One Day in Cairns prior to cruise
 

We will be arriving in Cairns on Oct 27 and will stay in a hotel for 2 nights. We are scheduled to board the GBR cruise at Trinity Wharf on Oct 29th at 1PM which leaves us a day to recover from Jet lag and another to sightsee. What suggestions would you have for us to do on Sunday, Oct 28th, the day before the cruise. We would enjoy the natural beauty but any highlights would be appreciated.

There's no "must sees" in Cairns itself. Plenty of ways to pass the time pleasantly if you have a lot of it to spare - but with just one day I would recommend a day trip to the Daintree National Park. See some rainforest - check out the crocs in the Daintree River. Lots of tours to choose from - one with a company that specialises in showing and telling about the native flora would be excellent - if you are into that sort of thing.

You could take the Skyrail ride from Cairns to the upland rainforest town of Kuranda. The Skyrail is a ski area-type gondola lift that carries you above the forest canopy for the several-km trip. There are two mid-stations where you can get off, walk around on some nice trails, then hop back on.

Kuranda itself is a bit of a tourist trap, with a few too many didgeridu, boomerang, and t-shirt stores. Still, you could walk around a bit, have lunch, then return via the Skyrail, or take the old historic railway back down.

You could also visit the Tjabukai Cultural Centre, right near the base of the Skyrail. You would gain some insight into the history and culture of the nearly-extinct Tjabukai tribe. Interesting, but IMO a bit too touristy and glitzy, with hi-tech displays and shows. Still, the outdoor dance, didgeridu, and weapon demonstrations were worth it.

As mentioned above, a Daintree River tour would be good too, not far to the north.

There seems to be much ignorance on the subject of natural attractions close to Cairns; Cairns has World Heritage rainforest on its doorstep. Check www.cairnswildernesswalks.com - small groups, maximum of 6; usually only 2. There's a choice of an energetic bushwalk to Lake Morris or a more leisurely walk which includes Crystal Cascades - Mossman Gorge without the tour buses. Very knowledgeable guide with accommodation pick-ups and returns. Costs far less than a Daintree trip without the crowds.

Should have mentioned - website mentioned for Cairns Wilderness Walks indicates it only runs Monday-Friday - this is no longer the case and does now include weekends.

I second Pat's suggestions of the Wilderness Walk. The crystal cascades are lovely and the Mosman Gorge is a great trip to and you get to see a lot of Rainforest as well. Tourists usually arrive in Cairns, book a trip and do not get to see what is available right on the doorstep. When my children were young we used to go neally every year and camp for about 2 weeks and find something wonderful to do each and every day.