Things To Do In Cairns For Cruise Ship Visitors
Stopping in Cairns on your cruise trip along the East Coast of Australia and looking for things to do? Well, you’ve come to the right place! This article is chock full of all the juicy details to help cruise ship visitors plan ahead for their arrival into the Cairns Cruise Terminal.
From the islands and the outer reef, to flying high in the sky above, or even “going bush” for some croc feeding and river rafting, I’m fairly certain you’ll have no trouble finding something exciting to do for families, couples, solo travellers and seniors alike!
So, without further ado, and in no particular order, here’s a comprehensive and adventurous list of all the things to explore on your next cruise to Cairns.
*P.S. Don’t be a silly clown fish and leave it till the last minute. Be sure to book ahead of time to ensure you don’t miss out!
Things To Do In Cairns For Cruise Ship Visitors
Green Island Eco Adventure
If you’re looking for a chill, all-round family friendly experience, the Green Island Eco Adventure Tour is your best bet. You have the option to do either a full day or half day tour where you get free time to explore this little gem and its natural delights.
Take a glass bottom boat tour or hire snorkel gear to discover what underwater charms await you. A great one for the kiddies is to visit Cassius, the largest captive croc in Australia at the Marineland Melanesia Wildlife Habitat. They have turtle talks and croc feeding shows throughout the day, too!
Or take it easy breezy and stroll through the lush tropical rainforest on your way to one of the white sandy beaches. The lifeguard-patrolled beach has a cute little snack shack, along with sun chairs and umbrellas for rent. Making it the perfect spot to kick it with the whole fam.
Departs: 8:30am or 10:30am - Daily
Returns: 3:20pm or 5:20pm - Daily
Departure Point: Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns
Fitzroy Island Adventures Full Day
Fitzy has the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation all rolled into one.
The Fitzroy Island Adventures Full Day or Half Day trips are a great option for Cairns cruise ship visitors short on time.
There’s a high chance of seeing turtles, reef sharks and stingrays here, so bring your snorkel gear or hire some on the island! Other goodies include a visit to the iconic Nudey Beach (clothing is NOT optional, sorry to disappoint!), hiring a kayak or stand up paddle board, and hiking to the lighthouse or summit via the wildlife rich rainforest tracks.
Foxy’s bar and restaurant is a solid spot for grabbing a pub feed while looking out over the glistening waters of Welcome Bay.
Departs: 8:30am or 10:45am - Daily
Returns: 3:00pm or 5:00pm - Daily
Departure Point: Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns City
Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel Tour
If you have an early arrival into the Cairns Cruise Terminal, the Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel is a great way for cruise ship visitors to pack a bunch of Great Barrier Reef goodies into one day trip!
Experience the outer reefs with unique inclusions that no other boat offers. Interact with original indigenous clap sticks and fire poles, plus get to witness traditional dances and performances with the didgeridoo, too!
You get up to five hours of snorkelling and diving into azure waters, including a free guided snorkel tour. By visiting two reef sites, you’ll be able to discover even more hidden underwater treasures in this trip!
May include: Milln, Flynn, Hastings, Saxon, Norman & Thetford Reefs.
Departs: 9:00am
Returns: 5:00pm
Departure Point: Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns
Great Adventures Day Trip to The Great Barrier Reef
For those that aren’t early morning peeps, The Great Adventures day trip to the GBR will work for you. You’ll be treated to morning and arvo tea, plus a delicious buffet lunch, along with having all your snorkel gear and suits included.
Cruise out past Green Island where you’ll hop onto an activity pontoon platform at Moore Reef to enjoy your day. From here you can snorkel, sunbathe, and see the reef from a semi-submersible boat or underwater observatory.
For the extra adventurous, you have the option to do a scenic helicopter flight, scuba dive, or Scuba Doo underwater helmet scooter ride.
Departs: 10:30am - Daily
Returns: 5:30pm - Daily
Departure Point: Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns
Sunlover Cruises Day Trip to Moore Reef
Travelling with a picky family of all ages? Then the Sunlover Catamaran Cruise out to Moore Reef is the best way to fill your day with unforgettable reef adventures! Located adjacent to flourishing coral walls, this floating pontoon in particular offers a range of activities that all ages and abilities can enjoy.
