Tour Overview
Experience Cairns from land and water on the City Sights + Spirit of Cairns ex Cairns tour, a relaxed afternoon and evening journey that blends culture, scenery and dining. This small-group experience showcases the city’s most iconic landmarks before finishing with a memorable dinner cruise on Trinity Inlet.
The afternoon begins with guided visits to St Monica’s Cathedral, home to the world’s largest themed stained-glass windows, and the Cairns Museum, where expert commentary reveals stories of tropical living, Indigenous culture and the region’s reef heritage.
A stroll through the Cairns Botanic Gardens highlights tropical plant life, followed by a traditional Devonshire tea in leafy Edge Hill. Scenic viewpoints provide sweeping views across Cairns, the Coral Sea and surrounding rainforest, before time to unwind at Palm Cove’s palm-lined beach and jetty.
As evening arrives, step aboard the Spirit of Cairns for a calm-water dinner cruise. Enjoy a welcome drink and canapés on deck before indulging in a three-course buffet dinner while cruising the tranquil waterways of Trinity Inlet.
Tour Highlights
- Guided afternoon city sightseeing tour of Cairns
- Visit to St Monica’s Cathedral and its iconic stained-glass windows
- Guided entry to the Cairns Museum
- Guided walk through the Cairns Botanic Gardens
- Afternoon Devonshire tea in Edge Hill
- Scenic lookout over Cairns City and the Coral Sea
- Time to explore Palm Cove beach and jetty
- 2.5-hour evening dinner cruise aboard Spirit of Cairns
- Welcome drink and buffet dinner while cruising Trinity Inlet
Perfect For
- Visitors wanting a combined land and water experience
- Couples seeking a relaxed evening dining cruise
- First-time visitors to Cairns
- Mature travellers looking for a gentle pace
- Food and sightseeing enthusiasts
- Travellers without a hire car
- Those wanting a memorable final evening in Cairns
Inclusions
Minimum Age
- Suitable for all ages
Included
- Half-day guided Cairns city and surrounds tour
- Visit to St Monica’s Cathedral
- Guided entry to the Cairns Museum
- Guided walk through the Cairns Botanic Gardens
- Afternoon Devonshire tea
- Scenic lookout over Cairns City and Coral Sea
- Visit to Palm Cove
- Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle
- 2.5-hour calm-water evening cruise aboard Spirit of Cairns
- Spacious air-conditioned vessel with outdoor decks
- Complimentary welcome drink (sparkling wine, beer or soft drink)
- Buffet dinner featuring seafood, hot and cold dishes and local produce
Not Included / Important Notes
- Drop-off after the dinner cruise is not included; return is at own arrangement
- Additional beverages available for purchase on board
- Spirit of Cairns is non-smoking
- Vessel is not suitable for guests with limited mobility due to steep stairs to toilet access
Itinerary
- Early Afternoon – Pickup from Cairns accommodation
- Afternoon – Visit to St Monica’s Cathedral
- Afternoon – Guided entry to the Cairns Museum
- Mid-Afternoon – Guided walk through the Cairns Botanic Gardens
- Mid-Afternoon – Devonshire tea in Edge Hill
- Late Afternoon – Scenic lookout over Cairns City and Coral Sea
- Late Afternoon – Time at Palm Cove
- Evening – Board Spirit of Cairns for a 2.5-hour dinner cruise
- Night – Cruise concludes; return at own arrangement
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat and sunscreen
- Camera or smartphone
- Light jacket or evening layers
- Smart-casual attire for the dinner cruise
- Money or card for additional drinks
- Personal transport arrangements for return after the cruise
Safety Information
This tour is guided throughout the afternoon by experienced staff, with transport provided between all land-based locations. Walking activities are short and conducted on paved paths and maintained garden trails.
The Spirit of Cairns operates on calm waters within Trinity Inlet. Guests should note that the vessel is not suitable for those with limited mobility, as toilet access requires the use of steep stairs. Children must be supervised at all times on board.
Tour order and timing may vary due to weather or operational conditions. Guests with dietary requirements, mobility concerns or medical conditions should check suitability with the operator prior to booking.