21 Amazing Things to Do in Cairns, Australia (Reef & Beyond)

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Nestled on the sunny shores of Queensland’s far north, Cairns is a place where the lush rainforests meet the sapphire waters of the Coral Sea, and where every day feels like a TV advert come to life.

Cairns isn’t just a pretty face with palm trees and a golden sunset; it’s an action-packed playground that’s bursting at the seams with adventure, it’s the gateway to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, it’s a stone’s throw from balmy tropical islands, and everything in between.

Whether you’re soaring over the rainforest canopy on a zipline or diving into the depths of the ocean, you will find plenty of things to do in Cairns.

It’s Australia’s biggest tourist town for a reason. Here are some exciting things you can do there…

1. Swim at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

Being in the North of Australia, finding swimming spots that are croc-free is not easy. However, Cairns has a fun solution to that – they have a wonderful selection of man-made pools by the beach.

It’s a cruel paradox of the Aussie north that you get stinking hot summers, but you can’t swim from the beaches, they’re full of crocs and stingers – jellyfish that can seriously harm you, even kill you.

The main beach in Cairns is also more of a mud flat, and not that nice anyway.

The Cairns Lagoon gives you exactly what you need though – crystal clear waters, beach views, and life guards. The Cairns Esplanade lagoon is a cool place to laze around, read your book, and meet other travelers.

2. Visit Rusty’s Farmer’s Market

I would be hanging out at Rusty’s Markets every week if I lived in Cairns.

I think it’s the cheapest farmers’ market I’ve visited in Australia, and we have been to many of them. Get there on a Sunday at around 2pm just before it shuts, there’s slash-down prices galore.

Regular readers of our blog will know you can always find us at a farmer’s market when we visit a new city.

Rusty’s Market is a staple institution in Cairns, and has been operating every weekend since 1985.

It has over 180 stalls selling fresh produce from surrounding farms, as well as fresh bread, artisans, jewellery, coffee, chocolate, and so much more. It’s a good place to shop for unique souvenirs.

The market is open Friday and Saturday from 5:00am – 6:00pm, and Sunday 5:00am – 3:00pm, but it gets lively around 10:00am-11:00am.

3. Get out on the Great Barrier Reef

Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, a true wonder of the world that is 2,300km long. It’s probably the main reason you’re visiting Cairns, and so it should be!

I’m happy to say The Great Barrier Reef is just as magnificent and magical as you’ve heard. I loved our full-day tour exploring the underwater world with the girls. It was such a cool experience for them at such a young age.

Visiting the Great Barrier Reef can be expensive, not to mention there are so many ways to experience it, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing.

Budget for the expense so you don’t feel guilty or stressed when it comes time to hand over the cash for this incredible World Heritage Site.

We’d always wanted to go to the Outer Reef, because that’s where the best snorkeling and diving is. You might only visit the Reef once, so you will want to see it at its best!

Tours range from small boats where you dive or snorkel off the boat, to bigger tours where you moor at a pontoon and from there participate in many different activities.

Here are a few ways you can experience the Great Barrier Reef so you can decide which experience sounds most exciting to you.

The Pontoon Experience

Because we have two young kids, we decided the pontoon experience would be most practical.

We didn’t fancy being stuck on a cramped boat all day with a two and six-year-old – it would have been stressful, and gaining access to the water would have been tricky.

We chose the pontoon experience at Marine World based out at Moore Reef with Reef Magic Tours after hearing they were probably the best for families.

The price was expensive, but it was for a full day experience and included lunch.

It came with a 90-minute high-speed catamaran ride out from Cairns to our pontoon vessel moored at Marine World.

It was a huge pontoon with three floors, but it gave us all room to move around without being confined to a boat.

Plus the stairs that lead down from the main deck to a submersed snorkel platform allow you to sit down and put on your mask and fins, making it easy to slide into the water.

We had our own table and chairs on the sundeck, use of freshwater showers and changing rooms and lockers, and a yummy morning/afternoon tea plus a full buffet lunch.

The best part was the confidence Kalyra got by snorkeling in the sheltered coral lagoon. The snorkel area is supervised at all times, they had snorkeler rest stations scattered around if you needed a break in the water, and we could clearly see the bottom at all times.

AND we met “Wally” the big Maori Wrasse!

The all-weather Marine World platform caters to all activity levels and was a great base for the day.

