Best Things to do in Cairns, Australia

Tucked in the heart of tropical North Queensland, Cairns harbours a plethora of unparalleled natural splendour. This is the destination where ancient, verdant rainforest collides head-on with the world’s largest coral reef, making it a quintessential location for travellers seeking Australia’s most sublime and paradisiacal experiences.

If you’re on the hunt for the best things to do in Cairns, you’re in the right place. As a thriving tourist hotspot, Cairns is not only brimming with killer scenery and crystal clear beaches, but it upholds a rich indigenous culture and history of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Cairns’ inimitable, Jurassic-esque landscape attracts travellers from all over the world, and for good reason. With ample things to see and do, let’s start with some of the best on offer.

Here’s what we cover in this guide:

Great Barrier Reef
Daintree Rainforest
Mossman Gorge Indigenous Dreamtime Walk
Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome
Fitzroy Island
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Kuranda
Kuranda Scenic Railway
The Esplanade
Babinda Boulders
Crystal Cascades
Cape Tribulation Beach
Cairns Aquarium
Cairns Botanic Gardens
Rusty’s Markets
Atherton Tablelands
Other Activities & Attractions
Travel Tips

Great Barrier Reef

Cairns is the gateway to the world’s most extensive living coral reef system on the entire planet, the Great Barrier Reef.

Situated in the Coral Sea, Australia's Great Barrier Reef comprises 3,000 individual reefs. This UNESCO World Heritage site is so big that you can see it from outer space! With an eclectic abundance of colourful coral and impressive marine life, there are copious opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, spearfishing, doggy paddling, or whatever floats your boat.

This is a haven for water sports enthusiasts! I’ve visited the reef a fair few times and this is something you should put on your bucket list if you’re coming to Australia. The vivid colours of the reef will leave a lasting impression on you! If you want to plan a trip to Australia, this gem should be on your bucket list. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the best things to do in Cairns, Australia.

Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest is a slice of paradise fit for nature lovers and scientists alike, and it genuinely looks like it’s been ripped straight out of an adventure book.

The Daintree National Park straddles undulating, mountainous rainforests, deep gorges and picture-perfect beaches. This is one of Australia’s most awe-worthy rainforests, with striking scenery, lavish flora, and fauna.

There are a ton of breathtaking hiking trails, roaring waterfalls, lush forests, and coastal views to explore whilst observing the country’s native bat and butterfly species roaming around the area.

The best part about this experience is that it provides ethical access right into the heart of the oldest rainforest in the world. It remains intact and unspoiled by artificial structures that normally dominate other attractions. The Daintree Rainforest is a global treasure!

Mossman Gorge Indigenous Dreamtime Walk

Nestled in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest, the Mossman Gorge Indigenous Dreamtime Walk invites you to take part in a smoke ceremony to ask to be welcomed and for protection from the spirits.

Along the Mossman Gorge Indigenous Dreamtime Walk, you observe communication rocks, tools, medicinal plants, and other unique Aboriginal traditions and ways of life. You can even look at ancient Aboriginal techniques that have allowed them to endure the harsh landscapes and thrive in Australia’s Daintree Forest.

Did you know that Aboriginal Australians are the world’s oldest living civilisation?! The Mossman Gorge Indigenous Dreamtime Walk is a fascinating introduction to Australia’s rich Aboriginal culture! This is one of the best things to do in Cairns, especially if you want to dive deeper.

Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome

Mix up the sightseeing in Cairns with something a little different. Step inside The Reef Hotel Casino and discover the delights in Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Zone. WInd your way through the wildlife park and get your heart rate up on the ropes course. Better yet, push the limits as you zipline over a 4.5m crocodile named Goliath!

Enclosed by a 20-metre-high glass dome roof, the Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome is home to many of Australia’s iconic animals. Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the lush rainforest and watch out for cockatoos, kookaburras, frogs, turtles, pythons and crocodiles. If you’re looking for unique wildlife experiences in Cairns, this gem is a bucket list experience.

Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island combines tropical rainforest, pristine white-sand beaches, rugged landscapes and the flourishing marine life of the Great Barrier Reef.

Fitzroy Island is a barefoot destination on the cusp of the world’s largest and oldest coral reef. It also has a major national park with scenic walking trails and lots of Aussie wildlife.

