Whether it’s your first time visiting Cairns or you’re one of the many holiday makers who can’t stay away for long, you can be sure that your vacation in this tropical paradise will leave you feeling re-energised, uplifted and very happy. 

World-famous for being nestled between the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforest in Tropical North Queensland, Australia, Cairns and the surrounding region is home to spectacular natural beauty amidst vibrant fun-filled culture. 

Cairns is where your holiday of a lifetime begins. The region’s largest city is the gateway to the World Heritage-listed Reef and rainforest and the best place to learn more about what all the surrounding attractions have to offer. 

From this cosmopolitan city, you will find countless ways to discover the renowned seaside village of Port Douglas, the famous rainforest village of Kuranda, the Atherton Tablelands, Cooktown, Cape York Peninsula, the Cassowary Coast, Mission Beach and the vast Outback.

“cairns is the perfect hub for exploring tropical north queensland.”

There are so many fun-filled things to do in Cairns from adrenalin-charged adventures to fabulous family activities. There’s something for everyone, both young and old.

Helping you to enjoy every minute of your holiday is where this detailed guide to Cairns comes in. This guide is designed to help you discover some of the finest places to explore, best ways to see the Reef and rainforest, the most appealing attractions to visit, where to find unique accommodation options, the finest restaurants and cafes and, mainly, how to have a dream holiday you’ll never forget. 

Table of Contents

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1. 18 Reasons to Visit Cairns

2. Interesting Facts about Cairns

3. Best Things to Do in Cairns

18 Reasons to Visit Cairns

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1. The perfect hub for exploring Far North Queensland

Cairns is an ideal base and a perfect starting point for a tropical adventure in far north Queensland.

From this dynamic and friendly city, you can easily explore so many marvellous destinations including Port Douglas, Kuranda, the Atherton Tablelands, Cooktown, Cape York Peninsula, the Cassowary Coast, Mission Beach and the vast Outback. It’s also the gateway to both the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. 

Cairns is a cosmopolitan city in its own right with more shopping, dining, entertainment, sporting events, adrenalin-pumping adventures and cultural experiences anyone could wish for.

2. Easy access to the Great Barrier Reef 

Cairns is only a stone’s throw away from the Great Barrier Reef. With more than 100 ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns offers the ultimate access to the world’s largest and most spectacular coral reef system.

Cairns has a host of reef tour operators, scuba diving courses, day trips, equipment suppliers and everything you could need to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.

Diving, snorkelling, sailing, cruising or island hopping, the choice is yours. For a longer stay, you can book multi-night or overnight trips on the reef as part of a liveaboard cruise. 

3. Beautiful weather year-round

Cairns is blessed with year-round warm temperatures, ranging from 25 to 33 degrees Celsius (77 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit) allowing tourists to visit anytime of the year.

However, winter is the best time of the year to visit as, in summer, humidity often gets extremely high. Nonetheless, the temperature rarely rises above 35 deg C in summer and there are plenty of watering holes, including the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, to cool off.

Also, the stinger season is between November and April so it is not advisable to swim in the ocean during these months.  

4. An exciting drinking and dining scene 

Cairns is awash with bars, nightclubs, eateries and cafes to suit all budgets. 

Cairns has a reputation as the party capital of the north, and there are loads of going-out options available. Many venues are multipurpose, offering food, alcohol and some form of entertainment, and you can always find a beer garden or terrace to enjoy balmy evenings. 

Cairns is home to a world of dining experiences. From fab and cheap pub fare to international restaurants and seafood culinary experiences, there’s something to tickle every taste bud here.

5. Pristine islands to visit nearby 

Picture perfect islands abound in Tropical North Queensland where your idea of a dream tropical island holiday can become a reality.

The Great Barrier Reef is home to hundreds of islands. Most are uninhabited by humans, but there are many beautiful sunkissed islands ready for you to explore.

Busy little Green Island and Fitzroy Island are a 45-minute boat ride away, with trips further afield to uninhabited cays available for serious divers, while a short trip in a light plane gives access to some of the most popular (or exclusive) resort islands like Dunk, Bedarra and Orpheus. 

6. Lots of adventure and adrenaline activities

Let your spirits soar and try something new and exciting in Cairns and Far North Queensland, dubbed the ‘Adventure Capital of Australia’. Here is where you will have some of the most exhilarating experiences of your life.

