Cairns & Tropical North Queensland Boating Guide

Boat Rentals and Reef Tours in Cairns, Australia

Cairns is the gem of Queensland and a major reason why tourists come all the way to Australia. It's the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. It's a small city right on the east coast of Australia and is also a great starting point for a road trip down the coast, which is popular amongst backpackers and long-term travelers.

Cairns is the place to go if you plan on spending time seeing the Great Barrier Reef while traveling around Australia. Here you can book a scuba charter and sleep overnight on a boat while enjoying days full of scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkeling tours are a popular choice for day trips on the Great Barrier Reef and are an excellent alternative if you do not have your scuba certification. It's a popular choice for backpackers on a budget traveling through Cairns.

Cairns is also known for its great fishing charters and water sports opportunities. Rent a fishing boat in Cairns or try an activity like rafting or kiteboarding for an exciting adventure in Tropical North Queensland.

The Best Accommodation Options in Cairns

Hotels in Cairns

Hostels in Cairns

Boating in Townsville, Queensland

Magnetic Island Day Trips

The Best Accommodation in Townsville

Boat Tours & Overnight Sailing Trips for the Whitsunday Islands

Island hopping in the Whitsundays is one of the best ways to get acquainted with the raw, natural beauty of Australia. Its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef (in combination with its own considerable charms) makes it an excellent stop for boaters who wish to see the lush wildness that has helped create the region’s reputation. Book a boat charter from Airlie Beach to get out to the Whitsundays on a multi-day sailing tour.

There's a lot of options to consider when planning your trip to the Whitsundays. Yacht charters, boat rentals, and snorkeling trips are very popular to enjoy in the Whitsundays. If cruising is more your style, then plan an island boating excursion in the autumn.

Since much of the area is under federal protection, the ecological marvels of the Whitsundays are pristine. You can find excellent fishing off of Whitsunday Island, Hook Passage, Nara Inlet, Haselwood Island, or Shute Harbour, or you can relax in the sun on one of the most incredible beaches in the world — Whitehaven Beach.

Feed your thirst for adventure by undertaking the Ngaro Sea Trail, which traverses both land and sea paths to give you the complete Whitsundays experience.