• This 2 day Cairns Combo Package Tour Deal comprises the very best of the Great Barrier Reef and Kuranda Rainforest.  Discover coral gardens one day and rare wildlife and rainforest the next. 
• See native Australian animals, including koalas and kangaroos up close in Kuranda. Keep your eyes peeled for the migrating whales on the Great Barrier Reef during June through to September whilst out on the Great Barrier Reef.
• Watch an Aboriginal indigenous show, learn how to skilfully throw a boomerang and master a digeridoo when in Kuranda!

An adventure-filled, two-day Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest Combo Package Tour deal in Cairns. Spend 4 hours on the reef snorkeling or upgrade to diving and helicopter flights. Then discover the rainforest in Kuranda, see Australian wildlife and learn how to throw a boomerang.

What to Expect

Discover the two most popular attractions in Tropical North Queensland with this value-packed 2-day Cairns Package Tour. This thoughtfully planned itinerary caters to everyone — from certified scuba divers and confident swimmers to non-swimmers, families with young children, solo travellers, and teens. Whether you're diving beneath the surface or staying dry above the water, this combination of reef and rainforest ensures a complete Cairns experience without compromise.

Over two memorable days, you’ll explore the vibrant coral ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef and experience the ancient beauty of the Kuranda Rainforest. Enjoy flexible activity options, knowledgeable guides, and quality time immersed in some of Australia's most iconic natural landscapes.

Features and Highlights

Day 1 - Great Barrier Reef Tour - Floating Pontoon Moore Reef:

• Day 1 – Great Barrier Reef Tour to Moore Reef Floating Pontoon

  Start your adventure with a full-day reef trip from Cairns to Moore Reef, one of the best outer reef locations. This Great Barrier Reef tour takes you to a stable, family-friendly pontoon packed with activities for all ages and ability levels.

• Snorkelling gear is provided at no extra cost, and lifeguards are on duty for your safety.
• Non-swimmers and beginners can use complimentary buoyancy vests and snorkel under supervision.
• Prefer to stay dry? Experience the reef through a semi-submersible submarine, glass-bottom boat tour, or from the underwater observatory which are all included in your tour price.
• Interact with marine creatures at the onboard touch tank, ideal for younger children and those who prefer to observe.
• Relax on the sundeck or explore the reef at your own pace — this tour offers a flexible, inclusive way to enjoy the reef without needing previous water experience.
• This day is perfect for families, first-time visitors, and anyone wanting to enjoy a safe and scenic Cairns reef tour

Day 2 - Kuranda Day Tour - Skyrail and Kuranda Train:

• On your second day, journey into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest region with a Kuranda day tour that blends nature, culture, and history.
• Travel one way on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, a century-old route passing waterfalls, tunnels, and tropical rainforest.
• Return via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, gliding above the tree canopy for unmatched views of the landscape below.
• Visit the vibrant village of Kuranda, home to local markets, Aboriginal cultural experiences, and native Australian wildlife.
• Hand-feed kangaroos, hold a koala for a souvenir photo, and join a guided Army Duck tour through the rainforest and waterways aboard an amphibious WWII vehicle.
• Learn about Indigenous traditions through a live dance and storytelling performance by local Aboriginal performers.
• This immersive rainforest day trip is ideal for families and nature lovers wanting a deeper connection to the region’s culture and environment.

Day 1 - Kuranda & Rainforestation Adventure Park Tour

Your visit to Kuranda, the ‘village in the rainforest’ is a day filled with the exploration of this amazing World Heritage Rainforest.

You will catch the historic Kuranda train as it takes you 545 metres (1788 ft) above sea level over the stunning Barron Falls and the dramatic cliff edifices of the Barron Gorge.

You will be taken on a guided tour on an amphibious army duck vehicle through the rainforest and rivers.  You can have your photo taken cuddling a koala (optional extra), hand feed wallabies and come face to face with rare animals from this area and learn more about the Aboriginal Culture.

Return down the mountainside by Skyrail cable car as you glide like a bird over the stunning scenery below.

These great value tours will be two days of fun and enjoyment that you and your family will never forget.

Children won’t know they are learning through their fun experience and adults will also understand more about the beautiful world of Tropical Far North Queensland.

Kuranda Train, Kuranda Village, Rainforestation and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Your one day tour to Kuranda Village begins with your tour vehicle picking up from your Cairns or Northern Beaches accommodation at approximately between 7:00am and 7:40am (you will be given more precise timings when you book).

Historic Kuranda Train Scenic Railway

This has been heralded as one of the most unique rail journeys in the whole country and was recently voted by tourism bodies and visitors as one of the “Great Train Journeys of the World”. 

A stunning journey not only for the views, but as a feat of engineering as the railway winds its way from Cairns up to the heady heights of Kuranda known as the “village in the rainforest”. 

