Cairns is known as the place where the rainforest meets the reef. This wildly diverse landscape boasts several amazing things to see and do. The city has mild winters, hot summers and gorgeous natural landscapes. So if you’re visiting Queensland, the amazing things to do in Cairns make visiting this tropical town a must.
Snorkel or Dive the Great Barrier Reef
No trip to the tropical North is complete without a trip to the Great Barrier reef. One of the most iconic things to do in Cairns is scuba dive or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. Several tour companies offer day trips as well as multi-day excursions. Whatever your skill level or budget will allow, there is sure to be a tour for you.
Daintree River Cruise
A Daintree River Cruise is another way to spot the amazing biodiversity that this area has to offer. Several companies offer cruises along this river to help you spot all of this wildlife. For example, on the tour that we took, we spotted crocodiles, snakes, bats, frogs and more. The rainforest perspective you get from the water is unique which is why we think this is a worthwhile thing to do in Cairns.
Rainforest Skyrail and Kuranda Railway
Enjoy a scenic cable car ride from Cairns to Kuranda. The cable car ride will carry you over the canopy of the rainforest and drop you off at the town of Kuranda. Explore this town and then take the Kuranda Railway back to Cairns. This steam engine powered train will allow you to see the rainforest from the forest floor. These two interesting perspectives on the rainforest combine to be one of the top things to do in Cairns.
Daintree Rainforest Walk
One of our favorite things to do in Cairns is taking a guided walk in the Daintree Rainforest. This ancient rainforest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some amazing plant and wildlife. Taking a guided tour will allow you to appreciate all the amazing things that this rainforest has to offer by helping you spot all of the plant and animal life. We took guided walks at Mossman Gorge and at Cape Tribulation. Wherever you decide to tour, the rainforest offers an assortment of wildlife. So if you’re a nature lover, this experience is for you.
Try the Local Cuisine
Being an ocean front town, it’s not surprising that Cairns boasts some spectacular seafood. However, what may be surprising is that one of our favorite things to do in Cairns is to try so many different types of food. Try the amazing seafood at Prawn Stars one evening. Then try some local fare such as kangaroo at Dundees the next. Don’t forget to check out the interesting street food at the evening market as well. Whatever you’re interested in, Cairns’ dining options will not disappoint.
Shop Along the Promenade and at the Markets
If you want to do some shopping or people watching in Cairns, then the shops at the markets and along the promenade are the place to go. The shops along the promenade are filled with fun things to look at and plenty of souvenirs to grab. The Night Market opens every evening and is filled with everything you could ever want, including some amazing street-style food from around the world. If you want to check out Rusty’s Market, this daytime market is filled with local foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables and is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. Whatever you’re looking for, spending a few hours shopping (window or otherwise) is a fun thing to do in Cairns.
Check Out the Swimming Holes
You may assume that one of the things to do in Cairns is relax by the ocean in this tropical paradise. Well, you’d be right! Take some time in Cairns to relax at a beach or take a swim. However, make sure you only swim in designated areas as a visit from the crocodile or jellyfish will ruin your trip to any undesignated beaches. The city of Cairns boasts a beautiful beachfront public pool, the Cairns Lagoon, a great place for cooling down. You could also take a trip to Palm Cove to swim in the ocean and relax on the sand in this luxury community.
Visit Hidden Waterfalls
Another fun thing to do in Cairns is visiting all of the waterfalls in the surrounding areas. With the help of a rental car or a tour company, you can visit several waterfalls just a short drive from Cairns. Some of the most popular falls to visit are Barron Falls, Josephine Falls, Crystal Cascades and Mossman Gorge. Several of these waterfalls include nearby swimming holes, so be sure to pack your suit.
Learn About Aboriginal Culture
A visit to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park will help you to learn more about traditional Aboriginal culture in Australia. This park offers day time and night time shows that will help you understand Aboriginal life. Be prepared to learn by doing as many of these shows are interactive. You could also explore the Rainforestation Nature Park in Kuranda to participate in the Dreamtime Walks and other Aboriginal experiences.
Aerial Tour of the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier reef can be seen from space! So why not check it out from the air. Enjoy a helicopter tour of the reef and check out this different perspective from above. Tours from Cairns can also include aerial views of the rainforest and town as well.
