First time in Cairns

Discover the Best of Cairns: A Perfect First-Time Itinerary

Cairns is a tropical paradise and the gateway to some of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, our recommended itinerary will ensure you experience the very best this vibrant region has to offer.

Accommodation: The Reef House, Palm Cove
For your stay, we’ve selected The Reef House in Palm Cove, a luxury boutique hotel known for its laid-back elegance, beachfront location, and exceptional service. With its colonial-style architecture, tranquil day spa, and award-winning restaurant, it’s the perfect base for your Cairns adventure. If you prefer to stay closer to the city, Cairns also offers a variety of excellent accommodations to suit every style and budget.

 The Great Barrier Reef For a Day

Great Barrier Reef Tours

Welcome to Sunlover Reef Cruises, your premier destination for extraordinary Great Barrier Reef tours. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, family traveller, experienced diver or on your first trip to the Great Barrier Reef, our expert team will deliver a unique reef tour experience for you.

Immerse yourself in the marvels of Moore Reef with Sunlover’s Great Barrier Reef day trip. With a wide range of inclusive activities and exclusive access to our custom-designed outer reef pontoon, visitors of all ages and skill levels can explore and delight in the wonders of this extraordinary natural wonder. Moore Reef offers crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral gardens, abundant marine life, and friendly resident turtles and Maori wrasse, creating the ultimate destination to experience the magnificence of the outer reef.

Choose your preferred way to discover the reef, whether snorkelling in the natural lagoon or stay dry with our semi-submersible and glass bottom boat tours. Explore the fascinating underwater world at our underwater observatory, where you can marvel at the most impressive natural fish tank and engage with marine life during our captivating fish feeding presentation. Younger guests can enjoy fun-filled moments in our enclosed ocean pool or experience the thrill of swirling down Sunlover’s 30-metre spiral waterslide into the tropical ocean. A trained lifeguard is always on watch from an elevated lifeguard station, and there’s easy entry to the water from two snorkel platforms, both of which are accessible by stairs. Calypso Reef Imagery is on board all day to capture your favourite reef memories, both on board and underwater. All photos are available for purchase during your trip home – no waiting for photos to develop; the photos are sent straight to your phone!

For those who want even more adventure, you can add to your experience a guided-snorkel tour, Seawalker helmet dive, introductory and certified SCUBA dives or take to the sky for a scenic helicopter flight.

Images taken by Sunlover 14 August 2024

Fitzroy Island Day Tours
Fitzroy Island, a favourite for Cairns locals, is a tropical paradise just a short ride away. Maximize your day by selecting the perfect package below. With exclusive tours and experiences available only through Sunlover Reef Cruises, we have tailored our offerings to meet your every need.

Fitzroy Island, nestled in the Great Barrier Reef near Cairns, epitomises tropical paradise with its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. Sunlover’s “Best of Island” package offers a comprehensive experience showcasing the island’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Guests can start their journey with convenient return boat transfers, ensuring a hassle-free arrival and departure. The package includes a sumptuous premium buffet lunch at Zephyrs, the renowned restaurant at Fitzroy Island Resort, where diners can savour delicious meals amidst stunning ocean views.

For those eager to explore underwater wonders, the package includes a Glass Bottom Boat tour, providing a mesmerizing glimpse into the colourful marine ecosystem without getting wet. Adventurers can further immerse themselves in the reef’s splendour with complimentary snorkelling equipment, including masks, fins, snorkels, buoyancy vests, and lycra suits.

Whether relaxing on the island’s sandy shores or embarking on aquatic adventures, Sunlover’s package ensures that every guest experiences the best of Fitzroy Island’s natural treasures and hospitality, making it an unforgettable tropical getaway.

Awesome optional extras (Turtle Talk, Nature Walk, Rainforest Walk and Kayak Tours) are available to add on at an additional cost.

Cape Tribulation Daintree Day Touring 

Mossman Gorge
Visit the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre for morning tea before boarding your shuttle for the transfer into Mossman Gorge. Your driver/guide will take you for a guided walk, sharing their knowledge of this enchanting rainforest environment. Learn about the fascinating secrets of one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests.

Daintree River Cruise
On this one hour cruise reach an understanding of this wildlife environment; habitat of birds, tree snakes, unique plants and of course the estuarine crocodile.

