This put up might include affiliate hyperlinks. We might obtain a small fee, for gratis to you, should you make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.
Nestled on the sunny shores of Queensland’s far north, Cairns is a spot the place the luxurious rainforests meet the sapphire waters of the Coral Sea, and the place day-after-day appears like a TV advert come to life.
Cairns isn’t only a fairly face with palm timber and a golden sundown; it’s an action-packed playground that’s bursting on the seams with journey, it’s the gateway to the world-famous Nice Barrier Reef, it’s a stone’s throw from balmy tropical islands, and every part in between.
Whether or not you’re hovering over the rainforest cover on a zipline or diving into the depths of the ocean, one can find loads of issues to do in Cairns.
It’s Australia’s largest vacationer city for a cause. Listed here are some thrilling issues you are able to do there…
1. Swim on the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Being within the North of Australia, discovering swimming spots which are croc-free isn’t simple. Nevertheless, Cairns has a enjoyable resolution to that – they’ve an exquisite number of man-made swimming pools by the seashore.
It’s a merciless paradox of the Aussie north that you simply get stinking scorching summers, however you may’t swim from the seashores, they’re filled with crocs and stingers – jellyfish that may critically hurt you, even kill you.
The primary seashore in Cairns can be extra of a mud flat, and never that good anyway.
The Cairns Lagoon provides you precisely what you want although – crystal clear waters, seashore views, and life guards. The Cairns Esplanade lagoon is a cool place to laze round, learn your ebook, and meet different vacationers.
2. Go to Rusty’s Farmer’s Market
I might be hanging out at Rusty’s Markets each week if I lived in Cairns.
I believe it’s the most affordable farmers’ market I’ve visited in Australia, and we now have been to lots of them. Get there on a Sunday at round 2pm simply earlier than it shuts, there’s slash-down costs galore.
Common readers of our weblog will know you may at all times discover us at a farmer’s market after we go to a brand new metropolis.
Rusty’s Market is a staple establishment in Cairns, and has been working each weekend since 1985.
It has over 180 stalls promoting contemporary produce from surrounding farms, in addition to contemporary bread, artisans, jewelry, espresso, chocolate, and a lot extra. It’s a superb place to buy distinctive souvenirs.
The market is open Friday and Saturday from 5:00am – 6:00pm, and Sunday 5:00am – 3:00pm, however it will get energetic round 10:00am-11:00am.
3. Get out on the Nice Barrier Reef
Cairns is the gateway to the Nice Barrier Reef, a real marvel of the world that’s 2,300km lengthy. It’s most likely the principle cause you’re visiting Cairns, and so it ought to be!
I’m completely satisfied to say The Nice Barrier Reef is simply as magnificent and magical as you’ve heard. I beloved our full-day tour exploring the underwater world with the ladies. It was such a cool expertise for them at such a younger age.
Visiting the Nice Barrier Reef could be costly, to not point out there are such a lot of methods to expertise it, however it’s a once-in-a-lifetime factor.
Funds for the expense so that you don’t really feel responsible or pressured when it comes time at hand over the money for this unimaginable World Heritage Website.
We’d at all times needed to go to the Outer Reef, as a result of that’s the place the most effective snorkeling and diving is. You would possibly solely go to the Reef as soon as, so it would be best to see it at its finest!
Excursions vary from small boats the place you dive or snorkel off the boat, to greater excursions the place you moor at a pontoon and from there take part in many alternative actions.
Listed here are just a few methods you may expertise the Nice Barrier Reef so you may determine which expertise sounds most enjoyable to you.
The Pontoon Expertise
As a result of we now have two younger children, we determined the pontoon expertise could be most sensible.
We didn’t fancy being caught on a cramped boat all day with a two and six-year-old – it might have been annoying, and getting access to the water would have been difficult.
We selected the pontoon expertise at Marine World primarily based out at Moore Reef with Reef Magic Excursions after listening to they have been most likely the most effective for households.
The value was costly, however it was for a full day expertise and included lunch.
It got here with a 90-minute high-speed catamaran trip out from Cairns to our pontoon vessel moored at Marine World.
It was an enormous pontoon with three flooring, however it gave us all room to maneuver round with out being confined to a ship.
Plus the steps that lead down from the principle deck to a submersed snorkel platform mean you can sit down and put in your masks and fins, making it simple to slip into the water.
We had our personal desk and chairs on the sundeck, use of freshwater showers and altering rooms and lockers, and a yummy morning/afternoon tea plus a full buffet lunch.
The very best half was the boldness Kalyra acquired by snorkeling within the sheltered coral lagoon. The snorkel space is supervised always, they’d snorkeler relaxation stations scattered round should you wanted a break within the water, and we may clearly see the underside always.
