Cairns is packed with so many fun and exciting things to do and see that you could spend a week here and still not have seen it all. From the exciting dining and drinking scene to the adventure activities on and off the water, you’ll be hard-pressed deciding what things to do in Cairns on your next holiday here. 

Choosing what things to do in Cairns can be a challenge. Which is why you need a bucket list.

With a comprehensive list of things to do in Cairns and its surrounding areas, you can easily shortlist the most important things you would like to see and do here. You can choose these activities based on their uniqueness (to the region), cost, difficulty or fitness level required and interest to you. 

In this article, I’ve detailed 101 things to do in Cairns and nearby towns. I’ve broken the list into sections based on interests so you can read those sections that are of interest to you.

Unlike other posts on this topic, this article showcases both the popular attractions and activities as well as unique and lesser-known local hotspots. As a Cairns local myself, I can safely say that living here has allowed me to find some secret spots most people aren’t aware of.    

So without further ado, here is my list of 101 fun and exciting things to do in Cairns in 2023 and beyond. 

Table of Contents

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1. Get a bird’s eye view of the Great Barrier Reef on a helicopter ride

Uniqueness: 8/10 Cost: 8/10 Difficulty: 2/10

2. Spot tropical fish, giant turtles and reef sharks on a snorkelling trip to the Great Barrier Reef

Uniqueness: 7/10 Cost: 6/10 Difficulty: 6/10

3. Learn to scuba dive or take your diving skills to the next level on the Great Barrier Reef

Uniqueness: 8/10 Cost: 8/10 Difficulty: 7/10

4. Explore the Great Barrier Reef from a glass bottom boat, submersible or pontoon

Uniqueness: 6/10 Cost: 7/10 Difficulty: 2/10

5. Swim with dwarf minke whales on the Great Barrier Reef

Uniqueness: 9/10 Cost: 9/10 Difficulty: 6/10

Adventure & Adrenaline Activities

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6. Plummet into the unknown as you skydive over the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree rainforest

Uniqueness: 9/10 Cost: 9/10 Difficulty: 6/10

7. Fall 50 metres into a deep natural lagoon while bungy jumping at AJ Hackett Cairns

Uniqueness: 8/10 Cost: 6/10 Difficulty: 6/10

8. Fly up, up and away as you explore the Atherton Tablelands on a hot air balloon trip from Cairns

Uniqueness: 9/10 Cost: 9/10 Difficulty: 2/10

9. Zip, zoom, jump and climb around the wildlife at Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome

Uniqueness: 7/10 Cost: 4/10 Difficulty: 6/10

10. Go hang gliding at one of the world’s most beautiful hang gliding sites at Rex Point Lookout

Uniqueness: 9/10 Cost: 8/10 Difficulty: 6/10

11. Take on the extreme rapids of the Barron or Tully River on a white water rafting trip from Cairns

Uniqueness: 8/10 Cost: 7/10 Difficulty: 6/10

12. Experience true adventure as you repel, abseil, traverse, explore, slide and swim on a canyoning trip from Cairns

Uniqueness: 8/10 Cost: 7/10 Difficulty: 8/10

13. Experience a four-wheel drive and off-road adventure from Cairns to the tip of Cape York

Uniqueness: 7/10 Cost: 7/10 Difficulty: 3/10

14. Tackle some world-class mountain biking tracks while visiting stunning locations around Cairns

Uniqueness: 6/10 Cost: 5/10 Difficulty: 8/10

15. Escape and have some extreme fun on a Bad Fishy jet boat ride along Trinity Inlet

Uniqueness: 7/10 Cost: 5/10 Difficulty: 4/10

Islands

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16. Take a catamaran to Fitzroy Island and explore the sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef

