Cairns in northeast Australia is a perfect base for adventure! What to do in Cairns Australia? Check out these tips.
About Cairns
Located on the Coral Sea in northeastern Australia (in Queensland), Cairns is a welcoming city with a fascinating history. The town was founded in 1876 as a settlement for prospectors and has since grown into a popular tourist destination.
Cairns owes its appeal to its unique combination of pristine nature, cultural richness and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. The city is the perfect base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and the world’s oldest rainforest, among others. But there is also a lot of fun to discover in the city itself.
For me, Cairns was the starting point of an unforgettable journey through Australia. It was a nice place to recover from the long trip and jet lag and I was able to do some fun activities and discover beautiful places right away. In this blog, I will take you through and tell you what to do in Cairns.
What to do in Cairns Australia? My tips!
Fancy exploring Cairns? These are the most beautiful sights in the city itself.
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Because it is sometimes difficult (and dangerous) to dive into the sea in Australia, many cities have a lagoon, an artificial pool. You can use this for free; it’s like a city beach.
The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. A wonderful place for a refreshing dip in the pool, but you can also relax on the lawn and enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean. There are also barbecues you can use, so bring some food for a tasty outdoor picnic.
Cairns Aquarium
Want to see Australia’s underwater world without getting wet? Then visit the Cairns Aquarium. Here you can admire different kinds of marine animals, including tropical fish, sharks, crocodiles, and turtles. There are also interactive exhibits where you can learn more about Great Barrier Reef conservation.
Buy your ticket to the Cairns Aquarium now.
Cairns Botanic Gardens
Fancy a nice relaxing walk? Visit the beautiful Cairns Botanic Gardens. Dating back to 1886, these gardens house an extensive collection of tropical plants and flowers from around the world. Stroll through the winding paths and admire the colorful orchids, ferns, palm trees and fruit trees.
The Cairns Botanic Gardens are free to visit.
Cairns Night Markets
A fun place to visit in the evening is Cairns Night Markets, where you can shop for souvenirs, local products, and handmade artwork. Also, taste some of the delicious local dishes offered here.
Rusty’s Markets
Another great place to go shopping! Rusty’s Markets is more of a local market, with farmers showcasing their colorful wares on stalls full of fresh fruits and vegetables just picked from tropical surroundings. The smell of exotic fruits, freshly baked bread, and local spices is a delight to your senses. In addition to the abundance of local products, you’ll also find artisan souvenirs and handmade art carvings, perfect as mementos for your trip.
The market is open Friday through Sunday.
Cairns Museum
Do you find history interesting and want to know more about the origins of Cairns? If so, a visit to the Cairns Museum is very interesting. Delve into the stories of the natives, pioneers, and immigrants who made Cairns the vibrant city it is today. Admire unique artifacts, interactive exhibits, and fascinating photographs illustrating the development of Cairns. An inspiring place to learn more about Cairns’ identity.
Buy your ticket to the Cairns Museum here.
Take a stroll along the Cairns Esplanade
A promenade runs between the city and the sea, where you can take lovely walks. There are several memorials, palm trees, and informational signs. You often see many pelicans here, too.
On one of the many seats and benches, you can enjoy the warm weather and the view of the ocean. A nice place to relax.
Fun day trips from Cairns
What makes Cairns especially special is that it is a perfect base for adventurous day trips. There are an awful lot of beautiful places to explore around Cairns! These are the best day trips from Cairns.
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders and an absolute must-see during your stay in Cairns. Explore the beautiful underwater world by snorkeling, diving, or taking a boat trip. You will be amazed by the colorful coral reefs and the various marine animals you can encounter here.
- Book your snorkeling tour to the Great Barrier Reef here (day trip)
- Book a 4-day PADI Open Water Course here
For me, the Great Barrier Reef was the reason to visit Cairns and I have never seen so much beautiful coral and brightly colored fish as I did on my snorkeling tour here. Highly recommended!
Daintree Rainforest
A visit to the Daintree Rainforest is also a must if you are a Cairns. The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest rainforest in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is incredibly fun to take a tour here and walk through this green paradise. It is full of unique flora and fauna, including exotic birds, crocodiles, and tropical plants. I myself saw a cassowary here; they are quite rare. Which is awesome! I also took a boat ride on the Daintree River, from here I saw huge crocodiles and even snakes.
Oh, by the way, I wouldn’t dare walk around here without a guide, it seems there are spiders as big as plates (according to my guide).
Book your day tour to the Daintree Rainforest here.
Cape Tribulation
During my tour to the Daintree Rainforest I also visited Cape Tribulation, this is a unique place where the rainforest meets the ocean. I went for a walk through the jungle here and had lunch on the beach. Which was still a challenge, as it was quite rainy. But still, a very special place to visit!