Rising gradually from sea level the railway climbs to the Tablelands plateau at 328m (1076ft).

Gaze out of your restored carriage window at the unravelling of some of the most beautiful scenery in the world as you look upon cascading waterfalls and the dramatic waterfall of the Barron Gorge.

Your Kuranda Train journey will be accompanied by commentary (in English) to enlighten you on the sights you are seeing and the history of this amazing railway.

Travelling up to this World Heritage Rainforest is like a visit back in time to the jungles of some prehistoric age.  Under its auspices it boasts 1200 different types of flowering plants, 800 rainforest trees, from ancient palms to strangler figs and 100’s of unique creatures whose only home in the world is this last envelope of land that remains from the oldest rainforest in the world.

Kuranda Village – ‘The Village in the Rainforest’

 “The Village in the Rainforest” (as known by locals) or Kuranda has been a tourist destination and a refuge for artists and artisans for over a century.  It was the Barron Falls that started to pull in the crowds and gradually this beautiful place became inhabited by people drawn to this unique environment. 

Nowadays it’s enjoyed equally by the locals and the visitors who come to explore its beauty.

Fuelled by such creative locals the Kuranda shops and the Kuranda markets here offer unique shopping opportunities, whether for a souvenir, something to wear, or just because it ‘took your fancy’ there is something everyone will love.

Today, Kuranda isn’t just about cooling off from the lowland’s tropical heat but is a real treat to visit somewhere so unique and memorable.

You will have time to soak up the markets and shops before meeting up to be taken to the highlight of this Cairns day tour.

Kuranda Rainforestation Nature Park

The Kuranda Rainforestation Nature Park isn’t just a park, it’s a whole Aboriginal cultural experience, Australian wildlife experience and of course an army duck ride thru the 100 acres in the World Heritage Rainforest that will provide you with amazing insights and enjoyment for the day.

Everyone in the family will enjoy the activities provided at Rainforestation Nature Park.

• Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience

It’s not difficult to be in Australia and realise the great cultural heritage that the country has.  The local Indigenous tribes date back 50,000 years, making this Aboriginal culture one of the oldest surviving cultures in the world. 

You will join the local Indigenous Pamagarri Guides to discover how ancient traditions and customs are still alive today in the oldest rainforest in the world in Kuranda.

This will include the amazing Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance Show and the whole experience will take about 1 hour.  You will also go on a Dreamtime Walk and learn how the ancient beliefs of yesterday still are relevant to their culture today.

• Army Duck Rainforest Tour

No, this isn’t about herding many ducks at one time, but it does include an amphibious vehicle called a Duck that was used in World War II. 

Each Army Duck holds up to 30 passengers and with an amazing 6 wheels, a rudder and propeller can access most places on and off the land.

A major engineering feat in its day!

Your Army Duck tour through the Kuranda rainforest lasts 45 amazing minutes as your tour guide and Duck Captain will commentate throughout your trip, pointing out the flora and fauna of this verdant and fertile jungle.

As you go through your Army Duck amphibious journey you will be told about the prehistoric ferns (as old as the dinosaurs), rare exotic orchids, and stinging trees (and why they are called it!).

You’ll be in the depths of the jungle driving under hanging strangler figs and through trunks of trees as tall as the Statue of Liberty.  Then you will slide into the water and like a duck to water you will glide off to explore the jungle creek.

As you venture on down the creek you might see eels and fish or even turtle or a sunbathing python.

You might even discover a new species!  Many scientists visit here to explore and find new species, some are found on an almost daily basis. 

Sir David Attenborough stated that this area of the world was one of his personal favourites.  The rainforest has more species of beetles and moths than all life forms put together that live on the Great Barrier Reef.

For a unique and memorable tour for the whole family, (commentary sheet with 17 languages available) everyone should be able to enjoy this fun rainforest tour.

• Koala and Local Wildlife

Whilst walking around, the design of the boardwalks give you a chance to get close with uninterrupted views of the indigenous local animals that are kept here. 

There is a wide collection of all the animals from the local vicinity that include wombats, wallabies, snakes, turtles, frogs, lizards, quolls and the rare 1.8m (6ft) high Cassowary Bird whose existence is as old as the rainforest itself and whose numbers today are only around 1200.

The kids, gran and you will even be able to get up close and actually touch, smell and stand beside a cuddly koala. What a great souvenir to take back – a photo (extra cost) of you all with the most iconic animal in Australia!

A real hit for the young ones (and the old ones too!) is to handfeed the kangaroos and wallabies you’ll make furry friends fast!

Next stop is the crocs – or referred to by some locals as ‘snappy handbags’. You can have your photo (extra cost) taken with them (they will have their mouths taped shut).

