Welcome to Cairns, Australia, your ultimate gateway to some of the most mind-blowing adventures on the planet. Nestled in Tropical North Queensland, this city isn’t just a place on a map; it’s a feeling.
It’s the humid, tropical air that hugs you when you step off the plane and the undeniable buzz of excitement from travelers gearing up to explore both the ocean and the rainforest.
So, you’re thinking about a trip down under? Get ready. We’re about to dive deep into the absolute best things to do in Cairns. This list is your golden ticket, crafted from local know-how and a serious passion for this incredible corner of the world.
We’re talking about ancient ecosystems, vibrant cultures, and food that will have you rethinking all your life choices. From the world’s largest coral reef to the planet’s oldest rainforest, your adventure of a lifetime is right here. Let’s get into it.
1. Great Barrier Reef Tour – Best Overall
Let’s just cut to the chase. You cannot, and I repeat, cannot go to Cairns without visiting the Great Barrier Reef. It’s the main event, the big kahuna, the single greatest natural wonder you will likely ever lay your eyes on.
This isn’t just a scuba dive or a snorkel spot; it’s a sprawling, living masterpiece that is so vast it can be seen from space. A Great Barrier Reef tour is, without a doubt, the best thing to do in Cairns.
Imagine floating above gardens of coral in every color imaginable, surrounded by schools of electric-blue fish, maybe even spotting a graceful sea turtle gliding by.
It’s a whole other universe down there. The experience is humbling and exhilarating all at once. You’ll be talking about it for years.
Tours leave daily from the Cairns marina, taking you out to stunning locations like Moore Reef or Hastings Reef. Many operators offer all-inclusive packages with snorkeling gear, a delicious lunch, and even introductory scuba dives for first-timers.
If you’d rather stay dry, hop on a semi-submersible boat tour or check out the underwater observatories. It’s an all-day affair, so slather on that reef-safe sunscreen, grab your hat, and prepare to be utterly wowed.
This is the quintessential Cairns activity and the crown jewel of any Australian itinerary. Booking a Great Barrier Reef tour is a non-negotiable for any traveler.
2. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon – Budget Friendly
After all that saltwater, you might be craving a dip without the boat ride. Enter the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon. This is the city’s sparkling, free-to-enter swimming pool right on the edge of the sea.
It’s an absolute godsend for families, budget travelers, and anyone who wants a refreshing splash without worrying about currents or marine stingers.
The lagoon is a massive, resort-style pool that seamlessly blends into the ocean view, making it one of the most brilliant and budget-friendly spots in town. You get all the fun of a beach day with none of the hassle.
The area surrounding the lagoon is just as lively. You’ve got wide pathways perfect for a jog or a leisurely bike ride, fantastic playgrounds for the kids, and loads of green space for a picnic.
As the sun sets, the place comes alive with locals and visitors enjoying the cool evening air. It’s the social heart of Cairns. You can easily spend a whole afternoon here without spending a single dollar, just soaking up the tropical vibe.
For a fantastic and free thing to do in Cairns, the Esplanade Lagoon is a total no-brainer. It’s a perfect example of how the city caters to everyone.
3. Cairns Botanic Gardens – Best for Families
Need a break from the hustle? The Cairns Botanic Gardens is your serene escape and a fantastic, low-key day out for the whole family.
Located in the suburb of Edge Hill, these gardens are a stunning showcase of tropical flora that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Jurassic Park movie (minus the dinosaurs, of course).
The sheer variety of plants is staggering, from massive fan palms to delicate orchids. It’s a living library of the rainforest, and it’s incredibly easy to explore. Strolling through the well-marked paths is a peaceful and educational activity for all ages.
The gardens are split into different sections, so you can explore the lush rainforest, check out the formal displays, and wander through the Gondwana Heritage section, which features plants from the ancient supercontinent.
The best part for kids? There’s a super fun boardwalk that winds through a mangrove ecosystem, letting them see fascinating mudskippers and crabs up close.
It’s flat, pram-friendly, and mostly shaded, making it a comfortable adventure even on a warm day. Pack a snack and enjoy a moment of pure, unadulterated calm. This is a top-tier family-friendly attraction in Cairns.
4. Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Circuit – Best for Adventure
If you’ve got a rental car and a sense of adventure, you absolutely have to hit the road for the Atherton Tablelands. Just a short, scenic drive inland from Cairns, this region is a highland paradise famous for its incredible waterfall circuit.
