Best Cairns Day Trips For Families

Quick links 

• Family-friendly reef trips from Cairns & Port Douglas
  
  
• Fitzroy Island trips for families
  
  
• Green Island day trips for kids
  
  
• A day in Kuranda with the family
  
  
• Cairns wildlife & cultural experiences with kids

With an array of exceptional natural marvels, fringing reefs, sun-soaked islands, historical landmarks, rich history and quirky hidden towns, there is plenty to do with the family in Cairns.

Whether you want to spend most of your time diving to the depths of the Great Barrier Reef, hitting the towering rainforests of the Daintree for day walks or discovering quieter and more interesting hidden gems, you're bound to find your groove in Cairns. And, with plenty of fun adventures like snorkelling, rainforest exploring, swimming, island relaxing and outback exploring, you're bound to find something that both parents and the kids love!

So, without further ado, check out our favourite and most recommended tours for families visiting the vast Cairns region.

Discover the Great Barrier Reef

With its crystal clear waters, colourful coral and amazing aquatic creatures, you can’t go to Cairns and not see the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef: it’s a definite bucket list item on your family holiday.

Snorkelling is one of the best ways to explore the coral reef and get up close with marine life. Immerse yourself in the perfect waters and enjoy the experience of a lifetime. Make sure you go on a glass-bottom boat, a great option for children and travellers wanting to stay dry while still peering into the underwater creatures below! 

Family-friendly Reef Trips from Cairns

Reef Magic Pontoon Tour All ages from Cairns A reef pontoon with fun activities like a glass-bottom boat tour, snorkelling and diving. Lunch included
Passions of Paradise All ages, departing from Cairns Smooth day trip on a modern catamaran featuring snorkels, dives and incredible reef views. Delicious buffet lunch and snacks included
Ocean Safari All ages, short ride to Cape Tribulation A brief, 25-minute raft ride out to idyllic snorkel spots is perfect for kids who can’t sit still! Dive in and explore the world below on this half-day adventure.
Divers Den Reef Tour All ages, departing from Cairns A fast yet cruisy yacht cruise to colourful reefs offering snorkelling, diving and guided add-ons. Tropical seafood lunch and morning tea included

Family-friendly Reef Trips from Port Douglas

Quicksilver All ages, departing from Port Douglas Outer reef pontoon with awesome activities like snorkelling, diving, semi-submersible chamber and more. Morning and afternoon tea included
Wavelength 6+ years, departing from Port Douglas Amazing day trip out to hidden snorkel spots with intimate numbers and maximum snorkel time. Fresh buffet lunch spread included

Explore Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island is an unspoiled tropical paradise where the rainforest meets the reef. Only a 40-minute boat ride from Cairns, the relaxed island has plenty to entertain both parents and the little ones with water activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and snorkelling. Trek up to the Lighthouse for unbelievable views, visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre or swim off the award-winning beaches; you can spend the whole day here.

Fitzroy Island Adventures Full or half day available All ages, departing from Cairns Smooth return ferry transfers with snorkelling and glass-bottom boat tour add-ons available. Optional island picnic lunch packs are available at an additional cost.
Fitzroy Island Resort Ferry Transfer All ages, departing from Cairns Modern ferry with flexible travel options perfect for getting to and from the divine Fitzroy Island.

Take a trip to Green Island

A wonderful island paradise and one of the best things to do in Cairns with kids, Green Island has lush tropical rainforests, white sandy beaches and amazing coral right off the beach.

Take a 1-hour boat ride to the island and can spend a day of adventure exploring, swimming or even just soaking up the sun. Treat the family to a day to remember with a scenic helicopter flight over the island, lush tropical islands, little cays and coral beds, or simply set up on the golden sands and enjoy a beach day in utter island heaven! 

Check out our guide to getting to Green Island, as well as our teeming things to do on Green Island bucket list! 

