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Things to Do in Cairns with Kids
With tropical beaches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rain forest, and the islands of the Great Barrier Reef all on the city’s doorstep, Cairns offers plenty of options for a family adventure. From wildlife encounters and outdoor activities to fun family attractions, here are some ideas for things to do in Cairns with kids.
- Swim and snorkel along the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day boat cruise, or enjoy aerial views on a thrilling helicopter flight.
- Skip the long lines with a great-value family ticket for attractions such as the Cairns Museum or Cairns Aquarium.
- Spot Aussie animals such as kangaroos, cassowaries, and crocodiles or enjoy breakfast with the koalas at Hartley's Crocodile Park.
- Enjoy an action-packed family day out in the rain forest at Kuranda, where you can ride the Skyrail and Scenic Railway and visit attractions such as Birdworld and the Butterfly Sanctuary.
16 Tours and Activities
Sort by: Featured
Fitzroy Island Day Trip from Cairns
329
Explore the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day tour to Fitzroy Island. After arriving from Cairns on a fast ferry, have free time to do what you choose: snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, lounge on the white-sand beach or see the coral from a glass-bottom boat. Upgrade to add the Activity Pass Plus Lunch, which provides a picnic lunch, snorkeling gear, stinger suit, a glass-bottom boat tour.
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From
$58.43
From
$58.43
Breakfast with the Koalas at Hartley's Crocodile Park from Cairns or Palm Cove
13
Begin your visit to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures with breakfast in the company of a koala and its keeper. After morning hotel pickup in Cairns or Palm Cove, transfer to Hartley's in time for your hot Aussie breakfast and conversation with the keeper about the koalas. Then you can explore at your leisure: take a boat cruise on Hartley’s Lagoon to watch crocodiles feeding. Enjoy informative and entertaining wildlife presentations throughout the day, and see Australian wildlife up close, including kangaroos, wallabies, snakes, cassowaries, quolls and more.
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From
$78.38
From
$78.38
Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls and Rainforest Day Tour Departing Cairns
181
Immerse yourself in Northern Queensland’s waterfalls, rainforests, and other natural wonders on this full-day tour from Cairns. Admire the untouched scenery and stop to swim in the famous Millaa Millaa, and Josephine Falls. In between, visit Babinda Boulders and Mount Hypipamee, watch for wildlife such as tree-kangaroos and platypus, and admire a tropical sunset at Lake Eacham. National Park admission, lunch, refreshments, and hotel pickup and drop-off included.
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From
$91.91
From
$91.91
Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome
21
Get an up-close look at the rainforest from the middle of Cairns at Carins ZOOM and Wildlife Dome. This family-friendly attraction is home to Australian animals like koalas, snakes, tropical birds, and a saltwater crocodile. You can simply explore the park at your leisure, or choose some of the many activities like a ropes course, zipline, dome climb and more. You also have the option to upgrade your admission to the 4 Park Pass if you want to visit other Cairns-area attractions like the Butterfly Sanctuary and Rainforestation.
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From
$18.28
From
$18.28
Skip the Line: Kuranda Rainforestation Nature Park Ticket
16
Explore Kuranda's Rainforestation Nature Park, a 100-acre (40-hectare) tropical rainforest and World Heritage site located within five minutes of Kuranda village, accessible from Cairns. Your admission ticket to this family-friendly attraction includes three eco-experiences: see Australia's native animals at the Koala and Wildlife Park; ride the amphibious Army Duck on a unique rainforest tour; watch an Aboriginal Dance Show at the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience and take a Dreamtime Walk.
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From
$38.01
From
$38.01
Cairns Estuary Fishing
104
Go fishing in the smooth waters of Trinity Inlet during a half-day outing a professional guide. After a convenient hotel pickup, board a 19-foot (6-meter) flat-bottom boat called the River Rocket. Explore mangroves and watch for wildlife—including saltwater crocodiles—as you search for Grunter, Fingermark, Blue Salmon, Queen Fish, Thread Fin, and other local species. Enjoy all necessary gear included in the tour price.
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From
$92.43
From
$92.43
Cairns Aquarium Family Ticket
31
Explore the Cairns Aquarium with this convenient, advance-purchase, family-priced ticket. Marvel at an educational exhibit that traces the journey of a drop of rain from mountain to sea. Check out rare marine life like Gray Reef Sharks, Freshwater Sawfish, and Humphead Maori Wrass. See the Deep Reef Tank, travel deep underwater at the massive oceanarium, and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the research facility.
