14 Top Things to do in Cairns, Australia

If you hate Mondays, just head to Cairns.

Here, every day of the week feels like the weekend!

Located in Australia’s far north Queensland, time is almost nonexistent in this tropical oasis of rain forest and reef.

Known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, people from all over the world travel to Cairns to see this extraordinary natural wonder.

But there’s so much more to explore in and around Cairns while on your Australia vacation. Here’s our list of the top things to do in Cairns. 

14 Things to Do in Cairns

1. See the Great Barrier Reef

If you’re heading to Cairns, you’re heading to the Great Barrier Reef. It’s one of the top things to do in Cairns – no trip is complete without seeing the reef.

As the largest reef system in the world and one of its most precious natural assets, seeing the reef is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Cairns is the base for most excursions setting out to the reef, with options even for those who’d rather keep their feet on the ground.

Since the reef sits about 158 miles away in the ocean from Cairns, snorkeling cruises are the most popular way to see the reef. Non-swimmers can opt for tour operators that cruise out to a large pontoon by the reef, where underwater observatories, glass-bottom boats and semi-submersible vessels reveal the incredible underwater world of the reef all without dipping a toe in the water.

For the more adventurous, introductory scuba diving sessions are always on offer. Nothing beats seeing the vibrant colors of tropical fish, flitting in and out of breathtaking coral formations, up close on a dive.

Even if the thought of setting out into the ocean scares you, there are so many ways to see the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns that you’re sure to discover the perfect tour for you. One of our clients even took swimming lessons to fulfill her dream of seeing the reef!

Half the fun about visiting the Kuranda Rainforest Village is actually getting there.

Surrounded in the verdant rainforest of the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics, one of the best ways to get to Kuranda is riding the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

This scenic cable car ride lifts you up over this expansive rainforest system for an incredible 1.5 hour float above the Wet Tropics. Opt for a glass bottom cable car to see the millions of shades of green below you. Descend through canopy tops and stop at different stations offering boardwalk tours through the stunning rainforest and educational centers.

The village of Kuranda itself is a hub of local creatives who find inspiration in the rainforest and ancient culture of the Djabugay people belonging to this region. Markets featuring hand-made crafts, artisan goods and local produce line the village, perfect for finding a treasure to take back home.

From Kuranda you can explore the rainforest on self-guided walks, join a riverboat cruise and visit the Rainforestation Nature Park. Meet and cuddle a koala at the Koala Gardens, where you can also get up close to kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and other native Australian wildlife.

Change out furry marsupials for feathers and wings at the Butterfly Sanctuary and Birdworld, easily accessible from the Kuranda Heritage Markets.

End your visit with a ride back to Cairns on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. This scenic train ride winds through the tropical rainforest over bridges and tunnels built by pioneers over 100 years ago. Dole out a little extra cash for gold class seats and receive complimentary morning or afternoon tea consisting of local delicacies, wines and lagers.

3. Taste the Atherton Tablelands

The Atherton Tablelands are a feast for the senses, combining natural beauty, delicious local flavors, tantalizing aromas, and pristine sounds of nature.

This enchanting highland region, located roughly an hour and a half north of Cairns, is teeming with lush rainforests, captivating waterfalls, and unique wildlife, all set against a backdrop of fertile farmland bursting with tropical fruits and vibrant crops.

The Tablelands boast an impressive array of flavors, from exquisite tropical wines and lush rainforest fruit farms to aromatic coffee plantations and artisanal cheesemakers.

Indulge in a selection of the best on a food tasting tour from Cairns, where you’ll taste locally grown coffee, delectable chocolates and cheeses, tropical fruits, and fruit ice cream.

One of our favorite Atherton Tablelands tasting tours departing from Cairns also includes stops at a local lakeside teahouse, the Australian Platypus Park, and a gin distillery. It’s the perfect day out where every stop along the way imbibes you with a true taste of the region!

4. Explore the Daintree Rainforest

Ready to meet a green dinosaur?