Whether you want an adrenaline pumping adventure or a gentle step outside your comfort zone, you will find a huge range of activities to choose from. From bungy jumping and skydiving to swimming alongside crocodiles and sharks, there’s something for everyone looking for a bit of adventure in their life. 

7. Several scenic journeys to be taken

All roads leave from Cairns. From iconic road trips to scenic train rides and gondola cableways, you will enjoy spectacular views as you travel through the region.

Driving from Cairns to Port Douglas has been described as one of the most spectacular drives in the world, but it’s just one of many sensational road trips you can have while here. Not to mention, the Kuranda Scenic Rail and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a unique way to explore the region. 

8. A multitude of nature and wildlife viewing opportunities

National parks and wildlife parks abound in Cairns and Far North Queensland. You hardly need to drive fifty kilometres in any direction before you come across a national park or a wildlife park.

The national parks in the area are home to rugged landscapes, lush rainforests, awe-inspiring waterfalls and spectacular views. The wildlife parks are world class and perfect for interacting with some of the area’s most fascinating creatures such as wallabies, wombats, saltwater crocodiles, snakes, lizards, parrots, bats, frogs, cockatoos and the endangered cassowary. 

9. Lots of watering holes to cool down in

It’s always fun and refreshing to go swimming in the warm tropical heat.

Cairns and the surrounding region has many natural swimming spots such as Crystal Cascades and Babinda Boulders, as well as man-made pools like the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon.

However, beware of crocodiles when choosing a place to swim. The region is a natural habitat of crocodiles. So pay close attention to crocodile warning signs and avoid swimming in any areas where these signs are displayed. 

10. Unique diving experiences

Cairns is one of the world’s ultimate dive destinations, with trips designed for all skill levels and budgets.

Diving the Great Barrier Reef allows you to explore the world’s largest coral reef system, up close and personal.

Whether you want to do an introductory dive, get your certification, take a day trip, enrol for Advanced Diver Training or experience a liveaboard dive adventure, there’s a tour to suit you.

Beginner courses and resort dives are great ways to be introduced to the Great Barrier Reef. Daily reef excursions also offer introductory dives with professional tutoring, allowing first-time divers the chance to get a taste for the sport while exploring this marine wonderland.

11. Fishing trips to get you hooked

Cairns and the tropical north are some of the best places to go fishing. Whether you like reef fishing, sport fishing, fly fishing, estuary fishing or just wetting a line, it’s an angler’s dream.

From Cairns to the tip of Cape York, and all the way along the Great Barrier Reef, the fishing is legendary. You can catch fish just about anywhere you can wet a line.

Zoning and bag limits apply within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, but beaches, estuaries, rivers and creeks are all good fishing spots. 

12. Walking and hiking tracks with spectacular views

Lovers of the great outdoors will be delighted with the various walking tracks throughout the region.

While some hiking trails are designed for those who love a challenge, there are also many gentler scenic walks for the less adventurous.

For the serious trekker, a climb to the summit of Mount Bartle Frere is one of the most challenging. However, if you prefer an easy stroll along gentle walking tracks, Mount Whitfield Conservation in Cairns or Kuranda and Barron Gorge will be more suitable. 

13. History, arts and culture to expand your local knowledge

While Cairns and Tropical North Queensland is renowned for its spectacular natural beauty, it is also home to a vibrant arts community and a rich history. Here you’ll find the arts culture flourishing everywhere.

Nationally acclaimed galleries, performing venues, museums and quaint galleries showcasing local, national and international art abound.

Explore the history and pioneering spirit of Tropical North Queensland by visiting some of the many museums and dedicated historical venues that are located in just about every town in the region. Learn how people of bygone eras shared their communities to help make this region become the world famous destination it is today. 

14. Aboriginal cultural experiences

Tourists around the world are increasingly looking for an authentic travel experience and there’s no better way to find a deeper connection to tropical north Queensland than through an Indigenous cultural experience.

Far North Queensland is the only region in Australia with two distinct Indigenous cultures, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

No visit is complete without learning about the traditions, history, creation stories and art directly from the Traditional Owners. And Cairns and surrounds now offer a wonderful array of authentic tours to experience these ancient cultures. 

15. R&R on your tropical getaway

Feeling relaxed and rejuvenated are what holidays are about. Your worries will melt away when you spend time being pampered at one of the region’s unique day spas.

