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 superb 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 attractive 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 surprise that must be on any traveller’s bucket record.
However that’s not all.
Cairns can be a dream come true for adventurers and thrill-seekers. The town has all the things from scuba diving and bungee leaping, to helicopter rides and the well-known Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
You possibly can take day journeys from Cairns, head north into the dense rainforest, beach-hop alongside the coast, go mountain climbing in a wildlife park or swimming in Mossman Gorge.
There are additionally extra laid again Cairns actions like 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 automobile and discover by yourself! We advocate Rental Vehicles, which has the most important vary of autos for the most effective worth available on the market.
Our Listing of the Greatest Issues to Do in Cairns Australia
With all the highest issues to do in Cairns, you’ll be able to assure you’ll by no means get bored.
There are quite a few superb day journeys to close by rainforests and islands, in addition to enjoyable Cairns sights within the metropolis itself.
Many vacationers seeking to go to Cairns might have bother 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 things this marvellous metropolis has to supply.
READ MORE: Discover all the things you want on 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, the Nice Barrier Reef 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.
Top-of-the-line 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 like going to a different world. It’s definitely one thing you’ll always remember and is unquestionably probably the greatest issues to do in Cairns.
There are numerous excursions obtainable that can assist you to participate on this as soon as in a lifetime, superb expertise. Sunlover Reef Cruises is likely one of the extra well-known tour corporations in Cairns, although there are various extra.
Simply north of Cairns is a smaller city known as Port Douglas, which is one other in style spot to take day journeys to the reef.
Except for common reef excursions, you’ll be able to guide quite a few day journeys from Cairns to among the greater 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 Nice Barrier Reef have beautiful seashores and plenty of snorkelling alternatives.
Whether or not you simply guide 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.
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2) Go to the Village of Kuranda
Kuranda is a close-by village in Tropical North Queensland that’s surrounded by rainforest, and is likely one of the most fascinating locations to go to within the Cairns space.
It incorporates many superb sights corresponding to a hen aviary, a wildlife park, Barron Falls, and the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.
Together with being probably the greatest issues to do in Cairns, it’s solely a brief drive from town. However a spotlight of visiting Kuranda is skipping regular transport and using the Kuranda Scenic Railway.
Leap aboard this snug steam prepare trip for a lot of scenic views of the encompassing rainforest.
Or you may get a hen’s eye view of the rainforest by using in an enclosed gondola often called the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
You possibly can 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 possibly can stroll to Barron Falls from downtown Kuranda in case you’re focused on viewing the majestic waterfall.
Make it a day journey and spend numerous time absorbing all of the tradition and pure magnificence that Kuranda and Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park has to supply.
3) Take a Journey in a Helicopter
It’s no secret that Cairns is a fully attractive vacation spot.
Whereas one can simply admire its pure magnificence on the bottom, it’s much more spectacular while you’re within the sky.
When you’re in Cairns, you’ve the choice of taking a scenic flight over this stunning metropolis in a helicopter.
Scenic flights final for about thirty minutes and provide you with an unimaginable view of town and the encompassing rainforests.
It additionally offers one other spectacular manner of seeing the Nice Barrier Reef, together with Inexperienced Island, Fitzroy Island, and different picturesque islands off the coast of Cairns.
You might even have the ability to see all the best way to Mission Seashore, one of the crucial 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 one of the crucial costly Cairns experiences, however so price it in case you’re prepared to splurge.
4) Skydive Over the Nice Barrier Reef
What higher technique 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 definitely one of the crucial thrilling methods to see the fantastic thing about all the close by World Heritage areas. In fact, you’ll be able to’t miss the Nice Barrier Reef.
However you’ll additionally get superb, 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 purchase photographs and movies of your dive. This fashion, you’ll be able to protect the reminiscence of this journey endlessly.
Both manner, it’s one thing you’ll definitely always remember.
5) Zipline Via the Daintree Rainforest
Throughout your trip, you’ll be able to go on a zip-lining tour within the Daintree Rainforest, a part of the Moist Tropics of Queensland World Heritage-listed website.
This lush rainforest shouldn’t be solely one of many metropolis’s most stunning sights, 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 technique to expertise the jungle.
You may also anticipate to see among the rainforest’s native wildlife corresponding to 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, nevertheless it places you proper within the coronary heart of the rainforest.
Take a day journey from Cairns as much as Cape Tribulation and guide a zipper lining tour with one of many native corporations there.
No earlier ziplining expertise is required for a tour. Your instructors will present you all the things you have to know.
