Discover the tropical island paradise of the Great Barrier Reef with day trips to some of Australia's most beautiful islands. Each island offers a unique experience, from the rainforest-clad slopes of Fitzroy Island to the coral cay beauty of Green Island and the uninhabited wilderness of the Frankland Islands.
Tropical Island Day Trips from Cairns - Available Tours
- Birdworld Kuranda Park Entry - From AUD $24.00 (1-2 hours) - Discover Birdworld Kuranda, home to nearly 60 species of free-flying birds from Australia and beyond. Enjoy hand-feeding opportunities and capture stunning photos in a beautifully landscaped rainfores
- Fitzroy Island - Best of Island Deal - From AUD $202.00 (Full day) - Experience the cultural heritage of Fitzroy Island, known by the Gunggandji people for its deep significance. Enjoy stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and lush rainforest while respecting the isla
- Frankland Islands Reef & Rainforest Full Day - From AUD $260.00 (Full day) - Join us for an all-inclusive adventure at Frankland Islands, where you can snorkel, enjoy guided walks, and relax with a beachside buffet lunch. Experience the unique beauty of Normanby Island, the on
- Coral Spawning Evening Trip on the Great Barrier Reef - From AUD $275.00 (Full day) - Witness one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most extraordinary natural spectacles after dark; four nights only — choose your preferred departure: 30 or 31 October, or 28 or 29 November 2026. Once a year,
- SSI Open Water Dive Course - From AUD $1030.00 (Multi-day) - Get certified on the Great Barrier Reef — and home every night. No liveaboard. No pool. Study at home, then 3 days on the Great Barrier Reef. The course uses SSI digital learning (6 sections, 8–12 hou
- Moore Reef Pontoon - Sunlover - From AUD $317.00 (Full day) - Spend a full day at Moore Reef on Sunlover's outer reef pontoon with opportunities for snorkeling, glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible tours (subject to sea/weather), an underwater observatory and
- White Water Rafting Adventure in Tully - From AUD $240.00 (Full day) - Join us for an unforgettable full-day rafting adventure on the Tully River, where you'll navigate thrilling grade 3 and 4 rapids amidst the breathtaking Tully Gorge and lush World Heritage-listed rain
- Kuranda Explorer - From AUD $70.00 (45 minutes for the river cruise.) - Experience the Kuranda Explorer package featuring three amazing attractions: Birdworld Kuranda, where you can interact with over 350 free-flying birds; Kuranda Koala Gardens, home to native Australian
- Half Day Outer Reef Snorkelling - From AUD $209.00 (Half day) - Get ready for an exhilarating journey as we whisk you away on our brand new purpose built vessel designed for speed and excitement with Cairns premier half day trip to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Ou
- 3-Day Reef, Rainforest & Outback - From AUD $600.00 (3 days) - This 3-day adventure with Billy Tea Safari includes a full day on the Great Barrier Reef, a day in the Daintree Rainforest, and a day exploring the Chillagoe Caves and Outback. Enjoy guided tours, wil
- Frankland Islands Express - Half Day - From AUD $185.00 (Half day) - Join our Express Tour to the Frankland Islands for a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy swimming, beach exploration, and snorkeling in the stunning waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Idea
- Reef Magic Pontoon - From AUD $325.00 (5 hours) - Experience the outer Great Barrier Reef at Reef Magic's exclusive Marine World pontoon. Enjoy a 90-minute cruise to the pontoon, where you have 5 hours to explore pristine coral gardens, join our Mari
- Outback and Chillagoe Caves Tour - From AUD $239.00 (Full day) - Billy Tea Safaris offers the only Full Day Outback Tour from Cairns!Billy Tea Safaris offers the only Full Day Outback Tour from Cairns! Experience a completely different side of Tropical North Queen
- Bespoke Birdworld - An Intimate Experience! - From AUD $70.00 (Short experience) - Bespoke Birdworld offers an exclusive 30-minute tour with our keepers at 9.30am, before public hours. Experience hand-feeding endangered cassowaries and other birds. Max 6 guests.