And the inclusions on this trip are endless! From snorkelling, glass-bottom boat tours, underwater observatory, marine bio talks, fish feeding, touch tank for kids, and swimming pool, to one of the best features (in my opinion!) - a 30 metre water slide that swirls straight into crystal clear waters!
On top of all those included little delights, you also have the option to do a scenic heli flight, guided snorkel tour, helmet dive and scuba dive. So there really is something for everyone aboard the Sunlover Moore Reef Day Trip!
Departs: 9:30am - Daily
Returns: 5:30pm - Daily
Departure Point: Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns
Reef Magic Pontoon Tour
The Reef Magic pontoon day tour is the newest addition to hit the GBR where you can snorkel, dive and explore all the good stuff on offer. Perfect for families, couples, groups, solo travellers, and seniors alike.
With up to 5 hours out on the pontoon, you’ll get to enjoy more time on the reef, less crowds, and a tonne of features including a sun deck, drift bar, and shallow water swimming pool.
Reef Magic funds conservation efforts and studies of the reef, with the help of the marine biology team and the GBR Biology hub!
Departs: 9:00am - Daily
Returns: 5:00pm - Daily
Departure Point: Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns
Down Under Dive Fly/Cruise Half Day Package
Experience the best of both worlds in style on this ultimate Fly & Cruise Half Day Package. This is the crème de la crème of Great Barrier Reef trips, especially if you’re visiting Cairns by cruise ship and are short on time!
Marvel at the stunning aerial views during this 25 minute scenic flight over the reef & sand cays on your way to Hastings Reef before landing at the Evolution Superyacht. Feast on a delicious BBQ lunch fit for a king, including fresh fish, prawns, steak, veggie options and an array of freshly prepared salads.
Return back to Cairns by fast cruise, with a complimentary glass of wine in hand! You won’t want to see the GBR any other way after this!
Departs: 12:40pm
Returns: 4:30pm
GSL Cairns Reef Hopper
Every guest gets a window seat on board this high wing aircraft! Enjoy pilot commentary on this 40-minute Cairns Reef Hopper scenic flight over the Great Barrier, Green Island, Cairns, Double Island and Palm Cove. It’s a great opportunity to get aerial photos and see Cairns and the reef from a new point of view! Transfers available from Cairns central to Cairns Airport.
Departs: 8:45am, 12:45pm and 2:00pm - Daily
GSL Cairns Reef Hopper and Port Douglas
Only cruising into Cairns for a short stop and wanna see not only the GBR, but Port Douglas too? Then this 60-minute Reef Hopper Scenic Flight gives you just that! Glide smoothly over Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef in comfort.
Get to witness all the beauty the north has to offer; Cairns, Green Island, Arlington Reef, Middle Cay, Michaelmas Cay, Upolu Reef, Batt Reef, Tongue Reef, Port Douglas, Double Island and Palm Cove are just a handful of the gems spotted on this tour.
You’re guaranteed a window seat, commentary from your pilot and courtesy bus transfers from Cairns central to Cairns airport.
Departs: 8:45am and 12:45pm - Daily
Nautilus Aviation 30 Min Reef Scenic Heli Flight
If you’re after a more personalised experience with low passenger numbers, this on demand 30-minute scenic heli flight. See Green Island, Fitzroy Island, spot turtles, rays and even whales during the winter months! On low tide see sparkling sand cays, too.
Departs: On Demand - Daily
Nautilus Aviation Reef & Rainforest Scenic Heli Flight
See two world’s collide with a bird’s-eye view of where the rainforest meets the reef! With breathtaking 45-minute and 60-minute Reef and Rainforest Heli Flights over the Greater Cairns region, you’ll soar over the Great Barrier Reef, Palm Cove, and Barron Gorge. For an extra special cruise to cairns, Add on 15 minutes of scenic flying over the Lamb Range’s, Crystal Cascades and Lake Morris!
