Originally Posted by Canarsie

Not far from where the Hilton Cairns hotel — at which I recommend staying — is located are boats which will take you out on a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef. I went scuba diving using one of these boats; but you can also snorkel as well. Lunch or snacks aboard the boat are usually included with the rate.

I had a rental car and was able to reach Kuranda within 40 minutes. I recommend the train ride; although I have been on better train rides.

Daintree Rainforest is five hours round trip by car from Cairns and thus is probably not a good idea due to your time constraints if you decide to go to the Great Barrier Reef instead.

I enjoyed driving around the Atherton Tablelands, which is three hours round trip by car from Cairns and certainly possible...