Work is officially underway on the new Green Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, following a ceremonial ground-breaking at Green Island Resort in April.

Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell joined Quicksilver Group Managing Director Tony Baker, Member for Barron River and Assistant Tourism Minister Bree James, and Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre Co-Founder Jennie Gilbert to turn the first sods of soil.

The new centre will expand the work of the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, providing world-class care for sick and injured turtles on the Great Barrier Reef.

Built on land provided by the Quicksilver Group, the facility will include dedicated turtle tanks and offer small-group educational talks for visitors. The Queensland Government has contributed $600,000 towards the purpose-built centre.

Tony Baker said Quicksilver Group was proud to support the project and help give injured turtles a second chance, while also protecting the marine life that makes the Great Barrier Reef so special.

Located on Green Island, the centre is expected to open in early 2027.

Reef Unlimited has announced the return of Cairns Whale Watching Tours for the 2026 season, operating from 15 July to 6 September 2026.

As Cairns’ only dedicated whale watching tour, the experience gives guests the chance to see majestic Humpback Whales during their seasonal migration along the Great Barrier Reef, combined with free time on beautiful Fitzroy Island.

Tours depart Cairns at 8:30am or 10:45am aboard Reef Unlimited’s newest vessel, Aquarius II. The journey to Fitzroy Island takes around 45 minutes, followed by a 90-minute whale watching cruise led by a qualified Marine Biologist.

Guests will also enjoy up to 2.5 hours of free time on Fitzroy Island, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, walking, or relaxing on the beach. Optional extras such as snorkel hire, picnic lunch, and glass bottom boat tours can be pre-booked or arranged on the day, subject to availability.

Please note, the glass bottom boat option is only available with the 8:30am departure.

Reef Magic has announced its newest vessel, Reef Magic IV, a purpose-built 32-metre catamaran set to launch in December 2027.

The $10 million project has received co-investment from the Queensland Government through the Tourism Icons Investment Fund, marking a major milestone for tourism in Tropical North Queensland.

Designed to complement the recently built Reef Magic Pontoon, Reef Magic IV will focus on guest comfort, accessibility, sustainability and premium reef experiences. Guests can look forward to a dedicated VIP area supporting Reef Opulence and Reef Indulgence products, full wheelchair access, an inter-deck lift, and world-class AV with multi-language audio translation.

The vessel will also feature low-emission technology and biofuel capability, helping reduce its footprint on the Great Barrier Reef. First Nations cultural interpretation will continue through the Reef Insight Program, recognising the Traditional Custodians of this Sea Country.

Construction begins in Queensland this month. Reef Magic and all Reef Unlimited products will continue operating daily, with no disruption to current bookings.

Nestled within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Fitzroy Island is home to one of Far North Queensland's most heartwarming attractions: the Fitzroy Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

Located just 45 minutes by ferry from Cairns, the centre cares for injured and unwell sea turtles, nursing them back to health before releasing them into the wild. Guided tours run daily at 1pm, giving visitors an up-close look at these gentle marine creatures and the dedicated work carried out on their behalf.

The centre welcomes day visitors and resort guests alike, offering a deeply meaningful experience alongside the island's snorkelling, rainforest walks, and coral beaches. Fitzroy Island Cairns offers multiple daily ferry departures with instant online booking available.

Check availability and book here.

Cairns is one of Australia's most beloved cruise destinations, and the dry season makes it the perfect time to explore its iconic Reef and Rainforest.

Cairns Cruise Tours has curated shore excursions perfectly timed to fit ship schedules, from reef snorkelling adventures to scenic Kuranda railway journeys through ancient rainforest canopy.

Highlights include the Barron Falls, Wetlands, Lunch and Skyrail package, combining guided walks at Cattana Wetlands, Barron Falls lookouts, a farm lunch at Skybury, and a glide above the treetops on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

With the Cruise Liner Terminal situated right in the city centre, passengers can easily access a world of tropical adventure, with professional operators ensuring every excursion fits the ship's schedule.

Thrill-seekers visiting Far North Queensland have a world-class adventure waiting just two hours south of Cairns. The Tully River is widely regarded as the best white water rafting experience in Australia, offering an unforgettable full-day journey through the spectacular Tully Gorge National Park.

White Water Rafting Cairns takes guests through more than 27 grade 3 and 4 rapids, all set against a breathtaking World Heritage-listed rainforest backdrop. Highly trained river guides with decades of experience lead each raft, sharing the history and natural wonders of this magnificent landscape that few visitors ever get to see.

The tour operates on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with hotel transfers available from Cairns and Mission Beach. No experience is necessary, making it ideal for adventurous travellers of all backgrounds.

Check availability and book here.

Green Island stands out as one of the only places in the world where ancient rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef meet in a single destination, and Green Island Ferry makes it easy to experience both in one day.

