16 BEST Issues to do in CAIRNS, Australia [2024 Guide]

From bungee leaping on the planet’s oldest rainforest to snorkelling within the Nice Barrier Reef, right here’s our full information of the most effective issues to do in Cairns Australia!

Cairns is likely one of the hottest vacationer locations in Australia. One take a look at this wonderful city, and it’s simple to see why.

Situated in Far North Queensland, Cairns Australia boasts a tropical local weather with yr spherical heat climate, in addition to beautiful rainforests and pure magnificence.

Many travellers additionally go to Cairns as a result of it’s a well-liked leaping level to the Nice Barrier Reef.

This attraction by itself makes Cairns Australia price a go to. It’s an unimaginable pure marvel that ought to be on any traveller’s bucket listing.

However that’s not all.

Cairns can be a dream come true for adventurers and thrill-seekers. Town has all the pieces from scuba diving and bungee leaping, to helicopter rides and extra.

You’ll be able to take day journeys from Cairns, head north into the dense rainforest, beach-hop alongside the coast, go mountain climbing in a wildlife park or dip right into a swimming gap at Mossman Gorge. Go to Kuranda to tour the Rainforestation Nature Park or the well-known Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

There are additionally extra laid again Cairns actions just like the Cairns Night time Markets, botanical gardens, the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, and the Cairns Aquarium.

One of the simplest ways to get round is to lease a automotive and discover by yourself! We suggest Rental Automobiles, which has the most important vary of automobiles for the most effective worth available on the market.

Our Record of the Finest Issues to Do in Cairns Australia

With all the highest issues to do in Cairns, you may assure you’ll by no means get bored.

There are quite a few wonderful day journeys to close by rainforests and islands, in addition to enjoyable Cairns sights within the metropolis itself.

Many vacationers trying to go to Cairns might have hassle deciding which issues to see in Cairns for his or her journey.

So we’re going to interrupt down the most effective issues to do in Cairns within the hopes of serving to different travellers plan their keep.

With that in thoughts, let’s take a more in-depth take a look at all the pieces this marvellous metropolis has to supply.

READ MORE: Discover all the pieces you want to your Australia journey in our journey information.

1) Snorkel the Nice Barrier Reef

In fact, the Nice Barrier Reef is likely one of the best Cairns sights.

A World Heritage listed Space, this well-known location is the most important system of coral reefs on the planet. It’s situated within the Coral Sea and is dwelling to considerable marine life.

The most effective methods to expertise this pure phenomenon is to easily see it up shut by snorkelling or scuba diving.

Taking a day journey to the Nice Barrier Reef is very similar to going to a different world. It’s actually one thing you’ll always remember and is certainly among the finest issues to do in Cairns.

There are numerous excursions accessible that can can help you participate on this as soon as in a lifetime, wonderful expertise. Sunlover Reef Cruises is likely one of the extra well-known tour firms in Cairns, although there are numerous extra.

Simply north of Cairns is a smaller city known as Port Douglas, which is one other well-liked spot to take day journeys to the reef. Port Douglas reef excursions are typically much less crowded as Port Douglas is smaller than Cairns.

Other than common reef excursions, you may ebook quite a few day journeys from Cairns to a number of the larger and extra thrilling islands off the coast.

Inexperienced Island and Fitzroy Island are two of the most effective day journeys from Cairns. These islands situated within the reef have gorgeous seashores and many snorkelling alternatives.

Whether or not you simply ebook a snorkelling day tour from Cairns otherwise you take day journeys to locations like Inexperienced Island or Fitzroy Island, the Nice Barrier Reef is a must-see in Cairns.

2) Go to the Village of Kuranda

Kuranda is a village in Tropical North Queensland close to Cairns that’s surrounded by rainforest, and is likely one of the most fascinating locations to go to within the Cairns space.

It accommodates many wonderful sights reminiscent of a chicken aviary, a wildlife park, Barron Falls, and the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.

Together with being among the finest issues to do in Cairns, it’s solely a brief drive from the town. However a spotlight of visiting Kuranda is skipping regular transport and driving the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

Bounce aboard this comfy steam practice trip for a lot of scenic views of the encircling rainforest.