- Kuranda Village, Scenic Railway & Luxury Coach Transfer - From AUD $160.00 (Full day) - Discover the unique mountaintop village of Kuranda, on the traditional lands of the Djabugay Aboriginal people. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the ancient rainforest and marvel at the
- Reef & Helicopter - Get High Package (Snorkel) - From AUD $440.00 (Full day) - The ultimate reef experience combining a full-day outer reef cruise aboard the luxury superyacht Evolution with a scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy over 5 hours at two exclus
- Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel Outer Reef - From AUD $275.00 (Full day) - Join Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel for a full-day Great Barrier Reef cruise that combines Australia's Indigenous culture with marine wildlife viewing. Enjoy five hours exploring two premium outer reef site
- Agincourt Reef Pontoon Port Douglas - From AUD $338.00 (Full day) - For your experience of a lifetime, Quicksilver’s friendly crew will take you to the renowned Agincourt Reef, a jewel-like ribbon reef on the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef. From the spacious acti
- Green Island & Moore Reef Pontoon - From AUD $343.00 (Full day) - Take a fast 45 minute catamaran ride to Green Island and enjoy 2 hours on this unique reef and rainforest coral cay. Then depart Green Island for 3 hours on board Great Adventures spacious activity pl
- Kuranda, Scenic Rail, Skyrail & Hartley’s Crocodiles - From AUD $285.00 (Full day) - Experience a full day of adventure starting with a scenic rail journey to Kuranda, where you will have approximately 1 hour to explore the vibrant Kuranda Village. Then, glide over the rainforest on t
- Cruise / Fly - Full Day Trip - From AUD $630.00 (Full day) - Join us for an unforgettable full-day adventure on the Great Barrier Reef! This tour includes snorkeling, a delicious BBQ lunch, and a breathtaking 25-minute scenic helicopter flight over the reef and
- Kuranda By Design - From AUD $170.00 (1-2 hours) - Experience an exclusive VIP package at Birdworld and Kuranda Koala Gardens. Enjoy a bespoke tour with keepers, meet a wombat, and take a koala patting photo.
- Kuranda Wildlife Experience - From AUD $24.00 (Approximately 3-4 hours, allowing ample time to explore Birdworld, Kuranda Koala Gardens, and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.) - Immerse yourself in the vibrant wildlife of Kuranda at Birdworld, featuring over 350 free-flying birds in a stunning rainforest habitat. Experience hand-feeding, photo opportunities, and the enchantin
- Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation Day Tour - From AUD $239.00 (Full day) - Experience a personalized full-day tour through the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. Enjoy a scenic coastal drive, a guided boardwalk tour, and a refreshing swim in a rainforest stream. Spot
- Friends in the Rainforest Package - From AUD $43.00 (1-2 hours) - Experience the wonders of Birdworld Kuranda, a family-operated wildlife attraction featuring over 60 species of free-flying birds and unique encounters with native Australian animals. Enjoy close inte
- 3 Day Outback, Reef and Skyrail - From AUD $795.00 (4 days) - Experience three unforgettable days exploring the Great Barrier Reef, Skyrail, and the Outback. Enjoy a luxurious cruise on the EVOLUTION, glide over the rainforest, and discover the Chillagoe Caves a
- Full Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Cairns - From AUD $275.00 (Full day) - Full-day outer reef cruise aboard the award-winning 35-metre superyacht Evolution, operated by Down Under Cruise and Dive. Visit two exclusive outer reef locations at Norman, Saxon, or Hastings Reef f
- 4 Day Reef, Rainforest, Outback and Skyrail - From AUD $795.00 (4 days) - This 4-Day Package Bundle offers an immersive experience of Cairns, encompassing the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Outback, and the Kuranda Train and Skyrail. Note: There has been an itiner
- Reef Magic Pontoon with Helicopter Flight (10 minute) - From AUD $525.00 (Full day) - Join us for a full day at our Reef Magic pontoon on the stunning outer reef, where you can explore the vibrant underwater world. Your adventure also includes a breath-taking 10-minute scenic helicopte
- Crocodile & Wildlife Park Shore Excursion from Yorkey’s Knob - From AUD $125.00 (Approximately 4.5 hours, from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM.) - Maximise your day ashore in Tropical North Queensland! Secure your seamless, stress-free Crocodile & Australian Wildlife Tour including return transfers from your Cruise Ship docked at Yorkeys Knob, a
Frequently Asked Questions
Which island is best for snorkelling?
All islands offer excellent snorkelling. Fitzroy Island has beautiful coral right off the beach. Green Island offers calm waters for beginners. Frankland Islands provides the most pristine, uncrowded experience.
Which island is best for families?
Green Island is most popular with families due to calm, shallow waters, underwater observatory, glass-bottom boats, and resort facilities.
How long is the boat ride to the islands?
Green Island is 45 minutes, Fitzroy Island is 45-60 minutes, and Frankland Islands is about 45 minutes. All depart from Cairns.