The 20 best things to do in Cairns

What is it? The world’s largest coral reef, comprising more than 2,900 reefs and 900 islands. 

Why go? This one is a no-brainer. Whether you’re a novice snorkeller, hardcore scuba diver or want to see the Great Barrier Reef without getting your hair wet, Cairns’ many tour operators have you covered. Take a boat trip to Green Island for island-based reef exploration, where you can experience the technicolour marvels of more than 600 coral species and 1,500 types of fish (not to mention rays, sharks, dolphins and whales). You can also experience the magic by taking a glass-bottom boat tour.

What is it? The oldest rainforest in the world, or so it is thought. Join one of the tours to see movie-cool waterfalls, clear blue lakes, sunlight shimmering through the trees, tropical vegetation and exotic wildlife.

Why go? Regardless of its heritage, this World Heritage-listed rainforest is an impressive sight to behold. A trip to Cairns wouldn't be complete without exploring its verdant paradise. You can experience it all on Billy Tea Safaris’ Daintree, Cape Trip and Bloomfield day tour, which includes a croc-spotting cruise on the Daintree River, interpretive drive over the Alexandra Range Lookout, lunch at a café inside the forest, afternoon tea at the Daintree Ice Cream Company, plus a guided walk and waterfall swim at Mossman Gorge. 

Want more? On Down Under’s Waterfall, Wetlands and Skyrail tour, you’ll join a Djabugay Aboriginal guide to learn about the cultural significance of the lush Cattana Wetlands, hear the thundering Barron Falls (Din Din), enjoy lunch at Australia’s oldest coffee plantation and largest papaya grower, and journey over the rainforest on the immersive Skyrail Cableway.

What is it? A scenic 2.5 kilometre boardwalk stretching along the waterfront, with cafés, breweries, playgrounds, a lagoon and picnic areas dotted along its course.

Why go? No trip to Cairns is complete without a leisurely stroll along the esplanade. Just moments from the CBD, this completely flat path overlooks the Great Barrier Reef and Trinity Inlet, leading you directly to the esplanade lagoon – a 4,800sqm saltwater swimming pool with sandy shores and timber decks for sunbaking. You can make a pit stop along the way at Muddy’s Café, which is conveniently located next to Cairns’ most popular outdoor playground.

What is it? A chance to see what the animals at Cairns Aquarium get up to after hours on a guided twilight tour, followed by a two-course seafood dinner.

Why go? Whether it’s sharks getting freaky at dusk or a male seahorse giving birth at dawn, there’s plenty of action going down under the sea when the sun goes down. Discover what the local marine life in Cairns gets up to after dark with a Night at the Aquarium guided tour through ten tropical ecosystems. Finish the night with dinner at the aquatic-themed Dundee’s restaurant, where you can enjoy crocodile spring rolls, chilli calamari and tiger prawn spaghetti.

What is it? Equally popular with the locals and tourists, this carnival of colour and fresh produce, is open every week from Friday to Sunday.

Why go? Rusty’s has grown from its humble beginnings in 1975, starting with just a handful of stalls, to become a buzzing three-day event with almost 200 stallholders. The games kick off at 3am on Friday morning with sellers and customers bantering and bartering over exotic fruits and vegetables, flowers, bread, dairy and seafood, along with international food and beverages. Visitors can also discover a treasure trove of bric-a-brac, souvenirs, jewellery and clothing.

What is it? A popular deep crater lake, where you can swim, kayak or set sail on an informative cruise. From the car park, you can also access a peaceful rainforest track or head to the charming 90-year-old teahouse for scones and coffee.

Why go? This tranquil lake is the perfect escape after back-to-back days of adventure at the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. It’s worth stopping for a snap at the heritage-listed curtain fig tree in Yungaburra, before driving to Lake Barrine for a paddle on the smooth lake, which was formed by two massive volcanic explosions. If you prefer to stay dry, take a short stroll through the surrounding rainforest where you can spot Boyd’s forest dragons and admire the giant bull kauri trees. Then, enjoy a cosy brunch at Lake Barrine Teahouse with locally grown tea and homemade cakes.

What is it? The go-to waterfront venue in Cairns, which houses a wood-fired restaurant, tropical bar and casual pizzeria. Salt House also spins tunes with local DJs every Monday, vinyl on Wednesday and live music all weekend long. 

