Best things to do in Cairns
Find out more about those top places in Cairns
Cairns Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Things to Do, and the Best Places to Visit in Tropical North Queensland
Cairns, nestled between the Coral Sea and the rugged mountains of Far North Queensland, is a vibrant tropical city and the ultimate gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the remote wilderness of the Cape York Peninsula. This lively coastal hub is one of the most popular places to visit in Australia, especially for those looking to explore the natural wonders of the country's northeast.
While many travelers use Cairns as a launching pad for Great Barrier Reef tours, the city itself is full of character and charm, with plenty of things to do and sightseeing opportunities that make it well worth spending a few days exploring. Its historic Victorian-era downtown, originally established during the gold rush of the late 1800s, still retains much of its old-world charm. You can stroll along the picturesque Cairns Esplanade Boardwalk, which offers beautiful views of the coastline and access to the Cairns Lagoon—a large, crystal-clear public swimming area that's perfect for cooling off in the tropical heat.
One of the top attractions in Cairns is, of course, the chance to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Whether you're snorkeling, diving, or joining a glass-bottom boat tour, the reef is an unforgettable experience and a bucket-list destination for any traveler. Countless tour operators depart from the Cairns Marina daily, making the city one of the best bases for reef adventures.
Beyond the reef, Cairns offers easy access to some of Australia’s most spectacular natural landscapes. A standout among them is the Daintree National Park, located just north of the city. Home to the world’s oldest living rainforest, the Daintree is a lush, untouched paradise teeming with unique wildlife, ancient ferns, and dramatic river gorges. It's one of the best places to visit near Cairns for eco-tourism and nature lovers.
Other highlights include Kuranda, a quaint mountain village accessible via the scenic Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, both of which offer incredible views of waterfalls, tropical rainforest, and gorges. It's an ideal day trip and a must on any Cairns travel guide.
Whether you're looking for adrenaline-pumping adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a base for tropical relaxation, Cairns has something for everyone. With its mix of natural beauty, rich history, and convenient access to some of Australia’s top attractions, Cairns is more than just a pit stop—it’s a destination in its own right.
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Great Barrier Reef
Even images all the way from the outer space testify that the Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing in the earth. Many species of aquatic life, such as brightly colored fishes, starfishes, turtles, sharks, and dolphins, can all be found here. The Great Barrier Reef is in northeastern Australia, off the coast of Queensland.
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Kuranda Scenic Railway
The railway was built by the early settlers of Kuranda. The railway is popular for its beauty as well as for its bends and turns around the forested hillside. On your tour of this railway, the beautiful landscape stretches in front of you for miles and is a relaxing view as well.
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Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest is one of the most beautiful natural sites in all of Australia. The flora and fauna that are found there will take your breath away while the many beautiful species of butterflies will make you blush with excitement.
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Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
The Cultural Park boasts of about 40,000 years of vibrant history and culture (the oldest surviving culture). Tourists often like to get to see the park because of its wealth of history. Similarly, there is so much to learn about the ways of life of the ancient people alongside some relics from those times.
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Tully River White Water Rafting
Rafters all around the world often dream of rafting at this place. The grade 3 and 4 rapids that are there are sure to put the skills of rafters to a test. Therefore, this is a challenge for most professional rafters who usually visit this location by the droves.
