Private tour in Cairns Darrin G

Private fixed Price Six Hour Cruise Ship Shore Tour of Cairns

5.0

(11) reviews

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Darrin G.

4.9

Guide rating

80

Reviews

Tours delivered

3 hrs

Avg. response time

Dear traveller. Thank you for taking the time to have a look at what my tours offer. I'd be delighted to answer any questions you may have regarding any tour listed. I am also ready to put together a package outside of my listed tours that can be tailored just for you or your group, so please don't be afraid to ask anything at all. It is essential to get your itinerary right before we meet for our tour, so I can produce the trip of a lifetime for you and your travel partners. A little about myself, In the past I have travelled extensively across Australia as a child with my parents, then later on by myself, then with my wife and now with 3 children. Presently I am in early 50s, and can safely say that such experience means I am more than capable of tailoring small group tour packages that are covid safe, couple and family friendly. I have an expert local knowledge of Tropical North Queensland and the Cairns area. My enthusiasm and passion for Australia and my guests enjoyment and comfort are evident when it comes to showing off my backyard paradise, and using professional people skills, so you can always count on being treated very well during your tour. I will take you to see extinct volcanic crater lakes, giant species of trees, rare and endangered wildlife, such as Duck Billed Platypus, Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo, and the Southern Cassowary, just to name a few. You will also visit ancient lava flows, waterfalls, and experience unique Australian bird life, insects and reptiles, along with much more. My historical knowledge of Australian indigenous culture, pioneering and Australian wartime history, is available for you to ask any questions. However I never bore my guests with overloading facts or scripted opinions. Being a local, I know the stories behind the Australian and Queensland culture, which I weave into the day at a tasteful pace. I never rush my tours, but am keenly aware of time constraints especially if you have dinner plans or need to get back to your cruise ship. I can tailor a package according to your time, taste and budget. Maybe a scenic plane or helicopter flight, hot air balloon ride, bungy jump, jet-boat, or skydive. For the less adventurous like myself, I could put together a scenic drive, walk, or train ride through the world heritage listed tropical rain-forests right through to the Aussie outback. Or maybe tapas by the coral sea, or in the mountains is more to your taste. On the other hand, if relaxing by the pool under the coconut palms at Palm Cove is more your style, I can organise this too. It really all depends upon you. This has given me a trustworthy name in the Australian and Queensland Tourism industry for both budget and 5 star customised service. Even so, I am a firm believer in the saying "You get what you pay for" and refuse to subject my travellers to second rate accommodation and food. So lets start the conversation. I look forward to working closely with you before you plan your travel to Queensland Australia, and having you as my guest on board a tour you WILL remember for all the right reasons. Kind regards. Darrin. I am a fully accredited privately operated tour business carrying travel permits into most of Nth Queensland's National Parks. Likewise I am fully insured and registered to drive public passenger vehicles for both short and long distance tour services. My tours are ranked #3 in the popularity status of things to do in Atherton. I have won awards for best small tour operator in the Cairns Highlands and have also received accolades for outstanding customer service in my branch line business for remote and long distance Airport shuttle coach services. I only cater for small tour groups between 2 -10 passengers on any one tour. I specialise in couples and groups of between 4 -6 passengers.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Darrin G.

Overview of your Cairns tour

Dont you just hate it when you arrive at a city port, and after all your research you cant find any tour that suits. These days lots of operators guide you toward crowded attractions where they cash in on incentives for arriving with as many travellers as they can. Thats not what I am about. If you book a private tour with me you really do get a LOCAL guide who will treat you to local attractions and points of interest. Beginning around the city, then into the rainforest, up towards the mountains and scenic lookouts and back down to the coast. You get to experience everything local skipping the crowds and the often annoying tourist shopping traps. If you want a quality on shore day tour that cuts through the norm. Then this is where to find it. Leaving from either Cairns, or Yorkeys Knob. I cant wait for you to join me for a local scenic tour of Cairns and surrounds that you can share with those who chose to get taken for a different ride. Arrive as a friend, leave as family.

