Cairns is one of Australia’s most beloved destinations, known as the gateway to both the Great Barrier Reef and the unique Daintree Rainforest. This tropical city offers everything from adrenaline-filled activities to relaxing beach days. Here is a detailed list of the 15 best things to do in Cairns – whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or simply looking to unwind in paradise.
Dive and Snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns
Cairns is renowned for its proximity to the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, a must-see for all nature lovers and underwater enthusiasts. There are diving and snorkeling tours available for both beginners and experienced divers. Here, you’ll have the chance to see colorful fish, turtles, and world-class coral formations. Book a full-day tour from Cairns to make the most of this unforgettable adventure.
Explore the Daintree rainforest
Daintree is the world’s oldest tropical rainforest and is conveniently located within reach of Cairns. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a treasure trove of flora and fauna. My recommendation is to either book a guided tour (there are plenty to choose from) so you can simply relax and enjoy without too much planning. The other option, if you have access to a car, is to drive yourself to the Daintree Rainforest. We chose this option—it’s cheaper and allows you to plan your time more freely, which I personally prefer. The important thing is to make sure you get here; you definitely don’t want to miss the magical rainforests north of Cairns. Read more about Daintree in our post: Road Trip from Brisbane to Cairns.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: A Unique View over Cairns
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is an iconic gondola ride that offers visitors breathtaking views over Cairns’ lush rainforest landscape. This 7.5 km journey includes several stops where you can explore the natural surroundings up close, including Red Peak and Barron Falls. Experiencing the rainforest from above is an adventure you won’t soon forget.
Go for a walk at Cairns Esplanade
The Cairns Esplanade is the city’s heartbeat and perfect for an evening stroll or a relaxing day by the beach. Here, you can swim in the popular Esplanade Lagoon, enjoy outdoor workouts, or visit the night market to pick up unique souvenirs. The Esplanade is a wonderful spot to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere and energy.
Daytrip to Green Island
Green Island is just a 45-minute boat ride from Cairns and makes for a perfect day trip to a tropical paradise. This small island boasts beautiful beaches, snorkeling, and the chance to see unique marine species. Explore the island’s walking trails or relax on the beach and s!oak in the tropical surroundings. On our next trip to Cairns, Green Island will be the first excursion we take. Don’t miss out on Green Island
Kuranda Scenic Railway: A Historic Train Journey from Cairns
The historic journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway takes you through some of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes, from Cairns to the rainforest village of Kuranda. Along the way, you pass waterfalls and scenic valleys. In Kuranda, you can visit art galleries, markets, and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Although we chose not to take the train ride ourselves, the trip to Kuranda was well worth it. This old town, where a large majority of residents are Indigenous, has a unique character that sets it apart from other Australian cities. With its old-fashioned charm and “no worries” vibe, Kuranda offers a truly memorable experience.
White Water Rafting on the Barron River
For adventure seekers, white water rafting on the Barron River is a must-do. Just a short drive from Cairns, this action-packed experience takes you through rapids and waterfalls in the scenic Barron Gorge National Park. The rafting here is ideal for both beginners and seasoned adventurers.
Explore Paronella Park
Paronella Park, just an hour from Cairns, feels like a fairy tale with its waterfalls and Spanish-inspired ruins from the 1930s. This historic park is perfect for a romantic outing or a day filled with nature experiences. Take a guided tour to learn about the park’s fascinating history and witness how nature has gracefully enveloped the old buildings.
Visit Georgeous Fitzroy Island from Cairns
The famous Fitzroy Island is easily accessible from Cairns and is an excellent choice for those seeking peaceful nature experiences. Here, you can snorkel, hike, or visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre to learn more about efforts to protect turtles. Just like Green Island, Fitzroy is a fantastic island to explore. It’s perfect for both families and couples.
Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Atherton Tablelands
Experience the Atherton Tablelands from above with a spectacular sunrise hot air balloon ride. Just a short trip from Cairns, this activity offers a unique view of the region’s landscapes. Floating over gentle hills, green fields, and misty valleys is both peaceful and awe-inspiring.
Daintree River Cruise: See Crocodiles Near Cairns
A cruise on the Daintree River gives you the chance to see crocodiles in their natural habitat. Daintree is one of the best places in Australia to observe these creatures up close, and a guided tour provides fascinating insights into their lives and survival in the wild. We took our cruise with Bruce from Daintree River Cruises. With over 30 years of experience in guided tours, Bruce will not disappoint. Listening to his stories while watching the crocodiles is something I’ll always carry with me—it was a fantastic experience, largely thanks to Bruce’s passion! Book with Bruce for the best possible experience.
Palm Cove: A tropic beach close to Cairns
Palm Cove, just a short drive from Cairns, is the perfect place to unwind with its palm-lined beaches, cozy cafés, and relaxed atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy a peaceful day at the beach, try one of the popular restaurants, or treat yourself to a spa session in a tropical setting. Be sure to snap a few beautiful photos with the iconic palm trees as your backdrop.
Cape Tribulation: A daytrip from Cairns
Cape Tribulation is a unique spot where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. This area offers exciting activities such as horseback riding on the beach, hiking, and visits to Mossman Gorge. Although Cape Tribulation is just a small village, it’s packed with incredible nature experiences to explore, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a cassowary (see image below). A day trip here from Cairns provides a truly unique experience in one of the world’s most biodiverse environments.
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures outside Cairns
For a family-friendly day trip, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures near Cairns is an excellent choice. Here, you can see crocodiles up close, learn about their behavior, and even watch feeding demonstrations. The park also features koalas, cassowaries, and other Australian wildlife, making it a fantastic experience for both kids and adults interested in learning more about native animals.
Watch the sunset from a sailingboat
End your day in Cairns with a sunset sailing tour. Enjoy gliding over the Coral Sea as the sun paints the sky in shades of pink and gold. This tranquil experience is perfect for soaking in and savoring the natural beauty that Cairns has to offer.
Explore magical Cairns
Cairns is a paradise for both adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts. From the depths of the Great Barrier Reef to the heights of the Atherton Tablelands, Cairns invites you to experience, discover, and savor. Every corner has a story, every trail leads to an adventure, and every wave carries the promise of something magical. Are you ready to answer Cairns’ call?
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