For natural beauty and tropical temperatures, there are few places on Earth that rival Cairns, Australia. The area is incredibly blessed with multiple lush and exotic ecosystems. For starters, there’s the Great Barrier Reef, which is the largest coral reef system on the planet and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It can be seen all the way from space!

If that wasn’t enough, Cairns is also surrounded by lush rainforest and mountains that are vast and teaming with wildlife. If you’re thinking about taking a vacation to a tropical paradise, you can’t go wrong by booking a jeep tour in Cairns.

You’ll get to experience the raw natural power of Barron Gorge National Park, the quaint beauty of the mountain town of Kuranda, the rushing waters of the Daintree River and Surprise Falls, and so much more!

Here's all you need to know about jeep tours, one of the most exciting outdoor activities in Cairns.

What are the best jeep tours in Cairns?

There are so many exciting and different options for going on a jeep tour in Cairns that it can seem overwhelming to choose the perfect one. Not to worry, here are the best options to make your decision easier and bring you that much closer to your dream tropical vacation.

Full-Day Jeep Tour of Northern Queensland

Venture out into the tropical wilderness of Northern Queensland in a rugged 4WD vehicle. Let the expert local guide take you on an epic rainforest adventure as you visit sites like the 900-year-old “Strangler” fig tree. Spot wild animals entirely unique to the region, like the Boyd’s forest Dragon and the Musky Rat Kangaroo. Top it all of with a gourmet lunch and catered ice cream. Bonus, this safari is eco-friendly!

Barron Gorge and Kuranda National Park Rainforest and Waterfall Half-Day Tour

This magnificent 4WD itinerary takes you along the Great Dividing Range where you’ll be able to see first hand the wildly different, but equally beautiful ecosystems of rainforest, desert, and mountains that surround Cairns. Take it all in immediately when you visit Barron Gorge National Park and experience firsthand the astonishing power of the Barron Falls.

Then you’ll be taken to the Kuranda Rainforest National Park, where you’ll get to see some of Australia’s premiere wildlife exhibits. All the while, you’ll be offered local fruits and snacks to keep yourself going and to get a delicious taste of the local culture.

Cairns 4WD Waterfall and Rainforest Tour plus Kuranda Scenic Railway

Get to know the mountain town of Kuranda and its surrounding tropical wonders intimately on this scenic and exciting 4WD rainforest and waterfall tour. Start your day by getting picked up right from your hotel.

Then you’ll head to Barron Gorge National Park and Kuranda National Park in a tough as nails off-road vehicle, and you’ll get the chance to experience trails that aren’t well-known to the general public, and you’ll get to see gorgeous natural attractions like Surprise Falls, Lake Morris, and Copperload Dam.

Once you get to Kuranda, you’ll have ample free time to shop and browse all of the beautiful shops and exhibits that this quaint little town has to offer, and you’ll even get the chance to ride over top the rainforest in Kuranda Skyrail Cableway or the Kuranda Scenic Railway, all before getting dropped off right back in front of your hotel.

Cairns to Cooktown Jeep Tour

The road from Cairns to Cooktown is an interesting one, full of twists and turns, which makes it perfect for an early morning jeep tour! This trip will take you across the Daintree River on a ferry before you hop into a rugged 4WD vehicle and head through the lush Daintree Rainforest.

You’ll get a break so that you can stop and take a walk on a tropical beach, and then it’s onward to Cooktown, but the fun doesn’t stop once you get there.

Once in Cooktown, you’ll be taken to a plethora of local sites and attractions before enjoying a delicious complimentary lunch at The Top Pub, one of the best local eateries. To top it all off, you’ll be picked up and dropped off right where you’re staying in Cairns!

Cairns Rainforest Waterfall Jeep Tour plus Great Barrier Reef Island Tour

Embark on an exhilarating full-day adventure from Cairns, journeying from the spectacular Great Barrier Reef to the lush Barron Gorge National Park. Kick off your morning by exploring these UNESCO-listed rainforests in a 4x4 Jeep, marveling at the Barron Falls and Kuranda Mountains.

Post-lunch, set sail on a catamaran cruise to the magical Green Island within the Great Barrier Reef marine park. Revel in unique reef experiences like swimming and snorkeling for an unforgettable afternoon. With this small-group tour, you'll enjoy personalized attention while visiting two World Heritage sites in one day, ensuring a truly immersive experience.

3-Day Far North Queensland 4WD Tour

If you’re looking for the mother of all 4WD excursions in Cairns and its surrounding ecosystems, look no further than this incredibly comprehensive 3-day tour. Coordinate with your tour provider to be picked up right from where you’re staying in Cairns.

On the first day, you’ll make your way from Cairns to Cooktown via the wet tropics and Northern Atherton Tablelands outback area. On the second day you will travel to Cape Tribulation, and the third day will bring you all the way back around to Cairns via Port Douglas and the Captain Cook Highway.

Included in this not to be missed itinerary is three meals a day and two nights accommodation at comfortable local hotels, as well as all transportation.

How much do jeep tours in Cairns cost?

Because each 4WD tour package in Cairns is unique, prices ranging from AU$170 to AU$220 per person for a full-day safari trip into the rainforest, while excursions that include a catamaran cruise can cost about AU$350 per person.

Multi-day tours such as the 3-day mega safari that covers all of Northern Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands, Cooktown, and the Daintree National Park and Rainforest, usually cost AU$1750 per person.

What is included?

Jeep tours in Cairns will typically include a hotel pickup and drop-off service, a certified licensed driver and guide, as well as entrance fees for the national parks that you will visit. Additionally, some tours may also offer refreshments and lunch.

Where does it start?

Most tour operators include a pickup and drop-off service, just make sure to indicate your hotel when booking.

How long does it last?

Jeep tours in Cairns typically last 5 to 8 hours, which includes time to explore the national parks you visit on foot. Multi-day jeep tours from Cairns can last as much as 3 days.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

No, unfortunately due to their nature, jeep tours in Cairns are not wheelchair-friendly.

When is the best time of year to go on a jeep tour in Cairns?

The best time of year to go on a jeep tour through the rainforest in Cairns is between the months of May and September, which makes up winter in Australia.

During the period, temperatures are moderate and it hardly ever rains, as opposed to the rest of the year when it’s way to hot and sticky and rainforest conditions are not ideal for exploration.

Is it safe?

Yes, jeep tours in Cairns are generally safe and operated by experienced licensed drivers and guides. While most people can participate, these excursions are not recommended for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

Are children allowed?

Yes, children over the age of 4 are generally allowed to join jeep tours in Cairns, provided they are accompanied by an adult.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Jeep tours in Cairns depend on favorable weather, so if the conditions are bad, then your excursion will be rescheduled for a later date. If that is not convenient, you may request a full refund.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Cairns?

Travel tips

Cairns is very popular during the Australian winter, so make sure you book your jeep tour in advance, as they are likely to fill up quickly!
Dress in layers and bring a raincoat. The weather can be unpredictable, and you may experience rain and sunshine in the same day.
You will get to walk around at some stops on your jeep tour, so comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential.
Cairns has a tropical climate, so having insect repellent on hand is a good idea to protect against bugs and mosquitoes.
It's important to stay hydrated during your jeep tour. Carry a refillable water bottle and some snacks, especially if your tour doesn't provide them.
Listen to your tour guide and follow their instructions at all times, especially when it comes to interacting with wildlife and during any off-roading segments of the tour.