Recent Reviews

Patricia T.United States
February 2026

My husband and I just finished a wonderful tour with Darrin G in Cairns. We got tired of the Cruise ship excursions that drive you to a spot and give you 15 mins to explore an area. Instead, we went with Darrin to the rainforest and spent hours exploring, seeing the waterfalls, all the native flora, and wildlife. We thoroughly enjoyed having the time to really appreciate the area. Darrin's van was extra comfy with lots of room and great AC. And Darrin was a great driver, dodging the rain and the traffic. He has a great knowledge of the area and was more than happy to adjust the tour to see and do what we wanted. I can definitely recommend this tour and especially our tour guide, Darrin.

Elizabeth M.United States
February 2026

Darrin’s knowledge and passion combined with a glorious landscape made for a wonderful day! We enjoyed every moment. We highly recommend both the tour and the guide!

Connie S.United States
January 2026

We chose Darrin’s tour because with the weather being so hot we thought that an air conditioned van would be the way to go. Darrin gave us a thorough tour of the area. He was very personable and knowledgeable. We saw the rainforest, waterfalls, a coffee factory and an old beautiful Fig Tree. He had iced cold water to help us keep us hydrated. We had lunch at the coffee factory and enjoyed a summer rain while we were on the covered back porch. He was reliable and thoughtful. You will enjoy you time in Cairnes.

Carmen P.United States
November 2025

Cindy is a fabulous guide! She is very knowledgeable and was able to answer all of our questions about Cairns and Australia in general. She had a plan for our day and didn’t hesitate when we mentioned other areas we were interested in. She even took us to the farmers market and sweet talked the coffee roaster into reopening so we were able to purchase local beans! We would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the Csirns area.

Alan M.United Kingdom
July 2025

We greatly enjoyed our tour with Darrin. Right from booking onwards Darrin was helpful and flexible, able to tailor the itinerary more to our wishes and interests, and proved warm, friendly and knowledgeable. We have no hesitation at all in recommending Darrin if you are visiting Cairns.

Brenda C.
May 2025

Darrin was able to provide a last minute substitute guide due to the loss of his father. (Many sympathies.) Cindy provided us with a wonderful day in Cairns as per Darrin's directions. We had a scenic drive into the rainforest and visited Barron Gorge , Barron Falls lookout and more. We even saw a cassowary cross the road! In Kuranda Village we visited the Butterfly Garden, the Koala Wildlife Garden and did a little shopping. We drove to Palm Coast and had refreshments at a beachfront restaurant. Cindy even knew where to take us to see wallabies in the wild. On this hot day, she provided each of us with a cooling towel, water and gummy snacks. Many thanks to Cindy and to Darrin for providing us with this tour!

Your Cairns tour itinerary

Meet at Cairns Port or Yorkeys Knob. * Cairns city sights, take in the indigenous and pioneering history of Cairns from early settlement days right up to the city's modern developments. * Enjoy a scenic drive into the oldest living rainforest in the world to a spectacular lookout, and spot your cruise ship, as you gaze over the tropical forest towards Trinity inlet and the coral sea. * Visit the famous Barron Gorge and the Barron falls lookout. (Optional visit to Kuranda Village) where your guide will direct you to local products, such as opal, leather apparel, clothing, jewellery and refreshments. Or skip the Village altogether, and continue onto scenic local attractions of ancient landscapes. * Take the scenic drive to Palm Cove via the world heritage listed coral coast highway and the Rex lookout for a spectacular view over the Coral sea and the Cairns northern beaches. * Enjoy a relaxing late lunch or afternoon tea under the palm trees. * Return to cruise ship at Yorkeys Knob or Cairns Wharf 6 hrs later.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Suv

Late model Toyota Hiace Commuter or luxury European SUV.

What's included
Other: Return Transfers. Onboard commentary, Chilled bottled filtered water. National Park fees and enviro levies.
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Tastings
Meeting location

Cairns City, Queensland, Australia

Airport: , Cairns Cruise Ship Terminal Wharf St . Yorkeys knob tender port.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Day Trip
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1254400
Languages
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Cairns best suited for?

This private tour in Cairns is perfect for cruise ship passengers looking for a shore excursion that offers a unique and local experience. It's ideal for travellers who want to avoid crowded attractions and instead explore local sights with a knowledgeable local guide, Darrin G. The tour is also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly and involves minimal activity.

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

Is this private tour in Cairns suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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