TOURS AND ATTRACTIONS

Sunlover Reef Cruises has appointed Zoom Helicopters as its aviation partner across all reef products. Experiences include Reef and Island packages, pairing a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef with a stop on Fitzroy Island for a buffet lunch and 2 hours of on-island exploration.

As a special wildlife welcome to Tropical North Queensland, Mt Mulligan has crafted the Into the Wild package, designed to create unmissable opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts. The experience offers a unique and diverse birdwatching, flora, and fauna opportunity, with 3-night accommodation, gourmet meals, and a 3-hour private tour at Mt Mulligan Lodge.

Mt Mulligan Lodge has opened a dining and private helicopter experience with aviation partner, Nautilus Aviation. After a scenic 35-minute helicopter flight over the Atherton Tablelands, guests are welcomed to Mt Mulligan Lodge with a glass of champagne before sitting down to a gourmet multi-course set lunch menu sourced from seasonal local produce from the region.

Quicksilver's Silversonic has returned to the Great Barrier Reef after a $1.66 million refit, unveiling a new look and engines compliant with sustainable marine fuels as part of the company's commitment to sustainable operations. The 29-metre catamaran has been stripped back to shining aluminium in a nod to her name and Quicksilver's wave-piercing catamarans.

With seamless and stress-free transfers from the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, Down Under Tours takes cruise ship visitors on an excursion to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures to experience the best of Tropical North Queensland's range of wildlife. From crocodile tours to see Saltwater Crocodiles up close, to spending time with koalas, kangaroos, and wombats, guests are treated to an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Pure Snorkelling has introduced a new way to explore the waters of Tropical North Queensland. Twilight Cruise is a 90-minute experience, embarking on a tour set to Cairn's stunning golden hour. Ticket selection includes standard tours, with the option to experience a gourmet range of curated canapes or smaller grazing plates.

Launching Cairns' only marine biology presentation, Pure Snorkelling is offering passengers a new way to fully appreciate marine life. The 30-minute pre-departure interactive talk, hosted by lead marine biologist Kiara Brown, gives visitors a deeper appreciation for the Reef and an understanding of the ecosystem below the boat.

Marking a milestone for the Port Douglas region, ABC Reef Safaris has launched its brand-new, custom-designed vessel, Voyager, which began operations in December 2025. Voyager is the first new reef tourism vessel in Port Douglas since 2018. It is part of the Queensland Government's Future Tourism Fund, which supports innovative tourism projects that enhance visitor offerings and economic opportunities. 

The Jindalba Boardwalk in Daintree National Park is open for tourists after a multi-million-dollar upgrade. The immersive rainforest experience was part of a $4.5 million infrastructure development that connects visitors with the breathtaking ancient trees, unique birds, and other rainforest fauna. The upgraded facility spans approximately 650 meters and three watercourses.

As a sustainability milestone, Tropic Wings introduced 13 fully electric vehicles for Private Exclusive Tours, marking the first of its kind to be used for day touring. The cars deliver zero-emissions meanings guests can now travel in a stylish and environmentally friendly way, strengthening Tropics Wings' commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Two islands are better than one with the new Two Islander Explorer tour with Reef Unlimited. Travelling between Fitzroy Island and Green Island. The full day experience departs from Cairns and gives visitors the flexibility to choose between a free extra tour of snorkelling or glass bottom boat viewing, as well as time spent on both islands.

ACCOMMODATION

 Welcoming a taste of Mediterranean cuisine, The Vine Room is a vibrant new dining location in Cairns. Spotlighting the best of the region, from produce from Atherton Tablelands to responsibly caught seafood, the menu is designed to take inspiration from Mediterranean traditions and reimagines them with a Tropical North Queensland twist. The restaurant is also an event space with private dining areas, ideal for business and networking events.

For travellers who prefer a slower pace, The Reef House has announced an exclusive new Wellness Retreat package, available in February 2026. Daily led yoga, nourishing cuisine to renew mind and soul, and creating a personalised loose-leaf tea blend are a small selection of the 28 signature inclusions available to guests.

New Mission Beach resort Nala is open, inviting guests to a place where luxury finds its quiet side and connection feels effortless. With a short walk into the town of Mission Beach, the resort is far enough away to offer seclusion and quiet.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Rufus is the newest addition to the Little Sister family, opening in July 2025. Rufus offers inner-city dining with classic cocktails, curated wines, and food cooked over fire. The menu focuses on seasonal produce and, where possible, local ingredients to keep things dynamic, wholesome and downright delicious.

Following the relocation from the laneway location, Three Wolves has reopened at a new location on Spence Street, in the Cairns CBD. The new space continues to honour the moody ambience and premium cocktail menu for which Three Wolves is best known, with over twice the floor space.

EVENTS

The premier classical music event, The Australian Chamber Music Festival, is set to bring world-class concerts to venues across Cairns. Running from 24 July to 1 August 2026, the nine-day festival presents a programme featuring international artists, Australian premieres, and unique tropical experiences. From intimate recitals to larger ensemble performances, the festival includes free community events, engaging artist talks and access to the Australian Festival of Chamber Music Pathways Program for emerging musicians.

For Images: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UwzdoMo7PO8_RNWqyDKkL4Z36_e9QdDB 

For more information, go to cairnsgreatbarrierreef.com