Best Family Tours Cairns & Great Barrier Reef | Family Holiday Deals
Find the best family tours and family friendly tour attractions in Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. No-one beats The Tour Specialists Family Deals with our 2nd Child Travels Free and family discounts. View the largest range of things to do and things to see in the rainforests and on the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, Port Douglas, Townsville, Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island and the Whitsundays, all designed for families. Based on guest reviews and best value for money these are the most popular and most requested family friendly tours for families of all ages and abilities. Each one of these are tried and tested family tours that are sure to keep the kids and the rest of the family entertained. Choose from half day tours, island tours, fun rafting tours and all rainforest and Great Barrier Reef tours. Instant book on-line or call The Tour Specialists for advice 7 days a week. {{location}}
Family Tours
in Great Barrier Reef
Find the best family tours and family friendly tour attractions in Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. No-one beats The Tour Specialists Family Deals with our 2nd Child Travels Free and family discounts. View the largest range of things to do and things to see in the rainforests and on the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, Port Douglas, Townsville, Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island and the Whitsundays, all designed for families. Based on guest reviews and best value for money these are the most popular and most requested family friendly tours for families of all ages and abilities. Each one of these are tried and tested family tours that are sure to keep the kids and the rest of the family entertained. Choose from half day tours, island tours, fun rafting tours and all rainforest and Great Barrier Reef tours. Instant book on-line or call The Tour Specialists for advice 7 days a week.
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Great Barrier Reef: Earth’s premier natural wonder and ultimate tourist destination. With over 2 million annual visitors, the Great Barrier Reef has earned its place as a World Heritage listed icon and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, situated off the Queensland coast.
Frequently asked questions about Family Tours
Are Great Barrier Reef tours suitable for families with young children?
Yes, many Great Barrier Reef tours departing from Cairns, Port Douglas and the Whitsundays are suitable for families with children. Family-friendly reef tours typically offer calm water snorkelling locations, shallow coral lagoons, flotation devices, stinger suits in season, onboard marine educators and supervised snorkelling areas. Some reef pontoons also feature semi-submersible boat rides, underwater observatories and enclosed swimming platforms, making them ideal for children who are not confident swimmers. Many families with young kids also decide to choose an island reef tour for shorter half day family tours.
What is the best Great Barrier Reef tour for families?
The best Great Barrier Reef tour for families depends on the ages of your children and your comfort level in the water. Pontoon-style reef tours are often ideal for multi-generational families because they provide stable platforms, shaded seating, easy water access and multiple activity options with semi-submarine tours, snorkelling plus optional activities like scuba diving, guided snorkel tours, heli rides and more. For families with older kids and confident swimmers, small-group snorkelling tours to the Outer Reef offer more immersive marine experiences. Our team helps match families with the safest and most engaging reef option based on age, swimming ability and seasonal conditions.
What is the best way to book a family Great Barrier Reef tour and save money?
The best way to save on a family Great Barrier Reef tour is to book using family rate rather than individual adult and child tickets. Many reef operators offer family rates based on two adults and two children (typically aged 4–14 years), and some offer second child travelling free bonus! These family reef tour deals can save you $50 - $170 depending on the tour type, travel dates and departure location such as Cairns, Port Douglas, Whitsundays. Booking early to avoid missing out, and considering reef-and-rainforest combo packages can also provide better overall value for families.
Can children snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef?
Yes, children can snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef provided they are confident in the water. Most family reef tours supply child-sized snorkelling equipment, flotation aids and provide snorkelling instructions. Some operators recommend a minimum age of 4 - 6 years for snorkelling, while younger children can enjoy glass-bottom boat tours or semi-submersible reef viewing experiences instead. Family Travel Tip - try practicing snorkelling in a pool before your reef trip - so they can enjoy the experience on the day, or maybe even bring their own goggles. A guided snorkel tour can be a great way for kids to learn more about the reef while snorkelling.
Are there non-swimming options for children on reef tours?
Yes, many Great Barrier Reef tours include non-swimming options and activities suitable for younger children, grandparents or family members who prefer not to snorkel. These options may include glass-bottom boat tours, semi-submersible coral viewing, marine touch tanks (on select pontoons), guided reef presentations and comfortable shaded relaxation areas onboard. You could also choose to combine a scenic flight to see the reef from above. Explore all things to do on the reef for non-swimmers from Cairns to the Whitsundays.
Is the Great Barrier Reef safe for families?
Yes, Great Barrier Reef tours operate under strict Australian maritime safety regulations and are licensed to operate within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Vessels are equipped with professional crew, marine safety briefings, flotation equipment and first-aid trained staff. During stinger season (typically November to May), protective suits are provided. Tour selection is important, and we recommend choosing operators that have appropriate facilities for your children. The Tour Specialists are local experts and are able to assist with the best reef tour for your family.
What is the best rainforest tour for families near Cairns?
The best rainforest tours for families near Cairns include visits to Kuranda, the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge. Kuranda is ideal for families seeking a relaxed day trip with wildlife parks, markets and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The Daintree offers guided boardwalk walks and river cruises to spot crocodiles and birdlife. Mossman Gorge is popular for gentle rainforest walks and safe, shallow river sections suitable for supervised family swimming, depending on the season and water conditions. For older kids you could also try some adventure activities like white water rafting, zip lining or canyoning in the waterfalls and Rainforests.
Are private family tours available for the Great Barrier Reef and rainforest?
Yes, private family tours are available for both the Great Barrier Reef and rainforest regions including Kuranda, the Daintree and Mossman Gorge. Private charters allow flexible pacing, personalised guiding and customised itineraries tailored to children’s interests and energy levels. Private reef charters are particularly popular for families wanting the freedom of a tailored itinerary, flexible snorkelling times and personalised crew assistance.
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