The bustling hub of Tropical North Queensland delivers excellent city tours worth your time and money. The best options run with small groups (usually 12-15 people) and cover essential sights like the stunning Botanic Gardens, dramatic Barron Gorge, and the modern Cairns Aquarium. I’m especially fond of the harbor dinner cruises – they combine good local food with spectacular views. Dragon East stands out for their flexible itineraries and knowledgeable guides, while the traditional Devonshire tea tours offer a charming taste of local culture. All top-rated tours include air-conditioned transport and most provide meals or snacks. Let’s explore the cream of the crop in Cairns’ city tours.
Good To Know
- The Small-Group Afternoon Cairns City Tour offers a personalized experience with sightseeing, a dinner cruise, and high-quality food and drinks.
- The Cairns Shore Excursion: Cairns City Sights & Surrounds Tour provides a half-day tour of major attractions with an intimate group size and Devonshire tea.
- The Cairns City Tour by Dragon East Pty. Ltd. is a customizable 5-star experience with popular add-ons and complimentary bottled water.
- The Cairns City Sights and Surrounds Tour boasts a 98% recommendation rate and explores attractions like Botanic Gardens and Palm Cove Beach.
- The Cairns Aquarium and Small Group City Sightseeing Tour combines a visit to the aquarium with a guided sightseeing tour of the city’s highlights.
Small-Group Afternoon Cairns City Tour With Harbour Dinner Cruise
The Small-Group Afternoon Cairns City Tour with Harbour Dinner Cruise allows visitors to explore the highlights of Cairns in an intimate setting. This highly-rated tour includes a city sightseeing excursion followed by a dinner cruise on the scenic Cairns Harbour. With a maximum of 20 travelers, guests can enjoy personalized attention from a local guide as they discover the city’s hidden gems.
The tour includes pickup from Cairns CBD hotels, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a delightful Devonshire afternoon tea.
The highlight is the dinner cruise, featuring a bountiful buffet with fresh seafood, local produce, and complimentary alcoholic beverages. Guests can savor the stunning views of the harbor while indulging in the delicious fare.
While the tour doesn’t include hotel drop-off after the cruise, it receives excellent reviews for the quality of the food and the informative guides.
Travelers looking for an immersive Cairns experience will find this small-group tour a convenient and enjoyable option.
Read our full review: Small-Group Afternoon Cairns City Tour With Harbour Dinner Cruise Review
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Cairns Shore Excursion: Cairns City Sights & Surrounds Tour
Cairns Shore Excursion: Cairns City Sights & Surrounds Tour offers cruisers a chance to explore the highlights of Cairns and its stunning surroundings.
This half-day tour takes visitors to the world’s largest peace-themed stained-glass window at St Monica’s Cathedral, the vibrant Flecker Botanical Gardens, and the breathtaking Barron Gorge National Park. Along the way, guests can indulge in a Devonshire tea, complete with coffee, hot chocolate, and freshly baked scones.
The tour is limited to just 20 people, ensuring a personalized experience with an informative local guide. Transportation is provided via an air-conditioned 20-seat vehicle, with convenient port pickup and drop-off at the Reef Hotel Casino in the heart of Cairns. For those staying in Yorkeys Knob, an additional pickup option is available for a small fee.
Despite some past concerns about access to Barron Gorge due to cyclone damage, the tour operator has demonstrated a commitment to providing guests with an enjoyable and informative experience.
With a 4.5-star rating, this shore excursion is an excellent way to discover the best of Cairns.
Read our full review: Cairns Shore Excursion: Cairns City Sights & Surrounds Tour Review
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Cairns City Tour
Immersive private tours of Cairns and its captivating surrounds await travelers with the Cairns City Tour. Operated by Dragon East Pty. Ltd., this 5-star rated experience takes participants on a journey through the city’s highlights and lesser-known gems.
Priced from $523.57 per group of up to 7, the tour offers hotel pickup and flexibility in meeting points. While not wheelchair-accessible, the tour accommodates strollers and infant seats.
The Cairns City Tour focuses on the city itself and off-the-beaten-path attractions. Travelers can customize their experience to include popular add-ons like the Skyrail, Historic Train, and Kuranda.
With complimentary bottled water provided, the tour caters to most travelers. Bookings are confirmed upon reservation, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours prior.
Private groups ensure an intimate, personalized sightseeing adventure in Cairns and the Tropical North.
Read our full review: Cairns City Tour Review
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Cairns City Sights and Surrounds Tour
Capturing the essence of Cairns and its captivating surrounds, the Cairns City Sights and Surrounds Tour offers an immersive afternoon adventure for cruise ship passengers and short-stay visitors. Boasting a 98% recommendation rate from 185 travelers, this tour has earned a prestigious Badge of Excellence.
Exploring the city’s top attractions, the tour takes guests through the lush Botanic Gardens, the iconic Palm Cove Beach, and the stunning Barron Gorge National Park. Traveling in air-conditioned comfort, travelers are treated to informative commentary on Cairns’ history and local highlights.
The tour also includes an afternoon tea stop at the Ozmosis Cafe, providing a delightful break. With convenient pickup options, the tour ensures a seamless experience.
However, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and doesn’t permit motor scooters or wheelie walkers.
Read our full review: Cairns City Sights and Surrounds Tour Review
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Cairns Aquarium and Small Group City Sightseeing Tour
This combination tour in Cairns allows visitors to explore the remarkable Cairns Aquarium and embark on a guided city sightseeing adventure.
The aquarium features over 16,000 animals from the Wet Tropics Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef, offering a chance to learn about the region’s diverse marine life. The 30-minute Turtle Rehabilitation Centre tour provides a glimpse into the conservation efforts for endangered sea turtles.
The guided sightseeing portion of the tour includes visits to the Cairns Flecker Botanical Gardens, Lower Barron Gorge National Park, and Palm Cove Beach, among other highlights.
Participants can explore the aquarium at their own pace, followed by the city tour starting at 12:45 pm. The tour includes entrance fees, snacks, Devonshire afternoon tea, and hotel drop-off.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour welcomes service animals and infants, with a maximum group size of 20 travelers. Reviewers praise the informative and engaging nature of both the aquarium and city tours.
Read our full review: Cairns Aquarium and Small Group City Sightseeing Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Cairns?
The best time to visit Cairns is during the dry season between May and October. Temperatures are warm and comfortable, with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time to explore the region’s natural attractions.
Are There Any Free Walking Tours Available in Cairns?
Yes, there are free walking tours available in Cairns. The Cairns Free Walking Tour offers a 2-hour guided tour that showcases the city’s highlights and history. It’s an excellent way to explore Cairns without spending a dime.
Can I Book a Private Tour for My Family Group?
Yes, visitors can book private tours in Cairns for their family group. Many tour operators offer customized sightseeing excursions that allow groups to explore the city and surrounding attractions at their own pace.
What Is the Average Cost of a Cairns City Tour?
The average cost of a Cairns city tour typically ranges from $60 to $120 per person, depending on the tour duration, group size, and inclusions such as transportation, entrance fees, and guided commentary. Prices vary across different tour operators.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
Many Cairns city tours offer discounts for seniors and students. Operators generally provide a 10-15% discount off the regular adult price for those with valid ID. Customers should inquire about any available concessions when booking their tour.
The Sum Up
Cairns and the Tropical North offer a range of captivating city tours. From harbor cruises and aquarium visits to comprehensive sightseeing, these tours provide an engaging way to explore the region’s natural and cultural highlights. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, these diverse tours cater to a variety of interests, ensuring an enriching and memorable experience.