Scuba Diving the Great Barrier Reef

If you’re going to visit the Great Barrier Reef, you’ve gotta do a dive right?! Craig decided this was a once-in-a-lifetime moment and put his hand up for an introductory dive.

This was his second time ever diving, his first being two years ago off Shelley Beach in Sydney.

He got a 30-minute dive with an instructor and just one other person. Intro dives have no more than four visitors per instructor making it reassuring for any first-timers.

He loved it.

His dive reached a maximum of about 8 metres in the beautiful coral lagoon, a sheltered area with dense coral reef and a ton of marine life, including some time swimming with big WALLY!

“It’s another world down there, I can definitely see the addiction to diving”, he beamed.

Glass Bottom Boat and Snorkelling from Green Island

We also spent the day on Green Island, located 45 minutes by boat from Cairns.

Not only did we snorkel and dive, but we were able to see more of the reef on a glass bottom boat and a semi-sub.

We loved our family day out on the reef.

Green Island is a sand island that’s perfect for a relaxing day snorkeling as a family. Kalyra loved seeing a few fish, turtles, and stingrays!

You can snorkel straight off the shore and we felt the area near the jetty was much better than snorkeling off the patrolled beach.

There’s also a nice boardwalk through the forest to the other side of the island, and whilst the kiddies played in the water I enjoyed a massage.

The glass bottom boat tour to Green Island is one of the more affordable ways to see the Great Barrier Reef.

4. Visit Kuranda on the SkyRail and Scenic Railway

The great thing about Cairns is that there is no shortage of nature sites to explore. Most people come for the Great Barrier Reef, but stay for the rainforest.

Riding the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway up to the hinterland town of Kuranda and then taking the Kuranda Scenic Railway back down is a fantastic way to spend a day and get an all-round view of Cairns nature.

The Skyrail was opened in August 1995, and at the time was the longest gondola cableway in the world.

The scenic journey takes you past Barron Falls, a beautiful waterfall that’s nestled in the rainforest.

You also get a bird’s eye view of some of the best wet tropics landscape, period. From our diamond view gondola, we could look down through the floor to see the amazing plants and flora below.

When you reach Karunda, make sure to check out the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, especially if you have kids.

5. Go White Water Rafting on the Barron River

Looking to get wet and adventurous? There are a few thrills on the Barron River in the Barron Gorge National Park through rapids called The Meat Cleaver, The Suckhole, and the Rooster.

And a rafting trip is always made that much more special by a crazy rafting guide, Marty.

Marty was full of life, quick with a joke and a wry smile. His loud booming laughter echoed off the steep ravines and towering trees wrapped in vines amid dense undergrowth.

The Barron River has Grade 2 and 3 rapids, but you can also go whitewater rafting on the Tully River, which has Grade 3 and 4 rapids.

6. Take a FREE fitness class at the Esplanade

I really wanted to partake in these free exercise classes, but it was a little difficult as we were staying a bit out of town.

Every day there is a free exercise class on The Esplanade in Cairns, such as yoga, pilates and boxing.

There’s also a lovely boardwalk you can run along, or go for a walk to stretch your legs.

7. Enjoy the Cairns Night Markets

I wasn’t blown away by the Cairns Night Markets, but it’s a good way to pass an hour or so.

It’s located right on the waterfront, and features stalls brimming with handcrafted souvenirs, Aboriginal art, and quirky trinkets as well as some freshly cooked street food.

There is a more relaxed vibe here, and if you’re lucky, sometimes they have a live performance from local musicians.

I’d suggest skipping the market part and heading straight to the massage section.

8. Visit The Atherton Tablelands

The Atherton Tablelands, a region about an hour southwest of Cairns, is a captivating region where tropical rainforests meet fertile farmland and charming villages.

This plateau, which sits at at about 700 meters above sea level, is a natural wonderland known for its breathtaking waterfalls, crater lakes, and rich biodiversity.

The Tablelands is also famed for its agricultural produce, from coffee and tea plantations to tropical fruits like avocados, bananas, and pineapples.

If you only have a day to spend in the Tablelands, be sure to hike to see Millaa Millaa Falls, a beautiful waterfall in a lush, fern-filled gorge, and Lake Barrine, a volcanic crater lake.

Another unique way to experience the Tablelands is from the air. Opt for sunrise hot air balloon ride to witness the diverse landscape from a birds-eye perspective as the sun casts its orange hues over the lands.

We also loved driving the scenic drive, The Waterfall Circuit, and mountain biking the Atherton Tablelands.

