10 Best Things to Do in Cairns

Extending over 2300 kilometres down Australia’s coastline, the Great Barrier Reef is a unique ecosystem which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the best ways to see the Great Barrier Reef is by diving or snorkelling, allowing you to get up close to the Great 8: whales, manta rays, clownfish, turtles, potato cod, giant clams, Māori wrasse and sharks.

If you don’t fancy getting in the water, there are also several boat and plane tours which let you see the reef from a different angle. Depending on when you visit, you may spot sea turtles or humpback whales migrating. Make sure you sample fresh seafood straight off the trawler boats.

Starting in Gimuy, Cairns, this iconic railway will take you on a breath-taking journey through UNESCO World Heritage rainforests to Ngunbay, Kuranda. During the journey, you’ll go past a stunning waterfall and Barron Gorge.

When you arrive in Kuranda, you’ll be able to explore a village in the rainforest which includes markets, art galleries and attractions. One must-do is the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which allows you to explore the rainforest canopy from above. For wildlife lovers, consider the Kuranda Wildlife Experience where you’ll have entry to Birdworld, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Koala Gardens.

One of Cairns’ best-known attractions, the Esplanade overlooks the Trinity Inlet and provides a fun and safe place for the whole family to swim. The saltwater pool is monitored by lifeguards and there are no currents or rip tides to worry about. There’s 2.5 kilometres of paths alongside the lagoon perfect for walking, biking or jogging.

Away from the pool, there are lots of other ways to entertain the whole family, including beach volleyball courts, children’s playgrounds, a bouldering park and fitness stations so you can exercise outside. The Esplanade also often hosts fitness classes and community events. After your activities, you can make use of the BBQ and picnic facilities to refuel.

A 6000-year-old coral cay located in the Great Barrier Reef; this tropical paradise will take your breath away. You can see some of the 400 types of coral and 1500 species of fish by scuba diving, snorkelling or taking a glass-bottom boat tour. If you go for a dip, you may find yourself just metres away from Green and Hawksbill turtles.

A 45-minute boat ride from Cairns, boats leave at least 3 times a day. Away from the beach, you may wish to explore the island more by doing the self-guided Eco Walk where you’ll find out more about the native plant species, forest and sea birds. Check out Marineland Melanesia to see the largest crocodile in captivity.

A tropical paradise, the Cairns Botanic Gardens is home to one of the biggest plant collections in Australia. Begin your exploration with a free walking tour, which will give you more information about the plant and bird species housed here, including the iconic Laughing Kookaburra.

The gardens are located about a 10-minute drive from the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, and there are several different areas to explore. The Aboriginal Plant Use Garden showcases the local plants First Nation People have used for centuries as a source of food, shelter, medicine, clothing, utensils, tools and weapons. In contrast, the Watkins Munro Martin Conservatory resembles the iconic licuala palm and houses some of the garden’s most valuable plants and a collection of local butterflies.

While this coastal village is small, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Palm Cove is a more relaxed pace of life with quieter beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing and taking beautiful pictures. It’s also ideal for sea fishing while a stinger-resistant safety net protects you from jellyfish. The area also includes Clifton Beach, one of Queensland’s cleanest and friendliest beaches.

Palm Cove is also the perfect spot for relaxation with wellness treatments inspired by traditional Aboriginal methods, spa treatments and yoga classes available. Check out Nu Nu Restaurant to combine stunning views with an exquisite menu served up by a celebrity chef.

A hidden gem that’s typically only discovered via a tip off from a local or stumbling across it, Crystal Cascades is a secluded freshwater swimming hole, hidden and kept cool by surrounding rainforest. It’s formed by a series of small waterfalls flowing into large pools and surrounded by large granite boulders. However, please don’t jump from these boulders as you may injure yourself.

About a 20-minute drive from Cairns city centre, Crystal Cascades is also an ideal spot for thrill seekers with canyoning, abseiling, kayaking and ziplining available. There are also BBQs, picnic tables, toilets and changing rooms accessible to make your trip more comfortable. Please be aware that you’re unlikely to have phone signal here.

Known for being a foodie paradise, your trip to Atherton Tablelands will make your mouth water. Here, you can visit local farms to sample home-grown produce, explore farmers’ markets in Yungabarra and sip on local spirits at distilleries. In particular, make sure you visit Australia’s oldest coffee plantation.

About a 1-hour drive from Cairns, Atherton Tablelands is also known for its world class mountain bike trails with Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park offering kilometres of purpose-built bike trails. For those looking for a more relaxed activity, check out the Crystal Caves, a private mineral collection housing over 600 specimens including rare crystals, gemstones and fossils. It also features the Empress of Uruguay, the world's largest amethyst geode.

An eco-certified resort, Fitzroy Island is a relaxing resort with incredible walking trails and abundant marine and land wildlife. From here, you’re perfectly located to explore the Great Barrier Reef as well as the conservation work going on to protect it, as shown by the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and Coral Nursery Reef Restoration Project.

Located 45 minutes from Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, the beach here is quite sheltered, providing excellent conditions for swimming, water sports, boating and yachting. There are a variety of self-guided walking tours which will help you understand more of the island’s history including its occupation during World War II. Head to the lighthouse at sunset for the best views.

Explore the rainforest-clad slopes of the Whitfield Range that you can see behind the Cairns cityscape. This park has some of the best hiking trails in the region with shady rainforest gullies, dry open forests, grasslands and ascents that will give you stunning views of Cairns and the coastline.

Less than 5 kilometres from Cairns city centre, the Mount Whitfield Conservation Park is also a great spot for bird watching. As you walk, you may spot an Australian brush turkey and the orange-footed scrubfowl. You may even spot some wallabies in forest and swamp sections.