Cairns City Short Break

Experience the adventure of snorkeling, diving, and sailing on a Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Tour. A 25-meter high-performance catamaran sails daily from Cairns to two unique outer reef locations, where you can dive and snorkel with turtles, colorful fish, and vibrant coral. Enjoy a personalized day on the reef with a friendly crew dedicated to making your trip unforgettable. As an eco-accredited operator, Passions of Paradise has earned numerous awards, including the Australian Tourism Award for Adventure. Onboard, enjoy all snorkeling equipment, including a free guided tour, and relax on the upper or netted trampoline deck. Savor a chef-prepared tropical buffet lunch with hot and cold dishes, complemented by morning and afternoon tea. Marine naturalists also provide informative eco presentations on coral and marine life.

Cairns is known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, and Queensland's tropical north. It is a laid-back town with a relaxed way of life, ideal for people who enjoy the outdoors and tropical nature. Have a stroll along Cairns esplanade, discover open-air markets, and grab a coffee in one of the brilliant al fresco cafes. After that, you can cool off in the sparkling Esplanade Lagoon. This saltwater pool is lined with parks, shady banyan trees, boardwalks, and barbeques. If you feel active and energized, you can join free outdoor exercise classes, such as yoga, Zumba, pilates, or beach volleyball, held six mornings a week along the Esplanade. In the afternoon, you can visit Cairns Botanic Gardens, with their spectacular plant collection. The gardens feature rainforest vegetation and many interesting species of flowers. You can bring your snacks for the picnic or grab a snack in the cafeteria. You should also explore the Cairns Aquarium, which is dedicated to local species and habitats, with over 16,000 specimens on display. It is home to incredible sea creatures, from sharks to snakes. In the evening, enjoy fresh seafood in one of the gourmet restaurants or a refreshing cocktail in a waterfront bar with its amazing ocean views and great vibes.

Travel in a luxury coach with a small group and experienced local guide to explore the rich Aboriginal culture of the Kuku Yalanji people. This immersive journey takes you through lush tropical rainforests, mangroves, and mudflats, offering a blend of natural beauty and ancient traditions. Included in Tourism Australia’s “Discover Aboriginal Experiences,” you’ll discover Aboriginal art and culture along the way. On the Aboriginal Coastal Adventure, join a Kubirri Warra clan member for an authentic tour of ancestral fishing grounds. Learn about traditional bush medicines, foods, and try your hand at throwing a fishing spear. At Manjal Dimbi – Mossman Gorge, stroll along scenic trails and elevated boardwalks through the World Heritage Listed rainforest, while your guide shares stories and cultural insights. Enjoy a delicious bush-flavoured lunch at the Mayi Café. The experience concludes at Janbal Gallery, where renowned artist Brian ‘Binna’ Swindley guides you through his Dreamtime-inspired art and helps you create your own canvas to take home.

Experience this scenic journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway to the 'village in the rainforest'. Your day begins in Cairns as you board the train for a morning departure. Travel through unsurpassed views of World Heritage-listed rainforest and waterfalls, including Stoney Creek Falls and the breathtaking Barron Gorge. You will wind your way through 15 tunnels and over 37 bridges on your journey before reaching Kuranda, where you will have several hours to explore the village and visit Rainforestation Nature Park. Here there are over 100 acres of parklands to explore where you can also enjoy an Army Duck tour and the Pamagirri Aboriginal experience. In the afternoon you will board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a journey up and over the rainforest canopy, back to the Skyrail terminal where you will be transported back to the Cairns railway station.

The mountain retreat of Kuranda Village is nestled into the world's oldest living tropical rainforest, just 25 kilometres northwest of Cairns. The tiny town is a vivid mix of quirkiness, interesting characters and natural beauty all perched atop a mountain. The colourful village is accessible by either driving up the mountain range, travelling up in the Skyrail Cableway, or winding through the Barron Gorge on board the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Once you are here, there are a range of things to experience. To get your fix of retail therapy, head to the Kuranda Markets and quaint stores throughout the village. Experience the surrounding nature on a river cruise, and get friendly with the local wildlife at the Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Kuranda.

This morning you will be collected from your accommodation before dawn and taken to the launch site to begin your adventure. Watch on as the balloon inflates and be amazed at its sheer size. Your guide will have you in the balloon ready for launch as the sun begins to rise, setting the scene for your breathtaking experience as you gaze out the views of the Atherton Tablelands and the Great Barrier Reef that greet you. As the flight is coming to an end, your pilot will slowly guide the balloon back to the landing point where the fun continues. Once you have landed, experience the pack down of the balloon and come together with the pilot and crew to share a toast with a glass of bubbly to celebrate your unforgettable experience.

A private driver will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Cairns Airport in time for your departing flight.

Farewell Australia today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!