8. Take a road trip to Mossman Gorge and The Daintree

We think you may need to escape from Cairns and find some relaxing nature on your trip, and if I’m reading your mind right, then a trip to The Daintree Rainforest would be the ultimate choice.

The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest rainforest in the world at 350 million years old. Don’t do it as a day trip – it’s exquisite and you need to get your relax on in the green jungle.

You can stay at Port Douglas or within The Daintree National Park for a couple of days and explore.

Mossman Gorge is just north of Port Douglas and is at the gateway to the rainforest. It was my favourite part of The Daintree Rainforest because it has crystalline waters, rugged granite boulders, and lush rainforest surrounding natural swimming holes.

You can go for a guided walk led by local Aboriginal guides, or kayak or paddleboard along the Mossman River.

9. Get Breakfast at Lillipad Cafe

An acquaintance recommended we stop at Lillipad Cafe for breakfast, which specializes in fresh vegetarian cuisine. As she was a former chef in the Cairns area, we followed her advice.

It seems hundreds of other people must have as well as there were no available tables.

We managed to jab one as we turned to walk out with sadness in our hearts. The food portions were HUGE and fresh. It can feel a little cramped at a table of four though.

10. Have a monster-sized dinner at Cock and Bull Pub

The Cock & Bull is a staple institution in Cairns, and is known for serving up monster serving sizes since it began in 1988.

The service was a little ordinary, but the serving size and the taste of the food made up for it, so definitely worth stopping in here for some pub grub.

Go for either the Roast or the vegetarian lasagna. So tasty and so HUGE!

11. Take a visit to Cairns Botanic Gardens

A visit to the Botanic Gardens is a must on any trip to Cairns. It has one of the best collections of native Australian plants and fauna in the country.

As well as this, it’s also an educational day out for the kids. Every two weeks, they run a Little Taccas arts and crafts workshop for under 5s, and they also have a Little Sprouts workshop that teaches children about gardening.

If you’re not visiting with children, you may enjoy the walking tours, which will tell you all about the unique plant life and animals you see here.

12. Go ziplining over the canopies at Cairns Adventure Park

Looking for something adrenaline-fuelled? Then you’ll love a trip to Cairns Adventure Park for some zip-line adventures.

Soar above a rainforest canopy on a high velocity zip line extending for 300 metres (985 ft) down the the city’s most iconic hill slope.

The aptly named Flying Leap MegaZip, flies over the Daintree and offers views over the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Green Island.

You can also go rock climbing and abseiling in the park

13. Take a Helicopter Ride over the Barrier Reef

We mentioned before that you can’t go to Cairns without visiting the Great Barrier Reef, but we know that not everyone is a fan of swimming, snorkeling or diving.

If that’s you, then you might prefer a helicopter flight to Vlasoff Cay!

You can soar above the reef and see it in all it’s magnificent glory. There is no better way to experience the size of the reef than by seeing it in the air. It’s just, wow!

14. Relax at Four Mile Beach

The sad truth about Cairns is there is always beautiful weather, but there’s nowhere to safely swim.

If you want to visit some fantastic Queensland beaches, head out a little way to Four Mile Beach (a four-mile-long beach, duh!) just north of Cairns.

It has soft, golden sand and crystal-clear blue water – it’s like a tropical island paradise, but on the mainland.

The beach is well maintained and great for families since the waves are more gentle here.

You’ll find palm trees lining the beach and there’s always a gentle, cool breeze.

You can spend your days relaxing, swimming, or sunbathing under the palms. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy being on one of Australia’s top beaches. Another beach that’s worth checking out is Palm Cove.

15. Try Spear Fishing at Cooya Beach

If you’re looking for something unique to do, perhaps you might enjoy trying spearfishing at Cooya Beach.

The beach is much more like a mud-plane, and is a great place to hunt for mud crabs as well as try spear fishing.

We had a great time trying to catch some fish with our spears. You can read all about our experience here.

16. Take a day trip to Fitzroy Island

You wouldn’t believe the tropical beauty that you can find just a short distance from Cairns. You can reach several tropical islands all within a day trip – it’s incredible!

One of the most striking tropical islands near Cairns is Fitzroy Island. It’s a tiny island that’s home to less than 50 people, but it’s worth visiting for Nudey Beach.

And no, it’s not a nudist beach, but a gorgeous powdery white sand beach with access to the Great Barrier reef.

Sit in the soft sand or snorkel in the corals from the shore. A trip to Fitzroy will not disappoint.