AND we met “Wally” the massive Maori Wrasse!
The all-weather Marine World platform caters to all exercise ranges and was an important base for the day.
Scuba Diving the Nice Barrier Reef
In case you’re going to go to the Nice Barrier Reef, you’ve gotta do a dive proper?! Craig determined this was a once-in-a-lifetime second and put his hand up for an introductory dive.
This was his second time ever diving, his first being two years in the past off Shelley Seaside in Sydney.
He acquired a 30-minute dive with an teacher and only one different individual. Intro dives have not more than 4 guests per teacher making it reassuring for any first-timers.
He beloved it.
His dive reached a most of about 8 metres within the stunning coral lagoon, a sheltered space with dense coral reef and a ton of marine life, together with a while swimming with huge WALLY!
“It’s one other world down there, I can positively see the dependancy to diving”, he beamed.
Glass Backside Boat and Snorkelling from Inexperienced Island
We additionally spent the day on Inexperienced Island, positioned 45 minutes by boat from Cairns.
Not solely did we snorkel and dive, however we have been capable of see extra of the reef on a glass backside boat and a semi-sub.
We beloved our household day trip on the reef.
Inexperienced Island is a sand island that’s excellent for a soothing day snorkeling as a household. Kalyra beloved seeing just a few fish, turtles, and stingrays!
You may snorkel straight off the shore and we felt the world close to the jetty was significantly better than snorkeling off the patrolled seashore.
There’s additionally a pleasant boardwalk by way of the forest to the opposite facet of the island, and while the kiddies performed within the water I loved a therapeutic massage.
The glass backside boat tour to Inexperienced Island is among the extra reasonably priced methods to see the Nice Barrier Reef.
4. Go to Kuranda on the SkyRail and Scenic Railway
The beauty of Cairns is that there isn’t any scarcity of nature websites to discover. Most individuals come for the Nice Barrier Reef, however keep for the rainforest.
Using the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway as much as the hinterland city of Kuranda after which taking the Kuranda Scenic Railway again down is a incredible strategy to spend a day and get an all-round view of Cairns nature.
The Skyrail was opened in August 1995, and on the time was the longest gondola cableway on the earth.
The scenic journey takes you previous Barron Falls, an exquisite waterfall that’s nestled within the rainforest.
You additionally get a chook’s eye view of a number of the finest moist tropics panorama, interval. From our diamond view gondola, we may look down by way of the ground to see the superb vegetation and flora under.
While you attain Karunda, make sure that to take a look at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, particularly when you have children.
5. Go White Water Rafting on the Barron River
Seeking to get moist and adventurous? There are just a few thrills on the Barron River within the Barron Gorge Nationwide Park by way of rapids known as The Meat Cleaver, The Suckhole, and the Rooster.
And a rafting journey is at all times made that rather more particular by a loopy rafting information, Marty.
Marty was vigorous, fast with a joke and a wry smile. His loud booming laughter echoed off the steep ravines and towering timber wrapped in vines amid dense undergrowth.
The Barron River has Grade 2 and three rapids, however you may as well go whitewater rafting on the Tully River, which has Grade 3 and 4 rapids.
6. Take a FREE health class on the Esplanade
I actually needed to partake in these free train courses, however it was a little bit troublesome as we have been staying a bit out of city.
Day by day there’s a free train class on The Esplanade in Cairns, corresponding to yoga, pilates and boxing.
There’s additionally a beautiful boardwalk you may run alongside, or go for a stroll to stretch your legs.
7. Benefit from the Cairns Evening Markets
I wasn’t blown away by the Cairns Evening Markets, however it’s a great way to go an hour or so.
It’s positioned proper on the waterfront, and options stalls brimming with handcrafted souvenirs, Aboriginal artwork, and quirky trinkets in addition to some freshly cooked avenue meals.
There’s a extra relaxed vibe right here, and should you’re fortunate, typically they’ve a reside efficiency from native musicians.
I’d counsel skipping the market half and heading straight to the therapeutic massage part.
8. Go to The Atherton Tablelands
The Atherton Tablelands, a area about an hour southwest of Cairns, is a fascinating area the place tropical rainforests meet fertile farmland and charming villages.
This plateau, which sits at at about 700 meters above sea degree, is a pure wonderland identified for its breathtaking waterfalls, crater lakes, and wealthy biodiversity.
The Tablelands can be famed for its agricultural produce, from espresso and tea plantations to tropical fruits like avocados, bananas, and pineapples.
In case you solely have a day to spend within the Tablelands, you should definitely hike to see Millaa Millaa Falls, an exquisite waterfall in a lush, fern-filled gorge, and Lake Barrine, a volcanic crater lake.