This oasis is one of my all-time favourite islands. And this is coming from an island junkie.

Located just 45 minutes (via ferry) from Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, this World Heritage Listed island is a slice of paradise that remains one of the most well-preserved islands on the Great Barrier Reef. And it’s certainly one not to be missed!

Also, Green Island’s pristine white sand beaches, verdant rainforest and crystal blue waters. A perfect spot to relax and enjoy a day at the beach!

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Kuranda

Australia’s North Queensland is home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world. This is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can’t even begin to fathom the mind-blowing diversity of this pristine ecosystem.

The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway spans 7.5km and allows you to hop into a small cabin with a glass bottom floor that is perfect for scrutinising the salient rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park.

This was undoubtedly a highlight of my time in Cairns. My friend and I were flipping out because we got temporarily stuck halfway... I cannot wipe the sight of pure trepidation dominating her face out of my mind. Despite our 5-minute near-meltdown, I still have vivid, ecstatic memories of peering below at the luscious forest, soaring trees and cheerful wildlife. What an experience, to say the least!

With many stops along the way, you can hop on and hop off the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and enjoy the tree canopy boardwalks to get a different, more immersive perspective.

Be sure to stop at the dramatic waterfalls of Barron Falls and the pounding, immense cascades of Mossman Falls. Where are my acrophobics at? If you’ve got a fear of heights, The Kuranda Scenic Railway will be your next best bet.

Kuranda Scenic Railway

The Kuranda Scenic Railway kicks off in Cairns and runs through to the neighbouring town of Kuranda, taking you on a journey through some seriously remarkable scenery. The railway was constructed over 120 years ago, so there’s a little something to satisfy all you history maniacs out there too. The trip takes around 2 hours one way, so you could opt to take the railway there, and then get the cable car back.

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is one of the top things to do in Cairns. For a hassle-free trip, jump aboard this Kuranda Scenic Railway Tour. If you’re on a tight budget or you don’t plan on booking a car, this is an ideal option.

The Esplanade

What better way to get active than in the great outdoors? The Cairns Esplanade is etched with ethereal scenery and a 2.5km paved path that’s worth exploring. Look out over the Coral Sea, peer up at the towering treetops and soak up all the tropical vibes in the early morning or at sunset.

If you’re searching for activities in Cairns with kids, head to the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon for a refreshing dip. You can swim, splash or doggy-paddle the day away, all in supervised waters. The Esplanade Lagoon is one of the best free activities in Cairns.

Babinda Boulders

Framed by unspoiled rainforest, the Babinda Boulders is a vast swimming hole boasting crystal clear water, making it a popular spot amongst locals and tourists. You can swim to the pool's far side (depending on the current) and explore the rainforest.

Please be aware of the strength of the current. Even strong swimmers can get into a nasty situation if they don’t take the proper precautions.

Check out the Devil’s Pool which is just tucked around the corner. The running waters of Babinda Creek flow through the boulders and eventually spill into the Devil’s Pool.

Top tip: Pack yourself a picnic to enjoy in this gem. But don’t forget to take your rubbish with you, god dang it!

Crystal Cascades

One of Tropical North Queensland’s hidden gems, the Crystal Cascades is seriously special.

With a serene tropical rainforest serving as a backdrop, this freshwater swimming hole features several smaller waterfalls that sinuously spill into larger pools.

There are also BBQ and picnic facilities in the area, so pack some munchies; this is a great little spot for an attack of the snacks!!

Top tip: Be careful on the rocks! My friend slipped and split her chin open. Yowza.

Cape Tribulation Beach

This last lot is dedicated to my fellow beach bums. Cape Tribulation Beach is literally where the rainforest meets the beach. To make it even more special, this is the only place on the planet where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites collide head to head.

The colourful Great Barrier Reef straddles the lush Daintree Rainforest. The beach is in pristine condition, and it’s also perfectly fit for trips into the jungle, along with snorkelling ventures. If you want to kick back and relax, Cape Tribulation is one of the best things to do in Cairns.

Other beaches you should check out include the charming, palm-lined seaside village of Palm Cove or the 14km stretch of golden sands of Mission Beach.

Cairns Aquarium

If you want to get up close and personal with Australia’s rich marine life, the Cairns Aquarium is your best bet. Tropical North Queensland is replete with riveting experiences that showcase the diverse ecosystems. The Cairns Aquarium offers insight into more than 16,000 species of animals. You’ll encounter marine life from over 10 different ecosystems and 71 exhibits.

