Best Adventurous Things to Do in Cairns
THE 10 BEST Adventurous Things to Do in Cairns
Best Adventurous Things to Do in Cairns
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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River Rafting & Tubing • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
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What travellers are saying
- brennyGosford, Australia127 contributionsA great day out. Andrew was fabulous with his knowledge. Lunch was delicious. Included ice cream with a sample of all the fruit flavours. Unfortunately, due to the roadworks, we didn't do the Bloomfield Track part, which was why we chose this particular tour . However, this was out of the company's hands. The only issue we had was that the sound system on the bus was not very clear. Unless the bus was stopped, we could not understand half of what was being said, missing a lot of the information that was being given.Written 4 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Claire n Andrew ADarwin, Australia266 contributionsWe visited here on our trip to Cairns. It is easy to find, with plenty of signs and sealed roads.
It is a bit of a walk to get to the falls - 700metres. Quite steep on the way up, obviously better on the way back as its more downhill. So be prepared if your fitness is not so great. The pathway is smooth, but steep and long.
The walk to the falls is beautiful, through the rainforest, totally surrounded by it.
Steep-ish metal steps down to the main bottom rock hole and falls with the natural rock slide.
Navigating into the water is something you need to be careful with - not a lot of flat, good standing ground. Lots of round slippery rocks. Crawl over them if you have to!
Just be aware and pick the best way in for you.
This time of the year, the water was very fresh and cold, but was lovely once you're in it. Strong current coming from the waterfall, a bit better when youre out in the middles, crossing over to climb up to the rock slide.
If you are a weak swimmer, be extra careful as the current is quite fast and if your balance and mobility isn't so great maybe give the swimming a miss here.
Again, can be a bit challenging get out of the water to climb onto this to get to the rock slide, so be careful and do within your limitations.
Easy to go down the rock slide, a bit of a bump at the end, but well worth it.
It was fairly busy when we were there, however you aren't on top of people and there is still plenty of room for everyone.
You can just soak in the water if you don't want to do the slide.
Well worth a visit. Even if you just want to look and not go in the water.Written 19 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Sue SInvercargill, New Zealand84 contributionsA unique experience. We went out to the outer reef and experienced snorkeling and the submersible. The staff were very helpful because we are seniors and neither of us had one snorkeling before. The fish life is amazing.Written 14 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- FionaMary764Ireland84 contributionsNice swimming spots, and the waterfall is pretty. However, it's a long uphill walk with few views, and there are loads of big black biting flies. Also saw snakes crossing the path, so it's probably good to be noisyWritten 8 November 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Gaia V3 contributionsI had the best time ever. The crew is extremely knowledgeable and fun! They made the experience exceptional. I did my first intro to diving and although I was nervous,, they made me feel at ease..The yacht is very big but they don’t fill it out at full capacity so that there’s plenty of space to relax without it feeling overcrowded.Written 23 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Stijn F2 contributionsI had such a great time on this tour! We did a lot of stuff, like swimming at waterfalls, feeding wallabies, kanooing at night etc. and I felt like it was the right amount of activities for 2 days, it didnt feel crammed together or anything. Also, the food was always very good and the overnight stay was also very neat and clean. Our tour guide Frankie was an absolute boss which made the tour even better. Thanks Uncle Brians for an amazing 2 days!Written 6 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lachlan MQueenstown, New Zealand297 contributionsVisited with a G Adventures tour. From start to finish this experience was exceptional. Staff incredibly knowledgable and helpful. Planned to snorkel, but decided to scuba at both stops instead - the briefing, kitting up and scuba experience for a first timer was incredible. Cannot thank the Dre enough for their insight and sharing the reef with us - thank you!Written 11 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- David G1 contributionExcellent day out on the water. Staff were super friendly, provided good equipment and fed us well (even good selection of gluten free and vegetarian options).
Bang on timings and the glass bottom boat was a great connection point.Written 23 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Emma C11 contributionsMy husband and I have just returned from our trip of a lifetime to Australia, and it’s always been my dream to dive the Great Barrier Reef -after 15 years away from diving and my husband a newly qualified open water diver, we were both a little apprehensive. We were booked in for 5 guided dives over 2 days and staying 1 night on the live-aboard Ocean Quest… and I have to say we were so very very impressed!!
