Cairns tours

Things to do in Cairns

Cairns serves not just as a gateway, but as an introduction to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. In this tropical haven, the lush rainforests hold whispers of the past while the ocean's breath shares stories of the vibrant underwater world. With a local guide, Cairns becomes more than a sightseeing stop—it transforms into your personal journey. Picture beginning your morning with a tour through lively markets, the aroma of ripe mangoes mingling with the local chatter. Your guide knows the less-travelled paths of the Daintree Rainforest and can lead you on a culinary tour that showcases Queensland's unique flavours. Avoid the lines at well-trodden sites and delve into the essence of this sunny city with a local's expertise illuminating the way. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Cairns. Explore Cairns your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Cairns tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Cairns for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Head out to the Great Barrier Reef on a private charter or a reserved small‑group boat for guided snorkelling above coral gardens where turtles and clownfish cruise. On land, visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures for a lagoon boat ride to see salties up close, or spend a day in the Daintree and Mossman Gorge with a local nature guide. City highlights tours: Sample tropical fruit and fresh sugarcane juice at Rusty’s Markets, then explore the Cairns Botanic Gardens’ Flecker Garden and the WWII‑era Tanks Arts Centre nearby. Add the Esplanade Lagoon and St Monica’s Cathedral’s Creation stained‑glass windows, plus a sunset stroll by the marina. Hiking tours: Tackle the Red and Blue Arrow tracks at Mount Whitfield for quick rainforest climbs with lookout views, or take a guided hike to Behana Gorge for a swim beneath Clamshell Falls. For a bigger challenge, hike to Glacier Rock above Barron Gorge or stretch out on the circuit trails at Mossman Gorge. The waterfront and CBD are very walkable, and local buses run in town, but trailheads, gorges, and reef departures often need a vehicle—ask about chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation to make logistics easy. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Cairns inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a private walking tour to explore Cairns, and consider adding some vibrant neighborhoods to your itinerary with a local guide. Having a local by your side is the best way to truly understand a neighborhood. - Cairns Esplanade: Perfect for families and multi-generational groups, this area offers a scenic boardwalk with views of the Coral Sea. Kids will love the lagoon and playgrounds, while adults can enjoy the cafes and public art installations. - Palm Cove: A haven for those seeking relaxation and nature, this upscale neighborhood features palm-fringed beaches and luxurious spas. It's an ideal spot for couples or anyone looking to unwind by the sea. - Edge Hill: Known for its tropical gardens and cultural attractions, Edge Hill is great for cultural tourists. The Cairns Botanic Gardens and Centenary Lakes are must-see spots, offering a peaceful escape into nature. - Parramatta Park: This neighborhood is perfect for those wanting to connect with the local vibe. With its community parks and proximity to sporting events, it’s a lively area that’s great for socializing and enjoying local activities. Day trip ideas from Cairns Base yourself in Cairns, then add nearby cities and wild attractions to your list for easy day trips that balance reef time with rainforest and highlands. - Great Barrier Reef: Snorkel shallow coral gardens and watch for turtles, or choose a reef tour that focuses on outer reef sites if you want bigger walls and clearer water. If you prefer less boat time, your tour can centre on a closer island with calm lagoons and simple beach entries. - Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation: Walk shaded boardwalks under ancient trees, scan for cassowaries, and cross the Daintree River by ferry for quiet beaches where the forest meets the sea. Nature lovers get wildlife, short hikes, and river cruising, while photographers find moody light and rich greens all day. - Kuranda and Barron Gorge: Ride up to a hill village known for markets, local art, and easy rainforest tracks, then check Barron Falls from lookouts that roar in the wet season. If you like a slower day, your tour can focus on coffee stops, galleries, and short walks with wide views. - Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls Loop: Swim at signed falls when conditions allow, walk through giant fig trees, and look for platypus at dusk near quiet creeks. Food fans can add local dairies, coffee roasters, and fruit stalls, turning the route into a simple farm‑to‑falls day. - Port Douglas and Mossman Gorge: Follow a coastal drive north to a relaxed beach town with shops and a Sunday market, then cool off in clear rainforest streams at Mossman Gorge. This suits you if beach time, easy swims, and a small‑town vibe sound right, and your tour can keep the pace flexible. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Cairns most travellers miss.