Sunlover Reef Cruises has partnered with Zoom Helicopters to elevate their Reef & Island In A Day tour offerings with the launching of Reef Zoom Half Day Tours. Guests can expect an unforgettable blend of flight and reef experiences, now with the flexibility of half-day and scenic helicopter options.
Reef Unlimited has introduced a new luxury outing to the Reef Magic pontoon from Cairns, the Reef Indulgence tour. This a half-day adventure offers a unique blend of aerial and marine experiences on the Great Barrier Reef including private snorkelling tours and helicopter transfers as well as gourmet food. The tour is AUD $1,499 per person with a minimum of two guests.
Daintree Sensations is a new, personalised farm-to-gate food tour, where travellers can discover local chocolate, catch and savour the iconic Daintree barramundi, and enjoy a secluded rainforest waterfall picnic with locally sourced artisan ingredients. This tour is perfect for people wanting to connect with the growers and makers and enjoy an authentic food journey from paddock to plate.
Explore the Cassowary Coast south of Cairns with the Tropic Tours Waterfall Culture Tour taking in Josephine Falls, seeing a cassowary at Etty Bay, and joining Goondoi Culture tours for a Welcome to Country and guided walk through wetlands with a Traditional Owner learning about their art, dance and food. End the day with a swim at the Babinda Boulders.
In June 2025, Cairns will host a permanent multi-million-dollar ancient Egypt exhibition, Tomb of the Pharaohs. The 3D immersive experience will be built at the Cairns Aquarium, converting unused office space into an ancient Egyptian interactive adventure. The new attraction will allow visitors to explore recreated tombs of some of the most famous Egyptian Pharaohs and view genuine artefacts and authenticated illustrative examples. Tickets are $29 for children (3-14yrs) and $48 for adults. Guided tours will be available from $99.
Explore 190,000-year-old lava tunnels with Cobbold Gorge’s new Undara Lava Tubes Tour. The 3-hour guided tour includes time in the Archway, Ewamian and Stephensons Tubes and a bonus tube, as well as boardwalk talks about the savannah’s plants and animals. Tours depart at 9.30am and 1.30pm daily, from 1 May to 31 October 2025.
For reptile enthusiasts, a new croc centre opens! Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures has opened a Croc Centre using multi-media technology to share the history of Hartley’s Creek and crocodiles dating back to prehistoric times. Hartley’s has set a new standard for accessible tourism by using new technology delivered by Spinal Life Australia in partnership with technology company Cérge.
Looking for the ultimate luxury day trip experience in TNQ? Cairns Luxury Car Hire offers an exclusive selection of high-end cars including Porsches, BMWs, Mercedes and Mustangs. People can now drive in style in the latest addition to their vehicle collection, a Dark Horse V8 Mustang, one of only 1,000 in Australia.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Calling all taco lovers! A new hub for mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dishes and exquisite cocktails has opened in Cairns city called Mexicairns. Set in an Insta-worthy venue, you can enjoy six old-school games including bowling, augmented darts, shuffleboard, ping pong, pool and beer pong.
Ochre Restaurant in Cairns launches a new food experience perfect for diners wanting to experience a taste of Australia. Available to groups of 10 or more, the Native Food Experience is an immersive and educational experience guided by a chef who will take the group through the history of bush foods, their nutritional properties and culinary uses. Highlights include smoked crocodile with finger lime mayo, dukka crusted kangaroo and wattle seed pavlova. Price: Lunch $65pp, early dinner $80pp.
ACCOMMODATION
The only island glamping experience in TNQ is set to open on Dunk Island early this year with luxurious new glamping tents adding a touch of comfort to the stunning natural surroundings. These will be alongside the existing four traditional campsites on the jetty-side foreshore. A new cafe and bar will also open for visitors to enjoy a tropical cocktail or a bite to eat.
Hilton is thrilled to announce the signing of Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort & Spa which is set to open early in 2026. Formerly the Grand Chancellor, the hotel will be fully refurbished prior to opening and will feature many modern amenities including an outdoor pool, two dining outlets, an all-day dining restaurant, two bars, a kids club, fitness centre, spa and 450sq.m of function and meeting space.
Feeling like an escape from the city? KurCow Barnwell Farm, located in Kuranda, just a 35-minute drive from Cairns, has launched farm stay cabins. Guests can choose from two cozy cabins, a two-bedroom family villa, or a queen villa ideal for couples or solo travellers. This unique stay blends adventure, relaxation and rural charm with activities like horse riding, ATV tours and star gazing.
Hides Hotel, a beloved landmark in the heart of Cairns is celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2025. To commemorate this milestone anniversary, the hotel is offering an exclusive anniversary special rate of $140 per night on Premium King and Premium King Plus rooms for guests booking a stay from before December 31, 2025.
Experience the tropics in the Green Season at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas with The Green Getaway package, offering guests the opportunity to experience thrilling outdoor adventures and serene relaxation at a luxurious hub. The package includes daily breakfast, access to the poolside cabanas with direct access into the lagoon pools, and a daily credit of $50 to be used across the resort’s venues. Valid for stays up until March 31, 2025, rates start from $409 per night, with a minimum four-night stay.
EVENTS
Embark on a journey of flavour at The Feast of Senses, a tropical food experience held in Innisfail on Sunday March 30. This vibrant celebration showcases the region’s extraordinary array of rare and exotic fruits alongside premium meats, fresh seafood, fragrant herbs, spices, and fine wines.
Spend the Easter holiday in Einasleigh for a fun-filled family long weekend April 18-21. Events include a Queensland race meet, full rodeo event, fishing competition and a cabaret bar.
The Undara Outback Rock and Blues Festival is a weekend of live bands in one of Australia’s most unique and picturesque locations. Held on April 25-27, this festival brings together a stellar lineup of rock, blues, and local talent, ensuring there’s something for every music fan.
Experience the thrill and camaraderie of The Great Wheelbarrow Race, an iconic event hosted by Mareeba Shire Council on May 9-11. Competitors push empty wheelbarrows across three challenging states along the scenic Wheelbarrow Way from Mareeba to Chillagoe, all while raising funds for charities and local club in a spirited celebration of community and endurance.
Port Douglas Carnivale welcomes Maho Magic Bar by Broad Encounters, direct from the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, to light up the palms of Dixie Park with its electrifying pop-up venue and show. Expect world-class magicians, expertly crafted cocktails, plenty of sake and an atmosphere brimming with mischief and mayhem during the four-week Carnivale from 14 May to 8 June which includes The Longest Lunch and the Street Parade.
TNQ’s biggest race days have been combined into a nine-day extravaganza called the Cairns Super Carnival. With the Red Beret Hotel Cairns Cup poised to celebrate its 114th edition and the Great Northern Brewing Co. Cairns Amateur Cup marking its 67th milestone, these iconic events will unite with races and social events on August 15-23 at Cannon Park.