Uniqueness: 6/10 Cost: 5/10 Difficulty: 4/10

17. Explore lovely white beaches and blue-green water on a cruise to Green Island

Uniqueness: 6/10 Cost: 8/10 Difficulty: 4/10

18. Camp and hike on nearby Dunk Island

Uniqueness: 7/10 Cost: 6/10 Difficulty: 4/10

19. Enjoy the clear waters and pristine beaches of Frankland Islands

Uniqueness: 8/10 Cost: 6/10 Difficulty: 4/10

20. Explore Hinchinbrook Island while hiking along the Thorsborne Trail

Uniqueness: 8/10 Cost: 6/10 Difficulty: 7/10

Scenic Journeys

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21. Enjoy panoramic views on a heritage-listed train journey from Cairns to Kuranda

Uniqueness: 5/10 Cost: 7/10 Difficulty: 2/10

22. Take a scenic drive along the Bloomfield Track from Cairns to Cape York

Uniqueness: 8/10 Cost: 5/10 Difficulty: 6/10

23. Zip over Barron Gorge National Park in a cable car from Cairns to Kuranda with Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Uniqueness: 4/10 Cost: 7/10 Difficulty: 2/10

24. Take a scenic drive from Cairns to Broome along the Savannah Way

Uniqueness: 6/10 Cost: 5/10 Difficulty: 4/10

25. Drive across Australia from Cairns to Perth along The Outback Way

Uniqueness: 6/10 Cost: 5/10 Difficulty: 4/10

Nature & Wildlife Viewing

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26. Get up close to the marine life of Tropical North Queensland at the Cairns Aquarium

Uniqueness: 7/10 Cost: 6/10 Difficulty: 1/10

27. Come face-to-face with Australia’s largest crocodile at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

Uniqueness: 7/10 Cost: 6/10 Difficulty: 2/10

28. Spot these fearsome creatures in the wild on a crocodile tour from Cairns

Uniqueness: 8/10 Cost: 7/10 Difficulty: 2/10

29. Have breakfast with the birds or swim alongside a crocodile at Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat

Uniqueness: 6/10 Cost: 6/10 Difficulty: 2/10

30. Feed endangered rock wallabies and be at one with nature at Granite Gorge National Park

Uniqueness: 6/10 Cost: 4/10 Difficulty: 4/10

With its unique collection of tropical plants set amidst a beautiful natural setting, the Cairns Botanic Gardens is worth a visit especially if you’re a nature lover. 

Uniqueness: 5/10

There are quite a number of botanic gardens across Australia but few that exhibit tropical plants as part of their collection and expertise. The Wet Tropics plant species that are showcased in Cairns Botanic Gardens are native to the tropical north region of Queensland and therefore quite unique. 

This is also a great place to trace the Gondwanan evolution of the Australian landscape as well as to learn about the Aboriginal culture and its associations with nature.  

Cost: 0/10

Entry to the Cairns Botanic Gardens is free which makes this attraction a great place to visit once or multiple times. Also, the Cairns Botanic Gardens Precinct is actually quite large and incorporates a lot of different gardens, arts centre, boardwalk, lakes and playspace. So you can spend multiple days exploring each of the venues and enjoying the natural beauty of Cairns. 

Difficulty: 4/10

Visiting the Cairns Botanic Gardens is fairly simple as the pathways are marked and easy to follow. Each of the garden areas are not very large so it doesn’t take too long to walk around. There are lots of benches and seating areas around the gardens so you can sit down and rest if you need to.

As a local, I love to visit the Cairns Botanic Gardens to take a regenerative walk in a beautiful natural setting. And best of all, it’s free. If this sounds like a place you’d like to visit, find out the most popular things to see and do at the Cairns Botanic Gardens.

TIPS & ADVICE
– Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes for your visit to the Cairns Botanic Gardens.
– Use mosquito repellent or cover your arms and legs.

