Cairns is renowned for being one of the best places to explore various Australian attractions for travelers. The city is home to attractions such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Green Island, and more. And there is arguably no better way to explore these attractions than on one of the many Cairns boat trips.
Cairns is conveniently located close to these attractions, meaning visitors won’t have to travel much to enjoy these amazing activities. And if you’re looking for a comprehensive list of the best boat tours in Cairns, you’ve come to the right place. Here you’ll find trips fit for all types of travelers, complete with complementary activities.
On most of these trips, you’ll get the chance to be both above and in the water with diving and snorkeling activities aplenty.
Cairns has a number of boat trips that allow visitors to explore the city’s nearest attractions. Exploring the Great Barrier Reef on a snorkeling, scuba diving or glass-bottom boat adventure is a must-do.
Cairns, in Northern Queensland, is a calm and laid-back city. This friendly destination is the gateway to some of Australia’s most iconic attractions, such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree National Park. Cairns is the perfect place for adrenaline junkies, adventure lovers, and passionate divers. It’s conveniently located close to these activities, meaning you won’t have to travel too far to enjoy them.
Experience the beauty of Australia’s coastal city, Cairns. The city is situated in northeastern Queensland. It’s home to spectacular reefs, ancient tropical rainforests, and top Australian attractions.
With exhilarating helicopter flights, Cairns provides breathtaking landscapes including the renowned Great Barrier Reef. We’ve listed various options for you to enjoy the thrilling adventures from above as well as a few additional activities.
Cairns helicopter tours offer excellent ways to experience the spectacular surroundings. With the Great Barrier Reef’s exceptional beauty right on its doorstep, this city is a must-see destination. Explore the awe-inspiring islands and dive into the dazzling sea, where an unforgettable adventure awaits.
Location
9
Value for money
8.5
Fun
9
PROS:
Exploring the Great Barrier Reef
Most tours include snorkeling equipment
Complimentary fun-filled activities for the entire family
CONS:
Most tours are not wheelchair accessible
Some tours do not include pickups and drop-offs
Helicopter flights are subject to weather conditions
The revolving restaurants at Sydney Tower are known to provide the absolute best views of the stunning city. While most people enjoy the 360 dining experiences and views in Sydney, there are a few exquisite bars and restaurants that can be enjoyed. We list a few different options making it great for both tourists and locals alike.
All in all, visiting the revolving restaurants at the Sydney Tower will be a memorable experience for you and your loved ones. Great food, delicious drinks and even a children’s menu, all on top of the stunning 360-degree view of the city - what more could you ask for?
PROS:
Short distance from Sydney Opera House
Meals included
Many different food options
CONS:
Late reservation arrivals will be cancelled without refund
Access to the Sydney Tower Observation Deck at own cost
Seating is at the discretion of the manager on the night
Adorned with lush, green acres and carefully constructed enclosures, the Taronga Zoo is an animal playground and tourists are merely the guests.
Taronga Zoo encounters large crowds of visitors per day and offers thrilling tours for families, small groups, and solo travelers. The tours are a fun and immersive way to experience Australia’s magnificent animals of the land down under.
Taronga Zoo tour options are an in-depth and exclusive way to gain insightful information about Australian wildlife. The tours also provide close-up animal encounters that ensure a fun and informative experience.
PROS:
Behind-the-scenes access to animal enclosures
All-day access pass to the zoo and Sky Safari
Guided experience to ensure an informative and educational experience
Located in the heart of the iconic Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands are a must-visit when traveling up to Australia’s “Sunshine State”, Queensland. The picturesque natural landscape of the coast and islands are lined with secluded beaches, friendly towns, and a range of water activities, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Know before you book:
Not wheelchair accessible
Most trips have a limit on the number of people who can take part in the trip, due to Covid-19 limitations
A visit to Queensland, would not be complete without a visit to the Whitsunday Islands. This beautiful area has a range of activities and you’ll be sure to leave with memories of a lifetime.
PROS:
Most trips include meals
You get to experience the best of the Great Barrier Reef
Options between, private trips, half-day, full-day, and multi-day trips
Rottnest Island, or Rotto as it’s known locally, is a popular Australian destination that attracts numerous visitors annually. It features fantastic beaches, vast marine life as well as unique mainland wildlife that includes quokkas. These adorable animals are responsible for the island’s name due to being mistaken for giant rats.
The remote island located in Western Australia can only be accessed through a ferry, helicopter, or seaplane. Out of all three options, ferries are easily the cheapest way to get to Rottnest Island. In this article, you’ll find the best ferries to the isle as well as various Rottnest Island tours and ferry prices.
These tours are some of the best on offer when visiting Rottnest Island; they’re mostly suitable for families and provide a value-added experience in addition to the ferry transfer.
Whitehaven Beach is a 5-mile-long stretch of sugar-white sand, surrounded by bottle green and blue ocean. Whitehaven has consistently been voted as the cleanest and the top eco-friendly beach in the world. Situated on Australia’s Whitsunday Island, Whitehaven Beach is the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
To get to this pristine paradise why not soar over the sea on an eco-friendly cruise boat? The thrill of the voyage will have you in glee, heading towards the beach. Once you’ve arrived on its velvety soft shore, you’ll be in a hurry to try the variety of activities we’ve got listed.
With trips to Whitehaven Beach, you cannot go wrong. Take time to swim, enjoy a leisurely walk or simply relax on this stunning beach. And if you’re lucky, eat a kings’ feast to celebrate.
Whitehaven Beach is located in the heart of the Great Barrier Beach in Australia. It’s considered to be the world’s most unspoiled and beautiful beaches according to TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards in 2021.
This beach is known for its clear teal waters as well as the marbled swirling effect the water and the sand make at low tide. You can get the best view of this from the lookout points on Whitsundays Island.
Because of its crystal clear water and prime location on the reef, it also makes for an excellent snorkeling adventure. You get to experience the breathtaking views of vividly colored corals and endless marine life.
Whitehaven Beach trips and snorkeling tours are enjoyed by friends, families, and couples alike. It makes for an unforgettable island adventure and you might get to learn a thing or two from your local guide.
These Whitehaven Beach snorkeling tours offer a jam-packed day full of snorkeling and adventuring the Whitsunday region. You’ll need a moderate fitness level and definitely need to bring some sunblock along.
If you’re looking for the ultimate family day trip from Brisbane, then Movie World is it! The theme park has some of the craziest rides in the Southern Hemisphere and fun, kid-friendly attractions. Movie World tickets offer a great bang for your buck, promising a day full of memories in exchange.
Warner Bros. Movie World has visitors traveling from all over the world (and Australia) to hang out with famous superheroes and movie characters. There is the option of buying a pass to ride the roller coasters at Movie World, as well as visiting neighboring theme parks, Wet ‘n Wild and Sea World.
Take a look at the various ticket options below, and choose the one that best suits your itinerary and budget.
Movie World theme park is a great day out for the whole family. Although it’s a bit of a drive to get there from Brisbane, the fun to be had is worth the effort.
Location
8
Fun
9
Convenience
8
PROS:
Great family activity
Meet superheroes and enjoy themed rides
Save time and money by booking tickets online
CONS:
Food and drink are not included
Some rides have height restrictions
There is no transport provided between theme worlds