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From
$94.05
per group
From
$94.05
per group
Small-Group Afternoon Cairns City Tour with Harbour Dinner Cruise
7
Explore Cairns with a local guide and enjoy a dinner cruise on this all-day combination tour. After a convenient pickup from your Cairns City or Northern Beaches hotel, visit popular destinations like the Flecker Botanical Gardens and Lower Barron Gorge. Enjoy a scenic lookout with gorgeous views and afternoon tea—included in the tour price—before feasting on a 3-course dinner aboard the 85-foot (26-meter) Spirit of Cairns catamaran.
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From
$134.67
From
$134.67
Skip the Line: Cairns Museum Single Admission Ticket
20
Learn more about Cairns' unique culture and history at the interesting Cairns Museum. This ticket saves you time, so you can straight into the museum and check out its interactive exhibits. There are family friendly displays that all members of the family can enjoy, plus refreshing air conditioning when the heat of tropical North Queensland gets too much.
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From
$10.69
From
$10.69
Wavedancer Low Isles Great Barrier Reef Sailing Cruise from Cairns
23
Experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on a luxury catamaran cruise to Low Isles — no scuba certification required! Snorkel among sea turtles and tropical fish, view giant clams and coral gardens on a glass-bottom boat tour or join a guided nature walk around the island. You can also simply relax and soak up the sun on the beach. This delightful full-day tour includes a buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea and round-trip hotel transport from Cairns or Northern Beaches.
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From
$109.02
From
$109.02
Green Island Discovery Including Glass Bottom Boat Tour Departing Cairns
10
Green Island offers the unique opportunity for a combined reef and rainforest experience, just 45 minutes from Cairns by fast catamaran. Home to over 120 native plant species and colourful bird life, surrounded by abundant marine life. Full and half day options available. Your day can be as active or as relaxing as you choose.
As a Great Adventures guest, you’ll also be able to enjoy many exclusive inclusions such as the use of the island swimming pool and a self guided eco island walk to discover some of the island’s unique rainforest flora. The island’s well appointed day visitor facilities include a pool bar, plus restaurant and retail outlets. A delicious range of lunch and snacks can be purchased from the island’s food and refreshment outlets.
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From
$91.20
From
$91.20
Green Island Eco Adventure from Cairns
14
If you want to enjoy a tropical island beach paradise from Cairns but don’t have a lot of time, this half or full-day trip to Green Island is ideal. Be transported by fast catamaran from Cairns to save time. Choose between a glass-bottomed boat tour or the use of snorkeling equipment. Get access to the island’s pool or take a self-guided walk of the island if you want to be more active.
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From
$72.68
From
$72.68
Ocean Free Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise, Cairns 25 guests
212
Sail on a 2-masted schooner from Cairns to Green Island for a full day of snorkeling, swimming, and scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Have a choice of options for exploring Green Island, spending time in the water around the magnificent coral reefs, walking in the rain forest, or lazing on the white sandy beaches. Enjoy the expertise of the superb crew, in addition to buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea and a glass of wine as you cruise back to Cairns.
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From
$152.12
From
$152.12
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Personal Luxury Snorkel & Dive Cruise, Cairns
631
Spend a day on the Great Barrier Reef at two different snorkel and dive sites on this luxury catamaran cruise from Cairns. Travel in style aboard a fast, comfortable catamaran to the outer edge Upolu Reef. Take an Adventure Snorkel & Glass Bottom Boat Tour through the highly protected no-fishing zone sites in the Marine Park. Refuel with a buffet lunch on board the catamaran before heading to your next destination, Upolu Cay reef. Enjoy the shallow azure blue waters surrounding this natural Coral Cay with both snorkeling or diving on offer. Be mesmerised by coral teeming with colourful fish.
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From
$152.12
From
$152.12
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
16
Surround yourself by more than 1,500 multicolored butterflies at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda. The biggest butterfly aviary in the country, this delightful attraction is home to landscaped gardens that mimic the butterflies’ natural rainforest habitats. Explore at your leisure while they fly all around you, or take advantage of complimentary tours during the day, including a behind-the-scenes lab tour. When booking, you have the option to upgrade to the 4 Park Pass for entry to three more Cairns-area attractions.
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From
$14.62
From
$14.62
Great Barrier Reef Tour with Indigenous Sea Rangers-Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel
The only Indigenous experience available to the Great Barrier Reef. Interact with Indigenous Sea Rangers as they demonstrate their traditional culture as you travel to and from the reef.
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From
$167.44
From
$167.44
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