Things to do in Cairns with Kids

Cairns is a travel destination for tourists and the region has so much to offer when it comes to natural wonders. Cairns is considered the front door to the Great Barrier Reef and the region has one of the oldest rainforests in the world. The number of tours available in the area are endless, and with this variety of tour options there are also many activities available for families with kids.

We, from Tourism Cairns have put together a list of tours and activities perfect for the whole family departing Cairns and Port Douglas regions.

Great Barrier Reef Pontoon

You can't come to Cairns without visiting the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef on the coast of Queensland is the largest living thing on Earth, and even visible from outer space. The 2,300km long ecosystem comprises thousands of reefs and hundreds of islands made of over 600 types of hard and soft coral.

If you are travelling with kids and are not too sure if you should take them to the reef, you should have a re-think because there is nothing to worry about. There are several reef tours suitable for families with small children.

Have a look at the pontoon options. A pontoon is a floating platform located in the middle of the reef. The platform is quite stable and offers comfort and great facilities for their guests. There are tables, chairs, toilets, showers, change rooms, sunchairs for sunbathing, lockers and even a swimming pool for the kids.

Visitors travel on a big air-conditioned catamarans and spend the day on pontoons where they can either sit, relax and enjoy the ocean view or participate in the many activities available throughout the day. Some of the activities are: Snorkelling, Glass Bottom Boat tours, Semi-Submersible tours, Underwater Observatories, Guided Snorkelling Safaris, Scuba Diving, Sea-Walker Helmet Diving, Sea-Bob Underwater Scooters, Scenic Helicopter Flights etc. Some of these activities are included in the main price but some cost extra.

Island Tours

Islands tours are also a great option for families with kids. The travelling time is short and once you're on the island, families have more flexibility to do what they wish.

A beautiful and popular island located only 45 minutes from Cairns by boat is Fitzroy Island. Fitzroy Island offers many activities for kids making it a perfect day for families. Some of the activities are: Ocean Trampoline, Glass Bottom Boat tours, Paddles Skis, Stand up Paddle Boarding, Snorkelling, Guided Kayaking Tours etc.

Snorkelling around the island is quite easy, the reef is located just off the beach, which is close to shore so snorkellers slowly get in to the water and snorkel. Ideal for children or anyone not confident in the water.

Kuranda Train & Skyrail

Kuranda is also a great tour to do with the whole family. Visitors usually go up to Kuranda by Train and come back on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. On both ways you get to see the beautiful Kuranda rainforest, considered one of the oldest rainforests on the world.

The train travels around Cairns mountains and the views passengers get along the way are quite stunning including a close encounter with the Barron Gorge falls. The Skyrail travels on top of the rainforest and some gondolas have glass floors so passengers get this extra view of the beautiful Kuranda rainforest.

A Kuranda tour can easily be combined with another activity such as the Rainforestation Park, Hartley's Crocodile Park or Tjapukai Indigenous Park. They are all great for kids and it will make your day even more exciting.

Horse Riding

Horse Riding is a popular activity for families, the farm environment and the direct contact with animals are usually something that attracts kids.

Horse Riding in Cairns has that “something extra” for the fact that the ride is done in the famous Cairns rainforest and usually the Tour Operator take riders into creeks making the whole riding experience quite exciting and adventurous.

Horse riding tours usually go for about 2 hours and it can be done in the morning or afternoon meaing families have the rest of the day to organise another activity or relax and go shopping in the many souvenir shops around Cairns CBD.

Bumper Tube Ride

The Bumper Tube is a great activity to do in the hot and humid weather of Cairns. The Bumper Tube departs from the Cairns marina and is done in the Trinity Inlet so you also get great views of the Cairns city.

The Bumper Tube can fit 4 people together so everyone in the family can participate in. It is a fun, exciting and budget sport so there is no excuse not to do it.