Everyone at Divers Den have been fantastic.
We had lots of support and quick responses to any questions we had when planning our trip from the UK.
My husband had his birthday when we were away so waking up to sunrise from our double cabin over the great barrier reef really was a very special moment!
We were surprised with complimentary berry topped birthday pancakes and a banner in our cabin on the day also, which was such a really lovely treat!!
We also completed sharks in the dark experience which was amazing! (Don’t be afraid just do this is you can -very cool! )
-special thanks to:
Nia- our lovely dive instructor/ guide from the first boat Sea Quest before transferring to Ocean Quest for the night.
Such a fun, supportive and reassuring lady, ready to help with kitting up, calming my husbands first time nerves and being really patient, & helping us spot lots of cool wildlife!!
Diago- our dive instructor/guide on Ocean Quest, again was a super relaxed, fun, supportive instructor, had lots of recommendations for us and was more than happy to help us capture some nice video / pictures of us with our go pro. Full of helpful advice for future diving adventures.
Miki- our ‘boat mummy’ - such a lovely lady running the house on Ocean Quest, so organised, super helpful and kind. -thank you for making Scott’s birthday so special.
We saw so much stunning life around Turtle bay, Norman & Saxon reef.
From grey reef sharks, barracuda, lion fish, parrot fish, giant Queensland groupers, clown fish, cone snail, blue spotted rays and even blessed with a gorgeous green sea turtle on our final dive!
The whole trip from beginning to end was so well organised and we loved every minute.
🪸🐠🤿🐠🪸
If you’re considering booking go for it!!
You’ll feel safe, supported, looked after, well fed and leave with wonderful memories the Great Barrier Reef has to offer!!
Thanks again to everyone that made our trip so very special.
Much love
Emma & Scott - UKWritten 29 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Kenny O2 contributionsexcellent , once in a lifetime , thank you, Boat , crew , skipper , food , all 100% , dive for beginners - safe , thank you jan and crew and kidsWritten 11 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- lamChop21Lone Tree, CO4 contributionsHad a fantastic time! There was no better way to have your first dive done at the GBR.
It’s a smaller group which is what we wanted. Tim was our dive instructor, he was very patient and informative. Highly recommended these guys if you want to have a well run ops! Thank you for a memorable time .Written 27 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ari1 contributionI had an amazing experience getting my dive license with Pro Dive Cairns! Kevin, my instructor, was fantastic—he taught us all the essential skills while keeping the atmosphere fun and engaging. The entire team was professional and focused on safety, giving me confidence underwater. I can't recommend Pro Dive Cairns enough for anyone looking to dive in stunning locations!Written 10 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Bruce W2 contributionsAbsolutely stunning views of the reef. This experience is unforgettable and highly recommended. Photos do not do this justiceWritten 29 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- John LSwansea, UK5 contributionsWe had an absolute blast on this trip. We've done a fair amount of adventurous things in our time and a bit of rafting and packrafting before so we didn't want some lame touristy experience that was all sanitised. We had a fantastic day with Julian guiding our boat down the river with aplomb and a good laugh. Well worth the drive down from Cairns and the perfect thing to do on the one rainy day of our holiday!Written 26 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lynden SBrisbane Region, Australia96 contributionsWe had an awesome day out at Moores Reef. We chose this one as we preferred to snorkel from a pontoon.
Thankfully we had amazing sunny warm weather, although the water was still a little cool (we’re Queenslanders !?) even with thick stinger suits on. The coral & the fish are just beautiful. Some snorkelers even saw a reef shark (harmless).
The whole day ran smoothly as far as getting snorkelling gear & stinger suits, going on the semi submarine & glass bottom boat. There’s even a water slide for the big & little kids. We had a delicious boxed lunch (no buffet atm - that ‘C’ thing) & the staff were friendly & helpful. The underwater observatory is fabulous too especially after about 2.00pm as the fish know they’ll be fed from the pontoon near that area about 3.00pm.
Numbers were restricted, obviously due to the ‘C’ thing, however I think that made the day even better, with more room to move about on the ship, on the pontoon & in the water.Written 11 October 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
