Thinking about Cairns day trips to add even more adventure to your visit? In this post, we\u2019ll cover 16 great ideas for memorable day trips from Cairns! <\/strong><\/p>\n Cairns<\/a>, in Tropical North Queensland, is known for the amazing tropical gateways, lush landscapes, towering waterfalls and of course for being the launching pad for adventures to Australia\u2019s Great Barrier Reef.<\/p>\n The town is a brilliant place to base your self to explore the this area, and while there are so many incredible things to do in Cairns<\/a>, most of the top attractions are actually outside of the city.<\/p>\n There are tonnes of day tours from Cairns that offer visitors the chance to learn more about places like the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest or about our Australian Aboriginal people and their land.<\/p>\n From beautiful beaches to fast flowing waterfalls and numerous World Heritage Sites, the area up here in Far North Queensland is easily one of the most unique destinations in all of Australia<\/p>\n And with so many Cairns tours you can choose from, where do you even start?<\/p>\n Right here, in this expert article\u2026<\/p>\n Get out of the city with these best Cairns day trips filled with nature, adventure and tonnes of fun.<\/p>\n The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars<\/a>, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.<\/strong><\/p>\n Palm Cove is a beautiful little coastal town found just half an hour north from Cairns.<\/p>\n It\u2019s so quaint, you might have trouble believing it\u2019s real! This beautiful tranquil village is the perfect environment for anyone looking for a relaxing beach getaway while still having lots of exploring that can be done in the area.<\/p>\n The area is packed with lush rainforest trails where you might find wallabies hopping about as well as some stunning waterfalls just waiting to be discovered.<\/p>\n The waterfront stretches for miles with swaying palms to match the shoreline. Or wonder the streets and pick up some great souvenirs or gifts from local artists.<\/p>\n Palm Cove<\/a> is perfect for spending a relaxing morning on the beach. While later spending the afternoon exploring nature trails by foot through old-growth forests of towering palms draped in lush vines.<\/p>\n You may want to be careful heading into the sea though. While they look invitingly blue from afar, Queensland coasts can hold some dangerous surprises too.<\/p>\n However, there is an area that is netted and patrolled by lifeguards where you can safely swim.<\/p>\n Other destinations than can be added on this day trip<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Visiting the Great Barrier Reef is easily one of the most popular day trips you can do from Cairns. And the best way to get out there (unless you own your own boat) is to jump on a guided tour<\/a>.<\/p>\n The reef covers a vast expanse from eastern Australia and all the way up to New Guinea.<\/p>\n The Great Barrier Reef is one of the greatest wonders and mysteries in our world that stretches for over 2,900 kilometres and holds an area that\u2019s nearly 344,400 square kilometres!<\/p>\n As the world\u2019s largest coral reef, it is home to over 400 different types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,00 types of molluscs. <\/p>\n If you are lucky, you may spot a large green turtle or a dugong, also known as the sea cow, which are both threatened with extinction. There are so many reasons this reef needs to be protected.<\/p>\n The Great Barrier Reef was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a> status back in 1981 for its outstanding natural beauty and scientific interest. But now, the reef is under threat and in need of protection.<\/p>\n There are many boat companies offering snorkelling, scuba diving tours out on this huge underwater marine world. But note that when you do book a tour out to the reef, make sure the tour company is responsible and cares for the reef. <\/p>\n You can venture southwards towards Queensland or head northward along the coast depending upon your location within Cairns city limits!<\/p>\n If you\u2019re going to Cairns, don\u2019t leave without exploring the Great Barrier Reef. The day tours are a full day from either Cairns, Port Douglas<\/a> or Cape Tribulation beach.<\/p>\n BONUS \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Booking ahead of time ensures you won\u2019t miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount code\u00a0\u201cNOMADS10\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>on the website<\/a> when checking out, you\u2019ll get $10 off your first booking!<\/p>\n Cape Tribulation is a tropical paradise known for its lovely white sand beaches, lush rainforest and amazing wildlife!<\/p>\n Stepping straight onto the beach from the rainforest is a very special experience up here.<\/p>\n This amazing stretch of the Daintree National Park<\/a> has so much to offer. You can explore the rainforest on multiple hikes then climb aboard a fast boat and explore the Great Barrier Reef all in one day!<\/p>\n You will get space on the beach to yourself, where you can explore the driftwood and shells that wash up to form natural sculptures.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, looking at the ocean is the only thing you can do here. These waters are not for swimming as there are crocodiles. <\/p>\n Please keep back from the water at least 5 metres as this is a croc\u2019s striking distance and they are fast. But getting the chance to spot crocs in the wild is an experience of its own!