Tours & Attractions
Top Tour Picks
Our top ten tours come directly from recommendations of our tour desk staff.
With years of local knowledge, our staff can help make the difference between a good holiday and a great one.
For all enquiries, further information or bookings please contact our tour desk on (07) 4057 8299 or reservations@marlincove.com.au
Kuranda - Scenic Train + Skyrail Cableway
Nestled in mountaintop rainforest splendour just to the west of Cairns, Kuranda has been enchanting visitors for years. Accessible by train, cableway or road, the charming Village in the Rainforest' presents a bevy of tropical delights.
From the traditional appeal of the famous Kuranda Markets to the cool sophistication of roadside cafs and restaurants, Kuranda has something to suit everybody.
Soar above the rainforest canopy in your Skyrail Gondola, be initiated into the ancient world of the Tjapukai Aboriginal people, or go back in time on the historic Kuranda Railway.
Step into the colour and excitement of the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Birdworld, be smitten by the Koala's in Koala Gardens, meander through local art galleries and Aboriginal Artefacts, or simply savour a locally made tropical fruit ice cream.
Approximate Price Range for Marlin Cove Recommended Tours: $110.00 - $132.00 per person
Great Barrier Reef - Reef Experience
Reef Experience is our most highly recommended tour to do during your stay in Cairns. The Great Barrier Reef is a fantastic sightseeing opportunity, and Reef Experience are the number one company to travel with.
Included in your day trip with them are:
- 6 hours on the reef at two spectacular Outer Reef locations
- A guided snorkel, introductory dive or certified dive
- Glass bottom boat tour and commentary
- Freshly prepared BBQ Breakfast on your journey to the reef
- Smorgasbord hot and cold lunch
- Morning tea and coffee
- Wine & Cheese / Fruit Platter on return
- All equipment and wetsuit hire
- Limited numbers to enjoy personalized service
- Bus transfers available
- All reef levies and charges included in price
Approximate Price Range for Marlin Cove Recommended Tours: $165.00 per adult
The Daintree Rainforest
Discover the Daintree River region - where the rainforest meets the reef at World Heritage listed Cape Tribulation.
Situated just north of Cairns and Port Douglas, the Daintree River region boasts some of the most spectacular Wet Tropics rainforest accessible to visitors. Here you will find the last vestiges of the ancient rainforest of the Daintree, where primitive plants and animals and an indigenous culture still thrive.Journey into the heart of Cape Tribulation onboard one of Down Under Tours' luxury coaches and 4WD vehicles for a truly unforgettable rainforest experience. Our expert driver/guides will impart a wealth of fascinating insights and informative local commentary on the region.Cape Tribulation tours provide an array of cultural and ecological experiences including a Daintree River Cruise, a rainforest boardwalk, a visit to Cape Tribulation Beach, Lunch in a sumptuous rainforest retreat, a glimpse into the Mossman Gorge and an enlightening visit to the Daintree Environment Centre.
Approximate Price Range for Marlin Cove Recommended Tours: $155.00 - $167.00 per person
Green island
A visit to the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most popular things to do in Cairns. Green Island is the perfect Great Barrier Reef tour where you have the option of a half day or full day cruise so you can snorkel, dive and swim in the clear island waters, view the spectacular reef on a coral viewing tour, explore Green Island National Park or just relax on the sandy beach. Green Island is a coral cay and is readily identified from the air by its emerald rainforest surrounded by white sandy beaches and beautiful coral reefs.Cruise to Green Island with a range of tours from Cairns departing at 9am, 11am and 1pm daily and enjoy this tropical island paradise in Queensland’s sunshine state.
Approximate Price Range for Marlin Cove Recommended Tours: $77.00 - $115.00 per person
Tubing - Aussie Drifterz
Aussie Drifterz Tubing Tour through the Behana Gorge south of Cairns is an experience like no other. Tube through natural tree tunnels, freshwater snorkel, make natural face paints, swim or just relax - this tour has something to suit everybody.A unique, family friendly activity, Aussie Drifterz Tubing Tours are suitable for adults and children alike. The calm water and small rapids provide an enjoyable, safe alternative to white water rafting.
Approximate Price Range for Marlin Cove Recommended tours: $59.00 per adult
Hot Air Ballooning
Let Raging Thunder introduce you to the safe and exciting sport of ballooning, in a spectacular dawn trip. As the sun rises our pilots gently lift off and quietly glide the balloons over the panorama of the Atherton tablelands located just behind Cairns.Make the most of your dawn Hot Air Ballooning adventure with two half hour flights (or a single hour long flight depending on passenger numbers).
Because our balloons are gently carried along by the wind, every flight is different. We have over a hundred different take off and landing sites around the Mareeba Valley, with your launch site being chosen on the morning by our Chief Pilot based on wind direction.
On completion of your Balloon flight, we will travel to the Mareeba Heritage Centre for a comfort stop and opportunity to view your in-flight photo's. An optional light breakfast will be available for purchase before returning to Cairns.