Just two hours north of Cairns is the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, where you’ll meet the green dinosaur, dating back up to 120 million years.

Although this species isn’t an actual dinosaur, once you step into the Daintree Rainforest you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.

And you’d be right to feel so – the Daintree Rainforest is part of the oldest rainforest system in the world, even older than the Amazon!

The green dinosaur is one of many unique plants that make up the natural wonders of the rainforest. Explore the many walkways and viewing platforms stretching out from the Daintree Discovery Center, where you can learn about the origins of this ancient rainforest.

Join a cruise on the Daintree River and spot native wildlife such as saltwater crocodiles and bright cassowaries. You can even zip-line through the verdant canopies and take in the stunning views over the endless shades of green and cascading streams below you.

Our favorite way to explore the rainforest is on tours led by Aboriginal Kuku Yalanji guides, native to the Daintree region. As traditional caretakers of the land, they offer historical and cultural insight into the way their people used the rainforest for food, medicine and shelter for over 9,000 years. They’ll lead you through hidden streams and spots inaccessible to the general public, giving you a truly unique experience of the world’s oldest rainforest.

Don’t miss out on Cape Tribulation, a spectacular bay where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. It’s the only place in the world where to World Heritage-listed sites collide!

5. Relax at the Cairns Esplanade

Worried about stingers in the ocean?

No worries, just head to the Cairns Esplanade.

Located in the center of town right along the water’s edge, relaxing at the Esplanade is one of the best things to do in Cairns to cool off from the tropical heat.

The esplanade’s tremendously large man-made lagoon offers a beautiful spot for a safe swim in place of a beach. A sandy shore dips into crystal clear waters, dotted with splashing fountains and patrolled by lifeguards during the day.

A boardwalk runs along the esplanade, right by the pool, perfect for a walk or jog by the water. Grassy parkland surrounds the lagoon, with shady spots to lay out a picnic or enjoy local bands play live music.

Free fitness classes also run throughout the week, ranging from aqua aerobics in the lagoon to yoga and pilates. If you’re in Cairns on a Saturday check out the Esplanade markets for locally made arts and crafts.

6. Roam the Cairns Botanic Gardens

For a small taste of tropical rainforest right in the city, visit the Cairns Botanic Gardens.

Here you can explore exotic plants from tropical regions across the world, including plants from the jungles of South East Asia, South America and Queensland. These unique plants can be found in the Flecker Botanic Gardens, a conservatory highlighting some of the rarest tropical plants in the world.

Get a glimpse of what Cairns once looked like on the Rainforest Boardwalk, winding through a lush patch of rainforest ecosystem, home to endangered species of the region.

Stroll through the Fitzalan Gardens, a picturesque section connecting three separate gardens by paths and footbridges crossing through giant palms and ancient trees. There’s always a secluded nook or cranny here to hideaway and relax in the tranquility of the gardens.

Explore the journey of plant evolution at the Gondwana Heritage Garden. Its main trail traces through the evolution of plants from the very first bacteria that developed into the flowering plants we see today.

Walk around the freshwater and saltwater lakes in the gardens, where you can spot native birds, frogs and turtles or bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds.

As one of the more tranquil things to do in Cairns, visiting the gardens makes for a perfect half-day activity.

7. Discover Treasures at the Markets

What better place to get fresh produce than in the tropics?

At Rusty’s Market in Cairns, the local fruits and vegetables on offer are practically straight from the tree.

Here you can find arguably the best tropical produce in all Australia. You’ll catch the fragrant aroma of the market before you see it. Fruit and veggie lovers will find a wide variety of produce from avocados and mangoes to banana blossom, taro and cassava. You can also find boutiques selling hand-made jewelry, crafts and clothing, perfect for a souvenir.

