https://www.tourismtown.com/ The latest news from Tourism Town - The Tourism Marketplace - Find and book authentic experiences.. https://www.tourismtown.com/missionbeach/news/3226/ The newly reopened Dunk Island campgrounds are already drawing attention, with upgraded facilities, fresh glamping tents, and revitalised beachfront campsites positioning the island as one of North Queensland’s most promising getaways for 2026. Visitors can now enjoy improved amenities along with a licensed food and beverage outlet operated by the Dunk Island team, offering a relaxed spot for day visitors and campers to unwind by the water. Just a short ferry ride from Clump Point Marina, Dunk Island sits within the sparkling Coral Sea, surrounded by rainforest walking trails, golden beaches, and sheltered snorkelling spots. Mission Beach Tours provides daily ferry transfers, connecting travellers from Mission Beach to this iconic tropical escape. Whether guests choose to settle into a glamping tent, pitch a campsite beneath the stars, or simply spend the day exploring the island, Dunk Island continues to deliver a classic Queensland experience with a refreshed, modern feel. https://www.tourismtown.com/cairns/news/3225/ 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. https://www.tourismtown.com/cairns/news/3224/ 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. https://www.tourismtown.com/missionbeach/news/3223/ Dunk Island Ferry is putting adventure at the heart of tropical island escapes with its popular Get Dunked half day tour, operated by local Mission Beach outfit Wildside Adventures. Running as an exclusive small group of just ten, guests board the rigid inflatable Tornado for a thrilling hot lap around Dunk Island before exploring hidden gems including the famous Pirates Cave and the tranquil Granite Hole. Local guides share their insider knowledge of the island throughout the journey. Guests can snorkel, relax beneath shady palms at Coconut Bay, and enjoy light snacks and drinks included in the tour. Complimentary hotel pick-ups from Mission Beach make the experience seamless. Rated 4.7 out of 5, Get Dunked has earned a devoted following among visitors seeking something beyond the ordinary. Tours depart from Clump Point boat ramp. https://www.tourismtown.com/cairns/news/3222/ 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. https://www.tourismtown.com/portdouglas/news/3221/ Port Douglas Reef Tours is welcoming the approach of the dry season, one of the most spectacular times of year to explore the Great Barrier Reef. From May to November, visitors enjoy clearer skies, calmer seas and lower humidity, creating ideal conditions for snorkelling and diving at some of the reef's most pristine outer sites. Tours depart daily from the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina to world-class locations including Agincourt Reef, Opal Reef and the Low Isles. Adding to the excitement, humpback whales are expected from June through September, with passengers often spotting these majestic giants from the vessel. Silversonic and Poseidon hold special permits allowing guests to swim with dwarf minke whales if encountered. With tours ranging from sailing catamarans to high-speed reef vessels, portdouglasreef.tours has something extraordinary for every style of adventurer this season. https://www.tourismtown.com/cairns/news/3220/ 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. https://www.tourismtown.com/cairns/news/3219/ 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! https://www.tourismtown.com/cairns/news/3218/ 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. https://www.tourismtown.com/cairns/news/3217/ 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. https://www.tourismtown.com/cairns/news/3216/ 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.  https://www.tourismtown.com/portdouglas/news/3215/ Port Douglas Tours is putting the spotlight on one of the region's most loved sailing experiences, the Wavedancer Low Island Day Tour, departing daily at 10am from Crystalbrook Marina. Just one hour offshore, Low Island is a tranquil coral cay where guests can snorkel crystal-clear lagoons, join a glass bottom boat tour, and enjoy a freshly prepared buffet lunch right on the island. With calm, sheltered waters suitable for all ages and abilities, this tour is a favourite for families, couples, and solo explorers. Snorkelling gear is included, making it easy to discover the reef's vibrant marine life up close. As the dry season approaches, Far North Queensland enjoys warm sunny days and brilliant blue skies, making it an ideal time to plan a visit. Explore the full range of tours and packages and discover why this region captivates so many. https://www.tourismtown.com/cairns/news/3214/ 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.  https://www.tourismtown.com/portdouglas/news/3213/ Travellers heading out on reef tours from Port Douglas will see a new fuel surcharge introduced from 1 April 2026 on selected Quicksilver Group experiences. The surcharge follows ongoing increases in fuel prices across Australia, which the company says are continuing to impact marine operators. Quicksilver Group said cruise prices are set well in advance, making it difficult to absorb the full rise in operating costs. For new bookings made from 30 March 2026 for travel from 1 April 2026, the surcharge will be payable at check-in on the day of travel. Existing bookings for travel during April will not be charged. The surcharge for Quicksilver Outer Reef, Silversonic Dive & Snorkel and Poseidon Outer Reef will be $10 for adults and $5 for children aged 4 to 14. For Wavedancer Low Isles, the surcharge will be $4 for adults and $2 for children. The surcharge is charged per person and does not apply to infants aged 0 to 3. https://www.tourismtown.com/cairns/news/3212/ Quicksilver Group will introduce a fuel surcharge on selected Cairns reef tours from 1 April 2026, as fuel prices continue to climb across Australia. The company said the marine industry is facing major cost pressure, with fuel expenses increasing by more than 100 per cent. With cruise fares published months ahead of travel, Quicksilver said the additional charge has become necessary. The surcharge applies to new bookings from 30 March 2026 for travel from 1 April 2026, and will be collected at check-in. Existing bookings for travel in April will be honoured without any extra fuel charge. For Cairns departures, Great Adventures Green Island and Ocean Spirit Michaelmas Cay will attract a surcharge of $4 for adults and $2 for children. Great Adventures Outer Reef, Great Adventures Green Island & Outer Reef, and Silverswift Dive & Snorkel will be $10 for adults and $5 for children. Pro Dive Cairns will have a surcharge of $25 per person per liveaboard trip component. The surcharge does not apply to infants aged 0 to 3. https://www.tourismtown.com/cairns/news/3211/ Cairns Reef Tours is shining a spotlight on one of the most popular ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef, the Reef Magic Pontoon experience, consistently rated 4.9 stars by guests. Departing Cairns at 9am, the Reef Magic catamaran delivers visitors to a spectacular floating platform moored at the outer reef. Guests enjoy five full hours to explore at their own pace, with snorkelling gear, a glass bottom boat tour, a semi-submersible ride, and an underwater observatory all included. A highlight for many is the onboard Marine Biologist presentation, where experts bring the reef wonders to life with engaging commentary. A delicious buffet lunch is also part of the package. With Starlink wifi on board, guests can share their reef moments in real time. Cairns Reef Tours offers this unforgettable adventure, with family pricing available. Bookings can be made instantly on the Reef Magic page.