Heads up for those planning a trip on the Kuranda Scenic Railway! Scheduled maintenance will see services suspended for a few days this year.

Mark your calendars—there will be no trains running on Wednesday 11, Thursday 12, and Friday 13 June 2025.

Looking further ahead, services will also be paused on Wednesday 19, Thursday 20, and Friday 21 November 2025.

Kuranda Scenic Railway doesn’t operate on Christmas Day.

Plan accordingly so you don’t miss out on your Kuranda Scenic Rail adventure!

The Fitzroy Island Flyer now offers same-day, last-minute bookings—perfect for a quick tropical escape.

Hop aboard the comfy, air-conditioned catamaran and enjoy a smooth 45-minute cruise from Cairns straight to the calm, turquoise waters of Welcome Bay. With room for 190 passengers, the Fitzroy Flyer gets you to paradise fast and in comfort.

 

Heads up for those planning a trip to the tropics—Kuranda Scenic Rail will be taking a short break for essential track maintenance from May 26 to May 30, 2025 inclusive. That means no train services will run on these dates.

If you're heading to Kuranda during that week, consider alternate travel options like the Return Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or Skyrail & Coach option. The Kuranda Scenic Rail will be back on track from May 31, ready to roll through the rainforest once again.

The Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise is back on the water this Saturday, 24 May, looking sleeker than ever! Fresh from a refit, the vessel now boasts a chic new design and stylish outdoor furniture—perfect for soaking up those waterfront views in total comfort.

Whether you're after a romantic evening or a fun night with friends, it’s the ideal way to see Cairns from a whole new perspective.

And here’s something new—Live Music Sundays! This Sunday, 25 May, local talent Amber Farnan will be performing live onboard. So grab a drink, settle in, and let the music and the waves take you away.

Sunlover Reef Cruises is turning up the tropical vibes with a tasty new addition to their Fitzroy Island day trips. Starting Friday, 2 May 2025, guests who book the Picnic Lunch Special and travel before the end of July will score a complimentary cold picnic lunch—perfect for a relaxed island escape.

The individually packed picnic boxes come loaded with goodies like a ham and cheddar whole wrap with corn relish mayo, chicken nibbles, potato salad, carrot sticks, and a tropical fruit salad. There's even a homemade fruit muffin with butter cream to top it off.

But the fun doesn’t stop there—this Fitzroy special also includes snorkel gear (fins, mask, and lycra suit) and a glass-bottom boat tour, all bundled up in one easy, breezy island adventure.

Ready to escape to Fitzroy Island with a lunchbox in hand? Book now with Sunlover and enjoy this limited-time treat!

Douglas Shire Council has locked in the new Daintree River Ferry fees for 2025/2026, effective from 1 July 2025. The updated fare schedule includes small increases across most categories to support ferry operations and maintenance.

From July, return fares will be:

• Standard vehicles & 6–10 seat buses: $51


• Buses (11–20 seats): $83


• Buses (21+ seats): $145


• Cars with caravans/trailers: $70


• Machinery: $32

These rates replace the current fares, which stay in place until 30 June 2025. The change reflects a modest $2–$6 increase across vehicle types.

Travellers planning to cross the Daintree should factor in the new pricing when scheduling trips post-June. For full details, the updated fee schedule is available through Douglas Shire Council.

Looking for a breezy afternoon thrill in the tropics? Cairns Adventure Group is operating daily Half Day River Tubing tours on the Mulgrave River starting 8 May, running through the entire month!

This chilled-out adventure is perfect for anyone after a half-day of fun and scenery – no experience needed, just a sense of adventure. The tour includes about two hours of river drifting and small rapids, set against a lush rainforest backdrop. Departures run daily from 1:30pm to 6:00pm, with free transfers from Cairns and Northern Beaches.

It’s a great family-friendly option too – kids as young as five can join in, and safety is top-notch with certified guides and ongoing rescue training.

Book now and travel before July 2025 to enjoy a complimentary buffet lunch at Fitzroy Island!

This special package by Sunlover includes everything you need for a perfect island getaway: snorkel gear (fins, mask, and lycra suit), a glass-bottom boat tour, and a delicious buffet lunch at Zephyrs Restaurant.

Buffet Lunch at Zephyrs Restaurant

Indulge in a mouth-watering buffet lunch at Zephyrs Restaurant, located at Fitzroy Island Resort. With sweeping views of Welcome Bay, you’ll dine in a relaxed, tropical setting. The menu features a variety of hot dishes, fresh salads, charcuterie, and prawns—something to suit every palate.