We’re talking about chasing not one, but several breathtaking waterfalls in a single day. This is one of the most spectacular things to do near Cairns. You can swim in crystal-clear pools at the base of mighty cascades, feel the mist on your face, and explore lush rainforest trails.
Each waterfall has its own unique personality, from the wide curtain of Millaa Millaa Falls to the powerful rush of Millstream Falls.
The drive itself is part of the fun, taking you through rolling green hills, past ancient volcanic craters, and through charming country towns. Make sure to stop at Lake Eacham, a stunning blue lake formed in a volcanic crater, perfect for a swim.
You can also spot platypus in certain creeks if you’re patient and quiet. This is a day for embracing the wild, natural beauty that surrounds Cairns. Don’t forget your swimsuit, a towel, and your camera.
The memories you make here will be absolutely unforgettable. This is a must-do for any adventure seeker.
5. Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail – Best for Views
For a truly iconic Cairns experience that combines history, engineering, and jaw-dropping scenery, you need to book the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
This is a two-part journey that is nothing short of epic. First, you board a historic train that chugs its way up the Macalister Range, weaving through hand-cut tunnels and past spectacular waterfalls.
Then, you return by gliding silently over the top of the world’s oldest living rainforest in the Skyrail. This combo gives you perspectives of the rainforest you simply can’t get anywhere else.
The train ride is a step back in time, a beautiful and leisurely climb that showcases the rugged beauty of the mountains. Once you reach the charming village of Kuranda, you can explore the markets and wildlife parks before your return trip.
The Skyrail is the real showstopper, though. You spend about 90 minutes gliding just above the rainforest canopy in a small gondola.
You can even get off at two mid-stations to walk among the treetops and see Barron Falls from a breathtaking lookout. It’s a peaceful, awe-inspiring, and utterly unique way to appreciate the scale and beauty of the Wet Tropics. This is a world-class attraction.
6. Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park – Best for Culture
To truly understand Australia, you need to connect with its ancient heart. The Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park offers a profound and engaging opportunity to do just that.
This isn’t a museum with dusty artifacts; it’s a living, breathing celebration of the culture of the Tjapukai people, the traditional owners of the land. Your visit here is an interactive journey where you can learn about a history that stretches back over 40,000 years.
You’ll experience captivating dance performances, hear the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo, and try your hand at throwing a spear. It’s fun, it’s moving, and it’s incredibly important.
The park uses state-of-the-art technology and live presentations to tell the creation stories of the Tjapukai people. You can learn about bush foods and medicines and gain a deep appreciation for a culture that is intimately connected to the land.
It’s an eye-opening experience for visitors of all ages and a vital part of any comprehensive Cairns travel guide. Spending an evening or afternoon here adds a rich layer of meaning to your entire trip. It’s more than just a show; it’s a connection to the very soul of this ancient land.
7. Fitzroy Island – Best for a Day Trip
Want a taste of a tropical island getaway without going all the way to the outer reef? Fitzroy Island is your answer. Just a smooth 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns, this continental island is a national park covered in lush rainforest and fringed with beautiful, rocky coves and sandy beaches.
The main beach, Welcome Bay, has stunning white sand and unbelievably clear water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling right off the shore. You can see coral and tropical fish just steps from the beach. It’s a fantastic and accessible way to get your reef fix.
The island is all about nature. You can hike up to the summit for panoramic views, walk to the historic lighthouse, or explore the giant boulders of Nudey Beach (don’t let the name fool you, it’s not a nudist beach!).
There’s a resort on the island if you fall in love and decide to stay, but it’s also the perfect day trip. You can rent snorkel gear, kayaks, or even a glass-bottom boat.
Fitzroy Island offers a more relaxed, laid-back alternative to the big reef boats, and its natural beauty is absolutely stunning. It’s a little slice of paradise.
8. Cairns Zoom & Wildlife Dome – Best for Rainy Days
So, what happens when the tropical rains roll in? You don’t have to cancel your fun. You head straight to the Cairns Zoom & Wildlife Dome. This place is a total game-changer.
It’s a high-rope adventure course and wildlife park, all contained under a massive dome right in the heart of the city, on top of the Reef Hotel Casino.
You can be ziplining over a crocodile lagoon while a storm is pouring outside, and you’d never even know it. It’s one of the most unique and fun things to do in Cairns, especially with active kids or for anyone young at heart.
The wildlife encounters here are incredibly hands-on. You can hold a python, feed colorful lorikeets, and get up close with koalas and other native animals.
Then, for the adventurous, you can tackle the ropes course, which features bridges, swings, and ziplines that crisscross the entire dome.