<\/p>\n Experienced hikers can spend the day admiring spectacular views from Mount Sorrow<\/strong>, while those less experienced will enjoy shorter walks taking in these natural wonders.<\/p>\n Australia\u2019s richest diversity of flora and fauna is found here. If you are on a day tour, your guide will explain the intricacies behind this ancient environment full of diverse wildlife like peppermint stick insects or Boyd\u2019s forest dragons.<\/p>\n Guided tours on private properties allow you to see animals that may otherwise be difficult or impossible to find, as well as plants normally out of reach for most people. <\/p>\n If you are lucky you may spot a Cassowary out in its own habitat. We were lucky enough to spot 2 on our trip there. One was in a carpark and one ran out in front of us on the road. Definitely take care driving and slow down!<\/p>\n Not only can you visit this amazing Rainforest <\/a>and look up at the canopy but also you can participate in unique tastings in the area.<\/p>\n From exotic fruits, to Jackfruit burgers and durian ice cream and more. <\/p>\n You can try things up here you never thought existed. Do not be shy now!<\/p>\n BONUS \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Booking ahead of time ensures you won\u2019t miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount code\u00a0\u201cNOMADS10\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>on the website<\/a> when checking out, you\u2019ll get $10 off your first booking!<\/p>\n Other destinations than can be added on this day trip<\/strong>:<\/p>\n The Daintree River is a long, meandering waterway that starts in the hinterland, winding up through the Daintree Rainforest and then heading out into the ocean.<\/p>\n This area is the world\u2019s oldest rainforest, which is protected by a World Heritage Site status, and it provides essential habitat for local wildlife.<\/p>\n The river offers a refuge for various wildlife as well as boat tours searching for crocodiles in one of Australia\u2019s most beautiful natural landscapes. <\/p>\n If you want to see some wildlife, this is your best place. Visit one of many boat tours in search of crocodiles and pythons.<\/p>\n The Daintree River is an Australian national treasure with a rich cultural history that is not to be missed as one of the amazing day trips from Cairns.<\/p>\n We did a tour down the Daintree River with a company called Solar Whisper<\/strong><\/a>, which are the most eco-centred company in the area. Their boats are operated by solar and they do not make wakes. <\/p>\n This means their boats do not contribute to the river banks\u2019 corrosion. They are also very quiet so the animals are not scared of them. <\/p>\n We got up so close to the birds, crocodiles and snakes we saw as they were not phased at our presence. The owners have so much knowledge about the area and this was easily one of the best tours we did up in the Daintree National Park.<\/p>\n Other destinations than can be added on this day trip \u2013<\/strong><\/p>\n The Atherton Tablelands is a large green plateau with lots of places to explore. Found at a much higher altitude than Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands are worlds apart from their coastal counterpart.<\/p>\n Only an hour and a half inland, you can easily visit the Atherton Tableland from Cairns. You will not see everything on a day trip. <\/p>\n But you can get a taste of an escape from the usual tropical Queensland vacation on the beach. Take advantage of all that nature has to offer on some hiking trails or waterfalls near Cairns!<\/p>\n The cool and breezy climate of this region is well-suited to agriculture and farming. You\u2019ll find plenty of cheese factories, local dairy farms or even bat hospitals if that\u2019s your thing!<\/p>\n Stop off at a tea plantation or view the platypus in the rive or visit the number of beautiful waterfalls in the area like the famous Millaa Millaa Falls. <\/p>\n There is so much to do and see in the Atherton Tablelands and visiting is a great road trip from Cairns. You can do it in a big full day or break it up over two days and stay in one of the cute towns along the way.<\/p>\n Check out our guide here on the Atherton Tableland Waterfalls.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Other destinations than can be added on this day trip<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Mossman Gorge is such an amazing place. At 56,000 hectares and a World Heritage Listed site, this place is an area best known for its spellbinding beauty. <\/p>\n It\u2019s a place where crystal-clear waters tumble over ancient granite boulders into mossy green depths that lead up towards tree-clad mountains rising sharply from their banks.<\/p>\n Lush rainforests cloak the steep mountainsides from the riverbanks up to the rugged eastern slopes of the Main Coast Range. Here is where you can see amazing views while hiking through magnificent trails that will make your mouth drop in awe!<\/p>\n The Mossman Gorge Centre, a part of the Daintree National Park, is just 20 minutes north of Port Douglas. Yet it feels like a completely different world.<\/p>\n Catch the courtesy bus from the centre directly to your destination. Then take an easy 10-minute stroll along the elevated boardwalk that meanders through this stunning lower canopy before returning along Rex Creek. <\/p>\n Be amazed by vivid butterflies or catch sight of Boyd Forest Dragon clinging on tree trunks!