There are literally hundreds of different treatments available, many of which are designed using local and indigenous botanicals that you won’t find anywhere in the world.

While the majority of day spas are located in Cairns, you will also find some luxurious day spas in the retreats and boutique accommodations scattered across the region. 

16. Some family fun in the sun

Spending time together as a family on a fun-filled vacation is what makes holidays extra memorable.

Keeping children of all ages entertained can be a challenge, but not in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland where there are plenty of opportunities to keep them amused, off their digital devices and never bored.

From water activities and wildlife adventures to award-winning parks and playgrounds, there’s never a dull moment for kids when it comes to holidaying in Cairns and surrounds. 

17. Unique accommodation options

Cairns and Tropical North Queensland’s beautiful tropical region is the perfect place to enjoy luxurious or romantic getaways.

Whether you want a private retreat (or even a private island!) or prefer to be treated like a celebrity at one of the many luxurious resorts in the area, you have plenty of opulent surroundings to choose from.

From five-star resorts in Cairns and Port Douglas to retreats and boutique accommodation in the Daintree rainforest and Atherton Tablelands, you can spoil yourself rotten in tropical paradise.  

18. Shopping at the many boutique markets

Farmers’ and craft markets are located in Cairns and throughout the region and are a great way to sample an array of produce unique to Tropical North Queensland.

Markets are a dynamic way of experiencing quintessential Australian culture, and there is no shortage of markets throughout the area to explore.

As you meander through the stalls, you will meet many of the market stallers who are always happy to have a friendly chat.

An abundance of fresh-from-the-farm produce, handmade ceramics, jewellery, clothing, souvenirs and beauty and health products are just some of the amazing finds you’ll discover.  

Interesting Facts About Cairns

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1. Cairns is the capital of Far North Queensland and dubbed the ‘Adventure Capital of Australia’
2. Cairns was the home to several tribes of the Djabugay language group, including the Yidinji people
3. Today, local indigenous culture is vibrant and celebrated in Cairns and throughout the region
4. Cairns was founded in 1876, following the discovery of gold, and formally declared a town in 1903
5. The town began as a port for the inland goldfields and a centre for sugar-cane production
6. Cairns was named in honour of Sir William Wellington Cairns, the State Governor of the day
7. Cairns preserves much of its early beginnings with several examples of tropical colonial architecture
8. The city is at its busiest in winter when Melbournians and Sydneysiders flock in their thousands to escape the chill
9. The Great Barrier Reef is the primary tourism card for Cairns
10. Captain James Cook sailed past in 1770 gingerly negotiating the same offshore reefs that now pull in thousands of tourists 
11. Cairns has the only international airport in Far North Queensland
12. Cairns boasts more than 600 tours showcasing the most exciting, amazing and unique attractions of the region
13. Cairns is a key commercial fishing port and home to a large range of fish including barramundi, coral trout, mangrove jack, blue salmon, Spanish mackerel and tuna, to name a few

Best Things to Do in Cairns

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No visit is complete without spending time visiting the Great Barrier Reef. In fact, seeing the wondrous Reef should be first on your agenda. Seeing the Great Barrier Reef will be one of the most awe-inspiring experiences you’ll have during your visit to Cairns and Tropical North Queensland. 

There are numerous ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef. 

The most popular options are to swim, snorkel or dive alongside some of the 1500 species of fish while taking in the beauty of some of the 400 types of coral that make the Reef their home. 

However, if you don’t want to get wet, there are other options to explore the reef from above or in the water. I highly recommend booking a scenic helicopter flight to get a magical bird’s eye view of the reef. There are also semi-submersibles, glass bottom boats and pontoons that allow you to get close to the reef without getting wet. 

For once-in-a-lifetime events, consider diving with dwarf Minke whales or watch coral spawning for an unforgettable adventure on the Great Barrier Reef.

An adrenaline buzz unlike any other is what you’ll experience when you go tandem skydiving with a professional at Skydive Australia.

With the Daintree in one direction and the Great Barrier Reef in the other, skydive views don’t get much better than this. 

There are two drop-off points. You can jump from up to 15,000 feet over Cairns and Mission Beach. 

Experience a rush like never before at Skypark where you will have the ultimate thrill at the AJ Hackett bungy jump site. 

