When most people plan a trip to Australia, they usually head to Brisbane, Melbourne, or Sydney. But do not discount what Cairns in Northern Queensland has to offer. Located on Australia’s northeast coastline, Cairns is the gateway to tropical northern Queensland. World Heritage Sites of The Great Barrier Reef and The Daintree Rainforest surround the vibrant city of Cairns. With such natural beauty both above and below the water, it is no wonder that there are so many things to do around Cairns. Discover why so many people use Cairns as their northern base to explore these wonders of the natural world.
Within Cairns and the adjacent Northern Queensland area, three distinct regions attract Australia’s best tropical destination. Each of these regions, as well as the city of Cairns, provides unique vacation experiences.
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Northern Queensland Regions
The Great Barrier Reef provides water-based activities and has drawn visitors to its amazing undersea life for decades. Sailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving attract visitors to navigate the teal blue waters and vibrant coral reefs of this world-famous site. White sand beaches and palm-fringed islands make perfect getaways for anyone seeking relaxation in paradise.
The Daintree Rainforest provides land-based activities for those nature lovers of waterfalls, wildlife, and serenity. Adventure seekers enjoy the challenges of the rugged mountainous rainforest and plunging waterfalls to quench their desire for adventure. The coastal communities of Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation are in a unique juxtaposition in that they offer both water and land-based things to do. Port Douglas makes a great day trip from Cairns.
The Australian Outback, known for its unforgiving desert conditions, lies west of Cairns and delivers unique land-based activities. Train excursions and jeep safaris all hint at the harshness of the landscape that lies just outside the city.
If you are planning a trip to Northern Queensland, here are some of the best things to do around Cairns during your stay:
Water-based activities
Green Island
Green Island, a short boat ride from Cairns, is desirable for sun-bathers, swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers with its alluring turquoise waters and shallow coastal reefs. Many companies offer day trips as one of the things to do around Cairns.
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier reef is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Cairns. This protected Heritage area displays colorful displays of fish, corals, turtles, and the occasional shark. Within an hour of the city, you can be experiencing the most spectacular undersea environment in the world!
Many companies offer trips throughout the reef for sightseeing, sailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. For best results, I recommend a day trip to the outer reef where the colors and marine diversity are better. A day trip often includes lunch and stops at two different locations. Trips with up to three dives are available for the divers, while introductory dive packages can also be arranged.
Northern Beaches
A short drive north of Cairns, at the doorstep of the reef, lies some of the best beaches in Australia. Nestled between a string of quaint seaside villages, these beaches offer the charm of tranquil turquoise waters, palm-fringed coastlines, and powdery sandy beaches. Swimming, snorkeling, and parasailing can be found for the water sports enthusiast. The community of Palm Cove is the ultimate idyllic seaside village, lying between Cairns and Port Douglas. A perfect day trip is one of the things to do around Cairns.
Machans Beach is closest to Cairns, which attracts locals who want to walk along its beachfront trail at the end of the day. Due to its location between two headlands and extensive walking trails along the beachfront, Trinity Beach is ideal for active travelers. For the more experienced, a 1km steep climb to the summit of Earl Hill will get your heart pumping.
Watersports
Aside from sailing, snorkeling, or diving, the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, and Northern Queensland also provide a playground for other types of watersports. Whitewater rafting and waterfall canyoning are adrenaline-pumping activities available within the rugged rainforests. The Barron River is relatively slow flowing with moderate Grade 2-3 rapids and is best for first-time rafters. The Tully River, which flows through the World Heritage Rainforest, boasts grade 3-4 rapids for the more experienced. Tours can be readily arranged throughout the Cairns area.
Waterfall canyoning is one of the craziest watersports adventures! It will have you jumping into pools, zip-lining through trees, and rock climbing throughout the jungle-like setting of the tropical rainforest. If you like adventure, this is one of the best things to do around Cairns.
Sea kayaking is one of the most peaceful and relaxing ways to spend a day. Take a trip to one of the offshore islands such as Fitzroy, Snapper, and Hinchinbrook Island and paddle your way through beautiful tranquil waters.
