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
- Kuranda Rainforest Experience - From AUD $223.50 (Full day) - Take a rainforest discovery aboard the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway with an included visit to Rainforestation Nature Park, then soar above on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Includes a Pamagirri Abo
- Snorkelling day tour Port Douglas (Private Charter) - From AUD $3490.00 (Full day) - Experience an unforgettable day of private catamaran charter from Port Douglas as we set sail for the captivating Low Isles! Our full-day journey begins with a scenic sail to the pristine Low Isles, w
- Great Adventures - Moore Reef Pontoon (Full Day) - From AUD $299.00 (Full day) - Experience the stunning beauty of the Outer Great Barrier Reef at Moore Reef. This stable activity platform serves as an ideal base for both swimmers and non-swimmers, offering opportunities to snorke
- Kuranda, Scenic Rail, Skyrail & Hartley’s Crocodiles - From AUD $276.00 (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
- Cairns Classic Hot Air Balloon ride with Lemoncello 3 course meal voucher - From AUD $555.00 (Half day) - Discover the exhilaration of floating serenely above the breathtaking Atherton Tablelands in a Hot Air Balloon departing from Mareeba. Soak in the stunning scenery and expansive vistas, experiencing t
- Cairns Classic Hot Air Balloon ride with return transfersn from Cairns - From AUD $495.00 (Half day) - Experience a serene hot air balloon ride over the Atherton Tablelands, taking in breathtaking views of the rainforest, mountains, and farmland at sunrise. This 40-60 minute journey includes hotel pick
- Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel - Great Barrier Reef Cruise - From AUD $255.00 (5 hours) - Join Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel for a unique Great Barrier Reef cruise that combines Australia's Indigenous culture with breathtaking marine life. Enjoy five hours exploring two premium outer reef sites
- Ocean Spirit Cruise to Michaelmas Cay - From AUD $276.00 (Full day) - Book tickets for a 2 hour motorised sail on board the 32 meter sailing Catamaran, Ocean Spirit, you will arrive at Michaelmas Cay where there is so much to see and do. Enjoy snorkelling in the cay’s p
- 3-Day Reef, Rainforest & Outback - From AUD $620.00 (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
- Kuranda Wildlife Experience - From AUD $202.50 (Full day) - Combine the award-winning Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway with three of Kuranda's best wildlife attractions. Stroll through the amazing aviary at Birdworld and The Australian Bu
- Bespoke Birdworld - An Intimate Experience! - From AUD $70.00 (1-2 hours) - 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.
- Cape Tribulation, Daintree & Mossman - From AUD $293.00 (Full Day) - Join us for an unforgettable full-day adventure in the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. Explore Mossman Gorge with a guided walk, cruise the Daintree River to spot unique wildlife, savor a de
- Frankland Islands Express - Half Day - From AUD $195.00 (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
- Cairns Waterfall & Rainforest Tour - From AUD $199.00 (1 day) - Join Gus the Wonder Bus for a fun-filled day exploring the breathtaking Atherton Tablelands. Swim in pristine waterfalls, enjoy a freshly prepared 2-course lunch, and spot wildlife, including platypus
- White Water Rafting Cairns Barron River - From AUD $185.00 (Half day) - Join us for an exhilarating half-day white water rafting adventure on the Barron River, where you'll tackle grade 3 rapids and float through serene waters, all while surrounded by breathtaking rainfor
- Cairns Whale Watching & Fitzroy Island - From AUD $155.00 (Full day) - Cairns only dedicated humpback whale watching day tour — a scenic marine cruise to known whale hotspots combined with free time on Fitzroy Island. Led by qualified marine biologists. Runs daily mid-Ju
- Mossman Gorge & Daintree Experience - From AUD $265.00 (Full day) - Experience a full-day adventure through the lush Daintree Rainforest, including a scenic drive along the Great Barrier Reef Drive, a Daintree River cruise, and a swim in Mossman Gorge. Enjoy morning t
- Behana Canyoning Adventure Tour : Suitable for All Levels - From AUD $279.00 (Allow up to 5.5 hours) - Behana Gorge offers a unique canyoning experience just a short drive from Cairns, featuring cascading waterfalls, natural rock slides, and thrilling jumps. Suitable for all skill levels, this full-day
- Green Island (Eco Adventure Package) - From AUD $112.00 (Up to 7 hours on Green Island) - *** Choice from Snorkelling Equipment Hire OR Glass Bottom Boat **** Experience the tropical paradise of Green Island with Great Adventures' fast catamaran. Depart from Cairns and spend your day snor
- Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures - From AUD $125.00 (Half Day) - Experience an eco-certified adventure at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, where you can explore diverse wildlife and enjoy engaging shows. Learn from expert guides and savor lunch at the Lilypad Cafe.
- 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
- Best of Island Package - Fitzroy Island (On Special) - From AUD $152.00 (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
- 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
- 1 Day Cape Tribulation Tour - From AUD $249.00 (1 day) - Join Uncle Brian's 1 Day Cape Tribulation Tour for an unforgettable adventure! Experience the world's oldest rainforest and spot crocodiles on a thrilling Daintree River cruise. Enjoy a delicious lunc
- Cruise / Fly - Full Day Trip - From AUD $570.00 (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
- Chillagoe Caves & Outback Tour from Cairns - From AUD $239.00 (Full day) - Experience a full-day adventure into the Australian Outback, including a morning tea stop at Skybury Coffee Plantation, before exploring the ancient Chillagoe Caves and more.
- Daintree Dreaming Aboriginal Cultural Tour - From AUD $399.00 (Full day) - Join a spectacular Aboriginal cultural journey on the traditional lands of the Kuku Yalanji people, discovering natural beauty and ancient culture. Enjoy a guided rainforest walk, traditional fishing,
- Silverswift Outer Reef Adventure - From AUD $245.00 (Full day) - Departing daily from Cairns, Silverswift is ready to whisk you away for a day of fun and adventure on the Great Barrier Reef. This is an active day all about being in the water for your dive or snorke
- Evolution Yacht Gold Class VIP Lounge - From AUD $799.00 (Full day) - Exclusive Gold Class Lounge access aboard the Evolution yacht on the Great Barrier Reef. Limited to 8 guests, the Gold Class experience includes a private concierge, dedicated snorkelling guide, fully
- Full Day Reef Fishing (Shared Charter) - From AUD $340.00 (Full day (9 hours)) - Join us for an unforgettable deep-sea fishing adventure on the Great Barrier Reef aboard our fully catered, purpose-built charter boats. Our expert crew will guide you in targeting iconic species like
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.