Cairns – Things to Do

Things to do in Cairns

Cairns is where the rainforest meets the sea. The ideal weather for holidays, lots of attractions, and a relaxed lifestyle all add up to a great holiday destination. You’ll find brilliant cafés, bustling markets, and plenty of beaches nearby. Relax by a resort pool or spend your days exploring this tropical oasis. Cairns is a great place to base yourself to start your adventures. One of the best options is to hire a vehicle then you can do what you want when you want while visiting Far North Queensland. Book accommodation right in town or out at the beaches!

Visit the Aquarium or do a ropes course right in town, Cairns Zoom, and Wildlife Dome. There is plenty of shopping and lovely eateries.

No trip to Cairns is complete without visiting the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system. It’s made up of 3,000 coral reefs, 600 continental islands, and 300 coral cays. Book a day cruise to snorkel and dive among vivid coral gardens and colourful fish. A helicopter scenic flight will help you appreciate how amazing the world’s heritage coral reef is.

Activities in the Cairns Region

Palm Cove and Port Douglas are worth the drive to enjoy the resort lifestyle of international destinations all in Australia’s backyard.

Discover some of the reef’s unspoiled islands from Cairns. Jump on the 45-minute high-speed ferry to reach picturesque Fitzroy Island. Explore rainforest walking tracks, snorkel straight off the beach at Welcome Bay and Nudey Beach, and see the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef by sea kayak.

A day tour to Green Island, allows you to visit a coral cay, just  30 kilometres (19 miles) off the Cairns shore. Surrounded by sugar-white beaches and sapphire waters, it is perfect for those who want to enjoy the beaches and the snorkeling.  

There is also Kuranda Sky Rail and Train, spend the day exploring this lovely village, animal sanctuaries or some adventures in a Mighty Duck. Gold class on the train is a lovely way to end the day with a snack and drink on the way home.  The Daintree & Cape Tribulation are amazing day trips from Cairns to enjoy the rainforest and the sea, or you can do a short overnight trip to ensure you have time to relax in this amazing location.