Experience The Best Of Cairns With Half-Day Tours

Gifted with nature’s best resources, Cairns has moved with the times and transformed itself from a rollicking goldfields port to a popular destination bustling with an infectious holiday vibe. By virtue of its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns has become a tourist hotspot with backpacks and flipflops outnumbering briefcases and shoes!

Most often you’ll find yourself in Cairns with so much to do and so little time! But, not to worry, Cairns solves that problem with the concept of sightseeing half-day tours that give you a taste of everything the city has to offer in the shortest possible time. 

Combining half-day tours is the best way to maximise your time and cover a range of must-do activities in Cairns. Chances are they’ll leave you wanting more, but you’ll definitely be pleased that you managed to do a little of everything!

Half-Day Green Island Tour

Green Island is one of the most popular reef island destinations for tourists and is perfect for families and children as well. Of the 300 sand cays on the Great Barrier Reef, Green Island is the only coral cay that boasts a lush rainforest. Formed around 6,000 years ago, it’s just 27 km from Cairns – a short boat ride away. It’s a haven for snorkellers, especially beginners who will be treated to a diverse range of flora and fauna with about 400 types of coral and 1500 species of fish found just metres off the beach.

There are half-day morning and afternoon tours that take you to the natural marvel that is Green Island. This idyllic tropical environment with white sandy beaches lined with dense rainforests is perfect for tourists who love the sun, sea and sand. Nervous swimmers and first-time snorkellers will feel absolutely at home in the calm, shallow waters that lap the shores of Green Island. There’s nothing better than is natural sanctuary to gain confidence and probably inspire you to snorkel in deeper waters of the Outer Great Barrier Reef.

The sightseeing half-day tour gives you two hours exclusively on Green Island where you can snorkel in the sheltered waters, take a glass-bottomed or semi-submersible boat tour, walk the island rainforest boardwalk or simply relax on the coral white sand after your activities.  

Hot Air Ballooning

Now away from the water and into the sky. An early morning Hot Air Balloon ride is probably one of the best ways to see a gorgeous Cairns sunrise. Fly above the Atherton Tablelands and enjoy an absolutely romantic and magical experience as the balloon floats up into the sky, treating you to the most spectacular views of Cairns – an experience you definitely don’t want to miss!

White Water Rafting

Move on from this soft adventure to a more exciting one with a fun-filled, thrilling White Water Rafting experience. 

Skyrail Rainforest Tour

You could also check out the Skyrail half-day tour for an amazing experience as you journey through Australia’s World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforest canopy with two mid-station stops and guided boardwalks.

Kuranda Scenic Railway Tour

The famous Kuranda Scenic Railway tour winds its way through the tropical mountains between Cairns and Kuranda, giving you ample time to explore and experience the rainforest village of Kuranda as well.

Other sightseeing half-day tour options include the Cairns Habitat Cruise, Tjapukai, Horse Riding and a City Sights Tour. So, make the most of your time and plan your mornings and afternoons with permutations and combinations of these tours to give you the best possible experience in Cairns!