What is the Best Itinerary for 5 Days in Cairns?

Australia is one of the most desired vacation destinations in the world. However, when many people plan a trip to Australia, they usually head to Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne. But if you head to Cairns and Northern Queensland, you will be amazed at the beauty that lies along with the transition between the rainforest and the reef. 5 Days in Cairns is the perfect amount of time to see the two UNESCO World Heritage sites (the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef) as well as the Australian Outback.

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Follow the tips below and the suggested itinerary to ensure that you will experience all that Cairns and Northern Queensland have to offer.

How to Get to Cairns

As Cairns is located on the far northeast coast of Queensland, most international visitors will arrive on a domestic flight from elsewhere in Australia. Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne are common starting points as international flights tend to land here first. Visitors from Asia may find a direct flight depending on where they live. Cheap-O-Air is an excellent search engine to research the best flight options from your location.

If you prefer to travel by bus or train, Cairns is well serviced by both modes of transportation. Be sure to check the schedules as distances are great, and you may want to make stops along the way to break up the journey.

Traveling by car is also a viable option that will give you more freedom while enjoying your 5-days in Cairns. However, be aware that distances are great, and you will have to consider the length of travel time in your vacation planning. For example, the distance from Brisbane to Cairns is 1700 km. For most, this would be a three-day drive. If your vacation time is limited, flights would be the smarter option.

When to Go

As many travel brochures will tell you, there is no wrong time to visit Cairns. The region has a temperate climate year-round, around 23-30 degrees. With a light sweater in the winter months, summer clothes will be the norm.

However, Cairns has two distinct seasons – the wet and dry season. The dry season typically runs during the winter months of June to August. During this time, there are clear skies and calm winds. These are perfect conditions for activities that rely on good weather, such as sailing or hiking.

On the other hand, (December to February) tends to see higher temperatures, higher humidity, and often monsoon rainfalls. Although the welcomed rain gives life to the lush rainforests and creates awesome white-water rapids, it can become destructive and dangerous depending on the year. A tourist can do nothing about the weather but be aware that certain activities can be canceled at the last minute. If you travel during the wet season, your stay in Cairns will need to be flexible.

Where To Stay

Like many modern cities, Cairns has a wide variety of places. Whether you require a luxury hotel with all the amenities or just a hostel bed, you will find them available in Cairns.

For luxury, I would recommend Shangri-La The Marina. This 5-star hotel offers stunning views of the marina and is within walking distance of most of Cairns’ downtown attractions. The tour departure terminal is nearby if you plan a trip to the Barrier Reef.

For a better value, I would recommend the Cairns Plaza Hotel. Although a short walk to the shops, restaurants, and lagoon, the view from the upper floors is fantastic! Tours can also be arranged to the Barrier Reef or the Daintree rainforest. This is where I stayed that last time I was in Cairns, and it was great value for money.

If a hostel will be your base for your 5-days in Cairns, the Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront hostel is the place you want to be. Central to everything in the downtown area, including the nightlife of the Cairns Night markets. With a variety of bed options, this hostel will not disappoint.

What to Do Around Cairns

There are many things to do around Cairns; you could easily spend much longer than five days. In my related post (Best Things to Do Around Cairns), I have outlined some of the activities available to visitors. This article will highlight the itinerary I created on my last trip to Cairns.

• Day 1 – Cairns

When you arrive in Cairns, the first thing you will probably notice is that it just has that tropical feel to it. There is a warm breeze off the ocean, gently swaying palm trees, and a friendly, laid-back vibe. After checking into your hotel, the first thing you should do is head on down to the boardwalk and esplanade.

Explore the local shops, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the ambiance of being so close to the ocean. When you are ready, grab your towel and bathing suit and head over the lagoon to cool off. Bring a picnic or grab something along the way and relax. This is just the beginning of your tropical holiday in Cairns.

If you are traveling with children, this would be a great time to explore the Cairns Aquarium located within this downtown area.

In the evening, discover one of the many excellent restaurants along the esplanade or the Night Markets as the evening progresses. Leave some time back at the hotel to prepare for the next day’s adventure.

• Day 2 – Port Douglas – Daintree

For your second day in Cairns and Tropical Northern Queensland, I suggest a day trip to Port Douglas. This seaside community is just a short drive north, but the changes in scenery along the way are simply remarkable. This is where you travel along a coastal highway right at the dividing line between the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

If you have a car, this journey is incredible as you will encounter several places along the way to stop and enjoy the scenery. You may even want to go a bit further to explore the village of Daintree and take a river cruise. If you are not driving, several companies in Cairns have day trip packages to the northern beaches and Port Douglas.

The famous Four Mile Beach lies in Port Douglas, where shallow waters attract water sports enthusiasts. Reef excursions and other sailing adventures can also be arranged from Port Douglas. Plenty of local shops and restaurants will occupy your time in this thriving coastal community for the landlubbers. The views from Trinity Bay are worth the trek up the hill.

For more details on things to do in Port Douglas, see my related post: Cairns Day Trips – Explore the Charm of Port Douglas.

On a side note – As you travel the roads in this part of Queensland, you may notice white vertical markings along the road before river or stream crossings. When I traveled here in 2019, I asked my friend about them, and he explained the significance of these markings. These are high water indicators in the event of monsoon rains. The one heading into the Daintree River valley shows a mark of 12m. One week after my visit, this marker was barely visible, and the village of Daintree was underwater.

