How to Plan Your Reef Port Douglas Scenic Flight Tour in Cairns

Are you planning a trip to Cairns and looking for a unique way to explore the Great Barrier Reef? If so, consider booking a Reef Port Douglas scenic flight tour. This breathtaking tour offers a bird’s-eye view of the Great Barrier Reef and Port Douglas, allowing you to admire the beautiful contrast of colors from the air. Here’s our guide on how to plan your Reef Port Douglas scenic flight tour in Cairns:

Step 1: Research and book the tour

The first step in planning your Reef Port Douglas scenic flight tour is to research and book the tour. You can book the tour online through GetYourGuide, which is a reputable third-party booking platform. The tour includes a guaranteed window seat in a high-wing aircraft, courtesy bus transfers to and from Cairns city, and in-flight pilot commentary.

Step 2: Arrive at the meeting point

On the day of the tour, arrive at the meeting point at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The meeting point is located at Cairns General Aviation Airport, which is approximately 10-15 minutes from Cairns city center.

Step 3: Board the aircraft

Once you arrive at the meeting point, you’ll board the aircraft and take your guaranteed window seat. The aircraft used for the Reef Port Douglas scenic flight tour is a high-wing aircraft, which means you’ll have unobstructed views of the Great Barrier Reef and Port Douglas from above.

Step 4: Enjoy the tour

As the aircraft takes off, you’ll begin your breathtaking tour of the Great Barrier Reef and Port Douglas. You’ll see all the offshore sights, including Green Island, Arlington Reef, Middle Cay, Michaelmas Cay, Upolu Reef, Batt Reef, Tongue Reef, Port Douglas, Double Island, and Palm Cove. The tour lasts approximately 60 minutes, and you’ll have the opportunity to admire the beautiful contrast of colors of the Great Barrier Reef from the air. The in-flight pilot commentary, which is complimentary, will provide you with information about the sights you’re seeing.

Step 5: Return to the meeting point

Once the tour is over, the aircraft will return to the meeting point at Cairns General Aviation Airport. You’ll then take the courtesy bus transfer back to Cairns city center.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when planning your Reef Port Douglas scenic flight tour: – The tour is weather-dependent, so be sure to check the weather forecast before booking. – Bring a camera or smartphone to take photos and videos of the sights you’re seeing. – Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for the tour. – Bring a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. – Don’t forget to book your tour in advance to secure your guaranteed window seat.

Book Your Tour Now

A Reef Port Douglas scenic flight tour is a unique and breathtaking way to explore the Great Barrier Reef and Port Douglas in Cairns. By following our guide on how to plan your tour, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful contrast of colors of the reef from above and create unforgettable memories. Book the tour here and get ready for an experience of a lifetime!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Cairns

1. What is Cairns famous for?

Cairns is a popular tourist destination that is famous for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the world. It is also known for its tropical climate, lush rainforests, and outdoor adventure activities such as skydiving, bungee jumping, and white-water rafting.

2. What is the best time to visit Cairns?

The best time to visit Cairns is from May to October. This is the dry season when the weather is pleasant with low humidity and cooler temperatures. It is also the best time for outdoor activities and to explore the Great Barrier Reef. However, accommodation and flight prices may be more expensive during this period.

3. What is the Great Barrier Reef and how can I explore it?

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, stretching over 1,400 miles along the coast of Queensland. It is home to thousands of marine species and is a popular destination for snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat tours. You can explore the Great Barrier Reef by booking a tour with a certified operator, which includes transportation, gear rental, and guided activities.

4. What are some popular outdoor activities in Cairns?

Cairns offers a wide range of outdoor adventures such as: – White-water rafting: take a thrilling ride down the Tully, Barron, or Russell rivers. – Bungee jumping: experience a rush of adrenaline by bungee jumping over a rainforest or a gorge. – Skydiving: jump out of an airplane and witness breathtaking views of the reef and the rainforest. – Trekking: explore the lush rainforest of the Atherton Tablelands or hike up to the top of Mount Whitfield for stunning views of Cairns.

5. How can I get to Cairns?

Cairns has an international airport that is served by many domestic and international airlines. You can also reach Cairns by car or bus from other cities in Queensland or take a scenic train journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

6. What are some must-visit attractions in Cairns?

Some of the top attractions in Cairns are: – The Great Barrier Reef: explore one of the world’s natural wonders. – Cairns Esplanade Lagoon: a popular swimming spot in the heart of the city. – Kuranda Village: a quaint village nestled in the rainforest with markets, wildlife parks, and scenic railways. – Daintree Rainforest: a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest surviving rainforest in the world. – Cairns Botanic Gardens: a beautiful garden with a vast collection of tropical plants.