Why go? If you only have one night in Cairns, make sure to book yourself a table at Salt House. This impressive eatery embodies the essence of Tropical North Queensland, serving up fresh seafood against a backdrop of beautiful water panoramas and perpetual sunshine. You can relax in the back bar with tropical cocktails; share tapas and slices in the front pizzeria; or savour a spectacular three-course dinner at the hero seafood restaurant, which is centred around a custom-built Argentinian grill.

What is it? The chance to see a huge, deadly saltwater crocodile at one of the oldest running tourist attractions in Cairns, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures.

Why go? North Queensland bats above its weight when it comes to croc-spotting opportunities. These dudes are serious apex predators and should be avoided in the wild (observe the safety signs around waters that crocs inhabit), but can be spotted safely with Hartley’s. While you’re there, wander the 2,500 metres of boardwalks, get up close to cassowaries and koalas, watch snake shows and go on a croc-spotting boat cruise.

What is it? A 135 million-year-old rainforest that lies within the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park. It offers plenty of opportunities to learn about local Kuku Yalanji land and culture with self-guided walks and guided Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks, departing from the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre.

Why go? With more than 56,000 hectares full of crystal-clear rock pools and riverside tracks, it’s hard to know where to start your Mossman Gorge adventure. Connect with the wonder of this ancient rainforest and the world’s oldest living culture by taking a guided Dreamtime walk or tour with Tropic Wings. Your Kuku Yalanji guide will happily share their culture, stories and legends, starting with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony at the Cultural Centre. Tour-goers will also learn about the conservation efforts at Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas and go croc-spotting on a Daintree River cruise. Keep your hands inside the boat at all times!

What is it? The chance to drift over one of the most beautiful coastal areas on the planet.

Why go? The mandatory bleary-eyed start to the day is worth every pre-dawn moment once you alight in your hot air balloon above the high country town of Mareeba. Not only will you witness the sun’s first rays rising above the Great Barrier Reef, but you’ll likely drift over locals having their first-morning coffee, wallabies bounding through forest and dairy cattle traipsing towards milking sheds.

What is it? A highland region of Far North Queensland, just a short drive from Cairns.

Why go? Enjoy a road trip through the cooler high country that reaches almost 1,000m altitude. Known as the food bowl of North Queensland, the rolling green hills of the tablelands are home to dairy farmers (try Misty Mountains, Gallo and Mungalli for delicious yoghurts, cheeses and chocolates). You’ll find coffee, tea, mango and banana plantations, macadamia nut, citrus and olive groves, strawberry fields and corn farms. Pick up treats from roadside stalls or at country villages of Malanda or Yungaburra.

Want more? Explore the culture of both the Yidinji and Mbabaram peoples who call the Atherton Tablelands home on a Rainforest to Bush Tour. On this six-hour self-drive tour, you’ll learn how to catch eel and cook it, walk through the bush finding hollow trees to make a didgeridoo and learn about traditional boundaries at Hallorans Hill Lookout. 

What is it? A tropical rum bar and seafood kitchen located on the ground floor of the five-star luxury resort, Crystalbrook Riley.

Why go? Soak up the sun and the seaside spirit that Tropical North Queensland is loved for at Calypso Club. Drawing inspiration from European seaside tavernas and American crab shacks, this coastal eatery serves up fresh local seafood with a contemporary twist. Start with Prosecco-cured watermelon and rainbow trout tostada, before sharing tempura soft shell crab, kingfish sashimi, and grilled prawn and chorizo skewers. Don’t skip out on the cocktails too, where tropical fruits are blended with local and international rums and elevated by a custom shaved-ice machine.

What is it? Make the most of the sunny weather and sandy shores by jumping between Cairns’ many gorgeous islands. Tours depart from Cairns and Townsville to the likes of Fitzroy, Dunk and Magnetic Islands. 

Why go? Because you’re on island time. Experience the wonders of the outer reef and an inshore reef on a Sunlover Reef and Fitzroy Island Day Tour. You can swim, snorkel and slide down the Great Barrier Reef’s only water slide, then journey to Fitzroy Island for rainforest hikes, turtle swims and sun baking on the white coral beaches. 