<\/p>\n The Kuku Yalanji people are happy to share all about themselves here through a Dreamtime walk or one of their other tours.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking to book a round-trip to Mossman Gorge from Cairns, make sure you check out this awesome tour here<\/a>.<\/p>\n BONUS \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Booking ahead of time ensures you won\u2019t miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount code\u00a0\u201cNOMADS10\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>on the website<\/a> when checking out, you\u2019ll get $10 off your first booking!<\/p>\n Other destinations than can be added on this day trip<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Port Douglas<\/a> is a gorgeous town on Queensland\u2019s east coast and is an easy drive of one hour north from Cairns.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find everything here for the adventurous and luxury-loving alike: wildlife encounters, wellness treatments in lush landscapes, or thrilling adventures into two World Heritage Sites right next door to each other (Daintree Rainforest National Park and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park).<\/p>\n This seaside oasis provides plenty of amazing restaurants to stop in for lunch, as well as great walking tracks that lead straight to Four Mile Beach. <\/p>\n Here you\u2019ll find safety nets so you can enjoy the ocean without worrying about getting stung by jellyfish or other sea creatures.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Driving around? Check out our epic itinerary guide for a perfect Brisbane to Cairns road trip<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n There\u2019s also an incredible fringe reef just minutes away from Port Douglas. Tourists will love how quickly they\u2019ll be able to explore this remote area near the Great Barrier Reef!<\/p>\n There are many day tours offered from Cairns to Port Douglas if you don\u2019t have your own set of wheels.<\/p>\n Other destinations than can be added on this day trip \u2013<\/strong><\/p>\n Fitzroy Island is a little piece of paradise that is found just a short boat ride away from Cairns.<\/p>\n The tourism industry thrives here due to its proximity to the coast, and many people come for day trips<\/a> with their friends or family members.<\/p>\n The beach here is mind-blowing and you can snorkel or scuba dive in the coral reef. And if you want to learn more about turtle conservation there\u2019s an excellent sanctuary at the resort on-site where they offer tours every day into marine life rehabilitation.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll also find exotic flora, like Sheoak, Indian Beech and even native orchids on your bush walk. <\/p>\n Fitzroy also has two main walking trails that lead to beautiful lookouts. Sheoak Forest Trail<\/strong> and Monkey Mia Lookout Walk<\/strong> are just some of the options visitors have!<\/p>\n For some quick exploring, try The Secret Garden Walk<\/strong> for just about an hour of trekking through rainforest-filled paths before reaching lookout points overlooking the Coral Sea below you.\u00a0<\/p>\n For spectacular views, go up Fitz Roy Mountain<\/strong> at sunset by following Lighthouse Trail all the way to the summit.<\/p>\n Here it reveals spectacular views over Cairns from high above ocean waves crashing into the shore in front of the resort\u2019s private white sand beach<\/p>\n The Chillagoe Caves<\/a> in the Australian Outback is a bit of a journey from Cairns, but a trip that is so worth it!<\/p>\n The landscape here is stark and dry with scattered vegetation. But it\u2019s usually calm outside of an occasional dust storm or whirlwind that blows through from time to time.<\/p>\n The Chillagoe Caves is very different from the reef-filled coastlines which have their own special beauty. These caves offer up something entirely new \u2013 a surprising underground system of karst rocks and caverns amid miles upon miles of nothingness.<\/p>\n The limestone has slowly dissolved over time to create caverns with ceilings decorated by calcite stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones that have been deposited there as water penetrates through the rock. It is absolutely beautiful!<\/p>\n The rocks here were originally laid down as calcareous mud in a shallow sea where Chillagoe is today. Subsequent tilting, folding and erosion exposed the limestone that towers over the surrounding plains. Scientists believe this happened about 400 million years ago!<\/p>\n Animal bone fossils, including those of the extinct giant kangaroo, have been found in the caves. And there are Aboriginal paintings in the National Park left behind by the hunters and gatherers who made the beautiful cave drawings.<\/p>\n The caves of Chillagoe are a popular location for many species of animals, including bats and swiftlets.<\/p>\n Get in your car and go on this road trip from Cairns. Or maybe spend the night in the town of Chillagoe.<\/p>\n Other destinations than can be added on this day trip<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Kuranda is known for its cool and tropical climate as well as the World Heritage-listed rainforest surrounding it.<\/p>\n It is the traditional home of the Djabugay people, who call it Ngunbay or \u201cplace of the platypus\u201d.<\/p>\n The village has many spectacular things to do, including walks along Barron River where you may see majestic fig trees.