The island's boardwalk trail winds 1.3 kilometres through 6,000-year-old rainforest, and has been recognised as one of Queensland's top bushwalks. Interpretive eco guides are available in six languages, adding an educational layer to the leisurely stroll.

Green Island Ferry departs Cairns three times daily from the Reef Fleet Terminal, with the crossing taking just 45 minutes on a modern, air-conditioned catamaran.

Check availability and book here.

Green Island Cairns offers more than just a day trip. Visitors are discovering the magic of staying overnight at Green Island Resort, the only accommodation on this remarkable 6,000-year-old coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The resort has earned Advanced Ecotourism Certification, recognising its commitment to preserving the island's lush rainforest and vibrant reef ecosystems. Guests stay in elegant Island or Reef Suites, nestled beneath a rainforest canopy alive with 126 indigenous plant species and abundant birdlife.

As day visitors depart, overnight guests enjoy the island in peaceful solitude. Sunrise walks through the national park forest, snorkelling among sea turtles, and stargazing above the reef are just some of the after-hours highlights.

Located just 27km from Cairns, Green Island Cairns makes an unforgettable tropical retreat. Check availability and book here.

Visitors to Tropical North Queensland seeking a touch of luxury can elevate their rainforest adventure with the Gold Class carriage on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, bookable through Kuranda Train & Skyrail.

Available on select morning and afternoon departures, the Gold Class offering treats guests to lounge-style seating, a dedicated host, and quality refreshments including sparkling wine, beer, mocktails, tea, coffee and appetisers throughout the scenic journey.

The beautifully appointed carriages feature timber-look flooring, cedar interiors and historical photographs, adding charm to the 90-minute journey through World Heritage-listed rainforest, past stunning waterfalls and into the spectacular Barron Gorge.

Guests also receive a Kuranda Scenic Railway gift pack including a railway badge, pen and postcard, a memorable keepsake of the day.

Gold Class packages combining the luxury railway with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, plus return hotel transfers from Cairns, are available for a completely seamless day out.

Check availability and book here.

Did you know the Daintree Rainforest is over 135 million years old, making it the oldest rainforest on Earth? Stretching across 1,200 square kilometres in Tropical North Queensland, this World Heritage listed wilderness is home to species found nowhere else on the planet.

Of the 19 primitive flowering plant families on Earth, 12 are found here. The forest shelters cassowaries, tree kangaroos, and the brilliant Ulysses Butterfly, with its vivid iridescent blue wings.

Visitors to Daintree Rainforest can explore this ancient world through river cruises, guided walks, cultural tours, and night walks to spot nocturnal creatures. Expert local guides bring the forest to life with fascinating stories of ecology and Indigenous heritage.

A destination that truly stays with you. Check availability and book here.

With June just weeks away, Cairns Reef Tours is gearing up for one of the most breathtaking seasons on the Great Barrier Reef. Each year between June and September, humpback whales migrate through the warm waters off Cairns, treating lucky visitors to spectacular breaches, tail slaps and glimpses of nursing calves.

The Great Barrier Reef is also one of the only places on Earth where guests can snorkel alongside dwarf minke whales, a rare and intimate encounter available during June and July.

Reef tours departing from Cairns offer the best chance of crossing paths with these gentle giants, while also exploring vibrant coral gardens and rich marine life. Multiple operators include whale watching highlights during this peak season, and availability fills quickly.

Families, wildlife lovers and first-time reef visitors alike count the humpback season among the most memorable experiences the reef has to offer. With the season almost here, now is the perfect time to plan a visit. Check availability and book here.

Travellers seeking an unforgettable reef adventure close to Cairns are discovering Fitzroy Island Cairns as the perfect tropical escape. Just 45 minutes by ferry, this pristine national park island sits within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, offering a fringing reef teeming with tropical fish and coral life.

One of the most celebrated experiences is the Guided Snorkel Safari, earning a near-perfect 4.9 star rating from guests. Expert guides lead small groups to exclusive bay sites around the island, making it suitable for all experience levels, from first-timers to seasoned snorkellers.

For those who prefer dry feet, five scenic walking trails wind through lush tropical rainforest, from the gentle Secret Garden track to the rewarding Summit Trail with sweeping Coral Sea views.

Fitzroy Island Cairns offers day trips departing daily from Cairns, with multiple modern ferry options, flexible departure times, and easy instant online booking available.

Some tour operators are temporarily adding a fuel surcharge to new bookings as rising fuel prices continue to impact operating costs. For customers, this means some tours may now have a small extra fee added on top of the usual ticket price. In most cases, the surcharge only applies to new bookings, while existing bookings may either stay unchanged or be contacted directly if an extra payment is needed before travel.

The amount can vary depending on the tour and operator, and it may be collected at the time of booking, before departure, or on the day of travel. Customers can usually expect these charges to be clearly outlined during the booking process or in confirmation details.