Please ensure you arrive during the scheduled dining time, as your reservation will be noted and our friendly staff will be ready to welcome you.

Menus are updated daily and include Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Vegan options to cater to all dietary preferences.

Enjoy your meal surrounded by serene bay views and the calming sounds of the ocean—an ideal way to enhance your Fitzroy Island experience.

Get ready for an unforgettable cultural journey with the revamped Daintree Dreaming Tour, launching April 1, 2025! This exciting new itinerary combines an Aboriginal Coastal Adventure with Art & Culture, all in one action-packed day.

Travel in comfort on a luxury coach with a small group, guided by a knowledgeable local. Your adventure starts with an authentic coastal experience led by a Kubirri Warra clan member. Explore the ancestral fishing grounds, try your hand at traditional spear fishing, and learn about bush medicines and native foods.

Next, immerse yourself in the lush beauty of Mossman Gorge. Wander through the World Heritage rainforest on elevated boardwalks, guided by stories of the land. Enjoy a delicious bush-flavoured lunch at Mayi Café with views of the tropical forest.

The day wraps up with a creative flourish at Janbal Gallery, where renowned Aboriginal artist Brian ‘Binna’ Swindley shares the storytelling power of his art. Get hands-on and create your own canvas to take home!

Operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, this tour includes transfers from Cairns, Palm Cove, and Port Douglas. Book now and experience the spirit of the Daintree like never before!

Babinda Quarters, a unique guesthouse in Babinda, has recently been featured on My Way, Channel 9’s popular travel and lifestyle show. The feature highlighted owner Kim Marsden's dedication to preserving her late mother’s legacy by transforming the historic nursing quarters into a vibrant, welcoming retreat.

Kim's journey began with her mother’s vision: turning the derelict building into a guesthouse that honors its Art Deco roots while offering modern comforts. After a thoughtful three-year restoration, Kim has continued this dream, infusing the space with artistic flair and personal touches. As an artist, she has adorned the rooms with works from local talents, creating a colorful, quirky atmosphere that guests love.

Today, Babinda Quarters is a beloved destination for visitors seeking a blend of history, creativity, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re drawn by the building's heritage or the contemporary, artistic ambiance, this guesthouse promises an unforgettable stay.

Please note upcoming maintenance closures for Kuranda Scenic Railway services:

• Monday 26, Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28, Thursday 29, Friday 30 May 2025


• Wednesday 11, Thursday 12, Friday 13 June 2025


• Wednesday 19, Thursday 20, Friday 21 November 2025

Kuranda Scenic Railway will not operate on Christmas Day.

Cairns Adventure Group is shouting out to all locals with a brand-new promo that’s too good to miss!

From 1 April to 30 June 2025, locals can enjoy 30% off a huge range of adrenaline-filled and laid-back experiences—just use the promo code LOCAL30 and show your local ID at check-in.

Craving whitewater thrills? Get wet and wild with Barron River Rafting or tackle the legendary Tully River – both offering grade 3–4 rapids, stunning rainforest backdrops, and expert guides. Prefer a gentler splash? Float through lush jungle streams with Rainforest River Tubing, perfect for families and first-timers.

For something a little drier (but just as fun), hop on a self-drive boat hire or take the wheel of a BBQ pontoon along Trinity Inlet – no license needed! Or blast off on the Bad Fishy Jet Boat for 35 minutes of spins, speed and sea spray.

Finish the day cruising with a Trinity Inlet Sunset or Daytime Cruise, soaking in the sights and sounds of mangroves, crocs, and Cairns’ natural beauty.

All tours run daily and spots fill fast – so locals, now’s your chance to explore your own backyard!

Due to the impact of continued heavy rainfall in the area, and the forecast of more to come over the next few days, advice has been received that the Kuranda Range will remain in RED status and now closed to and including Tuesday 11 February 2025. As a result, the following Kuranda Scenic Railway (KSR) services have been cancelled:

All services from Saturday 08 February up to and including Tuesday 11 February 2025 

• 0830hrs ex Cairns to Kuranda


• 0930hrs ex Cairns to Kuranda


• 1400hrs ex Kuranda to Cairns


• 1530hrs ex Kuranda to Cairns

Sunlover Moore Reef Tour – Free Drink or Ice Cream On Board!

