Cairns’ Best Day Trips

Daintree Rainforest

Did you know the Daintree rainforest is the largest in Australia spanning 1200 Square kilometres and one of, if not the oldest, tropical rainforest in the world? It used to span across the entire continent but millions of years of climate change have reduced it to far north Queensland where it remains full of life thanks to the symbiotic relationship with Great Barrier Reef. This beautiful border of reef and rainforest is the only place in the world where two UNESCO listed areas meet.

The Daintree has an incredible array of unique wildlife from the largest living reptiles in the world, saltwater crocodiles, to the famous cassowary, our massive native bird. You don’t want to get too close to either of these majestic creatures! All of this makes the Daintree Rainforest one of the best Cairns day trips you can take.

Cape Tribulation

One of the main attractions when visiting the Daintree is Cape Tribulation. The Daintree is the gateway to this unspoiled coastal area. Move through the lush greenery before you arrive at the pristine waters and stunning sand of Cape Tribulation’s beaches. Cape Tribulation Beach is by far the biggest, and most popular. 

Mossman Gorge

The Daintree Rainforest and adjoining Mossman Gorge are incredibly important to the local Kuku Yalanji people, and they run tours in the region where they teach visitors about the stunning area and its connection to the people. Visit the Mossman Gorge Centre to learn more about the land’s Aboriginal history. Enjoy a cultural tour to learn about bush foods, medicines and see traditional shelters.

You’ll also find an incredibly diverse range of flora and fauna; Venture along one of the Gorge’s many walking paths and submerge yourself in the ancient greenery. And of course, no trip to Mossman Gorge would be complete without a plunge into the clear flowing waters. Listed as one of the best swimming holes in the region!

Great Barrier Reef

Cairns day trips don’t get much better than visiting the largest coral reef in the world. Teeming with marine life, and right on our doorstep, the southern tip of the magnificent Great Barrier Reef begins just beyond K’gari, meaning we are an easy day trip away from one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Much like our own beloved K’gari, the Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site and it is our duty to protect and preserve it for future generations!

There are many companies that will take you on the best Cairns day trips and show you the best this natural wonder has to offer, from overnight scuba diving trips, to day snorkel and scuba expeditions! When it comes to day trips from Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef is hard to beat.