Tropical Lunch
Enjoy a tasty tropical Lunch in the rainforest at Heritage Lodge overlooking the crystal clear waters of Cooper Creek.

Cape Tribulation
Walk on this world-renowned rainforest beach and admire the coastline and fringing coral reef from the Kulki Lookout.

Daintree Ice Cream Company
Enjoy an afternoon refreshment at the Daintree Ice Cream Company. Included is a delicious cup of exotic fruit ice cream, made from fruit grown on their on-site orchard. Gluten / Dairy free options are available.

Alexandra Lookout
After winding through the rainforest of the Alexandra Range, enjoy this spectacular lookout over the Daintree River estuary, Snapper Island and beyond to the Coral Sea.

Experience Kuranda

Have you ever wanted to explore one of the world’s oldest rainforest? Kuranda tours with Tropic Wings are the best way to get up and personal with the Kuranda rainforest and the animals which live in it.

We offer daily Kuranda tours, allowing you to explore the picturesque tropical rainforest nestled among the peaks of the Great Dividing Range. With only 25km to travel from Cairns, Tropic Wings Tours are one of the best ways to access this World Heritage Listed area.

Grand Kuranda

The ultimate day of adventure to Kuranda, located in World Heritage Rainforest. On your Kuranda day tour you will visit to the delightful Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Australia’s largest butterfly free flight aviary with 1200 free flying local rainforest butterflies. Explore the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park where you can take a tour on a historic World War II Army Duck, as well feed a kangaroo and meet a Cassowary in the Koala & Wildlife Park. Take part in the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, which includes boomerang and spear throwing and traditional Aboriginal dances. You will also enjoy the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway as part of your transfers.

Tour Highlights
Return transfers to and from hotel accommodation
100% Electric Coach*
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Entry to Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience
Entry to Award Winning Rainforestation Nature Park
Aussie BBQ Lunch
Koala & Wildlife Park
Army Duck Rainforest Tour

Classic Kuranda

An amazing full day experience to Kuranda, located in World Heritage Rainforest. Your Kuranda experience includes a visit to the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park, where you can take an educational tour on a historic World War II Army Duck, as well as hand feed a kangaroo and meet a Cassowary in the immersive Koala & Wildlife Park. Take part in the authentic Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience which incorporates boomerang and spear throwing and traditional Aboriginal dances. Ride the world’s most beautiful railway journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and soar over the rainforest canopy on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway as part of your transfers.

Tour Highlights
Return transfers to and from hotel accommodation
100% Electric Coach*
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Free time in Kuranda Village
Entry to Award Winning Rainforestation Nature Park
Aussie BBQ Lunch
Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience
Koala & Wildlife Park
Army Duck Rainforest Tour
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

 The Reef House Palm Cove

Our House
The Reef House Adults Retreat is a North Queensland treasure providing the opportunity to relax and revive for over 47 years.
At The Reef House, our goal is to deliver an exceptional experience to every individual through friendly ‘our house’ service and attention to detail. Our luxury accommodation options are at the heart of this philosophy, covering a broad range of rooms, suites and apartments suiting couples, singles or small groups of every size and interest.

Whether you’re here to relax with your partner on a beautiful honeymoon or are looking to getaway to a tropical destination with friends, we’ve got a 5 star accommodation option to suit you.

The Reef House is designed as an adults-only escape for rest and relaxation for guests aged 16 years and over.

Seven Days at the Reef House

Cairns Dinner Cruise
A Spirit of Cairns dinner cruise is the perfect way to end a perfect day in paradise. Board our sailing catamaran and enjoy an evening of calm water cruising on Trinity Inlet, taking in the sights and sounds of this tropical port city and its surrounds as they transition to night.

We’ll welcome you on board with a refreshing pre-dinner drink. With your glass charged, stroll the interior or exterior decks and admire the view as the sky, filled with thousands of sparkling stars. Your journey takes you deep into the heart of Trinity Inlet and across the waterfront precinct of Cairns, from the Cruise Liner Terminal to the Esplanade.

The water is calm, the weather mild and the night is yours to enjoy. Inside our air-conditioned dining room, sit down to a sumptuous buffet meal with a wide range of hot and cold dishes, fresh seafood, and delicious local produce.

Our luxurious Spirit of Cairns sailing catamaran is fully licensed, selling a range of beverages to compliment your meal and enhance your evening.

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 The Best Of Kuranda

Cape Tribulation and Daintree