Or you may get a chicken’s eye view of the rainforest by driving in an enclosed gondola referred to as the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

You’ll be able to take pleasure in each of those experiences in the identical day by taking the Kuranda Scenic Railway to Kuranda and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway again to Cairns, or vice versa.

Simply on the outskirts of Kuranda lies the Barron Gorge Nationwide Park, a lush space of pure magnificence, rainforest, and waterfalls. You’ll be able to stroll to Barron Falls from downtown Kuranda for those who’re focused on viewing the majestic waterfall.

Additionally remember to try Rainforestation Nature Park. You’ll be able to go on a military duck tour of the forest, find out about indigenous cultures, and see wildlife on the top-rated Rainforestation Nature Park!

Make it a day journey and spend a lot of time absorbing all of the tradition and pure magnificence that Kuranda and Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park has to supply.

3) Take a Experience in a Helicopter

It’s no secret that Cairns is a completely beautiful vacation spot.

Whereas one can simply admire its pure magnificence on the bottom, Tropical North Queensland is much more spectacular once you’re within the sky.

Whilst you’re in Cairns, you might have the choice of taking a scenic flight over this lovely metropolis in a helicopter.

Scenic flights final for about thirty minutes and provide you with an unimaginable view of the town and the encircling rainforests.

It additionally gives one other spectacular approach of seeing the Nice Barrier Reef, together with Inexperienced Island, Fitzroy Island, and different picturesque islands off the coast of Cairns.

You could even be capable to see all the way in which to Mission Seashore, some of the well-known seashores south of Cairns.

A fast cease on the Nice Barrier Reef is included on this helicopter tour.

That is in all probability some of the costly Cairns experiences, however so price it for those who’re keen to splurge.

4) Skydive Over the Nice Barrier Reef

What higher solution to do Cairns sightseeing than from above?

For many individuals, skydiving is taken into account the final word thrill-seeking exercise.

Reserving this skydiving expertise is well some of the thrilling methods to see the fantastic thing about all the close by World Heritage areas. In fact, you may’t miss the Nice Barrier Reef.

However you’ll additionally get wonderful, aerial views of the Atherton Tablelands and the Daintree Rainforest.

No earlier expertise is critical as you’ll be tandem skydiving with an skilled teacher in your again.

When you’ve landed, you should buy pictures and movies of your dive. This fashion, you may protect the reminiscence of this journey without end.

Both approach, it’s one thing you’ll actually always remember.

5) Zipline By the Daintree Rainforest

Throughout your trip, you may go on a zip-lining tour within the Daintree Rainforest, a part of the Moist Tropics of Queensland World Heritage-listed web site.

This lush rainforest will not be solely some of the lovely sights within the Tropical North, it’s the oldest tropical rainforest on the planet. A go to to this numerous and wild place is a should, and zip-lining is a brilliant enjoyable solution to expertise the jungle.

You may also anticipate to see a number of the rainforest’s native wildlife reminiscent of koalas and kangaroos whilst you’re there.

Cape Tribulation is the most effective city to go to within the Daintree for journey actions. It’s very distant, however it places you proper within the coronary heart of the rainforest.

Take a day journey from Cairns as much as Cape Tribulation and ebook a zipper lining tour with one of many native firms there.

No earlier ziplining expertise is required for a tour. Your instructors will present you all the pieces you must know.

The platforms right here vary from 7 to 16 meters off the bottom. You’ll have the chance to discover each side of the rainforest’s cover throughout this time.

On this approach, you get to benefit from the rainforest’s pure magnificence whereas experiencing some adrenaline-pumping motion.

Even when ziplining doesn’t attraction to you, nonetheless make the journey as much as Cape Tribulation. It’s the one place the place two world heritage websites, the Nice Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, meet in concord.

Spend a day cruising alongside the Daintree River in search of crocodiles, mountain climbing within the historic rainforest, or looking for out pure swimming holes.

6) Go to the Crystal Cascades

A refreshing swim in Crystal Cascades is one other enjoyable day journey to take whereas exploring the dense rainforests of Cairns.