There are many unique experiences to be had here. Leap 50 metres above a deep natural lagoon in one of 15 jump styles unique to the park. The park also has a giant rainforest swing that reaches speeds of up to 120km/hr in just 3.5 seconds. 

Hot air balloon rides don’t get much better than flying over the Atherton Tablelands with panoramic views in all directions. 

Start your day on a high, in Mareeba, by watching the sun rise over the rolling hills of the Atherton Tablelands in the silence and romance of a hot-air balloon. Enjoy the 360-degree panorama before coming gently back to earth. 

Picture-perfect islands abound in Tropical North Queensland and some are a short boat ride away from Cairns. 

Leave your footprints on an uninhabited beach, swim in crystal-clear water, explore the Reef or lounge on the beach with a cocktail in hand as you revel in your island getaway.   

Just 45 minutes from Cairns, Fitzroy Island is surrounded by coral, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling. Also close to Cairns, Green Island is the only cay on the Reef with rainforest, making it a unique island experience. 

For a pure luxurious island holiday, consider visiting the private islands of Bedarra, Orpheus and Lizard Islands for ultra-deluxe accommodation, world-class service, your own secluded beach and exceptional cuisine. 

Also worth visiting are Frankland Islands, Dunk Island and Low Isle for their close proximity to the Reef and beautiful secluded beaches.  

This is one of Australia’s most spectacular rail journeys through ancient World Heritage-listed rainforest. 

Immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery, towering waterfalls and deep ravines as the train winds its way through 15 handmade tunnels and over 55 bridges. 

This must-do journey takes approximately two hours each way and the train can be joined from Cairns, Freshwater or Kuranda.  

Located in the heart of the CBD, the Cairns Aquarium is the city’s foremost visitor attraction, allowing guests of all ages a guaranteed interaction with thousands of fish and aquatic animals, without getting wet! 

Explore nine tropical ecosystems and 70 exhibits showcasing an underwater world filled with unique and rare species, more than 15,000 fish, reptiles and rays, crustaceans and coral gardens. 

Cairns and the entire region of Far North Queensland is prime crocodile country and you don’t have to travel far to spot one in the wild. 

Cruises on the Daintree River are the best way of spotting crocodiles in the wild. The river is home to saltwater crocodiles and your chances of seeing one of these prehistoric creatures is as good as anywhere in Australia. 

Or for some heart-pumping action you can visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to learn everything there is to know about crocodiles and see other local wildlife in a natural setting.

Aboriginal wisdom, culture and ancient secrets abound in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland where 40,000-year-old knowledge is shared through the generations. 

You’ll find many fascinating opportunities to learn about the region’s rich indigenous culture, experience the country’s first inhabitants’ way of life, hear their Dreamtime stories and learn about their spiritual links to the land. 

From Dreamtime walking tours and rock art tours to Indigenous museums and art galleries, there are numerous ways and places in the region to learn about Australia’s First Peoples. 

Like crocodiles, cassowaries are prehistoric creatures that have survived through the ages. Local to Tropical North Queensland, they are elusive creatures who like to hide in the rainforests most of the time making it hard to spot them in the wild. 

The Cassowary Trail extends from Cairns south to Mission Beach so you can be sure to spot them in the wild if you visit their local hangouts. 

Mission Beach has long been the stronghold for Southern Cassowary which may be encountered on walking tracks in the rainforest along with many other lowland species. Etty Bay is another reliable location for Southern Cassowary. 

If you can’t spot cassowaries in the wild, you can definitely see them at Port Douglas Wildlife Park. I’ve spotted a few in the wild on a Daintree river cruise and at Noah Beach Campgrounds in Cape Tribulation.

Conclusion

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Having lived in Cairns for the last two years, I can safely say that I have experienced being a tourist and a local at the same time. 

Cairns is lovely to visit anytime of the year as there are so many things to do and see year round. Each season brings to life different attractions and activities which keeps tourists coming back to Cairns year and year again. Whether you visit in winter, summer, spring or autumn, you will be mesmerised by all that Cairns has to offer at that time of the year. 

I might be a bit biased but Cairns has a lot to offer as a tourist hub for visiting Tropical North Queensland. In itself, it’s a great little city to enjoy both daytime activities and nightlife. I’m sure if you visit Cairns, you will fall in love with it as much as I have.