The platforms right here vary from 7 to 16 meters off the bottom. You’ll have the chance to discover each facet of the rainforest’s cover throughout this time.
On this manner, you get to benefit from the rainforest’s pure magnificence whereas experiencing some adrenaline-pumping motion.
Even when ziplining doesn’t enchantment 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 on the lookout for 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 in style among the many locals, and vacationers are starting to find it as nicely.
Crystal Cascades can be a well-liked spot for cliff diving.
That is the place folks leap off the encompassing cliffs into the water under. Its highest level is named “No Worry.”
Please observe that this can be a doubtlessly harmful exercise. When you plan to do that your self, please watch out.
Additionally, remember that there’s no cellphone 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: Make sure you take a look at all the opposite superb waterfalls close to Cairns utilizing our skilled information!
7) Bungee Leap
Reserving this bungee bounce expertise is one other probably the greatest issues to do in Cairns.
Right here you’ll have the ability to bungee bounce off a 50-meter tall tower within the rainforest of North Queensland.
That is one thing that’s positive to get your coronary heart racing, and it’s additionally a enjoyable technique 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’ll be able to go flying by means of the jungle at speeds of over 100 miles an hour.
Do that alone, or share the expertise with as much as two mates.
It’s a wild expertise, to say the least, and it’s one thing you’ll always remember.
The bungee bounce is run by the legends at AJ Hackett. We’ve achieved their jumps in each Macau and Queenstown. Extremely advisable.
8) Store the Cairns Evening Markets
If procuring 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 things an individual may probably need. You’ll discover all the things from clothes and jewelry, to electronics and far more.
It’s the proper place to go if you wish to decide up some souvenirs. To not point out its meals stalls serve meals from all all over the world.
Along with the night time Cairns markets, you may wish to take a look at Rusty’s Market as nicely. This place has been well-known amongst native meals lovers for years.
It’s probably the greatest locations round Cairns to select up recent vegetables and fruit, and it’s additionally thought-about 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.
When you’re visiting the Cairns area in the summertime months, you’ll be able to’t swim within the ocean on account of stingers.
However the Cairns Lagoon is a person made swimming pool with sand close to the Esplanade the place you’ll be able to swim on sizzling days in Cairns.
Or you’ll be able to take a look at the Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome, a neighborhood journey and leisure centre with instructional displays 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’ll be able to go white water rafting throughout its wild rivers and streams.
You’ve got two totally different rivers you’ll be able to select from: The Barron River and the Tully River.
The Barron River offers grade 2 and three rapids and is an effective way to get acquainted with this exercise.
Or you’ll be able to strive the Tully River in case you’re on the lookout for 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, it’s also possible to take pleasure in an Australian barbecue beside the banks of the river.
Both manner, river rafting is an effective way to reconnect with nature within the Cairns area and have plenty of enjoyable whilst you’re doing it.
10) Cruise the Nice Barrier Reef
A extra relaxed technique to discover the World Heritage-listed Nice Barrier Reef is by happening a Nice Barrier Reef Cruise.
Reef cruises are probably the greatest 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’ll be able to see the reef’s large 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 in case you change your thoughts about getting moist.
Try this improbable full-day cruise within the Nice Barrier Reef the place you’ll have 5 hours to spend exploring the Nationwide Park or snorkelling. The cruise additionally features a buffet lunch, glass of wine, canapes and dwell music!.
You possibly can’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
When 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 virtually a thousand caves in all, and there are a number of Cairns excursions obtainable that can assist you to see them.
You’ll discover many sensible stalagmite and stalactite formations right here. Additionally they include Aboriginal artwork and the fossils of extinct animals.
When you’re in Chillagoe, it’s also possible to go to its native museum to be taught extra concerning 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 various animal and hen species whilst you’re there.
All curious explorers ought to add the caves to their record of the bizarre issues to do in Cairns.
12) Hike the Rainforests
Mountaineering within the moist tropics rainforest of Queensland is an unforgettable expertise. The traditional rainforests up right here create a thriving wildlife habitat so you’ll be able to see unimaginable sorts of native natural world.
When you’re questioning what to do in Cairns, you’ll be able to 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 novel 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 nicely. There are just a few pretty strolling tracks that snake across the volcanic crater lakes of the park.
There may be additionally a Waterfall Circuit there, the place you’ll be able to hike to a number of majestic waterfalls.
READ MORE: In search of a information the the Waterfall Circuit and extra Atherton Tableland Waterfalls, click on right here.
Alternatively, a go to to the Daintree Rainforest will assist you to take a dip within the stunning Mossman Gorge.