Departs: On demand - Daily
Zoom Helicopters Inner Reef Explorer Or Outer Reef Odyssey
If you're visiting Cairns via a cruise ship and you're short on time, then a scenic flight with Zoom Helicopters is one of the best ways to see the Great Barrier Reef! With only a max of 3 passengers per flight and 2 passengers required to guarantee departure, you'll have a higher chance of enjoying a more exclusive tour! Choose from the 30 minute Inner Reef Explorer or 40 minute Outer Reef Odyssey and delight in a once in a lifetime experience!
Departs: Daily - Multiple Times Available
Departure Point: Bush Pilot's Avenue, Cairns Airport QLD 4870
Waterfall Wanderers Half Day Tour
Hit the snooze button with a late morning pick up from Cairns City and explore local watering holes on the Waterfall Wanderers Half Day Tour!
Enjoy a scenic drive through the Tropical North Queensland countryside, pass lush mountains and cane fields on your way to Josephine Falls. Refuel the tank with a delicious tropical picnic lunch. Explore the rainforest with a local guide sharing enchanting stories from traditional owners. Finish the tour by simply taking it easy and relaxing waterside at Babinda Boulders, before making the trip back up to Cairns mid-afternoon. It’s the perfect half day trip for those who are short on time, but want to experience a taste of the Cairns tablelands!
Departs: 10:00am Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Returns: 3:30pm
Departure Point: Pick up from various Cairns City accommodation locations
Skydive Cairns
Take your Cairns cruise to the next level with a Skydive over the North Queensland Tropics. Feel the thrill of being thrown out of a plane at 15,000ft while soaking in the surrounding panoramic views of the ocean, mountain ranges and lush tropical rainforests.
Bask in some of the world’s most unique scenery as you take off from Cairns Airport and soar the skies. Then, strapped to a professional tandem instructor, you’ll leap and freefall for around 60 seconds, before gently gliding back down to earth.
There’s no doubt you’ll make some unforgettable memories and be left feeling breathless - in a good way, of course!
Departs: Various times from around 6:15am - 11:00am - Daily
Departure Point: 11 Spence Street, Cairns City
Free return pick-ups from Cairns and surrounds
Cairns Classic Hot Air Balloon Experience
Photo: Unsplash
Wanna take to the skies, but not in such a thrill-seeking way? Don’t fret! A Hot Air Balloon ride is the perfect way to see all the sights from a more relaxed perspective.
Imagine yourself floating serenely over the Atherton Tablelands countryside on this hour-long flight, sipping on your morning brew, watching the sun rise over the reef. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for any signs of wildlife like kangaroos!
After touching back down, you'll enjoy a glass of bubbly with your fellow passengers, making it a moment you won't soon forget.
Departs: 6:30am - Daily
Returns: 9:30am - Daily
Departure Point: Pick up from various Cairns accommodation locations
Raging Thunder Half Day Barron River Rafting
For those with a sense of adventure wanting to head out to the rainforest instead of the reef, the Half Day Barron River Rafting Tour allows you to get the most out of your day while leaving the morning or afternoon free for other activities.
Feel the adrenalin rush as you navigate the rapids with expert guides, all while taking in the natural beauty of the Barron River and surrounding rainforest! You’ll have the time of your life, and get a great workout in the process. Perfect for burning off some of those extra calories we know comes with enjoying life on board a cruise ship!
And with convenient departures from the Cairns Cruise Terminal, you can easily fit a half-day rafting trip into your cruise ship Cairns itinerary.
Departs: 8:00am | 2:00pm - Daily
Returns: 12:00pm | 6:00pm - Daily
Departure Point: Multiple pick up points in Cairns
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures Wildlife Park with Transfers
Another great half day option for cruise ship visitors is to take a scenic drive up to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures and Wildlife Park. Located on the drive between Palm Cove and Port Douglas this expansive nature park has plenty for all to see and do!
Marvel at the magnificent far north Queensland crocs during feeding time embark on a self-guided walk to visit the koalas, cassowaries, snakes, lizards, tortoises, and many more of the diverse array of Aussie animals. While you’re there, be sure to head out on Hartley Lagoon for a crocodile boat tour!
With complimentary return transfers, wildlife presentations and more, this is a great way to see more of what the far north of Australia has to offer!
Departs: 8:30am | 12:30pm
Returns: 1:30pm | 4:45pm
Departure Point: Transfers pick up from various locations around Cairns.