Take a break from shopping and pick up a snack at one of the many stalls featuring local sellers. Some of the best Vietnamese bahn mi sandwiches are found here. If you’re in Cairns for a few days, Rusty’s is the perfect place to pick up some ingredients for preparing fresh meals at your accommodation. The market is open during the day on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

If you’re more of a night owl, then head to the Cairns Night Markets, open from 4pm – 10pm every day of the week. These lively markets offer an almost overwhelming variety of Australian souvenirs, t-shirts, custom-made jewelry and other trinkets. Grab anything from Asian cuisine to fresh Australian seafood at the food court for dinner. You’ll want to find a dessert at one of the stalls offering Australian snacks such as kangaroo and emu jerky or gelato.

8. Explore Stunning Mossman Gorge

Nestled within the stunning Daintree Rainforest in Far North Queensland, Mossman Gorge is a must-visit destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years.

Mossman Gorge is famous for its stunning scenery, featuring crystal-clear rivers, towering ancient trees, and all sorts of amazing wildlife.

The highlight of the area is the Mossman River, where you can wade in the crystal-clear waters and enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural swimming holes, surrounded by towering granite boulders.

Mossman Gorge is not just a natural wonder – it’s also a significant site for the local Indigenous Kuku Yalanji people.

Get a deeper understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage at the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, an interactive ecotourism site with trails for self-guided walks and onsite art gallery.

Learn about the rich cultural heritage of the area through guided tours offered at the Mossman Gorgge Centre. These tours provide insight into traditional bush tucker (native foods), medicinal plants, and cultural practices, giving a deeper understanding of the connection between the land and its original custodians.

Ask your Travel Advisor about the best Mossman Gorge tours out of Cairns to include in your itinerary!

9. See Tropical Marine Life at the Cairns Aquarium

Stepping into the Cairns Aquarium is like stepping through the depths of the ocean. The range of aquatic life you’ll see here is even better than what a diver sees.

The Cairns Aquarium highlights the incredibly diverse marine life native to the Wet Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef. As the oldest rainforest in the world and the world’s largest reef formation, the marine life from these two World Heritage sites is absolutely unreal.

The aquarium recreates over 10 different habitats encompassing these delicate ecosystems, creating a natural home for a variety of marine life. See the brilliant colors of unique crayfish and giant prawns of the Creek and Streams exhibit. Catch a glimpse of the some of the world’s most bizarre fish, the Freshwater Sawfish, in the Waterways and Billabongs exhibit. There are even exhibits showcasing snakes, lizards and frogs from the tropical rainforests as well as exotic insects and spiders.

One of the main attractions is the Great Barrier Reef Gallery, showcasing the colorful reefs, coral and tropical fish that call this natural wonder home. You can also interact with starfish, sea cucumbers and lizards at the Touch Tanks.

The aquarium also offers presentations to give you a deeper understanding of the marine life on display. It’s one of the best things to do in Cairns on a rainy day, or a perfect substitute for a Great Barrier Reef.

10. Meet Crocs at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

Don’t let it’s name fool you. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is not just all crocs – it’s also one of the best places to see wildlife in Australia.

Located less than an hour’s drive away from Cairns, Hartley’s is the perfect day trip for young families.

The park is made up of four different habitats showcasing different wildlife. Meet the beautiful flightless cassowary at the Cassowary Garden on a boarded walk through lush eucalyptus trees rising out of lily padded wetlands. See alligators, lizards and turtles on the Wildlife Discovery Trail, winding into the wildlife amphitheater where the Snake Show and famous Crocodile Attack Show highlight the day.

You can also meet other native Australia wildlife such as wombats, koalas and kangaroos at the Gondwana Gateway section of the park, where you’ll learn how evolution shaped Australia’s unique animals. Don’t miss out on the koala feeding to see these sleepy creatures in action!

The absolute highlight of Hartley’s is the lagoon boat cruise. Embark on a journey through Hartley’s Lagoon, gliding along side enormous crocodiles right in the water! All of nineteen crocs laze in the water, enjoying their natural wetland habitat. Cruising into the lagoon gives visitors an impressive insight into crocodile behavior just as they would act in the wild.

