Cairns is the only place on earth where two World Heritage areas meet, the Great Barrier Reef and the world's oldest rainforest. These combos let you experience both, without trying to cram them into one rushed day.
Not properly in a single day, the reef is out to sea and the rainforest is inland or up the coast, in opposite directions from Cairns. The trick locals use is a combo: a full day on the outer Great Barrier Reef, and a separate full day in the rainforest (the Daintree, Cape Tribulation, or the Kuranda rainforest village). You get the best of each, and the packages cost less than booking the two day tours on their own.
We've reviewed the region's reef and rainforest tours and picked the four combos below, from a $380 two-day reef-and-Kuranda trip to a four-day adventure that adds rafting and waterfalls. Each links to a full review with the exact itinerary, inclusions and prices. You book through GuestTours and we confirm everything with the operators.
Reef days paired with the Daintree, Cape Tribulation or Kuranda. Tap a card for the full review & booking.
A full day on the outer Great Barrier Reef, and a full day in the Daintree & Cape Tribulation. Both World Heritage areas, one booking.
The reef, the Daintree and Kuranda by rail & Skyrail, spread across three unhurried days.
The outer reef, then the rainforest village of Kuranda by Scenic Railway & Skyrail cableway.
Reef, Tully River rafting, the Atherton waterfalls and the Daintree, four full adventure days.
The Reef & Rainforest 2-Day is the classic pairing: the outer reef on the Evolution superyacht, and a Daintree & Cape Tribulation 4WD day with a crocodile river cruise. Best if you want both World Heritage areas and nothing more.
The Reef & Kuranda 2-Day swaps the Daintree for Kuranda, reached by the Scenic Railway and Skyrail cableway. It's the best-value pairing and a favourite with first-timers.
The 3-Day Reef, Rainforest & Skyrail adds Kuranda to the reef-and-Daintree combo, while the 4-Day Cairns Explorer piles on Tully River rafting and the Atherton waterfalls (18+).
We live in Cairns and we book these tours every week. These are the guides we send guests before they choose.
Every day trip compared, and the order to do them in.
Read the guide → PlanningHow Many Days in Cairns?Four is the minimum, five is the sweet spot.
Read the guide → How toHow to Visit the DaintreeWhat is free, what it costs, tour or self-drive.
Read the guide → CostsWhat a Reef Tour CostsHalf-day to premium, and where the extras hide.
Read the guide →