The piece de resistance is the “Power Jump,” a controlled free-fall from the center of the dome. It’s an adrenaline rush like no other. This spot proves that bad weather can’t put a damper on your Cairns adventure.
9. Palm Cove – Best for Relaxation
Sometimes, you just need to slow down and do absolutely nothing. For those moments, take the 25-minute drive north to the beautiful village of Palm Cove. This place is the epitome of tropical chic and relaxation.
The main attraction is its long, sandy beach, famously lined with majestic, centuries-old Melaleuca trees. It’s a stunningly beautiful scene.
The atmosphere here is calm and sophisticated, with a lovely esplanade dotted with fantastic cafes and world-class resorts. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and treat yourself.
You can spend your day here simply lounging on the sand, taking a dip in the ocean (between the stinger nets during the season), or indulging in a spa treatment. The jetty is a great place for a stroll or a spot of fishing.
Palm Cove has a more refined, tranquil vibe compared to the hustle of Cairns city. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a long, lazy lunch, read a book by the water, and just breathe in the salty air. If your idea of a perfect vacation includes serious downtime, this is your spot.
10. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – Best for Wildlife
For an unforgettable wildlife encounter that is purely, uniquely Australian, you must visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. Located about 40 minutes north of Cairns, this isn’t just a zoo; it’s a massive park set on a lagoon, and it is the best place to see saltwater crocodiles in all their powerful glory.
The boat tours on their lagoon are legendary. You get to see these prehistoric predators launch themselves out of the water during feeding time—it’s a heart-stopping, incredible sight that will leave you in awe of nature’s power.
But it’s not all about crocs. The park is home to a huge range of other Australian wildlife. You can see koalas, cassowaries, wombats, and a vast array of snakes and lizards. The presentations are educational and entertaining, giving you a real respect for these amazing animals.
They also have a fantastic restaurant where you can try some local flavors, including crocodile meat if you’re feeling brave! A trip to Hartley’s is a full-day, action-packed adventure that the whole family will absolutely love. It’s a staple for any Cairns itinerary.
11. Mossman Gorge – Best for Nature Lovers
To truly immerse yourself in the Daintree Rainforest without venturing too far north, your first stop should be Mossman Gorge. This is the southern gateway to the Daintree, and it is a place of profound, almost spiritual beauty.
The highlight here is the crystal-clear waters of the Mossman River, tumbling over giant granite boulders in a stunning, lush valley. The water is incredibly fresh and inviting. A visit here is a refreshing and powerful nature experience that feels a world away from everything.
You start at the Mossman Gorge Centre, where you can learn about the Indigenous culture and then take a shuttle bus into the gorge itself.
From there, you walk along elevated boardwalks that protect the fragile forest floor, leading you through an incredible canopy of green. The final reward is the swimming hole, where you can take a dip in the cool, clean water.
It’s important to only swim in the designated safe areas, as the current can be strong. The sheer tranquility and pristine environment of Mossman Gorge make it an unmissable stop for any nature lover visiting the Cairns region.
12. Cairns Night Markets – Best for Shopping
No vacation is complete without a little shopping, and the Cairns Night Markets are the perfect place to find those unique souvenirs and gifts. Open every single night from 5 pm, this bustling, vibrant market is a Cairns institution.
It’s a one-stop shop for everything from authentic Australian opals and handcrafted didgeridoos to fun t-shirts, quirky toys, and beautiful silk scarves.
The prices are great, and the atmosphere is lively and fun. You can easily spend a couple of hours wandering the aisles and haggling for the best deals.
But it’s not just about shopping. The market also has a fantastic food court section where you can grab a cheap and delicious dinner. You’ll find everything from Asian stir-fries and sushi to German sausages and sweet crepes.
There’s also a section dedicated to wellness, with massage and reflexology stalls—perfect for working out those kinks after a long day of hiking or diving.
The Cairns Night Markets are a fantastic, budget-friendly way to spend an evening, soak up the local vibe, and pick up treasures to remember your trip by.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it. Your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Cairns is right here in your hands.
This city and its surrounding wonders are a treasure trove of experiences, from the world-famous reef to the ancient, whispering rainforest. You can fill every single day with heart-pounding adventure or blissful relaxation—the choice is yours.
The hardest part will be deciding what to do first. So what are you waiting for? Your incredible Australian adventure is calling. Start planning your trip to Cairns today, and get ready to create memories that will stick with you for a lifetime. Don’t just dream about it, live it.