Crystal Cascades is a swimming gap surrounded by many magnificent boulders and waterfalls present in Queensland’s tropical north.

This swimming gap is extraordinarily well-liked among the many locals, and vacationers are starting to find it as effectively.

Crystal Cascades can be a well-liked spot for cliff diving.

That is the place folks leap off the encircling cliffs into the water beneath. Its highest level is named “No Worry.”

Please notice that it is a probably harmful exercise. In the event you plan to do that your self, please watch out.

Additionally, remember that there’s no telephone reception and no excursions that may take you to this spot. Subsequently, it’s a good suggestion to plan the way you’ll get there and again forward of time.

READ MORE: You should definitely try all the opposite wonderful waterfalls close to Cairns utilizing our professional information!

7) Bungee Bounce

Reserving this bungee leap expertise is one other among the finest issues to do in Cairns, particularly as a result of the town is taken into account the journey capital of Queensland.

Right here you’ll be capable to bungee leap off a 50-meter tall tower within the rainforest of North Queensland.

That is positive to get your coronary heart racing, and it’s additionally a enjoyable solution to expertise Australia’s pure magnificence.

You may also take a trip on the Minjin Jungle Swing whilst you’re there. On this swing, you may go flying by way of the jungle at speeds of over 100 miles an hour.

Do that alone, or share the expertise with as much as two pals.

It’s a wild expertise, to say the least, and it’s one thing you’ll always remember.

The bungee leap is run by the legends at AJ Hackett. We’ve carried out their jumps in each Macau and Queenstown. Extremely really helpful.

8) Store the Cairns Night time Markets

If buying is in your itinerary for what’s on in Cairns, then that is the place you wish to go.

The night time Cairns markets open at 5 pm and have all the pieces an individual might probably need. You’ll discover all the pieces from clothes and jewelry, to electronics and far more.

It’s the right place to go if you wish to decide up some souvenirs. To not point out its meals stalls serve meals from all world wide.

Along with the night time Cairns markets, you would possibly wish to try Rusty’s Market as effectively. This place has been well-known amongst native meals lovers for years.

It’s among the finest locations round Cairns to select up contemporary vegatables and fruits, and it’s additionally thought of considerably of a cultural hub in Cairns.

Mix the Cairns markets with a go to to the Cairns Aquarium and a stroll alongside the Cairns Esplanade.

In the event you’re visiting the Cairns area in the summertime months, you may’t swim within the ocean resulting from stingers.

However the Cairns Lagoon is a man-made swimming pool with sand close to the Esplanade the place you may swim on scorching days in Cairns.

Or you may try the Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome, an area journey and leisure centre with instructional shows and rope-climbing programs.

All these sights can simply match right into a Cairns itinerary, as they’re all shut to one another.

9) Go White Water Rafting

That is yet one more thrilling exercise you are able to do within the World Heritage rainforests of Cairns. This time, you may go white water rafting throughout its wild rivers and streams.

You will have two totally different rivers you may select from: The Barron River and the Tully River.

The Barron River gives grade 2 and three rapids and is a good way to get acquainted with this exercise.

Or you may strive the Tully River for those who’re in search of extra of a problem. Tully River options grade 3 and 4 rapids.

Regardless of which river you select, no prior expertise is required. Relying on the tour you select, you can too take pleasure in an Australian barbecue beside the banks of the river.

Both approach, river rafting is a good way to reconnect with nature within the Cairns area and have a number of enjoyable whilst you’re doing it.

10) Cruise the Nice Barrier Reef

A extra relaxed solution to discover the World Heritage-listed Nice Barrier Reef is by happening a Nice Barrier Reef Cruise.

Reef cruises are among the finest Cairns sights for extra chill travellers who simply wish to loosen up.

If you go on this boat cruise, you’ll spend the day on a Nice Barrier Reef pontoon boat that has Wifi, a full buffet, and drinks.

From there, you may see the reef’s huge assortment of marine life from a glass-bottom boat, or you may get a more in-depth look in a semi-submersible vessel.

