I want to explore cairns on my own during my week vacation in Cairns. Any advice is appreciated?

Question

Hi I love nature and want to explore the natural beauty of Cairns

I will be visiting Cairns in August and want to know the cheapest way to explore the natural beauty of Cairns. Tour companies looks expensive and I want to plan my adventure directly through the companies concern to avoid unnecessary third party fees from tour companies.

I will rent a car in Cairns and drive around to see most of Cairns, however I want to know whether you have to go throught tour companies only to see major attraction in Cairns or are there any cheaper way to see what Cairns has to offer:

For instance;

1) Can I pay the cruise company directly for a cruise and snorkling at the great barrier reef.

2) Can I drive to Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to pay for a sky rail ride ,,,,,etc.

Appreciate all your expert advice

Answer 1

The trip to Kuranda.

Options.

#1 Catch tourist train up, regular bus back. Cost about $44.

#2 Catch public transport bus from Cairns centre to Smithfield for Skyrail and regular bus back from Kuranda cost about $47.

#3 Catch tourist train to Kuranda and skyrail back, then public transport bus back to Cairns. Cost about $83.

#4 Round trip either skyrail or train, $80 plus public transport bus back to Cairns if doing return trip skyrail.

#5. Drive. Kuranda only 20km or so from Cairns with access to Barron Gorge Lookout from back of Kuranda Village.

#6. Miss it altogether, tourist trap in a sense. many beautiful areas without doing novelty trips though it can be fun day out.

#7. I would recommend not having a car for those days you go to the reef and Kuranda by skyrail or train, just added expense paying for it to be parked all day. If you do then drive to skyrail you would need to return option so you end up back where your car is!

*note- regular bus from Kuranda to Cairns infrequent. Check with visitor information centre in the park at Kuranda regarding timetable and directions to bus stop (across the road). Aim to leave Kuranda early afternoon for this service.

Barrier reef.

Wait until few days before and check weather conditions before booking. Pick day with lowest wind forcast for your trip. Under 15 knots but better under 10. Look for last minute deals or negotiate.

Consider a night in Yungaburra or the outback, or Cape York. Daintree is a must. Maybe drive to Mission beacha nd take a day trip to Dunk Island. Tons to do, loads of waterfalls and gorges..especially if you are a bushwalker.

Answer 2

Yes you can.It will be a lot cheaper.

For a cheaper way you can drive up to Kuranda and pay for a return Skyrail ride.Or get the train to Kuranda and come down with Skyrail.If you have a good map of Cairns you can get almost everywhere in your car.Like driving up to Mossman.Driving to Port Douglas.Driving up to Daintree and taking a trip there.You can also pay the cruise company directly for snorkelling.When you get to Cairns go up to an Information office and pick up the brochures they have on trips.

For a snorkelling trip I would pick a full day cruise with lunch etc.Going out to the reef is a great way to see some beautiful wild life.Also Green Island is quiet nice.

http://www.skyrail.com.au/

Answer 3

As far as I know, there is nothing exclusive only to tour operator so you can go to Kuranda (Skyrail) on your own.

You can organise directly with cruise organisers too I believe.