• Day 3 – Great Barrier Reef

On the third day, I strongly recommend a snorkeling or diving trip to the outer reef. On the outer reef, you will be amazed at the vibrant colors and versatile marine life found within this UNESCO-protected Heritage site. It is no wonder that people worldwide dream of venturing into this unique paradise.

One of the best companies based in Cairns is Down Under Cruise and Dive. This company has the capability of transporting both divers as well as snorkelers to the outer reef areas. Some companies will only take one group or the other.

When you check into the Reef Fleet Terminal and climb aboard the Evolution yacht, you will be amazed at the hospitality and welcoming nature of the staff. When everyone is on board, the crew will outline the safety features of the vessel and what to expect during the day. You are also advised to please take the seasick tablets before leaving the marina if you might get seasick. Once you feel nauseous, anti-nausea pills will not work as well, and you might experience a miserable day. Do you want to feel sick on vacation?

The journey to the outer reef is about 1.5 hours and gives you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and become familiar with the snorkeling or diving equipment.

On most journeys to the outer reef, you will stop at two different sites, which could include the Norman, Saxon, or Hastings reefs. Usually, you will enjoy a BBQ lunch on board with fresh fish, steak, and salads between visiting the two reef locations.

Following the second reef stop, you can sit back, relax, and have a glass of wine while you make your way back to Cairns. It will give you a chance to review your photos and chat with other passengers about the incredible undersea world. Approximate cost for a full day outer reef trip is about $195AUD

• Day 4 – Outback – Chillagoe Caves

The Outback and Chillagoe Caves tour is the perfect adventure on the fourth day of your visit to Cairns. Following a day on the water, an outback tour demonstrates the region’s diversity. You have beautiful sand beaches, brilliant blue water, and lush green vegetation on the coast. But drive just a few hours inland, and you experience a vastly different desert-like landscape.

Many tour companies offer these outback tours from Cairns, but I would recommend Billy Tea Safaris as they are small-group tours, and their divers/guides are very knowledgeable. Many guides are great storytellers and will share their knowledge of the history and culture of this region. A 4WD vehicle is also desirable as it will allow you to traverse even the roughest terrain or the wettest, depending on the time of the year. During the wet season, some roads can be unpassable for non-4WD vehicles.

The tour begins in Cairns, then traverses the McAllister Ranges and heads through the Atherton Tablelands. During this full-day outback tour, visits include the Skybury Coffee plantation, Chillagoe Caves-Munagana Caves National Park, Chillagoe Smelter Ruins, Balancing Rock, and Granite Gorge. This tour is a MUST during your stay in Cairns and costs around $195AUD.

For details of this tour, see my related post – “Cairns Outback Tour – A Journey to the Chillagoe Caves and More.”

• Day 5 – Cairns – Crystal Cascades – Botanic Gardens

Depending on your departing flights, the fifth day in Cairns should be spent taking in some relaxing local attractions. Morning exploration of the Botanic Gardens would allow you to view some of the local birds, animals, and vegetation of this unique part of Queensland.

The visitor’s center is the perfect place to learn about the gardens, view an exhibit, or take a class. Guided tours of the gardens are conducted weekdays throughout the year and take about 60-90 minutes. Specific bird-watching tours are also available on certain days. Be sure to bring your camera and binoculars.

As the heat of the day rises in Tropical North Queensland, a trip to Crystal Cascades provides a refreshing and fun way to spend the afternoon. Hidden in a tropical rainforest, these secluded freshwater swimming holes have attracted locals for generations. There are a series of small waterfalls that flow into larger pools. Due to these waterfalls, there is a slight current in the stream, making it perfect for just floating downstream. Be sure to bring an inflatable water toy to experience the best fun.

As the cascades are located within a park, BBQs, picnic shelters, tables, and toilets are available for your use. Hiking and walking trails are nearby if you wish to work up a sweat before plunging into the refreshing waters.

What To Pack for 5 Days in Cairns?

It goes without saying that what you pack when you are on vacation is entirely a personal choice, and it is also dependent on your comfort style and your activity level. If you follow the itinerary as I have outlined, then you will certainly require a few specific items.

For the Barrier Reef adventures, you will need a bathing suit and towel. A hat and sunscreen are a must as well. Be sure to use reef-friendly sunscreen to prevent further damage to sensitive reef organisms. If you plan on spending some time on the boat deck, maybe a swimsuit cover-up will be warranted. Many snorkelers and divers prefer to use their masks, snorkel, and fins even though the tour operators usually provide them. It is up to you if you want to bring them from home.

Light clothing and comfortable walking shoes for the Outback tour will make the trip more enjoyable. It will be much hotter inland than on the coast, so be prepared for that. Sunscreen and a hat are also recommended.

RELATED: Get your copy of the Cairns and Northern Queensland Travel Guide available on Etsy.

Your clothing choices are entirely personal for your sight-seeing adventures in town or up to Port Douglas. If you are driving to Port Douglas or Cape Tribulation, be sure to have your swimsuit and towel in the car if you decide a last-minute swim is warranted. Look for safe swimming areas as crocodiles do live in these northern regions.

Whatever activities you plan on your vacation to Cairns and Northern Queensland, the one sure thing is that you will experience a tropical climate throughout the year. Overall, your clothing should be light, versatile, and breathable to provide the best comfort in the humid tropical region.

Summary

As I have outlined, 5 days in Cairns is the perfect amount of time to see everything this incredible region offers. From the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef to the harsh Outback, Cairns and Northern Queensland are worth taking that extra trip from Brisbane or Sydney. Leave the city behind and discover the natural beauty of Australia. This is what people come to see.

Have you been to Cairns?

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