You may also go diving any time you’d like for an additional cost for those who change your thoughts about getting moist.

Take a look at this unbelievable full-day cruise within the Nice Barrier Reef the place you should have 5 hours to spend exploring the Nationwide Park or snorkelling. The cruise additionally features a buffet lunch, glass of wine, canapes and reside music!

You’ll be able to’t go to Cairns with out seeing the reef not directly. So whether or not you wish to snorkel, sky dive, take day journeys to islands, or strive reef cruises, you’re positive to have an incredible time regardless.

11) Discover the Chillagoe Caves

In the event you’re focused on exploring the huge underground world close to Cairns, then this is likely one of the greatest Cairns vacationer sights for you.

Chillagoe is a former mining city that’s about two and a half hours from Cairns. It’s well-known for its system of limestone caves.

It has nearly a thousand caves in all, and there are a number of Cairns excursions accessible that can can help you see them.

You’ll discover many good stalagmite and stalactite formations right here. In addition they include Aboriginal artwork and the fossils of extinct animals.

Whilst you’re in Chillagoe, you can too go to its native museum to study extra in regards to the city’s mining historical past. That is one thing that any historical past lover is certain to understand.

Chillagoe can be situated proper on the Australian outback, and you may anticipate to see many alternative animal and chicken species whilst you’re there.

All curious explorers ought to add the caves to their listing of the bizarre issues to do in Cairns.

12) Hike the Rainforests

Mountain climbing within the moist tropics rainforest of Queensland is an unforgettable expertise. The traditional rainforests up right here create a thriving wildlife habitat so you may see unimaginable styles of native wildlife.

Whilst you’re questioning what to do in Cairns, you may select to go mountain climbing in both the Atherton Tablelands or the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. Every of those mountain climbing excursions gives a singular expertise.

If you go to the Atherton Tablelands, you’ll see a huge fig tree that’s over 800 years previous.

Crater Lakes Nationwide Park is a well-liked spot to go to within the Atherton Tablelands as effectively. There are just a few beautiful strolling tracks that snake across the volcanic crater lakes of the park.

There may be additionally a Waterfall Circuit there, the place you may hike to a number of majestic waterfalls. Mountain climbing can be among the finest free issues to do in Tropical North Queensland!

READ MORE: On the lookout for a information the the Waterfall Circuit and extra Atherton Tableland Waterfalls, click on right here.

However, a go to to the Daintree Rainforest will can help you take a dip within the lovely Mossman Gorge.

The Dubuji Boardwalk in Cape Tribulation is simple and enjoyable for the entire household. The boardwalk stretches over mangroves, swamps, and dense jungle and has informational indicators about all of the cool vegetation you’re seeing.

As you would possibly anticipate, each of those areas include a formidable assortment of wildlife. You’ll see all kinds of birds and reptiles whereas exploring these areas.

That is your greatest likelihood to see a few of these animals up shut. In the event you like to be in nature, then this is likely one of the prime Cairns sights for you.

13) Experience in a Sizzling Air Balloon

It would shock you to study that Tropical North Queensland occurs to be the recent air balloon capital of the world.

A scorching air balloon is one other unimaginable solution to see the attractive nation of Australia from the sky and undoubtedly some of the distinctive issues to do close to Cairns.

This occurs early within the morning because the solar is rising.

As such, you’ll get breathtaking views of the Atherton Tablelands, together with a lot of the world’s lovely farmlands and rivers.

This trip can take both thirty minutes or an hour, relying on which tour you select.

In the course of the trip, your pilot will be capable to present you varied factors of curiosity within the space.

You even have the chance to study one thing new throughout this journey.

In the event you’d like, you may assist inflate the balloon to your trip after which assist pack it up afterwards.

14) Go Street Tripping Up The Coast

We’ve talked about a lot of sights round Cairns Australia, reminiscent of Kuranda, Port Douglas, and Cape Tribulation.

The most effective methods to expertise this gorgeous slice of shoreline is renting a automotive and doing your personal Queensland street journey.

You’ll be able to simply drive round for at some point for those who’re quick on time, or make it an extended journey and drive all the way in which as much as the Daintree and spend just a few days there earlier than heading again.

