Where is cairns and how to get there?
Cairns is located in Far North Queensland, Australia, and is a tropical paradise known for its stunning wildlife and as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. It’s a must-visit destination for if you like adventure, nature and for those who love to explore Australia’s unique landscapes.
How to Get There:
- By Air: Cairns has an international airport (CNS) with direct flights from major Australian cities and some international destinations.
- By Road: A scenic drive along the Bruce Highway from Brisbane which takes about 19 hours.
- By Train: The Spirit of Queensland rail service connects Brisbane to Cairns in about 24 hours.
- By Bus: Greyhound and other services offer coach travel from various parts of Australia.
Day Trip to Daintree Rainforest in Cairns
The Daintree Rainforest is one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests, home to unique flora and fauna. A day trip here will leave you impressed with the beauty of the wildlife and breath taken views.
What you can do:
- Walk through ancient rainforest trails
- Spot cassowaries and other unique wildlife
- Cruise along the Daintree River to see crocodiles
- Enjoy breathtaking lookouts such as Alexandra Lookout
How to Get There:
- Self-drive (about 2 hours from Cairns). We rented a car in Right Price
- Join a guided tour with an agency like Daintree Tours, Sightseeing Australia or Daintree Forest Tours
Costs:
The costs will depend on what you want to do, there are a few parks to visit around as well as restaurants and coffee shops.
- Daintree Ferry: $45 per vehicle (return).
- Guided tours: $150+ per person in average
- Car rental: Average $70 for two days.
Food: Enjoy local cafes or bring a picnic to enjoy in the rainforest.
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
The Hartley Crocodile Adventures Park is a very interesting place to spend the day with family and friends. There are not only crocodiles but lots of animals to learn from. They do talks about the wildlife and they teach about the industry of leather from responsible Crocodile Farming. in the park you will have the chance to spot kangaroos, wallabies, birdlife and you will be able to see the Crocodile feeding from a boat. The Park has been adapted for the animals to life as naturally as possible.
Things you can do:
- Crocodile feeding and boat cruise
- Visit the Crocodile farm
- Educational talks about reptiles and conservation
- Get close to koalas, cassowaries, and snakes including having breakfast with Koalas.
Tickets:
- Adult: $45
- Child: $22
- Family passes available
You can also buy a multi-park passes that allow you to enter the Crocodile park, The Kuranda Koala Gardens and the Bird world Kuranda. Prices are $78 for an adult, $39 for a child and $195 for a family ticket.
Diving and Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef
One of the world’s most famous natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef offers incredible underwater experiences. you can have a beautiful day trip snorkeling and learning about the reef and its preservation. There are different prices and companies to go for, we decided to do a snorkeling day trip and then next day do a scuba diving experience. During both of these tours you will be taking a boat in the main Port The Marina where you will be directed to the ship. there will be facilities like the bathroom, a buffet lunch, drinks, tea and coffee. After a security brief and head counting, they will explain the itinerary and the places we will visit.
We went to two different spots for our scuba diving sessions. It is important that you take a sickness tablet prior going in the water. the sea can be really choppy and some of the passengers might experience sea sickness.
Before you get to the immersion spot you will get instructions from the lovely staff who will show you the equipment and the skills you needed to know to go underwater. After a quick demonstration you will be ready to get changed into the wetsuit, put the tanks on your back and jump in the water.
once you are in the water, the instructor will ask you to demonstrate the skills you just learned, but you will be with your head just under the water. once you feel comfortable doing the skills, you might start to go deeper, traying to control de pressure in your ears and your breathing as well. and when you reach the desirable depth, you will go with the instructor, always holding their hand. this type of experiences do not provide you with a PADI certificate to dive independently, and you will have to take a proper 2 or 3 day course if you want to dive by yourself.
What you can see
- Crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life
- Sharks, turtles, clown fish, Humphead wrasse, and all sorts of coral.
Costs:
- Snorkeling tours: from$150+
- Diving tours: from $250+
The price includes the boat trip, the wetsuit, the tanks and equipment, the instruction, googles and fins. It also includes food and beverages.
Extras:
- Seasickness tablets recommended
- Underwater photography available
Scenic Flights Over the Great Barrier Reef
Another day trip that I’m sure you will love is experiencing the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef from above. Whether you choose a helicopter or a fixed-wing aircraft, this adventure provides a unique perspective of one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. Seeing the vibrant coral formations from the sky gives you a true appreciation of the reef’s vastness and beauty.
What to Expect:
- Spectacular Aerial Views From above, you’ll witness a display of turquoise waters, coral atolls, and sand cays
Flight Options
- Helicopter Flights: A more intimate experience with large windows, ideal for taking incredible photos. Some tours even include a landing on a secluded island or a pontoon where you can snorkel before heading back.
- Fixed-Wing Aircraft Flights: Generally more budget-friendly, these offer a wider panoramic view of the reef from a slightly higher altitude.
Popular Sightseeing Spots
Many flights pass over iconic locations such as Heart Reef, Green Island, Arlington Reef, and Vlasoff Cay. If you’re lucky, your pilot might give you a low-altitude flyover of a famous dive site.
Prices & Duration:
- 15-20 min scenic flights: Starting from $200-$250 AUD per person
- 30-45 min flights: from $300-$500 AUD, covering more reef highlights
- Extended helicopter tours with landing: Prices vary, but they can range from $600+ AUD
A scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories and stunning aerial photographs!
Final thoughts
Cairns is an excellent destination where you have plenty of options for day trips. You can enjoy of nature going to the rainforest, visiting the natural parks and going diving or snorkeling. There are budgets for everyone and lots of options to consider, however, my favourite day tours where going to see the Crocodiles and scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef.