32. Cuddle a koala and meet other cute Australian animals at Kuranda Koala Gardens

Uniqueness: 6/10 Cost: 6/10 Difficulty: 2/10

33. Meet over 300 colourful and feathered friends at Birdworld Kuranda

Uniqueness: 6/10 Cost: 6/10 Difficulty: 2/10

34. Be mesmerised by more than 1500 butterfly species at Kuranda’s Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

Uniqueness: 8/10 Cost: 6/10 Difficulty: 2/10

Water-Based Activities

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35. Zip over the water on a kayaking trip from Cairns

Uniqueness: 6/10 Cost: 5/10 Difficulty: 6/10

36. Explore the Coral Sea on a sailing trip from Cairns

Uniqueness: 6/10 Cost: 5/10 Difficulty: 5/10

37. Try your hand at wakeboarding, a unique Australian watersport experience

Uniqueness: 6/10 Cost: 5/10 Difficulty: 6/10

38. Cool down with the locals at the popular Crystal Cascades rock pools

Uniqueness: 4/10 Cost: 0/10 Difficulty: 2/10

39. Explore the many cascading waterfalls around Cairns

Uniqueness: 4/10 Cost: 0/10 Difficulty: 5/10

Diving

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40. Explore top dive sites, Cod Hole and the Ribbon Reefs, on a liveaboard trip from Cairns

Uniqueness: 9/10 Cost: 8/10 Difficulty: 7/10

41. Dive the world’s famous wreck, SS Yongala

Uniqueness: 9/10 Cost: 6/10 Difficulty: 7/10

42. Admire underwater art while diving at the Museum of Underwater Art

Uniqueness: 9/10 Cost: 6/10 Difficulty: 7/10

43. Experience coral spawning, a once-in-a-year event, on the Great Barrier Reef

Uniqueness: 10/10 Cost: 6/10 Difficulty: 7/10

Fishing

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44. Hook and release some barramundi at the Cairns Barra Park

Uniqueness: 4/10 Cost: 2/10 Difficulty: 2/10

45. Take a heli-fishing tour from Cairns for a deep-sea fishing adventure like no other

Uniqueness: 7/10 Cost: 8/10 Difficulty: 5/10

46. Go reef fishing on one of many Cairns fishing charters

Uniqueness: 6/10 Cost: 6/10 Difficulty: 5/10

Walking & Hiking

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Located in Wooroonooran National Park, Walsh’s Pyramid is an iconic landmark and a popular hiking trail near Cairns. This is the highest free standing pyramid in the world at 922 metres.

Uniqueness: 6/10

Walsh’s Pyramid is a pretty unique structure given it’s the highest free standing pyramid in the world. The fact that you can hike up to the top is pretty incredible too. Add to that some of the best 360-degree views in town and you have an attraction that’s waiting to be conquered. 

Cost: 0/10

One of the reasons why I love hiking is because it’s free. Other than a good set of hiking boots, water and snacks, you don’t need anything else to climb Walsh’s Pyramid. How good is that? 

Difficulty: 8/10

This is the clincher.The climb to the summit of Walshs Pyramid is a challenging and strenuous hike suitable for fit and experienced hikers. This is a 6.1km out-and-back trail with a whopping elevation gain of almost 900m. Don’t let the distance fool you as it can take several hours to climb the Pyramid due to the steep nature of the trail. Give yourself half a day (5-6 hours).   

Any local hiker will tell you that climbing Walsh’s Pyramid is one of the best things to do in Cairns. If this sounds like a hike you’d like to do, find out everything you need to know to successfully complete the popular yet challenging Walshs Pyramid hike. 

Fit, experienced bushwalkers are lured to Mount Bartle Frere to bag Queensland’s highest peak at 1,622 metres. This physically demanding 15-kilometre rainforest trail is the most strenuous climb in far north Queensland. 

Uniqueness: 7/10

Climbing Queensland’s tallest mountain would give you bragging rights for sure. While it’s not Everest or any super tall mountain, it’s still exhilarating to be standing on top of Mount Bartle Frere. 

If you’re lucky to hit the summit in sunshine, the panorama is awesome. And if you decide to camp at the top, you’ll be in for a treat with spectacular views at sunset and sunrise. 

As a bonus, you can appreciate the Wet Tropics’ fragile ecosystems along the way and the complex web of life they support. The area is rich with tropical vegetation that is spectacular and intriguing at this elevation.