There are many automotive rental locations in Cairns, so decide one thing that fits you and hit the street!

You might even do that street journey proper from the Cairns Airport earlier than you head into city.

All it’s a must to do is drive north alongside the Captain Prepare dinner Freeway and also you’ll cross all the most effective seashores and cities.

Cease by 4 Mile Seashore, Ellis Seashore, Fairly Seashore, and Trinity Seashore for refreshing swims. Wander across the charming, laid again seaside cities of Palm Cove and Port Douglas.

Take the ferry over the Daintree River and head north into the world heritage listed rainforest.

That is additionally a simple solution to incorporate some day journeys to the outer reef or to Inexperienced Island and past. Simply ebook in a day journey alongside the drive!

Nature is likely one of the greatest Cairns sights, so simply driving by way of all of it is likely one of the greatest methods to expertise the world.

One of the simplest ways to get round is to lease a automotive and discover by yourself! We suggest Rental Automobiles, which has the most important vary of automobiles for the most effective worth available on the market.

15) Be taught Extra Concerning the Tjapukai Aboriginal Folks

This can be a enjoyable solution to unwind after a day of thrill-seeking actions in Cairns Australia.

On the Aboriginal Cultural Tjapukai Night time Tour, you may spend a night studying extra about Australia’s indigenous Tjapukai folks.

You’ll get to grasp Aboriginal tradition by way of a mix of theatre, music, and storytelling.

It’s a really unimaginable present and is one thing you will need to see for those who take pleasure in studying about different cultures.

This night time additionally features a buffet dinner that’s stuffed with nice meals and desserts.

Moreover, you might have the chance to benefit from the award-winning Tjapukai Artwork Gallery as soon as the present is over.

You’ll even have the choice of hanging out with the performers for those who select to take action.

16) Discover the Cairns Botanic Gardens

That is one other among the finest issues to do in Cairns for individuals who wish to sit back and luxuriate in nature with out all of the adrenaline.

The Flecker Botanical Gardens was initially established in 1886 and is likely one of the largest exhibitions of tropical vegetation within the nation.

There are a selection of uncommon vegetation to be discovered right here, and anybody who loves nature is certain to take pleasure in it.

Together with its huge array of flowers, there may be additionally a large assortment of chicken species residing right here as effectively.

This makes it a unbelievable place to go to for chicken lovers.

Along with this, it additionally options two cafes with quite a lot of breakfast and lunch choices.

Or you would merely discover a place to sit down down and have a picnic.

Both approach, Flecker Botanical Gardens is a superb place to carry your pals or household after you’ve had your fill of thrill-seeking.

It’s form of a hidden gem of Cairns metropolis, as most vacationers take day journeys into the large rainforest outdoors the town to go wildlife watching. However the Botanic Gardens are proper in Cairns they usually’re tremendous spectacular as effectively!

Thanks for studying in regards to the 16 greatest issues to do in Cairns!

By now, it’s best to have an excellent concept of what to do in Cairns Australia.

It’s a really wonderful metropolis full of pleasure and pure magnificence.

Situated the place the rainforest meets the reef, Cairns is nestled between two of Australia’s most spectacular pure landscapes.

You’ll be able to cruise over the jungle on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda, or zipline by way of the unimaginable Daintree Nationwide Park.

You’ll be able to take day journeys and reef cruises to the outer reef, Inexperienced Island, or Fitzroy Island. Or journey up the coast in the direction of Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas, Palm Cove, and extra.

Alternatively, you would journey south and additional discover locations like Mission Seashore, Wooroonooran Nationwide Park, and different sights south of Cairns.

Additionally, you may have enjoyable in downtown Cairns by visiting the markets, swimming within the Cairns lagoon, and trying out the Cairns Aquarium.

Cairns itself is wonderful, and there may be a lot pleasure in your complete Cairns area as effectively.

So whether or not you’re totally exploring this tropical nook of Australia otherwise you’re simply flying into Cairns, begin reserving your trip at the moment and also you’ll be making new reminiscences very quickly.

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