One other distinctive strategy to expertise the Tablelands is from the air. Go for dawn scorching air balloon trip to witness the varied panorama from a birds-eye perspective because the solar casts its orange hues over the lands.
We additionally beloved driving the scenic drive, The Waterfall Circuit, and mountain biking the Atherton Tablelands.
8. Take a highway journey to Mossman Gorge and The Daintree
We predict chances are you’ll want to flee from Cairns and discover some enjoyable nature in your journey, and if I’m studying your thoughts proper, then a visit to The Daintree Rainforest could be the final word selection.
The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest rainforest on the earth at 350 million years outdated. Don’t do it as a day journey – it’s beautiful and you want to get your loosen up on within the inexperienced jungle.
You may keep at Port Douglas or inside The Daintree Nationwide Park for a few days and discover.
Mossman Gorge is simply north of Port Douglas and is on the gateway to the rainforest. It was my favorite a part of The Daintree Rainforest as a result of it has crystalline waters, rugged granite boulders, and plush rainforest surrounding pure swimming holes.
You may go for a guided stroll led by native Aboriginal guides, or kayak or paddleboard alongside the Mossman River.
9. Get Breakfast at Lillipad Cafe
An acquaintance advisable we cease at Lillipad Cafe for breakfast, which makes a speciality of contemporary vegetarian delicacies. As she was a former chef within the Cairns space, we adopted her recommendation.
It appears a whole lot of different individuals will need to have in addition to there have been no obtainable tables.
We managed to jab one as we turned to stroll out with disappointment in our hearts. The meals parts have been HUGE and contemporary. It could actually really feel a little bit cramped at a desk of 4 although.
10. Have a monster-sized dinner at Cock and Bull Pub
The Cock & Bull is a staple establishment in Cairns, and is understood for serving up monster serving sizes because it started in 1988.
The service was a little bit strange, however the serving dimension and the style of the meals made up for it, so positively price stopping in right here for some pub grub.
Go for both the Roast or the vegetarian lasagna. So tasty and so HUGE!
11. Take a go to to Cairns Botanic Gardens
A go to to the Botanic Gardens is a should on any journey to Cairns. It has among the best collections of native Australian vegetation and fauna within the nation.
In addition to this, it’s additionally an academic day trip for the children. Each two weeks, they run a Little Taccas arts and crafts workshop for below 5s, and so they even have a Little Sprouts workshop that teaches youngsters about gardening.
In case you’re not visiting with youngsters, chances are you’ll benefit from the strolling excursions, which can inform you all concerning the distinctive flora and animals you see right here.
12. Go ziplining over the canopies at Cairns Journey Park
On the lookout for one thing adrenaline-fuelled? You then’ll love a visit to Cairns Journey Park for some zip-line adventures.
Soar above a rainforest cover on a excessive velocity zip line extending for 300 metres (985 ft) down the the town’s most iconic hill slope.
The aptly named Flying Leap MegaZip, flies over the Daintree and affords views over the Nice Barrier Reef Marine Park and Inexperienced Island.
You may also go mountaineering and abseiling within the park
13. Take a Helicopter Journey over the Barrier Reef
We talked about earlier than that you could’t go to Cairns with out visiting the Nice Barrier Reef, however we all know that not everyone seems to be a fan of swimming, snorkeling or diving.
If that’s you, then you definately would possibly want a helicopter flight to Vlasoff Cay!
You may soar above the reef and see it in all it’s magnificent glory. There isn’t any higher strategy to expertise the scale of the reef than by seeing it within the air. It’s simply, wow!
14. Loosen up at 4 Mile Seaside
The unhappy fact about Cairns is there’s at all times stunning climate, however there’s nowhere to soundly swim.
If you wish to go to some incredible Queensland seashores, head out a little bit strategy to 4 Mile Seaside (a four-mile-long seashore, duh!) simply north of Cairns.
It has smooth, golden sand and crystal-clear blue water – it’s like a tropical island paradise, however on the mainland.
The seashore is properly maintained and nice for households because the waves are extra mild right here.
You’ll discover palm timber lining the seashore and there’s at all times a delicate, cool breeze.
You may spend your days enjoyable, swimming, or sunbathing below the palms. It’s the proper spot to loosen up and revel in being on one in every of Australia’s prime seashores. One other seashore that’s price trying out is Palm Cove.
15. Attempt Spear Fishing at Cooya Seaside
In case you’re in search of one thing distinctive to do, maybe you would possibly get pleasure from attempting spearfishing at Cooya Seaside.
The seashore is way more like a mud-plane, and is a superb place to hunt for mud crabs in addition to attempt spear fishing.
We had a good time attempting to catch some fish with our spears. You may learn all about our expertise right here.
