Plan your visit
Plan your visit
Get practical details on finding the marina, dealing with the weather, and staying safe around crocodiles.
Getting there
Most tours depart directly from the Cairns waterfront.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk: Walk from the Cairns CBD to the Marlin Marina to view the inlet or board tours. | 5-10 mins | Free | The boardwalk offers excellent views of the harbor, moored boats, and surrounding mountains. |
| Boat: Join a guided cruise, jet boat ride, or hire a self-drive dinghy to explore the estuary. | 1.5 - 2 hours | $40 - $100+ depending on tour/hire | Self-drive boat hires do not require a marine license but restrict you to designated safe zones. |
| Car: Drive to the Cairns waterfront and park near the Reef Fleet Terminal or local boat ramps. | 5 mins from CBD | Standard city parking rates apply | Paid street parking and lots are available directly adjacent to the marina. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October. This period offers pleasant weather and clear skies.
Check the tides if you hire a boat. The inlet experiences a massive tidal range, with spring high tides reaching over 3 metres.
What to bring
Your ticks are saved in this browser only.
Bring a wide-brimmed hat and polarised sunglasses.
Polarised lenses cut glare and help spot crocodiles on muddy banks.
How the day runs
Suggested ways to spend your time around the estuary.
A relaxed morning exploring the marina and taking a guided boat tour.
- Marlin Marina Boardwalk
Walk along the waterfront and view moored yachts and mountains.
- Reef Fleet Terminal
Arrive early to check in for your sightseeing cruise.
- Sightseeing Cruise
Board your vessel for a 75-minute guided trip through the mangroves.
- Return to CBD
Disembark at the marina, a short 5-minute walk back to the city center.
Rent a pontoon and explore the inlet independently.
- Pick up boat
Collect your hired self-drive pontoon at Cairns Boat Hire.
- Smith's Creek
Navigate to this sheltered tributary for fishing or crabbing.
- Admiralty Island
Slow down near the mangrove island for bird watching.
- Return boat
Bring the vessel back to the Cairns marina.
Safety and Packing Rules
Never swim or wade at the water's edge. Trinity Inlet is home to active estuarine crocodiles. Obey all warning signs and keep limbs inside boats at all times.
Pack high SPF reef-safe sunscreen and a long-sleeved UV-protective shirt. The tropical UV rays are intense. Bring DEET-based insect repellent to deter mangrove midges.
Easiest way to do it
Cairns Trinity Inlet Sightseeing Cruise
1 h 15 min 4.9 (37)
- Soda/Pop
- 75-minute Inlet Cruise
- Experienced Boat Captain
From$45per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How do I get to Trinity Inlet from Cairns CBD?
You can walk from the CBD to the Marlin Marina in 5 to 10 minutes. This is where most tours depart.
What is the best way to explore Trinity Inlet?
The safest and most informative way is joining a guided cruise or jet boat ride. You can also hire a self-drive boat.
Can you see crocodiles on a Trinity Inlet cruise?
Yes, crocodile sightings are possible. Visit at low tide when crocodiles are most likely to expose themselves on muddy banks.