Land-Based Activities
Crystal Cascades
Crystal Cascades is one of the best-kept secrets in the Cairns area. Locals have been coming to these freshwater swimming holes for decades. In the rainforest 15km west of Cairns, small waterfalls flow into larger pools between giant granite boulders. With a slight current running, these natural pools provide a cooling benefit to the hot, humid conditions common in rainforest regions. BBQ facilities and change rooms are nearby as their popularity has increased—a perfect place to kick back and relax with nature all around.
Daintree National Park
As part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland, the Daintree National Park preserves some of the most biologically diverse rainforests in the world. Hiking through this stunning rainforest, you will find an abundance of bird and animal life as well as impressive waterfalls. Daintree hosts some of the most outstanding high adrenaline sports activities, such as zip-lining through the jungle. Activities in the Daintree National Park provide great things to do around Cairns for tourists and locals alike.
From the village of Daintree, take a cruise up the Daintree River and see crocodiles, snakes, and birds in their natural habitat.
Skyrail
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a 7.5km journey above the rainforest between Cairns and Kuranda. Seated in six-passenger cable cars, you will see a unique perspective on the Wet Tropics World Heritage site. At the end of the journey, you are free to further explore the walkways of the rainforest boardwalks at Red Peak, and Baron falls. This outing can easily be combined with the Kuranda Scenic Railway for a genuinely incredible rainforest experience.
Atherton Tablelands / Scenic Railway
The Atherton Tablelands is a region located about an hour southwest of Cairns. It is a fertile plateau of several towns, waterfalls, agricultural plantations, and rolling hills. Within its footprint lies several things, including hiking, birdwatching, shopping, and visiting historical sites. The Kuranda Scenic Railway is the most popular in this unique area.
Chillagoe Caves and the Outback
Located some 250 kilometers west of Cairns lies the small town of Chillagoe, historically known for its copper, silver, and gold mining. But what makes this area attractive is that the region is home to some of the most interesting cave systems.
The caves may have once been part of the reef system, but have evolved into intricate passageways in the limestone over time. Self-guided tours are possible, but a guided tour is the best way to visit these caves and the nearby mining smelter. You can explore a part of the Outback and experience the desolation of the arid landscape. Many tours are designed as all-day outback safaris with several stops along the way.
Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation, a small community a few hours north, should be included in your things to do around Cairns. It is known not only for its pristine beaches but for its isolation. Nestled on a spit of land between the rainforest and the sea, this eco-friendly area is a popular destination for backpackers and adventure travelers. Despite being an incredible natural beauty, few tourists venture this far north. As a result, it remains a hidden gem.
Although swimming is not recommended due to marine stingers, there are opportunities for trips to the barrier reef from here if you have not already been. Hiking or mountain biking through the rainforest trails is a great way to spend the day. The Alexandra Lookout is a must and you will have incredible views of the rainforest, ocean, towns and islands in the distance.
Cultural Activities
Aboriginal Cultural Park Tjapukai
Located just outside Cairns, the Aboriginal Cultural Park Tjapukai showcases the Aboriginal culture through song and dance. It is both an entertaining spectacle and an educational experience for everyone. The theatre and museum tell the story of the Tjapukai people who inhabited the region that extends from Cairns to Port Douglas to the north and inland to Kuranda. If you are looking to learn more about Australia’s rich culture, then this is one of the things to do around Cairns.
Doongal Aboriginal Art Gallery
If you are an art lover, you should head over to the Doongal Aboriginal Art Gallery, where local Aboriginal Rainforest Art is showcased. Since Aboriginal culture did not have a written language, their laws, stories, and social behavior were passed on through generations in song, dance, and drawings. You could spend hours in the gallery learning some of the stories from the knowledgeable staff. If you have the time, challenge yourself with learning how to play the didgeridoo.
Mossman Gorge
If you have ventured into the Daintree Rainforest for some adventurous fun on the Mossman Gorge, take some extra time to explore the cultural side of the region. The Mossman Gorge Centre offers an interpretive center that showcases the Ngadiku Dreamtime stories and legends of the local Aboriginal population.
A must-do activity is a guided Dreamtime Walk hosted by Yalanji Indigenous Staff. The walks take visitors along private, gentle tracks, visiting unique places and culturally significant sites, past traditional bark shelters, and over meandering cool rainforest streams. The center also hosts an art gallery and authentic Local Yalanji gift shop. Eco-tours can also be arranged from the center.