AJ Hackett Bungy Jumping
A fun fact you might not know about North Queensland, is that Cairns has the ONLY bungy jumping tower in all of Australia!
The AJ Hackett Cairns Bungy jump site has a 50-metre tower which looks out over the northern beaches, tropical rainforest and beyond. The free fall plunge will have your heart pumping and the adrenaline rushing all the way down!
Have a crack at one of the 15 different jumping styles - or if you’re an extra thrill-seeking junkie, you can take the jump from the tower roof on a BMX bike!
For those not quite game to try bungy jumping, there’s a Giant Swing you can ride solo or up to 3 can fly high together. Walk the Plank is great for kids under 10 or as a stepping stone to work your way up to the Bungy Jump.
Departs: From 10:00am - Daily
Returns: Various Times
Departure Point: Pick ups from various locations across Cairns City
Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome
*Please note the Cairns Zoom & Wildlife Dome has permanently closed as of October 2023. Stay tuned for an exciting new attraction soon to open in Cairns City Centre!
If you’ve arrived in Cairns on a cruise ship without having planned anything prior to your arrival, chances are your options for things to do are going to be limited. However, if you are looking for something that gives you a wide variety of activities and things to see, then the Cairns ZOOM & Wildlife Dome is a great option.
You’ll find the dome perched on top of The Reef Hotel Casino, making it extra convenient for cruise ship visitors! Have your photo taken with a koala, enjoy interactive Australian wildlife presentations, or hop on one of the Zoom courses with three zip lines – If you’re feeling brave, one of which takes participants directly over Goliath, the 4-metre saltwater crocodile!
There’s also the option to try out the exhilarating PowerJump or do the Dome-Climb outside to see spectacular views of Cairns CBD and Surrounds!
Opens: 9:00am
Closes: 5:00pm
General Admission: $26 for Adults and $16 for Children
Cairns Aquarium
If the Zoom and Wildlife Dome doesn’t appeal, then perhaps the Cairns Aquarium will. It’s the best way to see all the underwater delights the Great Barrier Reef has to offer, without heading out on the water. Experience 71 living habitats and 16,000 fish and aquatic creatures, critters and organisms.
Add on a behind the scenes tour of the on-site Turtle Hospital and see some cuties being rehabilitated prior to being released back into the ocean. All proceeds from the add-on ticket goes to supporting the turtle's recovery!
Opens: 10:00am
Closes: 3:00pm
General Admission: $52 Adults | $30 Children | $42 Concession | $147 Family
The Cairns City Sight and Surrounds Half Day Tour
While Cairns doesn’t have a Hop On Hop Off city bus, The Cairns City Highlights Tours are the next best thing!
There are a few options on offer for those cruise peeps who want to see Cairns from the comfort of an air conditioned bus.
If you’re looking for a short day trip, the Cairns City Highlights - Cruise Ship Excursion is a perfect little 3 hour taste tester that takes you to Campbell’s scenic lookout, Lower Barron and Surprise Creek Falls, the Cairns Botanic Gardens and St. Monica’s Cathedral, where the Cairns City Sights & Surrounds and Cairns Aquarium / City Sight Tour includes the above sights, plus the Cairns Museum, Palm Cove and a delicious little Devonshire Tea in the leafy suburb of Edge Hill.
Departs: 9:30am, 12:30pm or 1:00pm
Returns: From 1:30pm - 6:00pm
Departure Point: Pick up is from Reef Casino Hotel near Cairns Cruise Terminal
Jet Boating Adventure Ride
Perfectly positioned at the Cairns Marlin Marina, the Bad Fishy Jet Boat Adventure Ride is an adrenaline-fueled trip that's short and sweet salty, making it ideal for excitement-seeking cruise ship visitors. This 35 minute thrill ride takes you on a wild spin down the Trinity Inlet with stunts, slides and speeds that’ll whip your hair back ‘n’ forth. Make sure to wear swimmers under some casual clothes as you will certainly get wet! If you're lucky, you might even spot a croc.
Duration: 35 minutes
Departs Daily: 10:30am | 11:30am | 2:00pm
Departure Point: Finger A, Cairns Marlin Marina.
Departure times can vary depending on the day of the week.
