Welcome to tropical North Queensland, home to the gate to the Great Barrier Reef! If you’re up to explore this incredible part of Australia, then Cairns is a great place to locate yourself. Keep on reading as I’ll share the best day trips from Cairns.
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1. Take a snorkel / dive trip to the Great Barrier Reef (Outer Reef)
Along with Port Douglas, Cairns is an excellent base camp to explore the Great Barrier Reef. With more options and being a bit more affordable, Cairns is my top recommendation.
Whether you dive or snorkel, the Great Barrier Outer Reef has a memorable experience to offer. Book a boat trip (ideally a few days in advance) and you’ll head straight into the Nemo movie. Beautiful coral, a divers range of colourful fishes and if you’re as lucky as I was: reef sharks. Make room into your budget for a trip like this, I’m positive you won’t regret it.
During my stay I did 2 trips to the Outer Reef: I went with Passions Of Paradise and Silverswift. I recommend them both, but Silverswift has my preference.
Note that a trip to the Outer Reef easily takes 60-90 minutes and the sea can be rough. Don’t take any risk that potentially can ruin a beautiful day: take sickness medication in advance.
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Curious to see some video footage? Check out the links below!
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2. Visit Fitzroy Island
Stunning coral and amazing beaches? Fitzroy Island got you covered. The journey takes around 45 minutes from Cairns. It’s a relaxing and fun day trip.
The best snorkelling can be found around the Jetty port. Beautiful coral and turtles can be spotted here.
A 15 minute walk from the port, you’ll find Nudey beach. This place is true paradise. Relax here for the afternoon and you’ll want to stay forever.
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Curious to see some video footage? Check out the link below!
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3. Head over to Green Island
Keen to see some turtles? Then Green Island is a great choice. This beautiful island offers an amazing beach to relax and snorkel. I spotted Nemo, stingrays and turtles. Many people on the beach spotted turtles as well! Note that the coral was not very vibrant here.
The boattrip takes 45 minutes from Cairns which makes for the perfect day trip. I booked our trip to Green Island with Great Adventures and I totally recommend them!
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Curious to see some video footage? Check out the link below!
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4. Other trips
Other day trips to consider:
- Kuranda
- Port Douglas
- Palm Cove
- Daintree Rainforest
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