16. Take a day journey to Fitzroy Island
You wouldn’t consider the tropical magnificence that you’ll find only a brief distance from Cairns. You may attain a number of tropical islands all inside a day journey – it’s unimaginable!
One of the hanging tropical islands close to Cairns is Fitzroy Island. It’s a tiny island that’s residence to lower than 50 individuals, however it’s price visiting for Nudey Seaside.
And no, it’s not a nudist seashore, however a stunning powdery white sand seashore with entry to the Nice Barrier reef.
Sit within the smooth sand or snorkel within the corals from the shore. A visit to Fitzroy is not going to disappoint.
17. Discover the Chillagoe Caves (Queensland Outback)
If you wish to see some glorious examples of Aboriginal rock artwork, you are able to do so ar the Chillagoe Caves.
The Chillagoe – Mungana Caves Nationwide Park is nestled within the Outback Queensland and is understood for its sacred caves.
You may solely go to the caves on a guided-ranger tour, however these excursions take you to see three of essentially the most unimaginable caves within the web site; Donna, Trezkinn and Royal Arch caves.
Find out about aboriginal artwork and tradition on these fascinating excursions.
18. Take the children to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures at Wangetti
For a really jaw-dropping expertise, head simply 40 minutes north to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, the place you may stand up shut and private with Australia’s most notorious reptile – the saltwater crocodile.
Situated at Wangetti, this award-winning wildlife park opened within the Eighties and is understood for providing detailed and academic talks concerning the crocs.
You may witness a croc feeding session, take a ship cruise by way of the mangrove-lined lagoon to identify crocodiles of their pure habitat, and even attempt your hand at holding a child croc.
To get there, merely take the Captain Prepare dinner Freeway north from Cairns and observe the indicators to Wangetti.
19. Do Australia’s first ever bungy leap
For thrill-seekers, Skypark by AJ Hackett is a high-altitude playground identified for its heart-racing actions.
Probably the most well-known of which is the bungy leap. It started when AJ Hackett, the person behind the worldwide bungy phenomenon, opened his first-ever Australian bungy web site right here in 1990, making Cairns the birthplace of Australia’s bungy tradition.
At Skypark, you may leap from the 50-meter platform, taking in jaw-dropping views of the luxurious Daintree Rainforest as you free-fall.
In case you’re undecided about bungy leaping, there’s additionally the Minjin Swing, which launches you at speeds of as much as 120 km/h over the canopies.
20. Skydive over the Nice Barrier Reef
Sticking with the adrenaline-theme, why not attempt sky diving? Skydiving over this UNESCO World Heritage Website is a memorable strategy to see the reef’s vivid turquoise waters and patchwork of coral islands from above.
Go for a tandem sky dive, and also you’l soar by way of the clear skies at 14,000 ft, the place you may look down on the world’s largest dwelling organism stretching out under you. Fairly cool, huh?
21. Be amazed by Paronella Park
You received’t consider that Paronella Park is in Australia, it appears to be like as if it ought to be in Indonesia or the set of a Indiana Jones film.
Set inside a verdant tropical rainforest, Paronella Park is a fortress constructed by the Thirties by Spanish immigrant José Paronella, which in its prime was surrounded by gardens, waterfalls, and a singular Spanish-style tower.
At this time, the fortress is a smash, which has been reclaimed by nature. As you stroll across the stunning web site, you may see partitions draped in moss, staircases overgrown with ferns, and waterfalls that give off a magical high quality.
It’s one of the crucial fairytale like locations I’ve ever seen. Take a picnic and revel in this pure playground.
The place to remain in Cairns
We stayed in our camper trailer on the Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut (Previously Coconut Vacation Park) about 6 km south of Cairns city centre.
The ladies beloved it, there have been loads of issues to maintain them entertained like water parks, swimming pools, mini-golf, and open air motion pictures.
In case you want extra luxurious, The Hilton is centrally-located in Cairns, or for low-budget travellers, you may’t go incorrect with the YHA Cairns Central Hostel.
You may browse extra lodging choices in Cairns on this interactive map:
Remaining ideas
Whether or not you’re in search of some enjoyable for all of the household, otherwise you’re on a {couples} weekend away, you’ll discover loads of prime points of interest in Cairns to maintain you busy.
In case you’re ever caught for selections, you may’t go incorrect with a go to to the nationwide parks. Cairns is all about nature, so you should definitely verify a few of this out when you’re there.
We hope this information helped you determine on what to do in Cairns and provided some inspiration for planning your itinerary.
Extra Tropical North Queensland Suggestions
Are you planning to go to different components of Tropical North Queensland? Then these different guides could also be helpful to you.
Pin To Save It On Pinterest
What are you most trying ahead to doing in Cairns? Tell us within the feedback.