Cairns activities to do for the adventurous family

If adventure is the one thing your family can agree on, Cairns needs to be on your radar. Dubbed the adventure capital of Oz, this tropical paradise is brimming with experiences that’ll get the heart pumping, no matter what age.

For a fast-paced holiday that’s full of good times, these exciting adventures in Cairns won’t disappoint.

Got adventurous kids? They’ll love tackling Port Douglas hinterland on mountain bikes—riding through creeks, jungles, and sandy trails. Expect a day full of thrills, laughs, and fun that’ll leave everyone happily wiped out. Energy snacks and hydration packs are provided, but bring extra fuel to keep the adventure rolling!

Sunny weather and high-speed adventure – that's the perfect combo. Great fun for both parents and the kids, the Cairns Guided Jet Ski Tour will be a hit. Follow your guide as you speed across the waters of Cairns, checking out the stunning coast and marine wildlife. No driver’s license required means even the young ones can enjoy taking control of their own jet ski. If you’re looking to take snaps and don’t want to leave your phone behind, we suggest buying a waterproof phone case beforehand.

Not your average swimming buddies. The Swim with the Crocs Experience is a spine-tingling excursion for the bravest of families. Jumping in with big salty crocodiles in the mighty CrocArena at the Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, you’ll head down to the underwater viewing platform and swim just centimetres away from these Apex predators. Oh, and your ticket also includes general admission to the park, so you can tribe can keep exploring afterwards – talk about bang for your buck!

An adventurous family at an adventure park. It's a no brainer, you need this on your itinerary. The Skypark Cairns Adventure Day Pass is a big yes if you are looking for a day of high energy fun. A daredevil's haven, there’s something for everyone with bungy jumping, a jungle swing, the highest viewing platform in Cairns and more. If someone in the family is feeling a little scared on the bungee, good news - you can tandem jump to make it less frightening (it’ll just cost you a little extra).

Buckle up for a wild ride on the water! If your family likes it fast, then jump on this 35 Minute Cairns Jet Boat Tour and keep the good times rolling. Cranking up the music, you’ll zoom across Cairns’ Trinity Inlet for a mixture of sightseeing and thrills as the driver spins and slides your way around. Who knows, you might ever see a croc and some of the other cool wildlife that call this place home. A fun way to beat the humidity, staying dry isn’t an option so we’d recommend wearing swimmers.

It’s time to check out nature’s very own water theme park. The Mulgrave River offers a bucket load of fun for kids and adults alike. Perfect for younger families who are chasing a solid dose of adventure, the Half Day River Tubing Tours from Cairns will take you from smooth to choppy in one go. Are the kids older? Maybe a date with grade 3 rapids on a Barron River Half Day White Water Rafting Adventure will be more their style. No matter which one you pick, a rafting levy for each member is payable on the day, so just make sure to take some cash with you.

If you’re a family who loves spending every waking minute outdoors, then you’ll feel right at home with the Behana Gorge or Crystal Cascades Adventure Tour . Let out your inner Tarzan out as you abseil, zip line, slide, swim and jump your way through a canyon and waterfalls. Suitable from ages 8 and up, this exciting rainforest adventure is one the whole tribe can get around. Oh, and you will be going between water and land so try wearing joggers you don’t mind getting wet.

Get ready for a half-day of thrills on the Barron River! This exhilarating rafting adventure is perfect for families with kids aged 12 and up. Navigate exciting rapids, share laughs, and enjoy the stunning tropical scenery. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned adventurers, it’s the perfect way to create unforgettable family memories on the water.