Almost Free Family Attractions & Tours in Cairns, Australia

Attractions which are almost free are those ones we consider to have a low entry or participation fee, generally under $50 per family. All of the attractions in our almost free section are suited to families with children of all ages.

Sugarworld Waterslides

Sugarworld Waterslides

Located in Edmonton, 16kms south of Cairns, the Sugarworld Waterslides are an excellent spot for families. Four giant waterslides operate at Sugarworld, all with distinctly Queensland names like Banana Bender. Sugarworld also has a wading pool suitable for toddlers and a huge fun pool as well.

Surrounded by well maintained parkland, Sugarworld is set on 17 acres and has many interesting tropical fruit trees on the grounds. Friendly peacocks, ducks and geese also roam Sugarworld freely.

A licenced kiosk operates during slide hours with a large range of food, however Sugarworld is well equipped with BBQs and picnic tables, and we recommend you take advantage of these.

Bring your swimming costume, towels, hats and sunscreen. Entry fees are Adults $9.50 and Children (5-14 yrs) $7.50. Non-sliding family members will be charged a spectator fee of $3.50, however children under 2yrs are free.

Granite Gorge

Feeding a Rock Wallaby

Just outside Mareeba is a little-known holiday gem called Granite Gorge. If you love wildlife or spectacular scenery, you will especially love Granite Gorge, where a small creek winds its way around massive granite boulders.

A must see destination especially if you are travelling with children, Granite Gorge is best experienced in the afternoon between 2pm - 4pm when up to 50 rock wallabies converge in a small area hungrily waiting to be fed. The wallabies have grown up with human contact, and as a result are tame, friendly and happy to be touched and photographed while being hand fed.

Because the land is privately owned, there is a nominal charge for entry and wallaby food of $10 per car. Be careful if you are in a hire car, as part of the road is unsealed and if any damage to your vehicle occurs you may void the insurance.

Paronella Park

Paronella Park's Fountain

A Spanish castle in ruins, originally built in the 1930's on 13 acres of rainforest, Paronella Park is a magnificient display of human achievement in Mena Creek, right beside Mena Creek Falls.

Guided tours throughout the castle operate every 45m and are included in the admission price. You will be amazed at the many buildings which make up Paronella Park, which included a main castle, ballroom, a tunnel, secret garden and a Hydro-Electric generating plant below the waterfall.

Adults are $20, Children (5-15yrs) $10 and includes guided park tours, Indigenous performances and bush tucker walks. A cafe on site serves refreshments, and the gift shop has an outstanding range of local products.

• For more information have a look at our dedicated Paronella Park info page.

Daintree Discovery Centre

Canopy Tower

A popular interpretive centre that allows visitors close contact with the rainforest and its inhabitants through a range of boardwalks in the rainforest, a 23m high canopy tower, an aerial walkway and a display centre.

The aerial walkway is impressive as it was build with minimal disturbance to the environment, with no trees ever being removed. Walk right up alongside the trees, spotting wildlife and birds as you wander through.

The canopy tower has 5 viewing platforms with seating, and allows visitors to see the happenings of the Daintree Rainforest from high up in the canopy. It is particularly interesting to see the different structures of the rainforest trees from such a height. A cassowary often wanders by in the late afternoon oblivious to the people watching from the tower.

Admission prices are Adults $20, Children (5-16yrs) $7.50. The Adult admission fee includes Daintree Discovery Centre's 45 page Interpretive Guide Book. Family $45.

Misty Mountains Walking Tracks

Cochable Creek

The Misty Mountains Walking Tracks are a series of rainforest walks, many of which were the original trails of the Indigenous inhabitants of the region. While there are walks of varying difficulty, you don’t need to be an experienced walker to enjoy short walks in the Misty Mountains.

A series of shorter walks provides access to beauty spots and day use areas at Cochable Creek and South Johnstone camping ground, which can be accessed by car and a short walks.

Hikes are a fun family adventure, and the Misty Mountain Walking Tracks provide a well mapped option to explore the region's natural beauty.