Best Things to See and Do in Cairns
Thinking about heading to Cairns but unsure about what's there to do? You're in for a treat. Home to the iconic Great Barrier Reef and the oldest rainforest in the whole of Australia, this gorgeous region brims with adventures galore.
Spend your days snorkelling the deep blue, taking breath-taking hikes or chilling at a cafe or at the beach - the tropical north is yours to explore! Here are some of our recommended must-dos to add to your itinerary.
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Explore the Great Barrier Reef
1. Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour
Uncover the Great Barrier Reef’s secrets with this full-day tour! Credits: @downundercruiseanddive
Is the Great Barrier Reef on your bucket list for just the longest time? Well, get ready to check it off! A trip to Cairns definitely has to include a visit to this iconic UNESCO World Heritage area (did you know that it is also one of the world's seven natural wonders?), which also happens to be the largest coral reef system and the biggest living structure on the planet!
Hop onboard your 35-metre luxury superyacht for the day, as you cruise from Cairns to two exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef sites and enjoy snorkelling or scuba diving in the Norman, Saxon and Hastings outer reefs which are well-known as the best spots to see colourful corals as well as a various species of reef fish and sea turtles too!
And once you're done, a delicious BBQ lunch awaits onboard, along with a glass of wine to cap off the whole experience.
2. Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Scenic Helicopter Flight Tour
Here's another way to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef - from up above! Get the best of both worlds with this Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Scenic Helicopter Flight Tour, where you can witness the beauty of this spectacular landmark at a whole new level.
Wake up the kid in you with the Sunlover Sunslide! Credits: @sunloverreefcruises
First, you get to snorkel and swim around the reef (P/S: kids will absolutely love the Sunlover Sunslide, a theme park water slide on the reef!). Next, you'll get to hop on a 10-minute scenic helicopter ride and be treated to a jaw-dropping bird’s eye view of the serene waters. It'll definitely be the highlight of your holiday!
3. Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Cruise and Underwater Observatory Tour
Travelling with non-swimmers but still wish to visit the Great Barrier Reef? No worries - this tour is for you and your crew! Explore the magnificent sights of the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet at all from the safety and comfort of the underwater observatory of a coral viewing boat - how cool is that?
Those who wish to explore the reef further can do so and you can snorkel, or even try a scuba doo!
4. Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Rail
Go beyond the cityscapes of Cairns and visit the quaint rainforest town of Kuranda! You can explore the area in two ways: by riding the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or the Kuranda Scenic Rail. Both promise spectacular sights of the gloriously lush landscapes of Kuranda.
Rise above the lush foliage of the rainforest with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (sort of like a cable car ride) and descend or ascend past waterfalls and rainforest viewpoints. A stop on the Edge lookout gives you an incredible view of Barron Falls.
Enjoy Kuranda any way you want! Credits: @kurandavillage
The Kuranda Scenic Rail takes a little longer, but that just means even more time to admire your beautiful surroundings. Chug through the sea of trees and stunning views of raw Australian nature as you move along.
5. Kuranda Rainforest Army Duck Tour
If you're looking for a unique way in addition to the Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Railway - another way to experience the Kuranda rainforest is via an Army Duck, which is a vehicle that was actually used in the World War II! The Army Duck Tour will have you travelling over land and water and you will also get to learn more about the various flora and fauna of Kuranda with your guide's commentary.
Besides tickets for the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Army Duck tour, this package also includes admission to a Tropical Fruit Orchard and round-trip transfers to and fro your hotel.
6. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures Park
Crikey mate - get up close and personal with the famous reptilian predator, the crocodile, at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures Park! This award-winning park is where you'll get to learn more about these reptiles as well as the local flora and fauna at various special zones of the park.
P/S: The tour of the wetlands on a boat and cruise past crocodiles, cassowaries and other wildlife is definitely a cannot-miss - we highly recommend it!
Upgrade your experience by booking our Breakfast with Koala package which includes a delicious hot Aussie breakfast by the lagoon and a friendly guest - a cutie koala bear!
7. Explore Cape Tribulation, Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge
Besides the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is also home to some of the most sublime natural landmarks in Australia, including Cape Tribulation, Daintree Rainforest (the oldest rainforest in Aussie!) as well as Mossman Gorge.
This tour will take you to hit all three! You will go on a guided hike through the Daintree Rainforest, enjoy a refreshing dip in Mossman Gorge and also learn more about the local aboriginal people of this region, the Kuku Yalanji People, in a traditional smoke ceremony.
8. Hot Air Balloon Experience in Cairns
There's nothing more enchanting and tranquil than a ride on a hot air balloon. Imagine floating through the clouds before the world is awake, and watching with bated breath as you quietly witness a spectacle - a warm, glowy sunrise.
Sunrise view aside, you'll also get to enjoy the splendid scenery of the Atherton Tablelands region from up above, and enjoy a glass of champagne or orange juice once you land!