Cost: 1/10

You can choose to climb Mount Bartle Frere in one or two days. If you choose the one day option, it doesn’t cost you anything to climb to the top and back. 

Choosing the two day option requires you to camp either at Big Rock or Eastern Summit campsites which you need to book prior to your climb. It’s a small cost but one that I would recommend for two reasons. 

Camping at Eastern Summit is one of the highlights of this trip with magnificent views at sunset and sunrise. Also, tackling the climb over two days is easier than trying to complete it in one day. 

Difficulty: 9/10

It’s a mighty challenge to walk up the tallest mountain in Queensland. This climb is suitable for very fit, experienced and self-sufficient walkers. The Mount Bartle Frere hike is steep and it’s tough, but anyone who has experienced a fine day atop Queensland’s tallest peak will say that exhilaration overcomes fatigue.

If you would like to tackle Queensland’s highest peak, find out everything you need to know to successfully conquer Mount Bartle Frere.

The four Arrow trails are by far the most popular hiking tracks in Cairns. Located in the heart of the city, they are a quick and efficient way for locals to get their daily exercise, socialise and enjoy time spent in nature. 

Uniqueness: 3/10

The Arrow hiking trails sit a bit low on the uniqueness barometer compared to some of the other hiking trails on this list. 

While they’re hugely popular with the local crowd, there’s nothing really spectacular about these hikes other than the convenience of being centrally located.

Nonetheless, if you’re visiting Cairns, it’s a quick and easy way to explore the city as it doesn’t take much time to hike one of the Arrow trails. Also, it’s conveniently located next to Flecker Botanic Gardens so you can visit the two attractions back to back.  

Cost: 0/10

Hiking is one of my favourite pastimes as it doesn’t cost a dime to go hiking other than your time and a good set of hiking boots. 

Hiking the Arrow trails is a cheap and affordable way to explore Cairns as you get some spectacular views of the city skyline from the lookouts. You also get to see the local flora and fauna that is typical of far North Queensland. Lastly, it’s a nice way to rub shoulders with the locals who are regularly hiking these trails. 

Difficulty: 5/10

Compared to some of the other hiking trails on this list, the four Arrow walks are relatively easy. 

While the Green and Blue Arrows are longer in distance, the Red Arrow is very short although quite a steep hike with lots of stairs. The Yellow Arrow is moderate and sits in the middle for distance and difficulty. 

If you’re planning on tackling one of the Arrow trails, check out their statistics below before deciding which one is right for you. You can click on the link for more details about each hike. 

Red Arrow: Distance – 1.5km return, Elevation – 85m, Grade – 3
Yellow Arrow: Distance – 3.9km return, Elevation – 148m, Grade – 3
Green Arrow: Distance – 7.3km, Elevation – 422m, Grade – 4
Blue Arrow: Distance – 8.4km, Elevation – 403m, Grade – 4
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Another popular Cains’ hike is to Glacier Rock lookout located right in the heart of the city. Set in Barron Gorge National Park, this moderate hike makes the list for its panoramic views of Cairns city suburbs.

Uniqueness: 5/10

What makes the hike to Glacier Rock lookout in Cairns so popular is the variety on offer.  You will pass through rainforest and creeks, walk above railway tracks and trains (if you time it well), spot wildlife and enjoy spectacular views of Cairns city.

It’s also a fun and enjoyable way to explore Cairns from a different perspective. It’s a popular track so you will bump into many friendly locals along the way.

Cost: 0/10

As with most hikes in and around Cairns, the walk to Glacier Rock lookout is free and only requires your time and effort to get there and back. 

It’s a great, free way to explore Cairns and enjoy some picturesque views along the hike as well as from the lookout. As you hike along the path, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of some of the leafy suburbs in Cairns. The view from the top is exceptional.

Difficulty: 5/10

Unlike Walsh’s Pyramid and Mount Bartle Frere, the hike to Glacier Rock lookout is relatively easy. 

