New Tours & Attractions in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

The Quicksilver Group has completed a $1.1 million refit of the 24 metre dive and snorkel catamaran Poseidon to offer new citizen science tours where guests can participate in an Eye on the Reef survey and visit three different reef sites at the Agincourt ribbon reefs off Port Douglas. An additional dive tender can take up to 10 experienced divers on drift diving tours or snorkellers on a guided marine interpretation snorkel tour.

Barefoot Tours has launched a new tour, the Atheron Tablelands Day Tour – an ultimate day trip to the Atherton Tablelands’ rainforests and waterfalls. This is the perfect experience for travellers who enjoy diverse landscapes, refreshing waterfall dips and adventure without the rush.

Mission Beach operator Reef Adventures has expanded into Cairns with a new half day reef tour to Upolu Cay departing daily from the Cairns Marina. Taking just 50 minutes to get to the Great Barrier Reef, this product promises a fast paced, high energy snorkelling experience with two hours at Upolu Cay.

Explore Tropical North Queensland’s natural treasures with Cairns Waterfalls on their new Cairns Explorer Tour. This tour takes guests on an unforgettable journey taking in scenic attractions including the Behana Gorge Waterfall, Walshs Pyramid, the Cairns Botanic Gardens and the Red Arrow Walk.

A purpose-built $1.5 million vessel launches in Cairns in November giving visitors with limited time the opportunity to see the Great Barrier Reef on a half-day snorkelling tour. Pure Snorkelling is a joint venture between two Cairns family-owned reef operators who together have more than 60 years’ combined experience showcasing the Great Barrier Reef. The four-hour afternoon trip will primarily go to spectacular Briggs Reef off Cairns where the company has an exclusive permit and has a choice of 14 other sites to make the most of the weather conditions.

Catch and cook a mud crab or feel the excitement of hauling in a barramundi at Grab A Barra, a new exhilarating fishing experience for both seasoned anglers and beginners just 15 minutes from Carins CBD. Whether you are an angler looking for the excitement of catching the north’s most prized fighting fish or if you want to try freshly caught seafood, there is a package for everyone.

Join Marine Biologists and Cultural Guides in a hands-on coral restoration experience with the Reef Unlimited Reef Recovery program held on selected dates with Reef Magic including October 17. You'll help to attach coral fragments to Reef Stars, an innovative system designed to restore and protect our reefs. Immerse yourself in the process, learn about marine ecosystems, and play a part in preserving our underwater world.

Travellers wanting a late start can still chase waterfalls with Cairns Adventure Group‘s new Cairns Splash and Slide Half Day Waterfalls Tour leaving at 10am and returning at 3.30pm. The coach tour takes you swimming at the Babinda Boulders and the natural rockslide at Josephine Falls.

The first stage of the Wangetti Trail has opened to hikers and mountain bikers with the two-way, shared track taking about 1.5 hours to hike and 45 minutes to ride one way from the Palm Cove Jetty to Ellis Beach. The 7.8km Grade 3 track is suitable for most ages and fitness levels. The full 94km trail to Port Douglas is scheduled to be completed in 2026 to become one of the world’s great ecotourism trails showcasing Tropical North Queensland’s rainforest.

The CREB Track, one of Australia’s most challenging and picturesque four-wheel-drive tracks, which starts just north of the Daintree Village, has reopened after months of road repairs following flooding in December 2023. This track offers stunning views, swimming holes and cultural sites along the way.