The Sunshine State has wonderful beaches and outstanding rainforests, but there’s much more to Queensland than sun, surf and sand. From scenic train rides to seaplane adventures, here are the top recommended tours in Queensland for you and your Cairns escorts to enjoy: 

Take The Scenic Railway To Kuranda

This is a great way to take in some of Australia’s best scenery. Located in Cairns, it departs from the main station and passes through the rainforest before arriving at Kuranda Village Station, where you can explore before returning on another train back to Cairns. This trip takes about 2 hours and is the perfect railway adventure. 

Ride The Magnetic Island Ferry

If you’re planning to visit Magnetic Island, the ferry is your best option. Three different ferries depart from Townsville, Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour, and each one takes about an hour to get there. The ferry also has WiFi access, so you can go live while enjoying views of the Great Barrier Reef from above water level.

Go On A Seaplane Adventure

Hamilton Island is on the coast of Queensland’s Airlie Beach and can be reached by seaplane or ferry. The island has many attractions, including white sand beaches and clear waters, perfect for snorkelling. One thing that makes Hamilton Island unique is its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, which allows visitors access to some of Australia’s best scuba diving sites.

If you’re interested in taking a scenic view over these islands, take a seaplane flight. You’ll get amazing views from above while learning more about this beautiful part of Australia’s coastline.

Take The Ferry To Whitehaven Beach

If you’re looking for something more than just hanging out on the beach, Whitehaven Beach is a fantastic place to visit. It’s located on the Whitsunday Islands and can be accessed by boat or aeroplane. 

Once you arrive at the island, there are plenty of things to do, such as swimming in crystal clear water. You may also explore caves, hike through rainforest trails, sail around on a catamaran or go kayaking.

Ride The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

One of the best ways to see the rainforest is from above, and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is an excellent way to do this. You can get on at different stations, allowing you to explore different forest parts. If you’d like to get off and walk around in certain areas, there are plenty of opportunities for that as well. 

Take A Daintree River Cruise

Take a cruise along this major river in Far North Queensland, Australia. It is the most extensive river system in the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area, with  100,000 square kilometres and the longest navigable river in Australia.

The traditional owners of this land include Kuku Yalanji people from Cape York Peninsula, who were once nomadic hunters and gatherers, and Wik Munkanmanpa people, who traditionally lived along its banks at Port Douglas. 

Fraser Island 4WD Tours

This has been described as the “greatest sand island in the world”. It’s home to many rare and endemic flora and fauna, including a species of palm tree that only grows on Fraser Island. 

The semi-nomadic Kabi people still live on this island today, having been there since they were forced off their traditional lands by European settlers in 1874. Ride a four-wheel drive to take in the stunning scenery as you explore caves along the way.

In Conclusion 

If you’re looking for some time away from city life, these are places to visit and explore in Australia via 4WD, railway, ferry boat, or seaplane.