skydive Cairns boasts the highest tandem jump in Australia, with a heart-racing fall up to 220km/hr before pulling the chute and floating down to land - with views of the Coral Sea on one side, and World Heritage rainforest on the other. 

5. Feel the thrill of jet boating

Be prepared to get wet as you spin, slide and speed your way through Trinity Inlet with Bad Fishy Jet Boating. Hold on for the ride of your life - this 35 minute adventure is fun for the whole family. 

6. Ride through World Heritage listed rainforest

Home to some of Australia's best mountain biking trails - and host to some of the biggest MTB events in the world - Cairns and its rainforested surrounds are a mecca for cyclists. 

Close to Cairns, Smithfield Mountain Bike Trail Park has 60km of trails to explore on two wheels, while the renowned Bump Track near Port Douglas has earned its reputation as one of the biggest downhill rides in the region, offering an unforgettable adventure through ancient forests, past waterfalls and finishing with a ride along Four Mile Beach. 

7. Head to the beach - on horseback

The ultimate ride-along, saddle up and take a dip in the ocean on horseback. Cape Trib Horse Rides offers one of the best Cairns adventure activities, taking guests on horse ride through rainforest pockets, mangrove wetlands and native bushland before hitting the beach. 

Located 2-hours north of Cairns, Cape Trib Horse Rides is one of the only eco-certified operators in the region that can take groups along the beach in the Daintree National Park, and is the perfect base to explore another iconic Daintree location; Mossman Gorge.

8. Spot crocs along the Daintree River

Want to get up close and personal with Australia’s living dinosaurs? Head to the Daintree for a wildlife cruise along the river. Your mission: spot a saltwater croc (or several) in the wild.

A range of tour operators offer one-hour or extended cruises among the Daintree's spectacular beauty. Check out Daintree Boatman Wildlife Cruises, Solar Whisper, Bruce Belcher's or Crocodile Express. Along the way you'll also have the chance to see tree snakes, pythons, rare Daintree birds, and more.

9. Abseil down wild waterfalls

Hidden waterfalls abound throughout Cairns, offering hikers cool respite with waterhole dips and relaxation among the rainforest. But if you want to get among the action, pull on a wetsuit, helmet and life jacket to conquer the rapids with Cairns Canyoning.

At spectacular Behana Gorge, your adrenalin will be pumping as you jump, slide, abseil and swim through a winding network of canyons and rushing waterfalls. Surrounded by lush rainforest and huge granite formations, it's a great reminder that Mother Nature makes the best playgrounds. 

10. Dive with sharks on the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is a scuba diving destination for travellers from across the globe, but only the most adventurous choose to jump in for a shark dive.

Spirit of Freedom will get your heart racing with a shark dive on Osprey Reef, as part of their liveaboard dive trips where you'll eat, sleep, scuba, repeat - in one fo the world's most magnificant underwater ecosystems. 

It's not just about the sharks out here, though. Guests will dive beneath in some of the most far reaching, untouched locations of the outer reef, including Ribbon Reefs and the world famous Cod Hole. The Great 8 are almost all guaranteed, and if you’re visiting during Australia’s winter months, you even have the chance to swim with the dwarf inke whales, who migrate to the warmer waters every year - the only place in the world they are known to congregate.

11. Snorkel and drift through the Daintree

The rushing freshwater of the Daintree Rainforest is possibly the last place you'd think to don a snorkel, but a day out with Back Country Bliss Adventures will have you explore on - and below - the surface.

The unique adventure activity near Cairns pairs river drifting - floating downstream with the comfort of an inflatable raft - with diving into the clear waters snorkel-first to try to spot elusive platypus, marine life and more. 

Looking for more things to do in Cairns? Discover these incredible all-weather friendly experiences. 

12. Take to the skies