8 heart rate raisers in Cairns for adventure lovers

29 Apr

For some, a holiday is an opportunity to relax to the max. For others, it’s a time to pack as much action and adventure into as many days as you have available to you! And we get it because those energy-filled, boredom-busting activities definitely make your time off a time to remember.

While Cairns has a solid reputation as a sunny, chilled, drop and flop paradise perfect for slowing that heartbeat right down, it’s also a destination positively overflowing with endorphin-pumping things to do to keep your heart rate up, up, up!

And when you’re finally done with the adventuring and thrills, we’ll be here as the comfiest place in town to put up your feet and lay your head.

After so much excitement, it’ll be the best rest of your life.

If your holiday style is more ‘get up and go’ then ‘move slow’, this is all you need to know about the best adventures to be had in and around Cairns.

Check out these top 8 adrenaline-pumpers to add to your next holiday itinerary.

Explore the Daintree Rainforest from the water

The Daintree Rainforest is a must-visit. To experience this ancient wonder in a totally different way to the norm, take a tour with Back Country Bliss. Opt to trek and float through the trails and streams on a river sled on the River Drift Tour, or spend the day walking, swimming and soaking up the scenes on the Mossman Gorge Adventure Day which incorporates a spiritual ceremony and plenty of nuggets of knowledge from your guide.

Not for the faint of heart (participants need to be able to carry up to 3kg of equipment, be confident in the water, and make a 1-2 ft climb), these immersive experiences are an exciting new way to discover the natural beauty of the world’s oldest tropical lowland rainforest.

Groups are small to ensure maximum safety and enjoyment from the adventure so they fill up fast. We recommend booking as soon as you can to avoid disappointment. Both tours depart from Port Douglas, Cairns and Palm Cove.

2. Make a splash white water rafting

One for the mega thrill seekers, white water rafting, tubing and river boarding are classic Queensland activities and great for adrenaline junkies. Cairns serves up an array of great spots for this adventurous water sport, from Tully River, Mulgrave River/Behana Gorge, Barron Gorge, and Barron River.

For the most adventurous, how does a very epic 12 hours of Tully River White Water Rafting sound? This adventure includes 45 thrilling grade 3-4 rapids, a picnic lunch, all training and safety equipment, return transfers, and an expert guide.

If you’re travelling with kids, river tubing is a great choice and a great introduction to water rapids sports.

3. Find the ultimate thrill at AJ Hackett Skypark

You don’t need to go to New Zealand, Zimbabwe or China to experience world-class bungee jumping. If you’ve always wanted to fly, Skypark in Cairns is the place for you. Located 20 minutes north of The Cairns Esplanade (and with free return transfers), Skypark offers a bungy jump, giant swing, and walk the plank!

Teetering 50 metres above a deep natural lagoon, the bungy jump at Skypark offers 16 different jump styles so they’ve got you covered if you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro. Plus, you can choose to touch the water for the quickest of dips.

If you fancy defying gravity, the Giant Swing is Australia’s only multi-person swing and is even suitable for children. Swinging amid the rainforest canopy and the hillside you can see some remarkable views while you reach speeds of up to 120 km/h.

Want to feel like a pirate? Walk the plank while balancing 140m above sea level. Before you jump, take in the vast views including Great Barrier Reef and rainforest. Bring your own eye patch!

4. Come face-to-face with nature on a liveaboard expedition

A liveaboard expedition is a great way to immerse yourself in nature. Stay several nights or enjoy a day trip but either way, the ocean is right at your feet!

Spirit of Freedom makes the Great Barrier Reef your home away from home for day trips or anywhere between three and seven nights so all those who stay aboard are just a few steps away from the ocean at all times.

The MV Spirit of Freedom takes passengers about two hours out to sea to dive, swim, and snorkel. Minke whales are common during the winter months and sharks, fish, and marine mammals are a near-guarantee!

If you’re not one to stay still for too long, day trips and reef trips are available on the Spirit’s sister boat for Tusa Reef Tour.

5. Navigate your way around canyons, gorges, and cliffs

If waterfalls, rock faces, and cliffs equal excitement for you, canyoning should be on your to-do list, and there’s no better place to go canyoning than Cairns.

If you’re aged 12 and over, Cairns Canyoning offers up multiple adventures from the picturesque and achievable to rugged and advanced. Settle in for an epic half-day adventure that sees you jumping, climbing, abseiling, traversing, and swimming. You’ll be donning a helmet, water shoes, and a swimsuit because with canyoning, you do it all.

Jumps on these tours start at heights of 4m and walks are at least 3 km so make sure you arrive hydrated and fed but all fitness levels are welcome so just make sure you’re comfortable with whichever option you choose!

6. Explore rainforest and beach on horseback in Cape Tribulation

What makes soaking in the stunning scenery of the remote headland Cape Tribulation, three hours north of Cairns, just that little bit more special? Doing it on horseback, of course!

Cape Trib Horse Rides will pair you with a suitable horse (like an equine cupid!) before you meet your guide and the rest of the group. Each tour takes about 90 minutes and if you’re a beginner, no problem! The rides cater to first-timers and is one of the more mellow adventurous activities which makes it perfectly suited to families as well as the less-adventurous.

7. Fly at breakneck speeds around the Cairns waterfront

Jet boating is the pinnacle of exhilarating boat rides with spins, slides and a speed that will blow your hair back, literally. When you jet boat with Bad Fishy jet, a skilled and confident captain will blast the tunes and take you on a roller coaster ride of fun on the water.

Because the ride goes around the waterfront and Trinity Inlet, keep an eye out for wildlife (including crocs!) while the captain fills you in on some fun facts about the natural area over this 35-minute ride.

Be prepared to get wet because the splashes are plentiful and your life jacket will only cover so much. Don’t worry about a camera either as the team will take some snaps that you can purchase when you’re back on dry land.

8. Swing through the treetops in Cape Tribulation

If flying 15 metres above the ground makes you jump out of bed in the mornings then we’ve got good news because it’s time to do just that through the beauty of the Daintree Rainforest. With nine ziplines from 15 to 130 metres long and timber walkways, you won't be shy of stunning panoramic views.

Suitable for both children and adults, Treetops Adventure can take kids as young as three and with a free morning tea and lunch, you can make a whole day of it. Plus, when you feel like sitting down, there’s a river cruise that takes you to visit the estuarine crocodiles!

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