Ultimate Cairns adventure itinerary

When it comes to adventure, you’d be hard-pressed to find somewhere with more to offer than Cairns & Great Barrier Reef. Among its reefs, rainforests, and rivers, sits plenty of potential for unforgettable fun - there’s a reason it’s been dubbed the adventure capital of Queensland.

Whether you’re visiting solo, or as a part of a group, discover what Queensland’s tropics has to offer with this Cairns adventure itinerary.

No fear of heights? There are a handful of ways to indulge in Cairns. Get a bird’s eye view of the cluster of World Heritage-listed wonders that call Cairns & Great Barrier Reef home courtesy of Cairns Skydive. You’ll plunge downwards from 15,000 feet in a tandem session that will see you soar over famous residents of the region, the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef among more.

Or, take part in Australia’s one and only bungy jump at the famous AJ Hackett’s Skypark Cairns where you can 'walk the plank', tackle the giant swing, or choose from a menu of thrilling bungy jump styles. 

Afternoon: sip and savour

If you're the type who wants to squeeze in one more adventure before first-course, enjoy the thrills of jet boating and sightseeing in one extreme combination with Bad Fishy Jet Boating at Trinity Inlet. It's a fast and furious 35-minute ride, with the last tour of the day at 3pm. 

Otherwise, return to the city centre to rest and recuperate ahead of tomorrow’s jam-packed Cairns adventure itinerary. Take it easy - and take in views - from Crystalbrook Riley's rooftop bar, Rocco, or taste your way through the best restaurants in town, like the Indigenous-focused Ochre, or the award-winning Tamarind.

Day Two

Full day Great Barrier Reef adventure

The Great Barrier Reef is a non-negotiable on any Cairns adventure itinerary. It’s as easy to pop by to say hello as it is to spend days on end here. Whether you prefer to snorkel or scuba dive, your options on which Great Barrier Reef tour to take are endless from Cairns - one of the Reef's major access points. 

Set sail on Passions of Paradise catamaran to explore the Reef with an eco-certified operator, visiting exclusive locations and helping take part in research projects along the way. Learn about the wonder of the Great Barrier Reef with Indigenous guides on board Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel.

Or, pack in as many activities as you can with Sunlover Reef Cruises. From their Moore Reef pontoon you can snorkel, scuba, take semi-submersible or glass bottom boat tours, or take in the views from the underwater observatory, scenic heli flight or Seawalker helmet dive. Sunlover also offers day trips to Fitzroy Island, where you can get an island and reef experience in one, with rainforest, kayak and nature tours. 

Day Three

Morning: float therapy

No Cairns adventure itinerary is complete without mention of exploring the opportunities that lie in the Daintree River and its surrounds. This luscious region is an ancient national park that dates back 180 million years. Get to know the area a little better with experienced tour operators like Back Country Bliss Adventures who offer the unforgettable combination of swimming, floating, and rainforest exploration that forms River Drift Snorkelling - taking in scenery and wildlife as you go. 

Though you can choose to take it easy instead, with this Daintree River Cruise, which hosts a one-hour tour downstream with plenty of croc spotting in-between.

Afternoon: go deeper into the Daintree

Explore where two World Heritage wonders meet with Cape Trib Horse Rides. This is the only beach horse riding experience in Cape Tribulation which offers a chance to wander through the Daintree - learning more about the region as you ride.

From here, the freshwater swimming spots of Emmagen Creek and Mason's Swimming Hole beckon an afternoon dip. Or, explore the canopy from the walkways and lookouts of Daintree Discovery Centre en route back to Cairns. 

Want a guided tour to take you to the best sights and hidden gems of the Daintree? Use this guide to find the perfect day tour for you.  

Have time for more Cairns adventures? Discover the heart-rushing experiences not to miss here.