Located in northeastern Australia, Cairns is the starting or ending point for many travelers’ journeys through Australia. While Cairns itself isn’t particularly exciting, it serves as a gateway to stunning surroundings. On one side, you’ll find the world’s largest coral reef, and on the other, one of the oldest rainforests on the planet. That alone is reason enough to include Cairns in your Australia itinerary! You’ll also find vast palm-fringed beaches just outside of Cairns, and right in the city, there’s a beautiful botanical garden. Read below for all our recommendations for the best things to do in Cairns.
What to Do in Cairns?
These are the must-see attractions and activities in Cairns.
See the Most Beautiful Plants at Cairns Botanic Gardens
Australia is home to many endemic species, plants that only grow in a specific area and nowhere else in the world. If you’re a plant enthusiast, you’ll be amazed by the diversity of flora in Australia. Cairns Botanic Gardens is a tropical paradise, and visiting this botanical garden is definitely one of the best things to do in Cairns. The garden is full of unique plants and trees from Australia. In the developed section of the garden, you can wander through a maze of paths and beautiful spots. The garden blends into nature, with a paved walking path allowing for a longer walk. The two parts of the garden are separated by the highway. The Maps.me app clearly shows how all the trails connect, but there is also a map available at the entrance. Entry is free.
Explore Daintree National Park, the World’s Oldest Rainforest
If there’s one place you must not miss, it’s Daintree National Park. This rainforest is estimated to be 135 million years old and is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. It’s home to numerous plants and animals that are found nowhere else on Earth. From Cairns, you can visit the park on the Daintree Day Tour. You’ll visit well-known spots like Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation Beach, and go crocodile-spotting on a river cruise. If you have your own transport, it’s well worth staying one or more nights in Daintree. There’s so much to see in the park, and you can’t possibly take it all in one day. Read all our tips for Daintree National Park.
Visit the Most Beautiful Beaches Around Cairns
The beaches directly adjacent to Cairns aren’t particularly remarkable, but the beaches just outside Cairns are certainly worth a visit! Just a 30-minute drive from the city center, you’ll find two stunning beaches: Ellis Beach and Palm Cove Beach. These two beaches are close to each other, making it easy to visit them both. Palm Cove Beach is the most popular beach near Cairns. It’s located by the peaceful town of Palm Cove, which features high-end restaurants and shops. Palm Cove Beach is a long sandy beach with a walking path alongside it. This is the location of the famous photo spot where you can find numerous palm trees.
A few minutes’ drive from Palm Cove is Ellis Beach, a long, pristine stretch of sand with no hotels or restaurants, just a natural setting. You can park your car at this location, which is also a great spot with many palm trees. Keep in mind that swimming at these beaches is not safe, as saltwater crocodiles live here, and deadly jellyfish swim in the water during the summer months.
Tip: For a delicious and affordable lunch, head to Espresso & Co Cafe Palm Cove bakery in Palm Cove.
Snorkel or Dive at the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns
A visit to the world’s largest coral reef is, of course, a must-do on this list of best activities in Cairns. The city is known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, a coral reef that stretches over 2,300 kilometers (1,430 miles). It’s home to over 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, and countless other animals, including sharks, rays, sea turtles, and dugongs (a type of sea cow). On a snorkeling or diving trip to the Great Barrier Reef, you can admire these impressive marine creatures up close. You can choose from a half-day, full-day, or multi-day boat trip. Below are three great boat trips, each offering a unique experience.
- Half-Day Speedboat Trip – If you’re short on time but still want to see the Great Barrier Reef, this half-day speedboat trip is perfect. You’ll travel at high speeds in a comfortable speedboat to a great snorkeling spot. You’ll have two hours to leisurely snorkel and admire the underwater world. Diving is not available on this tour.
- Catamaran Day Trip – For a more relaxed day on the water, the catamaran day trip is highly recommended. This luxury catamaran is spacious and has many comfortable seating areas, such as a large hammock net. You’ll visit two beautiful spots where you can both snorkel and dive. A delicious lunch is included.
- Two-Day Sailing Trip – To explore more of the Great Barrier Reef, join this two-day sailing trip. Over the course of two days, you’ll travel farther from Cairns and visit spots that day trips can’t reach. This means there are often no other boats at the stunning dive and snorkel sites you’ll visit. The sailboat accommodates up to 12 people. This tour is great for both divers and snorkelers who want to explore the reef in peace. The meals were delicious, with fresh and healthy dishes, and all drinks are included. Don’t expect luxury cabins; it’s a sailboat, and space is tight.