<\/p>\n It also includes walks around Kuranda itself, which boasts vibrant parrots in nearly every tree with an artist\u2019s gallery that features Aboriginal art made by local members of Djabugay tribe. <\/p>\n You can also visit a butterfly conservatory filled with butterflies of all colours, great markets full of local foods, as well as plentiful opportunities for recreation like fishing, hiking and more!<\/p>\n Just outside Kuranda, near Barron Falls, can be found as one of Australia\u2019s strongest waterfalls.<\/p>\n It has a number of tiers that cascade over tumbling rocks and through rainforests as it falls down from high cliffs into deep valleys below.<\/p>\n This is an incredible sight to behold and there are even panoramic view points for optimal viewing!<\/p>\n During dry season times when torrential rains dwindle away, this waterfall becomes just another trickle. But after heavy rainfall there is so much powerful water cover off the top, it is incredible and crazy at the same time.<\/p>\n READ MORE \u2013 Check out our article on Cairns Waterfalls.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Other destinations than can be added on this day trip<\/strong>:<\/p>\n![\"Zillie](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Zillie-Falls-Atherton-Tablelands.jpg\"\/)
![\"Zillie](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Zillie-Falls-Atherton-Tablelands.jpg\")
The Best Day Trips from Cairns, Queensland<\/span><\/h2>\n
1) Palm Cove<\/span><\/h3>\n
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![\"Palm](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Palm-Cove-Cairns.jpg\"\/)
![\"Palm](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Palm-Cove-Cairns.jpg\")
2) The Great Barrier Reef<\/span><\/h3>\n
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![\"Turtle](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Great-Barrier-Reef.jpg\"\/)
![\"Turtle](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Great-Barrier-Reef.jpg\")
3) Cape Tribulation<\/span><\/h3>\n
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![\"Cape](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Cape-Tribulation.jpg\"\/)
![\"Cape](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Cape-Tribulation.jpg\")
![\"Cassowary](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Cape-Tribulation-2.jpg\"\/)
![\"Cassowary](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Cape-Tribulation-2.jpg\")
4) Daintree River<\/span><\/h3>\n
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![\"Scarface](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Daintree-Rainforest.jpg\"\/)
![\"Scarface](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Daintree-Rainforest.jpg\")
5) Atherton Tablelands<\/span><\/h3>\n
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![\"Atherton](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Ellinjaa-Falls-Atherton-Tablelands-1.jpg\"\/)
![\"Atherton](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Ellinjaa-Falls-Atherton-Tablelands-1.jpg\")
walks in the lush green rainforest. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n6) Mossman Gorge<\/span><\/h3>\n
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![\"Mossman](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Mossman-Gorge.jpg\"\/)
![\"Mossman](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Mossman-Gorge.jpg\")
find out more about the area. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n7) Port Douglas<\/span><\/h3>\n
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![\"Port](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Port-Douglas.jpg\"\/)
![\"Port](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Port-Douglas.jpg\")
8) Fitzroy Island<\/span><\/h3>\n
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![\"Fitzroy](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Fitzroy-Island.jpg\"\/)
![\"Fitzroy](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Fitzroy-Island.jpg\")
![\"Turtle](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Fitzroy-Island-turtle.jpg\"\/)
![\"Turtle](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Fitzroy-Island-turtle.jpg\")
9) Chillagoe Caves<\/span><\/h3>\n
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![\"Chillagoe](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Inside-Chillagoe-Caves.jpg\"\/)
![\"Chillagoe](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Inside-Chillagoe-Caves.jpg\")
![\"Chillagoe](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Pompeii-Cave.jpg\"\/)
![\"Chillagoe](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Pompeii-Cave.jpg\")
10) Kuranda<\/span><\/h3>\n
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![\"Look](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Drive-tour-Kuranda.jpg\"\/)
![\"Look](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Drive-tour-Kuranda.jpg\")
![\"Kuranda](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Kuranda-Scenic-Railway.jpg\"\/)
![\"Kuranda](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Kuranda-Scenic-Railway.jpg\")
![\"Barron](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Barron-Falls-693x1024.jpg\"\/)
![\"Barron](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Barron-Falls-693x1024.jpg\")
![\"Barron](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Barron-Falls-2.jpg\"\/)
![\"Barron](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Barron-Falls-2.jpg\")
![\"Josephine](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Josephine-Falls.jpg\"\/)
![\"Josephine](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Josephine-Falls.jpg\")