Cairns Aquarium is fringed with fascinating displays, and you can even go diving with the sharks! If that sounds a tad too intense, you could take the Marine Life Encounters tour. Better yet, you can jazz things up with a guided Twilight Tour with a 3-course meal.

Botanic Gardens

Teeming with tropical plants aplenty, the Cairns Botanic Gardens is a verdant utopia offering relaxation, replete finds and lush horticulture. The Gardens are split into five sections, each known as the Flecker Gardens, Gondwana Heritage Garden, Watkins Munro Martin Conservatory, Freshwater and Saltwater Lakes and Zhanjiang Friendship Gardens.

The Flecker Gardens is framed with grandiose manicured gardens and a slew of smaller gardens. This unique space straddles diverse tropical flora from all around the world, including places like South East Asia, South America, Africa and Australia. The Cairns Botanic Garden is home to a huge haul of flora, and you’ll find everything including towering trees, shady palms, vibrant orchids, leafy ferns and insect-eating plants.

If you’re a plant lover who’s looking for a free activity in Cairns, the Botanic Gardens is a great spot to add to your itinerary. Mix things up with this Cairns Botanic Gardens nighttime tour and see how this gem comes to life at night.

Rusty’s Markets

Get a local experience and shop for fresh produce at Rusty’s Markets. Operating on Grafton St for over 30 years, this gem is sprawling with over 180 stalls. You’ll find everything from swifty sarongs to flavour-packed Vietnamese coffee to local fruit and crocodile-leather wallets. Spend the early morning frolicking around the stalls and picking out the perfect souvenir to bring back home.

Atherton Tablelands

Sitting southwest of Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands is fringed with a fertile fusion of lush rainforest, wetlands and savannahs. Towering more than 700m above sea level, this ancient coral reef boasts rugged limestone caves, volcanic crater lakes and teeming tumbling waterfalls. Bursting with an incredible wildlife scene, you can lock eyes with iconic Aussie animals like the platypus and kangaroo.

More Things to do in Cairns, Australia

If you’ve got some extra time to blow in Cairns, be sure to check out these that are also in the mix:

Josephine Falls
Fairy Falls
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
Tully River
Cairns Art Gallery

Cairns Travel Tips

Bring sunscreen. I left the island resembling a freshly cooked lobster. Boy, did I have myself a bloody good time. Fond, burnt memories.

rainforests are one of the best things to do in cairns

If you plan your trip right, you can also watch whales and dolphins as they migrate. Your best bet is during the winter, between May to September.
Bring a filtered water bottle, not a plastic water bottle. That way, you can reuse it and avoid contributing to the ever-growing amount of plastic water bottles polluting our beautiful oceans.
When snorkelling or swimming, be aware of wind and strong currents.
During the warmer months, jellyfish may be present in the coastal waters. Therefore, wearing a full-body lycra suit is advisable as a measure of protection.
If you’re going hiking, It’s essential to bring along a decent pair of comfortable walking shoes, lots of water, and sunscreen.
Take your rubbish when you leave – plastic pollutes our oceans and harms our wildlife. Be respectful, people.
Don’t walk onto the reef at low tide – you can damage marine life. Please do not touch or stand on coral. And do not try to take coral home with you. That sounds like a joke, but unfortunately, it’s not. ¡Ay caramba!

FAQS

What is Cairns best known for?

Cairns is best known for the Great Barrier Reef. As the world's most extensive reef system, there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel, swim and dive with Australia’s marine life.

Is Cairns, Australia worth visiting?

Cairns is worth visiting if you’re planning a trip to Australia. With the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest close by, endless beaches, cafes, markets and hidden gems exist.

What do people do for fun in Cairns?

Most tourists head straight to the Daintree Rainforest or Great Barrier Reef. You can expect snorkelling, scuba diving and everything else in between.

Is 7 days enough in Cairns?

One week is an ideal time to explore everything Cairns offers. A 7-day itinerary would include Kuranda, the waterfalls, Daintree Rainforest, Cairns City and the Great Barrier Reef.

Before you jet-set off on the adventure of a lifetime, be sure to save these 15 Best Things to do in Cairns Australia for your upcoming trip!