These surcharges are being reviewed regularly and may change or be removed once fuel prices settle. The best advice for travellers is to check the latest pricing before booking and keep an eye out for any pre-travel updates from their tour operator.

Cairns cruise passengers have even more to look forward to on their next port call, with the iconic Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise returning to the water following a stylish refit.

The vessel now features a chic new design and updated outdoor furniture, offering guests a sophisticated way to experience Cairns from the water. Whether it is a romantic evening or a fun night out with friends, the Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise delivers unforgettable waterfront views in total comfort.

Adding to the excitement, Live Music Sundays have been introduced, with local artists performing onboard. It is the perfect way to wind down after a day of reef and rainforest adventures.

For cruise passengers seeking the ultimate Cairns experience, Cairns Cruise Tours offers a curated selection of shore excursions, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Visit cairnscruise.tours to plan the perfect day ashore.

Adventurers heading to Cairns this Easter are in for a treat, with White Water Rafting Cairns announcing special morning departures on the Barron River from 4 to 18 April.

Thanks to extra rainfall boosting water levels, the Barron's rapids are roaring and ready for action. Morning tours offer two hours of exhilarating Grade 2 to 3 rapids through the stunning Barron Gorge, just 20 minutes from the city.

The timing couldn't be better for school holiday adventurers. Suitable for ages 12 and over, the experience winds through World Heritage listed rainforest with highly trained guides leading every step of the way.

White Water Rafting Cairns provides all safety gear and no prior experience is needed. Book Now Pay Later is available, making it easy to lock in this unforgettable Easter morning adventure.

Thanks to the extra rainfall, Barron River Rafting is now running morning departures from 4 to 18 April. The rapids are roaring, making it the ultimate school holiday adventure!

Just 27 kilometres offshore from Cairns, Green Island is one of the Great Barrier Reef's most treasured destinations, and Green Island Ferry makes reaching it a breeze.

Departing the Reef Fleet Terminal three times daily, the service offers modern, air-conditioned catamarans that complete the scenic crossing in just 45 minutes. Visitors can choose from a full day of island exploration, a relaxed afternoon escape, or an action-packed combo tour that takes in both Green Island and an outer reef pontoon.

Tour packages are designed to suit every traveller. Snorkelling enthusiasts can wade into the crystal-clear shallows from gentle, family-friendly beaches, while those who prefer to stay dry can enjoy a guided glass bottom boat tour over the surrounding coral reef.

The island's famous boardwalk trail winds through 6,000-year-old rainforest, offering a peaceful contrast to the reef activities. With flexible departure and return times available, Green Island Ferry ensures every visit is perfectly tailored to the traveller.

The Daintree is set to welcome visitors back in full, with the Daintree River Ferry reopening to the public from Thursday 2 April.

Douglas Shire Council has confirmed the ferry will return to normal operating hours, running from 5:00am to midnight, with full passenger service back in place. The reopening comes at a perfect time for local businesses, residents and holidaymakers ahead of the busy Easter and school holiday period.

With access restored, the whole destination is once again open and ready for visitors to explore. Conditions across the region are continuing to improve, sunshine is back, and tourism experiences are operating as normal.

It’s a positive step for the region and a welcome boost for operators as the Daintree gets back to business.

Visitors to Cairns are discovering one of Australia's most remarkable natural wonders, a tropical coral island blanketed in rainforest just 45 minutes offshore.

Green Island Cairns sits within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is the only coral cay on the entire reef covered in lush rainforest. Over 6,000 years old, the 12-hectare island is home to 126 native plant species and a vibrant array of birdlife.

New cultural experiences are adding to the magic. The Wunyami Cultural Walking Tour, led by Gunggandji and Yidinji Traditional Owners, brings the island's ancient stories to life. The 100% indigenous-owned tour explores traditional plant knowledge, fire lighting and the ancestral history behind the island's original name, meaning "Place of Spirits."

Marine biologist-led reef talks and guided snorkel tours are also available daily, making Green Island Cairns a truly unforgettable day out. 

A brand new way to explore the Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest is coming to Tropical North Queensland this August, as Kuranda Train & Skyrail introduces a special Kuranda to Barron Falls Loop experience. Running from 19 August to 25 October 2026, the loop operates five days a week, Wednesday to Sunday, offering guests an intimate one-hour journey between Kuranda Terminal and the spectacular Barron Falls. The experience features ranger-guided tours exploring rainforest ecology, Indigenous heritage and pioneering history, alongside interpretive displays at the Rainforest Interpretation Centre and breathtaking views from The Edge Lookout, perched high above the gorge. Guests can also enjoy the Skyrail Audio Guide App, sharing ancient Djabuganydji stories and the history of one of Queensland's earliest hydro-electric schemes. It is a rare chance to experience this ancient landscape in an intimate, guided setting.