7. What is the weather like in Cairns?

Cairns has a tropical climate with hot and humid summers (December to February) and mild winters (June to August). The wet season is from December to April with heavy rainfall and occasional tropical cyclones.

8. What are the best food and drink options in Cairns?

Cairns offers a range of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. Some must-try foods in Cairns are: – Seafood: try fresh prawns, oysters, and fish from the Great Barrier Reef. – Tropical fruits: taste exotic fruits such as mangoes, papayas, and passionfruit. – Indigenous cuisine: sample traditional Australian Aboriginal foods such as kangaroo and emu. – Craft beer: Cairns has several microbreweries that offer locally brewed beer.

9. What are some family-friendly activities in Cairns?

Cairns is a great destination for families with many fun activities such as: – Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome: an adventure park with ziplines and ropes courses. – Muddy’s Playground: a water playground with fountains and slides. – Sugarworld Waterpark: a popular water park with pools and slides. – Cairns Aquarium: a fascinating aquarium with marine animals from the Great Barrier Reef.

10. What are the best shopping options in Cairns?

Cairns has many shopping options such as malls, markets, and boutique stores. Some of the best places to shop in Cairns are: – Cairns Central Shopping Centre: a large mall with over 180 stores. – Rusty’s Markets: a bustling market with fresh produce, souvenirs, and local products. – Cairns Night Markets: an open-air market with food, drinks, and souvenirs. – The Pier Cairns: a waterfront complex with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Cairns

Cairns is a popular destination in Australia, known for its wonderful tropical climate and being the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The city is located in the far north of Queensland and is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that is perfect for tourists. If you’re planning a trip to Cairns, here’s how to make the most of your time in this wonderful city.

1. Visit the Great Barrier Reef

Cairns is known worldwide as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, so it’s no surprise that it’s the main attraction for visitors to the city. The Great Barrier Reef is a wonder of nature, and it’s accessible right off the coast of Cairns. Tourists have a range of options for exploring the reef, including snorkeling, diving, and glass-bottom boats.

Options for visiting the Great Barrier Reef

• Snorkeling
• Diving
• Glass-bottom boat tours

2. Visit the Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest is one of the oldest rainforests in the world and is home to a range of flora and fauna that is unique to the area. The rainforest is located an hour and a half north of Cairns and, like the Great Barrier Reef, is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the region.

Ways to explore the Daintree Rainforest

• Guided tours
• Self-guided walks
• 4WD tours

3. Walk along the Cairns Esplanade

The Cairns Esplanade is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. This scenic area runs along the coast of Cairns and is home to a range of shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Things to do along the Cairns Esplanade

• Swimming
• Enjoying the beach
• Going for a jog or walk
• Enjoying a meal or a drink at one of the many restaurants and cafes

4. Explore the Kuranda Village

Kuranda is a small village located in the tropical rainforest, and it’s just a short drive from Cairns. The village is home to a range of unique shops and cafes, making it a great place to explore for a few hours.

Things to do in Kuranda Village

• Browse the local markets
• Take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
• Visit the Kuranda Koala Gardens

5. Visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park

The Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is a unique attraction in Cairns that provides visitors with an insight into Aboriginal culture. This park is located just 15 minutes from Cairns and is a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn more about Australia’s indigenous culture.

Activities at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park

• Dance performances
• Interactive cultural displays
• Didgeridoo workshops

6. Take a Day trip to Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island is a beautiful tropical island located just off the coast of Cairns. The island is home to a range of activities, including snorkeling, diving, and hiking. It’s the perfect destination for a day trip and is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Cairns.

Things to do on Fitzroy Island

• Snorkeling
• Diving
• Hiking
• Relaxing on the beach

7. Visit the Cairns Zoo

The Cairns Zoo is a must-visit destination for animal lovers. This zoo is home to a range of native Australian animals, as well as a selection of exotic animals. The Cairns Zoo is a great place to spend a few hours with the family.

Animals found at the Cairns Zoo

• Kangaroos and wallabies
• Crocodiles
• Dingos
• Monkeys

8. Drive the Great Tropical Drive

The Great Tropical Drive is a scenic drive that stretches over 1400km from Cairns to Townsville. This drive takes you through some of the most scenic parts of Queensland and is a great way to experience the region.

Places to stop along the Great Tropical Drive

• Mission Beach
• Port Douglas
• Atherton Tablelands
• The Whitsunday Islands

Final Thoughts

Cairns is a beautiful destination that is loaded with things to do and see. Whether you’re interested in exploring the Great Barrier Reef or hiking through the Daintree Rainforest, there’s something for everyone in Cairns. With so much to do and see, you’ll need to carefully consider how you’ll spend your time to ensure that you make the most of your trip.