This is a moderately challenging hike (Grade 4) on a gradual incline and most people will be able to hike to the lookout without complaining too much. At 6.8 kilometres, it’s also one of the shorter hikes so expect to complete it in 3 to 4 hours.   

Keen to try this hike? Read the ultimate guide to hiking Glacier Rock Cairns. It’s an in-depth guide giving you all the information you’ll need to plan a hike to the top.

51. Be amazed at the thunderous waterfalls on a short hike to Barron Falls Lookout

Uniqueness: 6/10 Cost: 0/10 Difficulty: 3/10

52. Drive or hike to historic Copperlode Dam with picturesque views overlooking Cairns

Uniqueness: 2/10 Cost: 0/10 Difficulty: 4/10

History, Arts & Culture

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53. Learn about the history of Cairns and Far North Queensland at the Cairns Museum

Uniqueness: 3/10 Cost: 1/10 Difficulty: 2/10

54. Get up close to tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery from the Second World War and post war periods at the Australian Armour and Artillery Museum

Uniqueness: 8/10 Cost: 4/10 Difficulty: 2/10

55. Watch Cairns come alive at one of its many vibrant outdoor festivals

Uniqueness: 3/10 Cost: 0/10 Difficulty: 3/10

56. Admire Aboriginal art and works from Far North Queensland at Cairns Art Gallery

Uniqueness: 4/10 Cost: 0/10 Difficulty: 2/10

Aboriginal Culture

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57. Learn about Aboriginal culture on a Dreamtime walking tour in Mossman

Uniqueness: 8/10 Cost: 6/10 Difficulty: 5/10

58. Enjoy Australia’s only rainforest dining experience complete with Aboriginal stories at Flames of the Forest

Uniqueness: 9/10 Cost: 8/10 Difficulty: 1/10

59. Admire Aboriginal rock art at a 20,000-year old outdoor museum

Uniqueness: 9/10 Cost: 5/10 Difficulty: 2/10

60. Go on interpretive walks with Indigenous guides who will share their cultural knowledge with you

Uniqueness: 9/10 Cost: 6/10 Difficulty: 4/10

Relax & Unwind

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61. Enjoy fresh sea breezes, soft golden sand, warm ocean water and swaying palm trees at Cairns’ northern beaches

Uniqueness: 5/10 Cost: 0/10 Difficulty: 2/10

62. Rejuvenate at one of the many luxurious spas in Cairns and nearby towns

Uniqueness: 3/10 Cost: 9/10 Difficulty: 1/10

Family Fun

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63. Explore crystal tunnels, caves and grottos at Crystal Caves in Atherton

Uniqueness: 6/10 Cost: 2/10 Difficulty: 2/10

64. Visit Sugarworld Adventure Park for the ultimate in water fun

Uniqueness: 4/10 Cost: 2/10 Difficulty: 3/10

65. Spot platypus in the wild at the Australian Platypus Park at Tarzali Lakes on the Tablelands

Uniqueness: 5/10 Cost: 3/10 Difficulty: 2/10

66. Explore the many fun playgrounds around Cairns with your little ones

Uniqueness: 3/10 Cost: 0/10 Difficulty: 1/10

67. Eye spy with your little eye at the Spy Camera Museum in Herberton

Uniqueness: 4/10 Cost: 2/10 Difficulty: 2/10

The Cairns Esplanade is the heart and soul of Cairns. It’s where all the action takes place in this vibrant city. A trip to Cairns is incomplete without a stroll along this foreshore promenade. 

Uniqueness: 4/10

Situated by the water’s edge next to the muddy flats, the Cairns Esplanade is unique for a number of reasons. You can visit at any time of the day or night and you will find this place bustling with foot traffic. That’s because there’s so much to see and do here. While most people spend their time on the Esplanade walking, running or cycling, there are many other things to see and do here. From playspaces and sporting arenas to cafes and restaurants, there are many things to keep you entertained while visiting the Cairns Esplanade. 