Great Adventures Green Island Discovery All ages, departing from Cairns Hop on this smooth cruising vessel for a full day’s adventure on Green Island, with resort pool facilities included and add-on activities like snorkelling and boat tours available. Green Island bistros available for dining at your own expense
Great Adventures: Green Island & Great Barrier Reef All ages, departing Cairns A smooth and relaxing catamaran cruise will deliver you to the Great Barrier Reef pontoon and Green Island’s divine shores. Scrumptious buffet lunch included
Ocean Free Green Island & Reef Sail 4+ years, departing from Cairns Authentic sailing to the Great Barrier Reef with snorkelling and glass-bottom boat add-on. Delicious lunch smorgasbord and morning tea included
Fly & Cruise Green Island All ages, departing from Cairns A fun and jam-packed combo for the adventurous family wanting to explore the Green Island’s marvels from the ocean and the tropical vistas of Cairns from above the clouds!  Buffet lunch included in Green Island cruise
Green Island Reef Cruise 4+ years, departing from Cairns Enjoy a smooth cruise over to Green Island, where you can choose from snorkelling, guided tours and more to complete your day on Green Island. Buffet lunch ticket option available when booking.

Skyrail and Scenic Railway to Kuranda

Kuranda is a great day out just a stone’s throw away from Cairns and is a beautiful experience for all to enjoy. 

Embark on one of the most spectacular rail journeys in Australia along with the sky rail cable car travelling up the mountain range and over the impressive Barron Falls before stopping in Kuranda. This unforgettable experience allows you to immerse yourself in the living beauty of a world heritage-listed rainforest, with an abundance of entertaining stops for mum and dad, as well as the kids! 

Kuranda is at the end of both the railway and the cableway, and the picturesque rainforest village is just a 25km day trip from Cairns. This colourful small town is the main attraction and has plenty to keep you entertained including the famous quirky markets, beautiful walking trails, Birdworld, an Australian butterfly sanctuary and koala encounters. It is very kid friendly and easy to walk around. Ride the scenic railway back down to Cairns for a different view of Barron Falls when you’re finished for the day, sunkissed and with a camera full of family memories.

Kuranda Scenic Railway All ages, departing from Cairns Scenic train ride passing waterfalls and rainforest, delivering you at Kuranda.
Tropics Wings Skyrail & Railway All ages, departing from Cairns Enjoy the scenic skyrail and charming railway on a jam-packed and magical day in Kuranda!
Skyrail Cairns All ages, departing from Cairns An incredible and unique way to see the falls and forests of Kuranda, soar above the trees in the one-way or return skyrail experience!

Wildlife & Cultural Experiences for the Family in Cairns

Home to a vast array of colourful wildlife, including the almighty crocodile, Cairns really is an excellent place for kids and adults alike to explore the natural wonders at their fingertips. Whether you’re interested in learning about the rich Indigenous history of this diverse and special landscape, or want to get up close with a variety of the wildlife that calls the Cairns rainforests home, there are plenty of unforgettable experiences here.

Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel All ages, departing from Cairns Explore the Great Barrier Reef as your Indigenous guide illuminates the past of the area’s First Nations peoples; their stories, connection to land and even their traditional foods with a bush tucker tasting experience!  Buffet lunch, snacks and bush tucker tasting included
Half Day Rainforest Tubing 5+ years, departing from Cairns Float down hidden rainforest rivers on this fun and exciting trip into Cairns rainforests!  Light snacks included
Hartley's Wildlife Entry with Transfers All ages, self-drive or departs from Cairns, Port Douglas or Palm Cove Rub shoulders with the wonderful Aussie animals of Cairns, like crocs, snakes, cassowaries and more on this authentic wildlife day!
Sunset Dining Cruise All ages, departing from Cairns Enjoy a relaxed night aboard a charming and elegant sailing vessel as you enjoy stable cruising and delicious cuisine in a relaxed environment!
Billy Tea Safaris - Chillagoe & Outback 4+ years, departing from Cairns, Northern Beaches or Port Douglas Hit the road and head out to the outback as you’re guided through an interesting tour of local wildlife, sunburnt landscapes, Indigenous history, mysterious caves and more!

There is so much to do in Cairns for you and your tribe, but don't feel overwhelmed! 

Live chat with one of our local, travel experts for personalised travel advice and itinerary planning assistance - we'll pair you with the perfect family-friendly adventure for you and yours!