9. Descend into Chillagoe Caves
Channel your inner Indiana Jones on this exciting cave adventure tour to Chillagoe Caves! Start your day with a 4WD ride to the McAllister Ranges to spot bush birds, like emus, wedge-tail eagles and squatter pigeons, as well as kangaroos and frilled neck lizards! Then, you'll head to the Skybury Coffee Plantation for some morning tea.
Next up is the main event - you'll get to explore the Chillagoe-Mungaga Caves National Park with an expert local guide!
Besides traversing to the heart of the Chillagoe Caves, you will also get to tour through historic mining towns and small outback communities, learn about aboriginal rock art and visit Granite Gorge to see the wallabies! Lunch at a 100-year-old Aussie Outback pub is also included.
10. Visit Cairns Aquarium
The Cairns Aquarium makes for a perfect afternoon out for families - meet (and even feel!) Australia’s diverse marine life and exotic land animal species including grey reef sharks, freshwater sawfish, pythons, tree monitors and more!
11. Visit Green Island
Located 45-minutes from Cairns by fast catamaran, Green Island is a 6,000-year old rainforest covered coral cay that sits right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
Get your daily dose of vitamin sea at Green Island!
Embark on a whole day journey to explore the island and the surrounding reef via snorkelling or diving, or if you prefer to stay dry you can also go on a scenic paddle on the sparkling waters via a glass-bottom boat!
12. Australian Butterfly Sanctuary Cairns
Step into the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and be greeted by over a thousand multi-coloured tropical butterflies. Here, you'll learn more about the different kinds of butterflies around the world along with the many myths and legends about them.
Befriend butterflies as you tour around the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary! Credit: @australianbutterflysanctuary
Enjoy a guided tour of the butterfly lab and aviary as well as admission to attractions inside the sanctuary. Don’t forget to snap photos of the beautiful butterflies too! Most of the butterflies here are endemic to Australia.
13. Visit Frankland Islands
Learn snorkelling from Master Reef guides. Credits @franklandislands
Here's another island to explore! Tropical paradise Frankland Islands is perfect for snorkelling and other fun aqua activities, all of which will allow you to witness the beauty of the reefs of course!
Start your day travelling by coach south of Cairns towards Deeral where you'll board a stunning water cruise along the Mulgrave River. Enjoy a 30-minute cruise to Frankland Islands where you get to spend four hours of a fun-filled tour of the unspoiled island. A marine biologist and Master Reef is also available to guide you on a walk around the island as you discover the diverse wildlife living within the rock pools.
If you prefer to discover the island on your own, you can book the Transfer Only package.
14. Go Rafting at Barron River
Conquer the Barron River’s rapids with your crew! Credits: @chdevente
Thrill-seekers, you'll be delighted to find out that Cairns has no lack when it comes to adrenaline-pumping activities, such as white-water rafting down the majestic Barron River.
Get ready to have a splashing good time in this 2-hour white-water rafting experience that will have you paddling down Grade Three rapids in the World Heritage-listed Barron Gorge National Park. It's gonna be an unforgettable adventure for sure!
15. Go Skydiving
Want more heart-pumping thrills? Skydiving in Cairns is definitely one for the books. Take in the beautiful scenery of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef from 15,000 feet above ground and enjoy your free fall that will have you going as fast as 200km/h for up to a minute! Are you up for the challenge?
16. Visit Fitzroy Island
Paddle across Fitzroy Island’s calm waters on a paddle board.
If the island life is your thing, here's another island to add to your list! Fitzroy Island is 45 minutes away from Cairns via boat, and offers a wealth of activities from snorkeling and swimming to hiking and more!
Pick from a half-day tour, where you can either opt for the Snorkel Hire or Glass Bottom Tour, or a full-day tour of both water activities. With convenient cruise transfers to and from the island, you get to enjoy the tour as much as you can with less worries! Other water activities on the island include jumping up on an ocean trampoline and exploring the island on a paddle board.
If you're looking to just get tickets to Fitzroy Island and self-explore, you can also book boat transfers on Klook!
17. Atherton Tablelands
Take a break from the busy city life of Cairns and drive to the splendid scenery of Atherton Tablelands, which is one of Australia's most incredible hidden treasures.
Visit the famous Mt. Hypipamee crater and secret Dinner Falls as you explore Mt. Hypipamee National Park and discover the gorgeous variety of flora and fauna along with majestic waterfalls and world-famous rainforests. Don’t forget to pack your swim gear and go for a refreshing dip in Lake Eacham, Josephine Falls, and Millaa Millaa Falls!
18. Explore the Night Markets
Search for good finds at Cairns Night Markets! Credits @cairnsnightmarkets
Who says that there's nothing to do after sunset? Head to the Cairns Night Markets, where you can browse and meander your way through over 100 stalls that sell anything and everything from handmade jewellery to glass blown vases, and more! You can also grab a bite from the Food Court if you're hungry.
The markets open daily from 4.30pm and you can find out more at the Cairns Night Markets website.