Cost: 0/10

It’s safe to say that the Cairns Esplanade is a free space to visit and really good value too. It’s located along the eastern edge of the city, and along with the sea breezes, the views out to sea are quite lovely. It’s also a nice place to take a stroll and to soak up the vibe and atmosphere of the city. There’s so much to see and do here that you could spend a few days exploring the length and breath of the Esplanade.  

Difficulty: 4/10

The entire length of the Cairns Esplanade is 2.5 kilometres in one direction. While you don’t have to walk the entire length in one day or session, it can be a bit tiring if you’re not used to walking around a lot. However, with all the attractions on offer, you’ll forget you’re on your feet the entire time. If you do get tired, there are benches placed along the Esplanade for you to take a rest. 

If there’s one thing you do in the city, exploring the Cairns Esplanade should be it. It’s the best value for time and money. If this sounds like a place you’d like to visit, read my list of the 25 fun things to see and do at the Cairns Esplanade. 

TIPS & ADVICE 
The Cairns Esplanade can be a long stretch to walk in one go. My advice would be to break the walk up into sections and see a section at a time or one or two sections that appeal to you. There are plenty of parking lots along the Esplanade so you can park anywhere along the Esplanade for free.

This saltwater swimming lagoon lies in the heart of Cairns making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors to the city. It comes alive in the summer months when it gets hot and humid making it a great place to take a dip.

Uniqueness: 4/10

There’s a lot of watering holes around Cairns which is why the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon doesn’t get a high rating for uniqueness. However, both locals and visitors would agree that visiting the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is one of their favourite things to do in Cairns. It’s a fun, cool place to hang out.  

Cost: 0/10

One of the best things about the lagoon is that it’s free to visit. Add to that its opening hours of 7 days a week from morning to night (except Wednesdays) and you have an attraction that’s very popular. You can visit anytime and spend as long or as little time here as you like. 

Difficulty: 2/10

Visiting the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is easy and anyone is welcome to drop in. The lagoon is built on a flat structure with no steps making it easy to wade in and out. There are shallow as well as deep sections making it suitable for swimmers and non-swimmers alike. It’s wheelchair accessible making it a great place for both young and old to enjoy.

Read more about the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon to have the best experience there.

Unique Accommodation Options

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70. Reconnect with nature at the very boutique Daintree Ecolodge

Uniqueness: 7/10 Cost: 8/10 Difficulty: 2/10

71. Enjoy sea views and arguably the best location in Cairns at Shangri-La The Marina

Uniqueness: 4/10 Cost: 8/10 Difficulty: 1/10

72. Enjoy sea views and arguably the best location in Cairns at Shangri-La The Marina

Uniqueness: 4/10 Cost: 8/10 Difficulty: 1/10

72. Stay in the lap of luxury at five-star hotels in Cairns and Port Douglas

Uniqueness: 4/10 Cost: 8/10 Difficulty: 1/10

73. Enjoy sky-high views from the top of Pullman Cairns International Hotel (55 metres)

Uniqueness: 4/10 Cost: 8/10 Difficulty: 1/10

74. Stay at the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort and enjoy a swim in the beautiful outdoor pool

Uniqueness: 4/10 Cost: 8/10 Difficulty: 1/10

75. Enjoy a romantic hideaway stay at award-winning Mt Quincan Crater Retreat in the Atherton Tablelands

Uniqueness: 6/10 Cost: 8/10 Difficulty: 1/10

76. Sleep under the stars at one of the many picturesque camping spots around Cairns

Uniqueness: 3/10 Cost: 1/10 Difficulty: 3/10

Eating & Drinking

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77. Sample locally produced craft beers at Hemingway’s Brewery

