Night Tours in Cairns: The 8 We Would Pay For

1.Atherton Tablelands Rain Forest by Night from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 418 reviews · from $157Our pick

Travel from Cairns into the Atherton Tablelands with guides such as Paul or Clayton, using binoculars and spotlights to find wallabies, platypuses, tree kangaroos, possums, frogs, owls, and bats. The 8-hour small-group tour includes Lake Barrine afternoon tea, dinner in historic Yungaburra, and a rainforest walk after dark.

“This was a wonderful experience. Great guide and so much to see. This was probably our favorite tour. Highly recommend.”

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2.Sunset River Cruise with Snack and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 185 reviews · 1h 30m · from $50Best value

Set out from Berth A1 at Cairns Marlin Marina for a 90-minute calm-water cruise through Trinity Inlet. Your English-speaking skipper, possibly Steve, Bruce, Joe, Jacob, Jack, or Stu, shares local stories about mangroves, wildlife, crocodiles, and Cairns. A beer, wine, or soft drink and a light savory snack are included.

“Great tour with a guide with fantastic local knowledge and history! Had a lovely time and recommend for all age groups.”

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3.Night Walk in Cairns Botanic Gardens – Let’s Go Buggin

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 153 reviews · from $57

Join macro photographer Bridgette Gower at 7 pm for a small-group night walk through Cairns Botanic Gardens. You will search for frogs, insects, spiders and fungi, with practical camera help along the way. Bring your own camera or reserve beginner, intermediate or professional equipment ahead of time. The tour lasts about two hours and is limited to four people.

“Had a fantastic time with Bridgette she is so knowledgeable with bugs as well as plants. Was amazed to get some fantastic photos of dragonflies with my Samsung phone. Highly recommend”

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4.Cairns Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 134 reviews · from $56

Set out from Berth A1 at Marlin Marina at 5:15 pm for a 90-minute Cairns River Cruises trip through Trinity Inlet. Your captain may be Belinda, Jack, Joe, Liam, Steve, Ben, Pat, or Stu. Expect calm water, mangroves, city lights, local stories, a drink, and a light snack. The vessel has a toilet and returns to the marina.

“Skipper Steve was wonderful. Unfortunately weather was not cooperative. It was 🌧 . It was Dec 13. It was a Friday 13th bad luck.”

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5.Night at the Aquarium Guided Tour & 2 Course Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 106 reviews · 2 hours · from $102

Join a Wildlife Educator after hours at Cairns Aquarium for a 1.5-hour walk through 10 tropical ecosystems, from rainforest and mangroves to the Coral Sea. Guides such as Calvin, Lisa, Laura, and Jordan have led engaging tours. Finish with a two-course dinner at the aquatic-themed restaurant.

“The tour itself was great - we had a fantastic guide Laura who had the perfect balance of chatting and education while also allowing the audience to wander and experience the tanks on their own.”

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6.Night Walk in Cairns Botanic Gardens

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 86 reviews · 2 hours · from $56

Join Bridgette or Ros for a two-hour night walk through Cairns Botanic Gardens. With only eight people, you can search for tree frogs, spiders, insects, possums, frogmouths, snakes, and flying foxes. Head torches are included, and optional camera hire is available for close-up night photography.

“Bridgette was incredibly knowledgeable and shared that wisdom with us. We saw so many insects, and frogs & some rare fungi. She was also great at teaching how to get best macro pictures. This really is a tour for nature lovers of all levels. She can find the smallest insect/fungi and help us get a great photo. I would definately do a trip with her again when in Cairns.”

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7.Afternoon & Evening Tour of Paronella Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 82 reviews · from $178

Join Simon from Tropic Tours for a 10-hour small-group outing from Cairns to Babinda Boulders, Etty Bay, and Paronella Park. Swim or walk in the rainforest, look for cassowaries, hear the story of José Paronella, enjoy dinner at Mena Creek Hotel, and see the park after dark. Hotel pickup, park entry, afternoon tea, and dinner are included.

“Dad and I loved our afternoon/night with Simon visiting Babinda Boulders, Eddy Bay and of course Paronella Park. Simon was one of the best guides we’ve ever had and we throughly enjoyed listening to his stories and sharing his knowledge with us. The whole tour was great. I also got to see my first crocodile and Cassowary which was very special. Food for great, including the little afternoon snack. Car ride was super comfortable and really loved meeting the other guests on the tour too, they made the experience very enjoyable. Paronella Park was amazing to see both in the daylight and night and would highly recommend the tour. Thank…”

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8.Night at the Aquarium Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 52 reviews · 2 hours · from $60

Join an English-speaking Wildlife Educator at Cairns Aquarium after closing for a 1.5-hour walk through 10 tropical ecosystems. Look for nocturnal rainforest animals, glowing coral, sharks, rays, and groupers, then finish with dinner at Dundee’s Restaurant. Guides have included Daniel, Georgie, Calvin, and Charly.

“Calvin was the best guide, with incredible crowd management skills and knowledge of the exhibits. Extremely polite and easy-going.”

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