Cairns packs an entire holiday's worth of adventure into one tropical city, from crocodile encounters and rainforest railways to a splash of speed out on the water. Whether the family wants a gentle day exploring or a dose of adrenaline, here's where to start.
Cairns Aquarium Entry Tickets
The Cairns Aquarium Entry Tickets open the door to 11 ecosystems and over 16,000 aquatic animals, with daily shark and ray feeding shows and a touch tank the kids will love. Suitable for all ages, with a Family ticket available and wheelchair friendly access throughout.
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
The Hartley's Crocodile Adventures Half Day Tour brings the family face to face with saltwater crocodiles on a wetlands cruise, plus a snake show, cassowary and koala encounters. Child tickets apply for ages 4 to 14, with a Family ticket covering 2 adults and 2 kids and infants under 4 travelling free.
Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail
The Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway combines a heritage train journey with a cableway ride high above Barron Gorge and Barron Falls, finishing with time to explore the Kuranda Heritage Markets. Hotel pickup is included and children under 4 travel free.
Cairns Jet Boat Ride
For families chasing a bit more adrenaline, the Jet Boat Ride Cairns is a 35 minute high speed spin across Trinity Inlet with slides, spins and splashes included. A Family ticket covers 2 adults and 2 kids, with a minimum height requirement of 110 centimetres to participate.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best Cairns activities for families with young kids?
The Cairns Aquarium and Hartley's Crocodile Adventures are both great picks for younger kids, with touch tanks, feeding shows and infants under 4 travelling free at Hartley's.
Is there a height or age limit for the jet boat ride?
Yes, participants must be at least 110 centimetres tall to join the Cairns Jet Boat Ride, making it a better fit for primary school aged kids and up.
How long does the Kuranda Skyrail and Railway experience take?
Allow the best part of a day for the full Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail experience, including hotel pickup, the train journey, the cableway ride and time to explore the markets.
Will we see crocodiles at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures?
Yes, the wetlands cruise is the highlight, with saltwater crocodiles spotted in their natural habitat alongside a snake show and cassowary and koala encounters.
Is the Cairns Aquarium a good rainy day option?
Yes, the aquarium is fully indoors, making it an easy choice if the weather turns during your Cairns holiday.
Local tip: pair the Kuranda Skyrail and Railway with Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, both are on the same side of Cairns and make an easy combined day out.
All good days are waiting. Book your family's Cairns activity above, the Aquarium, Hartley's, Kuranda or a jet boat ride.