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Just north of Cairns, you can take a ride on the scenic Kuranda Scenic Railway. From the train you can enjoy stunning views of the rainforests and waterfalls. This historic train ride takes you to the charming village of Kuranda, where you can buy souvenirs at the local market. Not very adventurous, but great fun to do!
Book your day trip to Kuranda here.
Palm Cove
The first two nights of my trip to Australia, I stayed in Clifton Beach, a village located against Palm Cove. This is an idyllic village with a sandy beach full of palm trees straight out of a travel guide.
Palm Cove is not that far from Cairns, but it feels like another (tropical) world. You can fully enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches here, store in the boutiques along the boardwalk, and enjoy delicious meals in one of the many restaurants overlooking the ocean.
Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island is a paradise island off the coast of Cairns and you can get here very easily by ferry. Don’t forget to bring a snorkel kit, as you can enjoy the crystal clear waters and snorkel among colorful fish from the beach here. You can also hike to the viewpoint and for a panoramic view of the ocean.
Book your trip to Fitzroy Island here.
Atherton Tablelands
South of Cairns is a beautiful nature reserve called Atherton Tablelands. This is a fertile area full of waterfalls, lakes, and rainforests. Explore Millaa Millaa Falls, take a refreshing dip in Lake Eacham, and discover unique wildlife in Wooroonooran National Park.
Tip! Book the Atherton Tableland Wilderness Tour with lunch from Cairns.
Photo by Bailey Rytenskild via Unsplash.
As you can see, you don’t have to be bored in Cairns. Whether you like adventure, want to relax on the beach, or are interested in indigenous culture, Cairns offers plenty of fun sights and day trips. Remember to plan your trip carefully to make the most of your stay. Enjoy your time in this beautiful Australian city!
Where to stay in Cairns
One day in Cairns is definitely not enough, I would stay here for at least three or four nights. This gives you time to explore the city itself and do one or more day trips. These are great places to stay in Cairns:
- Travellers Oasis – the best place to stay for travelers on a small budget and also the place where I myself slept during my stay in Cairns. This is a cozy hostel with beds in dormitories as well as private rooms. It is in a good location within walking distance of downtown and they organize all kinds of fun activities. Extra nice: there is a garden with a swimming pool.
- The Abbott Boutique Hotel (4⭐) – If you are looking for something more upscale, this boutique hotel is a very nice place to stay. It is in a beautiful downtown location near the Lagoon.
- Crystalbrook Riley (5⭐) – This is one of the finest hotels in Cairns with stylishly decorated rooms. From some rooms, you have panoramic sea views. But perhaps the best part is the beautiful swimming pool. 100% enjoyment!
Check Booking.com for more options, prices, and availability. Do you prefer to sleep in a hostel? You can also find those at Hostelworld.
The best travel time for Cairns
The best travel time for Cairns is during the dry season, from May to November. Temperatures then are warm and sunny, with little rain. This is the perfect time to enjoy the many outdoor activities Cairns has to offer, such as swimming, snorkeling, diving, and hiking.
The rainy season, from December to April, is hot and humid, with heavy rainfall. Although the rainy season is less crowded and can offer cheaper prices, some activities and attractions can be affected by the weather.
I myself visited Cairns in July and overall, the weather was good. Mostly it was beautiful and sunny with occasional brief (refreshing) showers.
Book a trip to Cairns
These were all my Cairns tips! Would you like to visit Cairns during a tour of Australia? Then book your trip now!
✈️ Plane tickets – Cairns has an international airport which is located quite close to the city. Check Skyscanner to find the best deals on plane tickets.
🚘 Rental car – Australia is a great country for a road trip and with a rental car you will see the most! Check Discover Cars to find the best deals. Please note that in Australia they drive on the left side of the road.
🚍 Travel by bus – You can also travel long distances in Australia by bus. Buses run to almost all popular tourist attractions. You can book tickets via Busbud.
💊 Travel insurance – Having good travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check Insubuy to find the best travel insurance that fits your needs.
🎡 Tours and activities – Are you interested in guided tours and interesting activities? Make sure to check out Get Your Guide.
Read more about Australia
Australia is a fantastic country to explore. Want more inspiration for an unforgettable trip? Then order one of these travel guides full of tips:
Lonely Planet East Coast Australia
I had a fantastic trip in Australia, therefore you can read more about Australia on this website. Check out one of these articles:
- Top 20 most beautiful places in Australia
- 3 week Australia itinerary: highlights of the East Coast
- Blue Mountains National Park in Australia: a hiker’s paradise!
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