Make your Great Barrier Reef adventure even sweeter with Sunlover’s Moore Reef Full Day Tour! Book your trip for travel between 1 April 2025 and 30 June 2025 and enjoy a FREE drink or ice cream while cruising.

How to Claim Your Treat:

• Book the Moore Reef Full Day Tour


• Add “Free Ice Cream” in the booking notes


• Redeem your treat on board—simple as that!

Whether you’re cooling off after snorkeling vibrant coral gardens or just kicking back on deck, this refreshing bonus is the perfect cherry on top of your reef adventure.

Don’t miss out—book now and treat yourself to the ultimate reef experience!

Get ready for double the adventure with Sunlover Reef Cruises! Book the Reef & Island Package for travel between 1 March 2025 and 30 June 2025, and you’ll score FREE tickets to the spectacular Reef Eye Ferris Wheel on Cairns Esplanade.

How to Redeem:

Book the Reef & Island Package

Write “Free Reef Eye Tickets” in the booking notes

Show your Sunlover ticket at the Ferris Wheel—easy!

Reef Eye Cairns:

35m high for stunning 360° views of Cairns

Fully enclosed gondolas—safe, stylish, and perfect for all weather

Open 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily

Soak in breathtaking reef views by day and city lights by night. Book your Reef & Island Package now and enjoy the best of sea and sky!

Escape to Fitzroy Island with Sunlover – Free Lunch Package for travel before July 2025.

Ready for a tropical getaway? Sunlover’s Fitzroy Island Day Trip departs daily from Cairns Marina, offering over six hours of island bliss just a 45-minute cruise away on a modern, air-conditioned catamaran.

Special Deal: Free Buffet Lunch at Zephyrs Restaurant!

Book your trip before July 2025 and enjoy a FREE buffet lunch at Zephyrs Restaurant, overlooking the stunning Welcome Bay. Feast on hot dishes, fresh salads, charcuterie, and prawns—plus gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options to suit every taste.

What’s Included:

• Return catamaran transfers


• Snorkel gear (fins, mask, lycra suit)


• Self-guided rainforest walks


• Glass bottom boat tour


• Free buffet lunch at Zephyrs

Spend your day snorkeling vibrant coral reefs, hiking scenic trails, or simply relaxing by the crystal-clear waters.

Daily Schedule:

7:30 AM: Check-in opens

10:00 AM: Depart Cairns

10:45 AM: Arrive at Fitzroy Island

5:00 PM: Depart Fitzroy Island

5:45 PM: Return to Cairns

Book now and make the most of your island adventure with lunch on us!

Dive into the Ultimate Great Barrier Reef Adventure with Pure Snorkelling

Pure Snorkelling is here to transform your Great Barrier Reef experience! Launching in mid-December 2024, this brand-new, locally built vessel combines speed, comfort, and exclusivity for an unforgettable adventure.

With just an hour’s travel time, Pure Snorkelling’s half-day afternoon tours maximize your time in the water, taking you to one of 15 stunning reef sites, including Briggs, Sudbury, Moore, and Thetford reefs. Exclusive mooring rights ensure an intimate and uncrowded experience.

Run by local operators, Alan and Perry, this tour offers small groups, personal attention, and top-of-the-line snorkel gear for your underwater exploration. Departing Cairns at 12:30 PM and returning by 5:30 PM, it’s perfect for travelers looking to pack more into their day.

Tickets are $199 for adults and $159 for kids.

Until mid-December, Foaming Fury is running weekend morning Barron Rafting tours from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Please note: No pickups from Northern Beaches or Port Douglas for morning sessions.

Weekday afternoon tours remain available—book your adventure now!

Due to scheduled maintenance, the Fitzroy Flyer will operate with a reduced schedule from November 20 to November 28. Please note that the 11:00 AM service from Cairns and the 12:15 PM from Fitzroy Island are paused during this period.

Looking for a shorter visit? Fitzroy Island Adventures offers a fantastic half-day option: https://tourism.town/Fitzroy-Island-Adventures-Ferry

From November 20 to November 28, the Fitzroy Flyer will operate on a limited schedule due to maintenance. The 11:00 AM departure from Cairns and the 12:15 PM from Fitzroy Island will be temporarily unavailable.

For those looking for a shorter visit, Fitzroy Island Adventures offers a great half-day alternative. You can check out their tour options and book here: https://tourism.town/Fitzroy-Island-Adventures