Despite having the strongest jaws in the animal kingdom and exerting a massing 3000 psi on downwards pressure there is little strength for upward pressure, so no need to worry that the tape won’t hold.

The star of the Crocs is the ginormous “Jack the Ripper” who weighs in at a mega 650 kg and with a length of 5m (17ft) and you certainly wouldn’t want to come up close to him at night. He has reportedly gained his name from eating 12 of his last girlfriends so even more reason to steer clear!

• Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout Walk

If you would like to know more about Aboriginal Culture you should try the new Bush Tucka Walk. The Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout Walk explains more thoroughly the Pamagirri Aboriginal culture. 

You will be guided through the Rainforest by a Pamagirri Aboriginal Guide who will teach you the use of plants and fruits for traditional remedies and food as well as sharing with you everyday life tools and other objects.

The Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout Walk starts at 1:00pm and goes for 30 minutes.

• Lunch

Lunch is included and will be available to you as a BBQ buffet lunch.

Skyrail – Gondola Ride Cableway

For your journey back you will be taken on the award winning Skyrail Rainforest Gondola Experience. This gondola cable car spans 7.5 kms over pristine rainforest and it really is a bird’s eye view over the jungle canopy.

You will glide in your cable car just metres above the rainforest canopy. As you get higher you will be transported in the pristine tropical rainforest and the amazing natural world around you. 

You will hear, smell and see the amazing world around you that has been like this for the last 200,000 years.

In the distance you will be able to see the shimmering aqua blue of the Coral Sea and the Great Barrier Reef.

This Skyrail tour has won many national and international awards and rightly so.

Along the way there are some viewing stations that you can pop out and have a look at and soak up the amazing ambiance and sights of this amazing place:

Barron Falls Station

It’s easy access to walk along the walkways that lead to the viewing gallery with stunning views of the Barron Falls at this first station. This gives you literally Royal Circle seats to prime viewing of the Baron Falls. 

If you happen to visit in Green Season from Dec-March then you won’t be disappointed with the sight of the Barron Falls looking like a fireman’s hose. Water literally explodes out of the gaps in the rocks and you can feel the refreshing water mist settle on your eyelashes and lips.

Red Peak Station

This station is set at 545m (1788 ft) and is set amongst the fronds of the pristine rainforest with a 175 (574ft) metre boardwalk extending out so you can walk and explore along the length.

As you walk along you are able to talk to the qualified Rangers that are on-hand to give you information and answer any questions on the rainforest and the interesting eco-system that you are experiencing.  

They will help to point out native flora and fauna and give an entertaining and fun experience.

The boardwalk has its own interpretive signage if you wish to walk on a self-guided walk then you can relax and absorb the rainforest at your own pace.

If you wish to upgrade to Diamond View see the information further below.

Once back at Skyrail base station you will be met by your tour transport and taken back to your holiday accommodation in Cairns or Northern Beaches.

Itinerary

• 8:00am - Accommodation pickup 
• 8:30am - Kuranda Scenic Train departure
• 10:25am - Arrive in Kuranda
• 11:00am - Australian Butterfly Sanctuary (optional extra)
• 11:45am - Shuttle Bus to Rainforestation
• 12:00noon - Arrive at Rainforestation
• 12:00noon to 3:45pm - Rainforestation Nature Park time: enjoy Lunch, Army Duck Tour, Pamagirri Aboriginal Cultural Experience, Koala & Wildlife and the optional Bush Tucka Walk (departs at 1:00pm for 30 minutes).

Please note 3:45pm is the latest time you can leave Rainforestation to catch the Skyrail Cableway, if you would like to spend some time in Kuranda Village itself you need to leave Rainforestation on an earlier shuttle and make your way to the Kuranda Skyrail terminal by 4:00pm.

• 4:00pm - Skyrail Rainforest Cableway departure
• 5:30pm - Arrive to Skyrail Rainforest Cableway terminal in Smithfield
• 5:45pm - Arrive back to your accommodation

Optional Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda Village

With the largest aviary in the country, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is worth a visit. 

Walk through as the colourful butterflies of all shapes and sizes fly freely around you. 

For a more interactive butterfly experience, be sure to wear bright colours, as you may be lucky enough to have one land on you. In the adjoining  museum, breeding laboratory, and UV room (some butterflies glow in the dark!) you’ll see over 4000 species of caterpillar, andlearn more about the various species.

Day 2 - Great Barrier Reef Tour - Floating Pontoon Moore Reef

From Cairns the outer reefs on Australia's Great Barrier Reef are an aquatic lovers paradise, with beautiful corals and an astonishing array of marine life.

There are so many ways for you to explore the reef on this great value Great Barrier Reef tour! Take advantage of the free snorkel equipment and hit the water. 