Approximate Price Range for Marlin Cove Recommended Tours: $225.00 - $325.00 per person
White Water rafting
The beautiful Barron Gorge National Park is only 20 minutes from the centre of Cairns. The Barron River half day tour is a fantastic introduction to White Water Rafting. It's fun, exciting and exhilarating for all the family. Let our guides entertain you on this spectacular river! Half day rafting with Foaming Fury - Departs daily Only 20 minutes from Cairns & Northern Beaches. Offering guaranteed water levels year round; no experience is necessary to raft these rapids.Minimum age is 12 years.
Approximate Price Range for Marlin Cove Recommended Tours: $129.00 - $149.00 per person
Tjapukai aboriginal cultural park
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park enables guests to immerse themselves in Aboriginal culture with authentic music, dance and storytelling by the Tjapukai people. The world’s oldest living culture is brought to life by Aboriginal performers who engage guests with interactive activities such as didgeridoo playing, face painting and boomerang throwing and educate them about the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef’s traditional rainforest people. Exciting audiovisual effects and professionally choreographed shows ensure the genuine cultural experience is entertaining.Founded more than 20 years ago, Tjapukai is Australia’s largest Indigenous cultural park and is in the Guinness Book of Records as Australia’s longest running stage show. The Cultural Park has been built on traditional Tjapukai land in a beautiful rainforest setting to highlight the environment enjoyed by the Indigenous people of the Cairns Wet Tropics rainforest.
Approximate Price Range for Marlin Cove Recommended Tours: $99.00 - $119.00 per person
Paronella Park
Step back in time and be amazed by the ingenuity and determination shown by one man with a dream. Paronella Park today is a celebration of the Paronella family's achievements, particularly those of it's founder, José Paronella.On arrival, our guests are taken through the many highlights of the Park on a 45 minute storytelling tour. This tour sets the scene for the rest of your visit.Paronella Park has something for everyone. Fantastic photo opportunities, remarkable architecture, an incredible story, 5ha of tropical gardens, a fully restored and operational 1930's hydro electric generator, wildlife and fish feeding, a boutique caravan and camping grounds, a café with fresh local produce and much more.You arrive not knowing what to expect and depart with memories you will cherish forever.
Approximate Price Range for Marlin Cove Recommended Tours: $36.00 per person
Cairns Tropical Zoo
Welcome to your ultimate wildlife adventure - Cairns Tropical Zoo.This award winning attraction is, simply, the most outstanding wildlife experience in the Cairns’ region. Nowhere else in tropical Australia will you find the diversity of wildlife that is available at this wonderful oasis, situated just 20 minutes from the CBD. Since 1980, the Zoo has been delighting visitors of all ages from Australia and around the world.As you meander through the Zoo’s award winning tropical gardens, discover fascinating and rare animals both from Australia and other regions of the world such as Nepalese Red Pandas and Ring-tailed Lemurs. We believe that by educating our visitors about wildlife, and providing opportunities to have ‘up close’ experiences with them, they will leave with a greater understanding of why conservation is so important for the future. You can cuddle a koala, feed a kangaroo, see giant crocodiles and enjoy great wildlife presentations and tours. There’s so much to see and do at our Zoo.
Approximate Price Range for Marlin Cove Recommended Tours: $33.00 per person
Hartley's Crocodile Park
Located just 40 minutes north of Cairns and 25 minutes south of Port Douglas, Hartley's Crocodile Adventures is simply the best place to see crocodiles and local wildlife in Tropical North Queensland. With over 2100 metres of timber boardwalks and pathways leading you on a journey of discovery through woodlands and rainforest where you can see an array of wildlife, including beautiful tropical birds, reptiles, insects and other native fauna.Enjoy our entertaining and educational wildlife presentations including snakes, cassowaries, koalas, crocodiles, quolls and much more. Take a boat cruise on Hartley's Lagoon to see crocodiles and other wildlife on our melaleuca wetland and learn about sustainable use and conservation on our Crocodile Farm Tour.
Approximate Price Range for Marlin Cove Recommended Tours: $33.00 - 80.00 per person
Wait-A-While Rainforest Wildlife Spotting
Visit the scenic Atherton Tablelands, rich in bio diversity, an area that features a range of habitats including lush tropical rainforest and volcanic crater lakes. Enjoy a Devonshire Tea at the world renowned, Lake Barrine Tea House. During our adventure by day we may see the Musky Rat Kangaroo, Boyd's Forest Dragon, a selection of rainforest birds, butterflies and Flying Foxes. At dusk we venture to our private viewing area by the river to search for Platypus, one of the most unique mammals on earth.After dinner at a local country restaurant, our night time spotlighting adventure begins. As we walk under the night stars, and into the World Heritage Rainforest, we may be lucky enough to spot Lumholtz's Tree Kangaroo, Lemuroid, Green and Herbert River Ringtail Possums, gliders, frogs, owls and more (most are endemic to the region). Every night is full of discoveries. Later, we reflect on what we have seen, and return home with an increased appreciation of Australian Wildlife and the World Heritage Rainforest's of North Queensland.
Approximate Price Range for Marlin Cove Recommended Tours: $190.00 - $265.00 per person