Take a Day Trip to Tropical Fitzroy Island
Just a 45-minute boat ride from Cairns lies tropical Fitzroy Island. The island is known for its crystal-clear waters, white beaches, and tropical rainforest. Nudey Beach is the most beautiful beach on Fitzroy Island, where you can swim in the crystal-clear water and enjoy fantastic snorkeling. Want to see more of the nature? Explore the various walking trails. Book the boat to Fitzroy Island in advance and choose whether you’d like to rent snorkel gear. It’s cheapest if you bring your own snorkel gear. On the island, you’ll have plenty of freedom to explore at your own pace.
Relax at Esplanade Lagoon for the Afternoon
Since the waters around Cairns are generally not safe for swimming, you’ll find a large, man-made saltwater pool in the city center. The pool has pleasant water with both deep and shallow areas, and there’s even a small beach. Esplanade Lagoon is a popular spot for locals and travelers alike. Around the lagoon, there’s a large grassy area where you can lie on your towel. Access to the lagoon is free, and there are toilets and BBQs available for use.
Visit Rusty’s Markets on the Weekend
Are you in Cairns on the weekend? Then it’s worth visiting Rusty’s Market. This market has many stalls selling fruits and vegetables, and the food market is also open on weekends. You can enjoy delicious food at the stalls, and there are also a few stands selling souvenirs.
Raft the Barron River in Barron Gorge National Park
Attention, adrenaline junkies! Rafting on the Barron River is a must-do if you love action and adventure. This river flows through Barron Gorge National Park, just a 20-minute drive from Cairns. The park is known for its steep mountains covered in lush rainforest, where impressive waterfalls are hidden. This is the perfect setting for an afternoon of rafting! During the white-water rafting tour, you’ll tackle the river with a small group and an enthusiastic guide. No experience is required.
Take a Scenic Train Ride to Kuranda
A day trip to Kuranda is one of the most popular excursions from Cairns. The day trip begins with a ride on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, a train that has been passing through this rainforest since 1891. Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls, impressive gorges, and tunnels carved by hand. The train travels slowly, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the stunning surroundings. You’ll get interesting information about the history and construction of this railway. The train stops at the picturesque village of Kuranda, which is located in the rainforest and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have time to explore the village on your own. Visit the charming Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets, take a scenic walk, or admire the colorful butterflies in the Butterfly Sanctuary. After a few hours, it’s time to begin the return journey, which is just as spectacular as the outbound trip. You’ll glide high above the rainforest on the cable car while enjoying a 360-degree view.
Restaurant Recommendations in Cairns
- Crave Cairns – Start your day off right at Crave Cairns. Order a brekky burrito, acai bowl, quinoa bowl, or one of their delicious tacos.
- Bombay Kitchen Cairns – Experience the delicious flavors of Indian cuisine.
- Root Vegetarian – This restaurant is definitely worth a visit for a hearty lunch. All dishes are vegan and made with fresh ingredients and a lot of spices.
- Snoogies – At Snoogies, you can enjoy healthy juices and salads. Perfect for a quick lunch. Located in Mainstreet Arcade.
- Yaya’s Hellenic Kitchen & Bar – Enjoy authentic Greek dishes at this cozy restaurant.
- Gelocchio – The best ice cream in Cairns is served at Gelocchio.
Our Favorite Places in Cairns
The cozy Travellers Oasis is one of the best hostels in Cairns where you can stay in both rooms and dorms. It’s located in a quiet area, close to the city center and next to a large shopping mall. The hostel has several “houses,” each with its own kitchen and bathroom. So you never have to wait long to cook or shower. Everything is spotlessly clean, and the kitchen is well-equipped with essentials for preparing a meal. You can relax in the garden among the greenery and take a dip in the pool. Just around the corner from Travellers Oasis is Dreamtime Hostel. These hostels are quite similar, as Dreamtime also features a nice pool and a calm atmosphere. The staff is very friendly and makes sure you feel at home right away. Prefer staying in a nice hotel? Crystalbrook Flynn is the perfect choice. This hotel is located on the boulevard, so you’ll be in the heart of the vibrant city center, with restaurants and shops nearby. From the stylish rooms, you’ll have a great view of Cairns. On the top floor, you’ll find the unique glass pool, where you can swim laps. For even more relaxation, book a massage at the wellness center and hit the gym for a good workout.
 Travellers Oasis |
 Dreamtime Hostel |
 Crystalbrook Flynn |