17. Explore the Chillagoe Caves (Queensland Outback)

If you want to see some excellent examples of Aboriginal rock art, you can do so ar the Chillagoe Caves.

The Chillagoe – Mungana Caves National Park is nestled in the Outback Queensland and is known for its sacred caves.

You can only visit the caves on a guided-ranger tour, but these tours take you to see three of the most incredible caves in the site; Donna, Trezkinn and Royal Arch caves.

Learn about aboriginal art and culture on these fascinating tours.

18. Take the kids to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures at Wangetti

For a truly jaw-dropping experience, head just 40 minutes north to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, where you can get up close and personal with Australia’s most infamous reptile – the saltwater crocodile.

Located at Wangetti, this award-winning wildlife park opened in the 1980s and is known for offering detailed and educational talks about the crocs.

You can witness a croc feeding session, take a boat cruise through the mangrove-lined lagoon to spot crocodiles in their natural habitat, and even try your hand at holding a baby croc.

To get there, simply take the Captain Cook Highway north from Cairns and follow the signs to Wangetti.

19. Do Australia’s first ever bungy jump

For thrill-seekers, Skypark by AJ Hackett is a high-altitude playground known for its heart-racing activities.

The most famous of which is the bungy jump. It began when AJ Hackett, the man behind the global bungy phenomenon, opened his first-ever Australian bungy site here in 1990, making Cairns the birthplace of Australia’s bungy culture.

At Skypark, you can leap from the 50-meter platform, taking in jaw-dropping views of the lush Daintree Rainforest as you free-fall.

If you’re not sure about bungy jumping, there’s also the Minjin Swing, which launches you at speeds of up to 120 km/h over the canopies.

20. Skydive over the Great Barrier Reef

Sticking with the adrenaline-theme, why not try sky diving? Skydiving over this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a memorable way to see the reef’s vivid turquoise waters and patchwork of coral islands from above.

Opt for a tandem sky dive, and you’l soar through the clear skies at 14,000 feet, where you can look down on the world’s largest living organism stretching out below you. Pretty cool, huh?

21. Be amazed by Paronella Park

You won’t believe that Paronella Park is in Australia, it looks as though it should be in Indonesia or the set of a Indiana Jones movie.

Set inside a verdant tropical rainforest, Paronella Park is a castle built by the 1930s by Spanish immigrant José Paronella, which in its prime was surrounded by gardens, waterfalls, and a unique Spanish-style tower.

Today, the castle is a ruin, which has been reclaimed by nature. As you walk around the beautiful site, you can see walls draped in moss, staircases overgrown with ferns, and waterfalls that give off a magical quality.

It’s one of the most fairytale like places I’ve ever seen. Take a picnic and enjoy this natural playground.

Where to stay in Cairns

We stayed in our camper trailer at the Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut (Formerly Coconut Holiday Park) about 6 km south of Cairns town centre.

The girls loved it, there were plenty of things to keep them entertained like water parks, pools, mini-golf, and open air movies.

If you need more luxury, The Hilton is centrally-located in Cairns, or for low-budget travellers, you can’t go wrong with the YHA Cairns Central Hostel.

You can browse more accommodation options in Cairns in this interactive map:

Final thoughts

Whether you’re looking for some fun for all the family, or you’re on a couples weekend away, you’ll find plenty of top attractions in Cairns to keep you busy.

If you’re ever stuck for choices, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the national parks. Cairns is all about nature, so be sure to check some of this out while you’re there.

We hope this guide helped you decide on what to do in Cairns and offered some inspiration for planning your itinerary.

More Tropical North Queensland Tips

Are you planning to visit other parts of Tropical North Queensland? Then these other guides may be useful to you.

• Amazing things to do in the Atherton Tablelands, Cairns
• Ultimate guide to driving the Savannah Way, Outback Queensland
• Go to Carnarvon Gorgee National Park if you want to see kangaroos
• 5 day itinerary for the Sandstone Wilderness
• Quick getaway to Great Keppel Island
• A Thrilling Tour of Whitehaven Beach
• Seeing a different side of the Whitsundays with a crocodile safari
• A luxurious Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort
• Things to do in Townsville, QLD
• Why you should visit Agnes Waters and the Town of 1770
• Stunning and adventurous things to do in Queensland
• Why haven’t I heard of Finch Hatton Gorge before
• Things to do at Cape Hillsborough, Mackay – kangaroos on the beach
• Eungella National Park, best places to see platypus in Australia

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