https://www.tourismtown.com/ The latest news from Tourism Town - The Tourism Marketplace - Find and book authentic experiences.. https://www.tourismtown.com/portdouglas/news/3265/ Whale season has arrived on the Great Barrier Reef, bringing an extra thrill for visitors heading out from Port Douglas. Along with humpback sightings, curious dwarf minke whales have been spotted around the Agincourt Reefs, with some putting on a playful show of breaching and cruising through the reef. Quicksilver’s Reef Biosearch Manager Heather Platt said dwarf minkes are usually found in southern oceans, but the Great Barrier Reef is the only known place where they reliably gather each year. This makes the Cairns and Port Douglas region one of the best places for a possible encounter with these inquisitive animals. Quicksilver’s Port Douglas dive and snorkel vessels, Silversonic and Poseidon, hold two of the limited Marine Park permits that allow in-water encounters with dwarf minke whales. All encounters follow strict guidelines, with the whales deciding how close they come and how long they stay. It makes for a respectful and unforgettable wildlife experience. While sightings are never guaranteed, July to September is considered the peak time to see dwarf minkes around the Agincourt ribbon reefs. https://www.tourismtown.com/cairns/news/3264/ 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. https://www.tourismtown.com/cairns/news/3262/ 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. https://www.tourismtown.com/missionbeach/news/3259/ Mission Beach is one of the closest points on the Australian mainland to the Great Barrier Reef. The Mission Beach Reef Tour visits Beaver Reef, a pristine section of the World Heritage-listed reef teeming with vibrant coral and diverse marine life. Departing at 9am and returning by 3:30pm, the tour includes snorkelling gear, a knowledgeable guide, snacks, and lunch, all in the comfort of a small group setting. With fewer guests on board, every visitor enjoys personalised attention and an unhurried connection with one of the planet's greatest natural wonders. Departing from Clump Point Marina, the journey to the reef is quick, making Mission Beach a wonderfully convenient base for this bucket-list reef experience. Check availability and book here. https://www.tourismtown.com/cairns/news/3258/ 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. https://www.tourismtown.com/cairns/news/3254/ 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. https://www.tourismtown.com/portdouglas/news/3253/ Port Douglas Reef Tours offers visitors an extraordinary range of ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef, with daily departures from the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina. From the iconic Quicksilver pontoon on Agincourt Reef to the sailing experience aboard Wavedancer at the Low Isles, there is a tour to suit every adventurer. The high-speed Silversonic catamaran visits three outer reef sites in a single day, while Calypso offers both morning and afternoon departures. Snorkelling gear, buffet lunch and guided experiences are included on all tours. Introductory and certified diving options are available, with expert marine biologists on board. Port Douglas sits closer to the outer reef than Cairns, meaning more time on the reef and less time travelling. With pristine sites like Opal Reef and Agincourt Ribbon Reef, this is truly bucket-list territory. Check availability and book here https://www.tourismtown.com/cairns/news/3252/ 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. https://www.tourismtown.com/cairns/news/3251/ 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. https://www.tourismtown.com/cairns/news/3250/ 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.