Australia · WILDLIFE TOURS IN CAIRNS
Good wildlife tours in Cairns fill up weeks ahead; the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Cruise the Daintree River on a quiet solar boat, spotting crocodiles, birds, frogs, snakes, and fish with an expert local guide.
“Great experience travelling with family. Guide was well informed and toured the boat with good humour!”
Cruise the Daintree River for crocodiles, birds, local stories, and rainforest views, with drinks included for a great-value hour in Far North Queensland.
“A beautiful experience getting to see the best of the river, learning the history and sighting beautiful birds, and crocodiles.. seeing some baby crocodiles and the kingfishers was a highlight”
Cruise Port Douglas mangroves and Dickson Inlet, spot wild crocodiles, hear lively local stories, and enjoy a drink and snack for $34.
“Guide was knowledgeable and staff were super friendly. Saw four crocs!!”
Review of the Daintree River wildlife cruise near Port Douglas, with crocodiles, snakes, birds, guide quality, timing, value, and booking tips.
“Very educational cruise! Guide explained the river and ecosystem and heaps more. We saw a few crocodiles which was awesome.”
See platypus, tree kangaroos, possums, frogs, and more on a small-group rainforest tour from Cairns by day and night.
“Great afternoon and evening. Paul was very well informed and we learnt heaps.”
Review of a Daintree tour from Port Douglas with a waterfall swim, gourmet lunch, small-group hiking, and a solar-powered crocodile cruise.
“Allister was wonderful and very knowledgeable about the rainforest. We had an amazing hike to a secluded waterfall for a swim. Pick-up time was spot on and the pace of the day was just right.”
Review of Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld, with koalas, kangaroos, rare animals and free-flying birds near Cairns.
“Very disappointed. Encouraged to book online then unable to book koala experience because already sold out. Very small area.”
See koalas, quokkas, wallabies, wombats, reptiles, and rare nocturnal marsupials at Kuranda Koala Gardens for $15.78.
“This was so much fun. The exhibits were very well done. Everything was well looked after and clean. Even the kangaroos were moving about. The nocturnal animals were a nice surprise. I was happy to pay extra to be able to get my picture taken with one of the koalas.”
See wild crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise, then walk and swim at Mossman Gorge on this useful five-hour Port Douglas tour.
“Our Guide was wonderful and so knowledgeable and informative. Highly recommend”
Review of Cairns Koalas & Creatures at the Pier, with wildlife exhibits, Australian habitats, koala encounters, pricing, tips, and practical details.
“Nice exhibits. Lots of information regarding the biodiversity of this region, really informative video regarding the geologic evolution of Australia and the rest of the world. Highlight of our visit was being able to hold a koala. For the welfare of the koalas, they only allow you a few seconds to hold the koala. Just as an FYI, there is an extra charge to hold the koala.”
See koalas, reefs, rainforest, mangroves, and outback habitats in central Cairns, with entry and a souvenir koala photo included.
“Ganz furchtbar. Die Werbebilder haben nichts mit der Realität vor Ort zu tun. Wirkt wie ein winziger Zoo in einem Kaufhaus. Kaum mehr als zwei, drei winzige Aquarien, zwei Terrarien mit eingepferchten Vögeln und Schlangen, und dazu die - ja, sicherlich sehr süßen - Koalas abgesperrt in einem Mini-Bereich. Besser in ein echtes, weitläufiges Sanctuary im Freien gehen, von denen es etliche wirklich sehr schöne gibt in Australien, etwa in Brisbane.”
Ride Kuranda Scenic Railway, glide over rainforest by Skyrail, and meet crocodiles at Hartley’s on this full-day Cairns tour.
“Trip was lovely! Didnt have a ton of time to explore Kuranda (the city), but the train and gondola were peaceful and enjoyable. The highlight was definitely Hartley’s! We visited in the summer (February) so there were very very few people at the park, which made it easy to walk around and see everything we wanted to. The boat tour was awesome and the crocodile attack show was very unique! Felt like we had enough time here. Our driver (Rick?) was fantastic, told awesome stories during the drives and was very clear with the instructions for each part of the day.”
Review of Cairns’ Kuranda tour with Rainforestation, Army Duck, wildlife, Aboriginal culture, practical tips, value, and drawbacks.
“We loved seeing, petting, and feeding the many kangaroos who were hopping around the facility. Also loved the koalas, and the opportunity to hold one, and have a photo taken with him. The boomerang throw was a highlight, as well as the spear throwing, and the Aborigine dancing and music!”
Explore the Daintree from Port Douglas with a crocodile cruise, rainforest walk, Mossman Gorge swim, guide, and hotel transfers.
“from the bus driver to the boat operator the tour was fantastic. Informative about the regions on the way and on the way back to the cruise. The cruise driver was great, informative and laid back. Saw a large male crocodiles, a female and some babies. Well worth doing.”
Swim inches from 4.5-meter crocodiles at Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat, then explore five Australian wildlife habitats with a five-day re-entry pass.
Reef days, coast roads, wine country and the red centre.