11. Soak Up the Sun in Northern Beaches

Cairns is not the place to go for the beach. In fact, there is no beach in Cairns.

But don’t cross Cairns off your list just yet. There are so many incredible beaches not even an hour away from Cairns. You’ll have the perfect beach day yet.

Just 20 minutes north of Cairns lies Trinity Beach, a favorite with the locals. The gentle rolling waves, soft golden sand and extremely laid back ambience will have you instantly rolling out your towel and laying out in the sun. Lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer months and a net is cast out during stinger season to keep out unwanted jellyfish. Barbecue areas nestled within the surrounding palm trees are perfect for a picnic out at the beach.

Palm Cove is also a popular respite from the hustle and bustle of Cairns. Only 30 minutes away, Palm Cove is surrounded by a boutique beach town with an array of upscale resorts and classy bars and restaurants for an intimate night out. The beach itself is fringed with palm tress rising high with a gentle lean into the serene, blue waters. A pier juts out into the sea, offering a boarded walk above the sea foam and spray of the fresh ocean breeze.

Yorkey’s Knob, about 20 minutes away from Cairns, is for the adventurers. It’s popular for water sports such as jet skiing, kite surfing and wind surfing. An onsite kite center offers rental gear and introduction courses on kite surfing.

12. Go White Water Rafting

Wet and wild in Cairns means rafts and oars.

The raging rapids of the Tully River, about two hours from Cairns, offers some of the best white water rafting in all Australia.

Thrill seekers can join extreme white water rafting tours where raft flips, swimming the rapids and jumping from high rocks is not only allowed, but encouraged!

Less risky rafting with the right amount of torrents is also available for beginners.

For easier grade 2-3 guided rafting, the Barron River is the perfect rafting spot. Only 20 minutes away from Cairns, joining a half day rafting tour gives you the excitement of white water rafting while still leaving time to enjoy the rest of your day.

One of our favorite tours transports you right from your hotel in Cairns to the river of your choice for a guided rafting experience. Experience one of the best things to do in Cairns and ask your About Australia destination specialist about booking this adventure for you.

13. Skydive Over the Great Barrier Reef

You don’t really hear about people proclaiming “that was awful!” after landing from a skydive. Usually it’s more incredulous laughter, an indescribable sense of accomplishment and an adrenaline rush that makes you feel like you can do anything.

Sounds like the thrill of a lifetime!

What better way to tick this adventure off your bucket list than over the most incredible natural formation in the world?

If you’ve never been skydiving before, this is the perfect place to give it a go. Any fear and nerves you’ll feel will blend in with the exhilaration of the jaw-dropping views around you.

Take in the vast, aquamarine ocean as you plummet towards the turquoise stretch of coral-framed reef. The tropical rainforests of Queensland are spread out before your eyes, and you’ll descend onto a perfect beach landing.

Tandem skydiving – where you jump off a plane attached to a certified skydiver – is the most popular form of skydiving in Cairns. Booking this in advance is essential – skydiving in Cairns tends to sell out fast!

14. Try Your Luck at the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino

The Pullman Reef Hotel is more than just a hotel – it’s a Cairns icon.

Taking up an entire block, this 5-star hotel houses a fabulous casino, world class restaurants, live music, and the Cairns Zoom & Wildlife Dome.

Perhaps the best part about the casino is its rather intimate environment. With poker tables, pool tables, electronic darts, gaming machines and movie screenings on offer, there’s something for everyone.

Unwind at the electronic gaming machines and order a drink from BAR36, personally delivered to you. Join one of the gaming tables – the friendly staff are more than welcoming to new players.

Looking for More Thing to Do in Cairns?

As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is Australia’s tropical paradise.

About Australia knows the best hidden gems and things to do in Cairns to perfectly fit into your Australia trip.

Want to get started on planning your vacation Down Under? Contact About Australia today to get the wheels in motion for the trip of a lifetime!