Uniqueness: 3/10 Cost: 3/10 Difficulty: 1/10

78. Tuck into some fresh, locally caught seafood as you dine on Prawn Star, a floating restaurant trawler

Uniqueness: 5/10 Cost: 6/10 Difficulty: 2/10

79. Dine at one of the many waterfront restaurants with stunning seaside views

Uniqueness: 4/10 Cost: 6/10 Difficulty: 1/10

80. Go bar hopping and find the best drinking spots in Cairns

Uniqueness: 2/10 Cost: 6/10 Difficulty: 2/10

81. Dine on delicious seafood and modern Australian dishes at The Salt House

Uniqueness: 5/10 Cost: 7/10 Difficulty: 1/10

82. Sample some delicious, locally produced, tropical flavoured ice-cream

Uniqueness: 6/10 Cost: 1/10 Difficulty: 1/10

83. Dine on scrumptious seafood and modern Australian dishes at the best restaurants in Cairns

Uniqueness: 4/10 Cost: 6/10 Difficulty: 1/10

84. Take a sunset dinner cruise along Trinity Inlet on the Spirit of Cairns

Uniqueness: 6/10 Cost: 6/10 Difficulty: 1/10

85. Get your day off to a flying start by tucking into a hearty breakfast at one of the many trendy cafes throughout the region

Uniqueness: 3/10 Cost: 4/10 Difficulty: 2/10

Shopping & Markets

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86. Sample some delicious tropical fruits at Rusty’s Market

Uniqueness: 5/10 Cost: 1/10 Difficulty: 1/10

87. Buy some souvenirs for yourself, family and friends at the Cairns night markets

Uniqueness: 3/10 Cost: 1/10 Difficulty: 1/10

88. Browse the local weekend markets in Cairns and nearby towns for interesting and unique locally-made items

Uniqueness: 5/10 Cost: 2/10 Difficulty: 1/10

89. Visit Doongal Aboriginal Art Gallery in Cairns or Kuranda for artworks from local and Central Australian indigenous artists

Uniqueness: 7/10 Cost: 5/10 Difficulty: 2/10

90. Stroll through Kuranda’s world-famous eclectic markets for a treasure trove of items you’ll want to take home

Uniqueness: 5/10 Cost: 3/10 Difficulty: 2/10

Nearby Towns

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91. Explore the Undara Lava Tubes caves, one of Australia’s great geographical wonders

Uniqueness: 6/10 Cost: 4/10 Difficulty: 3/10

92. Swim and camp in Babinda Boulders near Cairns

Uniqueness: 3/10 Cost: 0/10 Difficulty: 2/10

93. Explore the shops, walking trails and attractions in Kuranda village

Uniqueness: 3/10 Cost: 5/10 Difficulty: 3/10

94. Savour the region’s produce on the food and wine trail in Mareeba

Uniqueness: 5/10 Cost: 4/10 Difficulty: 2/10

95. Explore lakes, villages and food trails in the Atherton Tablelands

Uniqueness: 5/10 Cost: 4/10 Difficulty: 2/10

96. Learn about Aboriginal culture while cooling down in Mossman Gorge

Uniqueness: 6/10 Cost: 5/10 Difficulty: 3/10

97. Explore quaint shops, unique art galleries and stunning beaches in Port Douglas

Uniqueness: 5/10 Cost: 4/10 Difficulty: 2/10

98. Admire the architectural design of the Spanish castle at Paronella Park

Uniqueness: 6/10 Cost: 5/10 Difficulty: 3/10

99. Explore World Heritage-listed Daintree rainforest with its prehistoric plants and animals

Uniqueness: 8/10 Cost: 4/10 Difficulty: 4/10

100. Soak your cares away in the Cardwell spa pools on a driving trip from Cairns

Uniqueness: 3/10 Cost: 0/10 Difficulty: 4/10

101. Explore beautiful Cape Tribulation where the rainforest meets the reef

Uniqueness: 8/10 Cost: 3/10 Difficulty: 4/10

In Conclusion

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I hope you’ve found this comprehensive list of things to do in Cairns useful. While it’s long, you can easily narrow down the list based on your interests and budget as well as the uniqueness and level of fitness required for the activity. 

Cairns is a beautiful place to visit with so many attractions, activities and towns nearby. You definitely want to make sure that when you do visit you get to tick off all the things on your bucket list.