The Dubuji Boardwalk in Cape Tribulation is straightforward 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 may anticipate, each of those areas include a formidable assortment of wildlife. You’ll see all types of birds and reptiles whereas exploring these areas.
That is your greatest likelihood to see a few of these animals up shut. When you like to be in nature, then this is likely one of the prime Cairns sights for you.
13) Journey in a Sizzling Air Balloon
It’d shock you to be taught that Tropical North Queensland occurs to be the ballooning capital of the world.
It’s one other unimaginable technique to see the attractive nation of Australia from the sky and undoubtedly one of the crucial distinctive issues to do in 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 realm’s stunning 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 have the ability to present you varied factors of curiosity within the space.
You even have the chance to be taught one thing new throughout this journey.
When you’d like, you’ll be able to assist inflate the balloon on your trip after which assist pack it up afterwards.
14) Go Street Tripping Up The Coast
We’ve talked about numerous sights round Cairns Australia, corresponding to Kuranda, Port Douglas, and Cape Tribulation.
Top-of-the-line methods to expertise this beautiful slice of shoreline is renting a automobile and doing your individual Queensland street journey.
You possibly can simply drive round for in the future in case you’re quick on time, or make it an extended journey and drive all the best way as much as the Daintree and spend just a few days there earlier than heading again.
There are many automobile rental locations in Cairns, so decide one thing that fits you and hit the street!
You may even do that street journey proper from the Cairns Airport earlier than you head into city.
All it’s important to do is drive north alongside the Captain Cook dinner Freeway and also you’ll go 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 seashore 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 technique to incorporate some day journeys to the outer reef or to Inexperienced Island and past. Simply guide in a day journey alongside the drive!
Nature is likely one of the greatest Cairns sights, so simply driving by means of all of it is likely one of the greatest methods to expertise the realm.
One of the simplest ways to get round is to lease a automobile and discover by yourself! We advocate Rental Vehicles, which has the most important vary of autos for the most effective worth available on the market.
15) Study Extra In regards to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Folks
This can be a enjoyable technique to unwind after a day of thrill-seeking actions in Cairns Australia.
On the Aboriginal Cultural Tjapukai Evening Tour, you’ll be able to spend a night studying extra about Australia’s indigenous Tjapukai folks.
You’ll get to know Aboriginal tradition by means of a mixture of theatre, music, and storytelling.
It’s a really unimaginable present and is one thing you need to see in case you 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’ve 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 in case you select to take action.
16) Discover the Cairns Botanic Gardens
That is one other probably the greatest issues to do in Cairns for individuals who wish to relax and revel 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 variety 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 vegetation, there may be additionally a large assortment of hen species residing right here as nicely.
This makes it a improbable place to go to for hen lovers.
Along with this, it additionally options two cafes with quite a lot of breakfast and lunch choices.
Or you might merely discover a place to sit down down and have a picnic.
Both manner, Flecker Botanical Gardens is a good place to convey your folks 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 huge rainforest exterior town to go wildlife watching. However the Botanic Gardens are proper in Cairns they usually’re tremendous spectacular as nicely!
- Tackle: 78-96 Collins Ave, Cairns Australia
- Opening hours: day by day from 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Worth: Free
Thanks for studying concerning the 16 greatest issues to do in Cairns!
By now, you must have an excellent concept of what to do in Cairns Australia.
It’s a really superb 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 possibly can cruise over the jungle on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda, or zipline by means of the unimaginable Daintree Nationwide Park.
You possibly can 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 might journey south and additional discover locations like Mission Seashore, Wooroonooran Nationwide Park, and different sights south of Cairns.
Additionally, you’ll be able to have enjoyable in downtown Cairns by visiting the markets, swimming within the Cairns lagoon, and trying out the Cairns Aquarium.
Cairns itself is superb, and there may be a lot pleasure in your complete Cairns area as nicely.
So whether or not you’re absolutely exploring this tropical nook of Australia otherwise you’re simply flying into Cairns, begin reserving your trip at present and also you’ll be making new reminiscences very quickly.
What number of days ought to I spend in Cairns?
We advocate spending a minimum of 3 days in Cairns, with in the future devoted to the reef, in the future devoted to seeing the waterfalls and in the future ticking off a significant bucket record exercise like bungy leaping. 4 days is sufficient in Cairns when you’ve got some additional time up your sleeve.
What’s the greatest month to go to Cairns?
The most effective month to go to Cairns is September, however just about anytime between June and October is good because of the cooler climate.
Is Cairns a very good vacation vacation spot?
Completely! Cairns is an incredible vacation vacation spot in case you love nature, journey and tradition.
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