Cairns City Attractions
Esplanade, Boardwalk and the Lagoon on the Waterfront
When you first arrive in Cairns, your first impression may not be the best. You will discover that there is an overabundance of souvenir shops, tour agencies, and hostels in the downtown waterfront area. But if you look beyond the tacky-tourist strip, you will discover a laid-back coastal vibe to the city. Although it is a waterfront community, it does not have its beach. However, close to the esplanade and marina, a lovely artificial lagoon provides refreshing things to do in the water. Perfect for the little ones.
Cairns Aquarium
As a world-class venue for viewing and interacting with amazing animals and ecosystems, the Aquarium is a must-see on your things to do around Cairns. Set in the heart of Cairns, many of the 15,000 specimens seen here are only found in tropical northern Queensland. Discover the different habitats through informative displays, animal talks, and shark feeds. Even an animal touch tank will delight even the youngest visitors.
Cairns Botanic Gardens
If you are looking for a place to relax in beautiful tropical surroundings, the Cairns Botanic gardens will satisfy your quest. Located on the city’s outskirts on the way to the airport, these Gardens are a perfect place to go for a walk in the tropical heat. Within its boundaries lie several species of diverse plant life only found in the wet tropical region. There is also a lovely, butterfly-filled conservatory for you to wander around. Brimming with colors, the gardens provide an escape from the touristy side of Cairns.
Night Markets
After spending the day out and about, the Cairns Night markets are the place you want to be. Nestled between the trendy waterfront restaurants, shops, and souvenir stands, you will find the more exciting places to explore. Local services, unusual shops, and street food vendors provide excellent evening entertainment and areas to pass the time. There are even some hostels that have their entrances within these markets. The air conditioning can also provide an escape from a warm evening.
In Summary
With so many things to do around Cairns, it is no wonder that this northern tropical region of Australia attracts visitors worldwide. What more could you ask for in a vacation destination?
Are you ready to experience stunning beaches, the Great Barrier Reef, tropical rainforests, and the famous Outback? Give in to your desires and explore Cairns and tropical northern Queensland. You will not be disappointed.
Have you been to Cairns?
What did you like the most?
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So many cool things to do in Cairns and Northern Queensland. So beautiful!
Yes, it really is worth the trip!
What an incredible place to visit; it looks and sounds like there is so much to do and see. Thanks for sharing this; it makes me want to travel!
It really is an amazing area. I have some other posts for this area coming soon, so stay tuned!
Water canyoning looks and sounds like a ton of fun. I’d definitely do that if I ever visit. It would also be pretty interesting to see the rainforest from the Skyrail perspective.
The outback tour is amazing as well. I have a post coming soon on that adventure.
I had a few nights booked in Cairns when the pandemic hit – this is giving me serious travel envy. Pinned it for later, I have ticket credits to use!
Awesome! You will enjoy the area1
That looks like an amazing place to visit. I would be scared of the spiders there though! Fun post and great photos!
Thanks. I wouldn’t worry too much about the spiders – unless you are going into wooded areas in the dark. You will likely see them before you run into them! They can be THAT big!!
I love reading about Australia! I’m compiling a great list of things to do and see, and Cairns is definitely on the list! So many great activities.
Cairns is on my list of things to visit in Australia! Would be great to sail and snorkel at Great Barrier Reef, go on the outback safari, and of course explore all those nice beaches in the area!
Your posts make me want to go to Australia so badly. So many places to go and so little time. Great post as always.
Thanks. Australia is just as big as the US or Canada You really need to spend more time than a quick tour. It will exhaust you. Pick one area and save the rest for another trip. Cairns and northern Queensland needs at least 7-10 days alone.
Loved Crystal Casccade that’s near to where we stayed and the sky rail, trinity beach and Green Island were others we had gotten round to. It looks like you guys did way more than us though. What a great trip you had
Ps a but close to that Croc for my liking
Yes, the swimming holes at Crystal are amazing. It was west season when we went so there was a good, gentle current. We could walk upstream and float down. Great way to cool of when its 35C and humid!