TOURS
If you’re staying at Jack & Newell, you don’t have to go far to start your Great Barrier Reef adventure as the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal is just a 7 minute walk away. If you’re checking in early and are eager to get exploring, we can store your luggage securely free of charge and deliver it to your apartment when it’s ready.
Decide how you’d like to experience the Great Barrier Reef, which can be explored via island, pontoon or boat. Most tours can be booked the afternoon before. By booking with the Jack and Newell tour desk, you’ll get a 5% discount off all tours.
GREAT BARRIER REEF
ISLAND DISCOVERY
GREEN ISLAND
Green Island is a rainforest-clad coral cay just 45 minutes by boat from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal. The snorkeling around the jetty is great – you’ll be amazed at what you can see so close to the shore – or you can choose to stay dry with a semi-submarine or glass bottom boat tour. Spend a half or full day at the island, which has full amenities.
FITZROY ISLAND
Fitzroy Island, also 45 minutes away, is a photographer’s dream. Home to Nudey Beach (not a nudist beach!) which was voted the #1 beach in Australia in 2018, Fitzroy offers a range of activities perfect for all types of travellers. Take a walk to the island’s summit for fantastic 360 degree views, or snorkel or dive off the pristine white beaches. There is an onsite restaurant and bar and bathroom facilities.
FRANKLIN ISLAND
Frankland Islands are more remote and untouched, perfect if you want to escape the crowds. Only one boat operator is permitted to visit this pristine archipelago, so you will be sharing the island with no more than 100 people. It is a fantastic place to see turtles on the healthy reefs surrounding the island. Activities on offer include guided snorkeling tours, marine-biologist led island walks and semi-submersible tours. Frankland Islands Reef Cruises will pick you up directly from Jack and Newell and bring you to the boat departure point.
OUTER REEF SNORKEL OR DIVE
Sit back and enjoy the ride as the crew take care of everything for you on a boat trip to the Outer Reef. This style of trip is popular with scuba divers and snorkelers who are happy to travel further by boat, in reward for seeing more of the reef. Tours normally visit two or three sites, which can mean a better chance to see more diverse coral and marine life. You will be on the boat all day and tours are inclusive of all meals and snorkeling/dive equipment.
BASE YOURSELF ON A PONTOON
A pontoon is like a small, floating playground on the Great Barrier Reef that is reached by boat. Ideal for families, you can enjoy a number of activities from the pontoon including snorkelling, semi-submersible tours, waterslides and even helicopter trips. You can plan and book your activities on your way out to the pontoon.
TAKE A SCENIC FLIGHT
Seeing the Great Barrier Reef from above is just as sensational as from below. Take a scenic flight via helicopter or small plane from Cairns Airport, or choose a package that includes a boat tour and a helicopter flight.
DINNER CRUISE
A perfect way to end a perfect day in Cairns, take a dinner cruise with Spirit of Cairns and enjoy a buffet dinner, sunset views and live entertainment (Thurs-Sat only). The boat has a fully-stocked bar and the tour includes a complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival.
WORLD HERITAGE RAINFOREST
See the World Heritage Rainforest surrounding Cairns with a scenic tour to Kuranda. Wind through lush rainforest and cascading waterfalls on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, or enjoy amazing aerial views on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, before alighting to explore Kuranda Village. We recommend taking the combined tour that takes you up by train and down by cable car, for the ultimate experience. All tours offer pickup from Jack and Newell for an additional cost. Don’t forget to download the Skyrail app for information about what you’re seeing!
EXPLORE NORTH
Cape Tribulation, a slice of paradise nestled about 140km north of Cairns, offers an exhilarating escape for adventure seekers. Imagine standing at the meeting point of ancient rainforests and pristine beaches, where the Great Barrier Reef merges with the Daintree Rainforest. Dive into a world teeming with vibrant marine life by snorkeling or scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters. Trek through the lush jungle, guided by the sounds of exotic bird calls and the rustle of leaves underfoot. Discover breathtaking waterfalls, hidden swimming holes, and rare wildlife encounters that will leave you in awe. Cape Tribulation is a playground for thrill-seekers, promising an unforgettable journey into nature’s untamed realm.
BOOK
GET YOUR LOCALS DISCOUNT
You’ll probably want to explore and experience as much as you possibly can while you’re here in paradise, and there are so many amazing things to see and do. Not only can the team at Jack & Newell recommend the best tours, they will also give you a 5% discount for booking with them. We highly recommend you talk with us about what you might like to do before you arrive so that we can get everything organised for you and you don’t waste valuable days.