Even if it is your first time to visit Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef there are life guards on hand plus bouyancy vests to help you along if you are a non-swimmer. 

If you prefer to stay dry and not enjoy snorkeling dont worry, you have the choice of the semi-submersible submarine boat tour, glass bottom boat tour and underwater observatory available throughout the day. 

The friendly boat crew will even bring the sea creatures to you with the marine life touch tank on board.

This is the perfect Cairns and Great Barrier Reef trip for non-swimmers and those families with small children. 

This also happens to be the ONLY Great Barrier Reef tour with a spaghetti waterslide - a great day out for kids big & small.

Snorkel tour on the Outer Great Barrier Reef

The most classic way to explore the reef is to simply get your mask and fins on and go snorkeling!

Take your time to explore the Great Barrier Reef, swim above giant clams,sea cucumbers, sea anemones and perhaps venture to the edge of the bommie where you might be lucky enough to spot a reef shark. 

Entry into the water from the stable floating pontoon is easy with a bench at the lower level making it simple to get your gear on and go. 

The fish are so plentiful here that they will be swimming around your ankles as you get ready to get in! 

Keep your eyes peeled for the resident Moari Wrasse named Wally who is likely to come for a pat as you swim from the pontoon!

Wally is also a legendary photo bomber too so watch out!

Glass Bottom Boat Tour on the Great Barrrier Reef

View Australia's Great Barrier Reef from another perspective! 

As you cruise across the ocean you will have the chance to spot some of the fascinating reef creatures through the glass floor of the boat. 

With a skilled skipper in control, you’ll also receive an informative presentation about sea-turtle habits, manta-ray behavior, and the evolution of wonderful species that make up the world’s largest living organism.

Semi-Submersible Submarine Tour

You won’t even have to get wet on this voyage so this reef trip is perfect for non-swimmers! 

The incredible Great Barrier Reef is home to thousands of species and you will learn more via a captivating marine presentation as you take in the views from a divers perspective. 

With glass windows, you will  have a 270 degree view of the reef and marine life and the time to really soak in the views or getthat perfect photo. 

See huge boulder corals, hopefully a turtle, definitely anemones and the colourful Clown Fish within so make sure you do not miss the semi-submersible submarine tour.

Optional Interactive Snorkel Adventure

This Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns is a renowned domain of colourful marine life. 

If learning about this remarkable reef, while viewing the subjects up close is your thing, this is the Cairns reef trip for you! 

A friendly Marine Naturalist will lead your Snorkel Safari through the coral gardens and beyond the usual limits of the designated snorkel area.

With reef expertise, your guide will know how to spot, and interact with fascinating creatures.

Don’t be surprised to spot a sea-turtle on your tour or perhaps a black tip reef shark.

Optional Scuba Diving

The Moore Reef platform is an outstanding location to sample a first ever introductory dive.  

First you’ll learn some easy skills from a friendly and experienced instructor, who will then lead the way below.

For the up to 30 minutes, you’ll have the opportunity to get a close view of some of the famous features of the reef - Clown fish (Nemo) among anemone, Parrot fish, Damsels, Angel Fish and more.  

If you are already a Certified Diver, you too can add Moore Reef to your dive log.

Optional Helmet Diving

If you are not ready to try a scua dive, the Seawalker helmet diving experience could be perfect for you especially if you are a non-swimmer.

A friendly guide will suit you up with a helmet, and you won’t even have to get your hair wet as they assist every underwater step of the way!

You’ll see an multitude of aquatic life while walking along the boardwalk below, and specially placed fish treats will ensure the  Angels and Damsels are around you. 

A professional photographer will also be along to snap every moment.

Departs From

Cairns

Pickup Locations

• Cairns Northern Beaches
• Palm Cove

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Kuranda
• Rainforestation in Kuranda

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

Kuranda day: 9 hours approx.
Great Barrier Reef Day: 8 hours approx.

Available for Purchase / Hire

• 10 minute reef scenic flight
• introductory & Certified Diving
• Guided Snorkel Safari
• Seawalker Helmet Diving

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Restrictions

Scuba Diving – minimum age 12

IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS

Scuba Diving, Scuba Doo and Helmet Diving Restrictions

• Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving and helmet diving/scuba doo.
• Participation is subject to medical questionnaires completed on board with the tour operator.
• Minimum age for scuba diving and helmet diving/scuba doo is 12 years.
• Flying after scuba diving: a wait of 12 hours is recommended after one dive, 18 hour after 2 dives and at least 24 hours after multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

• Day 1 - Kuranda: combortable walking shoes, cash/credit card for extra purchases
• Day 2 - Great Barrier Reef: pack a day bag same as if you were ging to the beach. Including a jacket/jumper for the return trip

Child price applies to children age 4 to 14 Years. Children 3 & under travel free.