I have a 15 day trip to NZ & AZ planned for March of this year. I am trying to finalize last minute excurisions. Any suggestions on what is a must see in Cairns area? I have 3 days in Cairns.

I am interested in Kuranda skyrail and train
Cape Tribulation/Daintree, Atherton Tableland /paronella Park/ and the waterfalls

My flight gets in 9am the first day, so it limits what I can do. I've considered doing Kuranda skyrail & train that day.
Cape Trib/Daintree the next and Northern Eco (Atherton, Falls, paronella.. the final day.
However, I miss out on Green Island
I saw an offer with a tour company for a combo Green Island, Kuranda skyrail/train tour but I would have to sacrifice the Northern Eco. Couldn't find a tour that offered late morning, afternoon tour to that area. I'm traveling by myself so please take this into consideration.
Any suggestions?

I wouldn't bother about Green Island - it's not that much - but you MUST do a day tour to the Reef proper

Green Island doesn't do much for me. I don't think missing it is a worry at all...but missing a trip to snorkel on the reef is not good! Unless you have a reason..like you are terrified of water...you should really try to book a trip to the reef. Even if you can't swim well they have floaty vests you can wear while you snorkel.

I really like the Tablelands and Paronella Park is interesting in a kind of kooky way.

But to me the #1 Must-Do out of Cairns or Port Douglas is a trip to the reef.

Getting in at 9.00am doesn't give much room for manouevre on the first day if you are relying on organised tours. You could maybe get up to Kuranda or out for a half day to Green Island (to which I've never been - doesn't appeal much). Neither of them would be in my list of "must does".

But maybe you will be hiring a car. You don't say how you will be travelling.

If it was me, I would head up to the Daintree on day 1 to see the rainforest. Do a night walking safari, and a flight over the reef. Day 2 - reef. Day 3 - reef again, or maybe head back to Cairns via the tablelands, though I don't know of any tours that offer that.

You must, must, must, go out to the reef for a day - that is THE THING to do in FNQ. And - let us suppose you have never snorkelled before - then you are in for the time of your life.

But much depends on your mode of travel.

Hope you have the most amazing time!!

I too agree that the #1 choice would be a day trip out to the GBR. There are many boat operators, so it will be easy to find a tour, even if you wait until you get there.

Also, you do not need to go on a tour to Kuranda, you can just hop on the Skyrail yourself and head on up. You can purchase a package that includes a Skyrail and Train ticket, plus ground transportation to return to your destination. I think that it would be a good first-day choice, because it is up to you how long you want to spend in Kuranda before you head back.

Thanks to all who responded. I will arrange my plans so I defintely go to the Great Barrier Reef.
I'll also see about doing kuranda on my short day.

i

Yes, best to do Skyrail/Train on your first day as its the shortest trip you're considering. Daintree trips leave Cairns around 7.30 am, full day reef trips usually between 8am-9am, and Northern Eco about 7.45am. You'll need to take Skyrail to Kuranda and return on train as you'll have missed the two morning trains - Skyrail can arrange shuttle transfers to and from your accommodation for both Skyrail and Kuranda train.

Hi
I must say the GBR is disappointing!!!
If u have seen some high biodiversity reefs elsewhere (e.g. Red Sea).
GBR has got a lot of species over thousands of Kms - but sampling a spot
(like cruise from Port Douglass) - it is rather poor, density & species wise...
The cruise (Catamaran) is nice though

aby