Barron Gorge National Park: Day Trips and Tours from Cairns

The great thing about Cairns is that it’s well-known for having excellent transportation links to a parade of different locations all across Queensland, and when you consider the wealth of beauty on offer in that part of Australia, it’s hard to ignore the gateway city’s value.

Some places are further away than others but they’re all beautiful, and one shining example of this is the Barron Gorge National Park.

This hidden treasure is, as is so often the case down under, buried beneath the stunning sights and sounds of the nature that surrounds this area.

Through the prism of great offers, great deals and great experiences, we’re going to take a look at some of the very best Barron Gore National Park tours from Cairns.

How long does it take to reach Barron Gorge National Park from Cairns?

When you initially fly into Cairns it may seem like this is the kind of city that blends together the business and the pleasure with a whole lot of excitement to be had. That’s true, but we also think many who haven’t researched it don’t realize just how close places like the Barron Gorge National Park really are.

If you hop in the car and drive around 20 minutes north for a distance of 15km, you’ll end up at Barron Gorge. It’s a large piece of land so how long it takes may depend on which specific part you’re heading to, but rest assured, you’ll be out and exploring in the blink of an eye.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Barron Gorge National Park?

There’s certainly a whole lot to be seen within the Barron Gorge National Park but because of its close proximity to Cairns, there’s often quite a few half-day tours that are utilized instead of full day ones. As such, there is regular availability with respect to when you want to be picked up, allowing for far more freedom than if you were heading off somewhere further afield.

Due to the high-adrenaline activities that can be enjoyed during your hours at Barron Gorge, safety equipment and guides are provided to help with the whole process. There are snacks available to purchase and if you’re feeling a bit independent, there is the option to drive part of the distance before being picked up closer to the final destination.

Oh, and if you visit during the hotter months, air conditioning on-board the coach will almost certainly be provided.

What are the most popular tours at Barron Gorge National Park?

Barron Gorge National Park tours from Cairns are special because they often fly under the radar. The Great Barrier Reef takes over as the heart of Queensland which is understandable, but there are some serious thrills to be had before you even step out into the sea.

White Water Rafting Tour

Are you ready to get wild and navigate through grade II & III rapids as well as a cavalcade of cliffs and ravines? If the answer is yes, which it absolutely should be, you’re going to absolutely adore the amazing white water rafting tours that are available.

4WD Tour

The Great Dividing Range is pretty unbelievable in its own right, but experiencing it on a 4x4 jeep tour somehow makes it even better. This is a bumpy way to travel and that’s putting it lightly, but in many ways, that’s what makes it so cool.

Barron Falls Tour

One quick look at this cascade waterfall will leave you in a state of shock, amazement and joy - and that’s a spoiler, not a prediction. There is no possible way to get a bad lookout point when you’re up and around the National Park with the sound of the waves alone making it worth the trip.

Are there any other places to visit nearby?

The Barron Gorge National Park allows tourists to venture outside of Cairns but as we all know, there are so very many other spots around the city that are so unbelievably inviting. Therefore, it makes sense for there to be a whole host of other locations nearby that can be put together as part of a combo tour.

Kuranda

The Kuranda Scenic Railway intersects across this region and is worth taking a look at, but the village itself is also quite the sight to behold. The two are pretty much neighbors with Barron Gorge, to the point where you could shout a message across to the locals and they’d probably shout back.

Ellis Beach

If you head 20km up the Captain Cook Highway you’ll arrive at the always fantastic Ellis Beach. This famous piece of land is as secluded as it is heavenly, offering up the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Port Douglas

This holiday resort Port Douglas is almost like a smaller version of Cairns and can serve as an insight into another possible accommodation spot down the road. From water-sports to restaurants that produce some truly delightful meals, it’s hard to go wrong with a visit here.

Travel tips

• There aren’t quite as many opportunities to stop and smell the roses at Barron Gorge, and by that, we mean grabbing a quick bite to eat isn’t quite as simple as you may expect. So then, if permitted, bring some water and food with you to make sure your energy levels don’t drop through what is bound to be a hectic day at the office.
• Do a bit of research on white water rafting and what exactly you can expect from the whole experience. Sure, there will be experts present ready to talk through the training step by step, but this isn’t exactly something that comes naturally to everyone and we can appreciate that.
• Bring some extra cash for possible souvenir photos that can be purchased after your tour. Whether it be in the midst of the rapids or maybe even looking out at the Falls, there are many memories ready to be made.