Cairns - Do & See
- Nearby guides:
- Townsville
- Whitsunday Coast
- Hamilton Island
- Mackay
- Rockhampton
- Fraser Coast
- Sunshine Coast
- Brisbane
- Gold Coast
- Alice Springs
- Other guides in Australia:
- Ballina Byron
- Canberra
- Coffs Harbour
- Gold Coast
- Mackay
- Melbourne
- Perth
- Rockhampton
- Sunshine Coast
- Sydney
- More
Cairns offers endless possibilities to explore, learn and meet interesting people. The nature is breathtakingly beautiful and the people friendly and helpful. There’s always something exciting going on and if you’re all adventured out, there are plenty of options when it comes to taking it easy, and hey - why not get a nice tan while you’re relaxing?
The Esplanade
The Esplanade is full of cafés and restaurants and there are also bbq areas where you can sit down with friends and use the big grills. Stroll along the promenade, splash about in the famous lagoon, enjoy some of the free events or just soak up the sun!
Great Barrier Reef
No trip to Cairns would be complete without a day spent exploring the Great Barrier Reef. One of the largest and most experienced reef cruise operators is Quicksilver, which operates daily cruises to the outer reef and islands from Cairns and Port Douglas. The company has over 50 Great Barrier Reef dive sites and eleven major vessels in its fleet.
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
Discover the aboriginal cultural park showcasing the culture and beliefs of the rainforest people of Tropical North Queensland through theatres, stage shows, boomerang/spear throwing & bush medicine.
White Water Rafting
There are three rivers in Cairns suitable for rafting, each with its own degree of difficulty. It is a great experience and also team building to face the impressive rapids together. RnR White Water Rafting is a White Water Rafting specialist in Australia and they offer a wide range of different tours.
Barron River is a Grade 3 which makes it perfect for everybody in the ages 13 to 99.
Tully River is a Grade 4 and contains up to 45 rapids, while you’re at it, try raft surfing, rapid swimming and rock jumping with your guide.
North Johnstone is a Grade 5 and the trip spans over 4 adventurous days with camping and helicopter rides.
Green Island
Tropical and magical Green Island is a unique part of the Great Barrier Reef with boardwalks that take you through the lush island rainforest of the National Park to the luxury of Green Island Resort where visitors can browse the shops or make use of the facilities including fresh water showers, change rooms, restrooms and lockers.
A half day or full day tour to Green Island gives you the option to snorkel, dive and swim in the clear island ocean waters, explore Green Island National Park, Scuba Dive, Parasail or simply relax on the white sandy beach.
Jungle Surfing
Jungle Surfing is located on a private reserve 2,5 hours drive north of Cairns. The property borders the Daintree Cape Tribulation National Park and offers stunning rainforest as well as views over the Great Barrier Reef. Jungle Surfing is an exciting and adventurous way to experience the spectacular Daintree Rainforest and being up there in the canopy gives you unparalleled access to the heart of the Daintree.
Mossman Gorge
Amazing Mossman Gorge lies 80 kilometers north of Cairns. It is a river with magic blue green waters surrounded by enchanting rainforest. The water is refreshingly cool and it is a peaceful place to go swimming - beware of the rapids though. This area is part of the traditional homeland of the indigenous tribe of Kuku Yulanji.
Cairns Rainforest Dome
Meet the animals and learn about the fragile ecology of the rainforest right in the heart of Cairns. This spectacular wildlife exhibit is enclosed by a 20 meter high glass dome on top of the Reef Hotel Casino. Be surrounded by birds such as parrots, cockatoos, lorikeets, doves and rosellas and see for yourself how cute the rainforest wallabies are.
Cairns Botanic Gardens
Learn about Aboriginal plant use and wonder at the flora and fauna at this tropical oasis of 38 hectares of native Autralian gardens.
The Cairns Botanic Gardens area is divided into four distinct areas:
Flecker Gardens
Centenary Lakes
Mt. Whitfield Conservation Park
Tanks Art Centre
Daintree Rainforest
Experience the splendour of this World Heritage listed rainforest. At around 1.200 km² the Daintree is the largest continuous area of tropical rainforest on the Australian continent.
Kurunda Scenic Railway & Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Board the famous Kuranda Scenic Rail for a breathtaking journey on one of the world’s most scenic operational rail journeys to the charming town of Kurunda and a return journey by cable car across the canopy of the rainforest.
Cairns Historical Museum
Exhibition displaying the history of Cairns beginning with the Aboriginal and Islander beginnings as well as the early timber, mining and agricultural industries.
Cairns Regional Gallery
Exhibitions showcasing the visual art of Far North Queensland.