Want more? If one island isn’t enough, then sign up for a full day of island-hopping with Myroo Adventures. They run QuickCoast Xpress cruises to Fitzroy, Dunk and Magnetic Islands, departing from Cairns and Mission Beach.

What is it? Surrounded by rainforest-clad mountains, there is no shortage of waterholes and waterfalls around Cairns. Crystal Cascades is within ten minutes’ drive of downtown and is a cracker.

Why go? Multiple layered waterholes surrounded by granite boulders are linked by waterfalls. Fairy Creek Falls and Stoney Creek Falls are nearby. Further afield, visit Babinda Boulders, Behana Gorge and Josephine Falls.

What is it? Explore Queensland’s rich and thriving biodiversity on a small group tour with FNQ Nature Tours, where the Wet Tropics’ 2,800 plant species and 663 vertebrate animal species await your discovery.

Why go? If you’re all about spotting local wildlife in their natural habitats, rather than in captive sanctuaries or zoos, then FNQ Nature Tours is the perfect fit. The eco-friendly tour company offer single and multi-day tours for birdwatchers, nature photographers, wildlife enthusiasts or families seeking a memorable and educational day in the wild. It’s not uncommon to spot a southern cassowary, tree kangaroo and platypus on a single tour.

What is it? More than 700km of dedicated mountain biking trails, all carefully maintained through Cairns’ six mountain bike hubs.

Why go? Mountain biking – often through rainforests and by the coast – is hugely popular in Cairns, and trails cater to riders of all skill levels. Smithfield MTB Park in Cairns’ northern suburbs has hosted World Cups and the UCI World Championships. Other parks are located at Davies Creek, Atherton, Mission Beach, Kuranda and Port Douglas, including the new Mountain Bike Skills Park at Port Douglas Sports Complex. 

Want more? In May, Cairns plays host to the world’s most-watched mountain bike event, Crankworx. Raucous crowds gather at Smithfield Mountain Bike Park to watch daredevil racers compete in downhill, dual slalom, slopestyle, speed and style events, plus the official Australian Whip-Off Championships. 

What is it? Australia has a long tradition of producing ‘big things’, which have developed a bit of a kitsch cult following.

Why go? Far North Queensland’s numerous, bizarre sculptures of supersized animals and objects are Insta-worthy, if nothing else. Some of the big-ticket items to capture a selfie with near Cairns include the Big Crocodile at Normanton, the Big Peanut at Tolga, the Big Cassowary at Mission Beach, the Curtain Fig Tree at Atherton and the Big Barramundi at Tarzali.

What is it? Tropical North Queensland’s largest country music and camping festival, held annually in Mereeba every October. 

Why go? Country music and camping? Sounds like the dream duo to us. Throw in some of Australia’s most legendary artists – rocking out on the doorstep of the reef and the rainforest – and it’s a done deal. Multi-platinum American country star Kip Moore will headline the 2024 festival, alongside Australian punk rockers The Living End, Hoodoo Gurus and Jon Stevens. After a boogie, you can crash at the camping grounds, with everything from self-catered swag set-ups to luxury glamping available.

What is it? A private, three-hour birdwatching tour, including a one-way helicopter ride and the chance to see more than 450 bird species.

Why go? Pack the binoculars and make new feathered friends on this road trip between Cairns and Mount Mulligan. You’ll take the scenic route through the Atherton Tablelands where a knowledgeable guide will help identify as many of the 450 avian species recorded in the Wet Tropics, including black swans, laughing kookaburras, bee-eaters, king parrots, and noisy friarbirds. This is far beyond your average birdwatching tour with the Twitchers Birdwatching package also including a helicopter flight between Cairns and Mt Mulligan Lodge, a three-night Outback Retreat stay, all-inclusive meals, and unlimited use of the paddle boards, sky-gazing telescopes, electric buggies and light fishing gear.

What is it? Experience the magic of the reef in a whole new light on an Exclusive Night Dive with Divers Den. Running multiple times throughout the year, the trip includes two exhilarating night dives with full equipment and torches provided.

Why go? Day or night, the Great Barrier Reef is wide awake and thriving with many nocturnal species. Jump aboard Sea Quest for this exclusive evening trip, where you’ll come face-to-face with the creatives of the underwater world and enjoy warm nibbles, soup, rolls and drinks between dives.