Welcome to things to do in Cairns

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Things to do in Cairns

Welcome to things to do in Cairns

Cairns is the vibrant heart of the Tropical North Queensland region. It’s a multi-faceted, stylish town that is the gateway to the incredible biodiversity of the oldest tropical rainforest on earth and the dive and discovery wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

There are many unique experiences to be tried in the town and its rich hinterland areas along the coastal strip. Things To Do in Cairns, around Cairns and from Cairns are unlimited.

Find the best things to do in Cairns

Accommodation Tours

Adults

Children

Adults

Children

The Best Things to do in Cairns

Choose from our handpicked activities and tours. Australia boasts some of the best natural wonders in the World our events highlight the best things to see and do in Cairns

Cairns Activities

Adrenaline tours Cairns
When it comes to adrenalin tours nowhere in the World can you have more fun than in Cairns

After all, there are so many main attractions the Great Barrier Reef, AJ Hackett Bungy, White Water Rafting, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, ATVing and more.

When looking for tours that get your blood pumping, you will find the best of them on one of our things to do in Cairns website

Book your Cairns Adrenaline tour with us today.

Cairns Adrenaline Tours

Cairns top attractions include the Hartleys Crocodile farm, Cairns Aquarium, Australian butterfly sanctuary and more.

Our Cairns attractions are full of great opportunities to get up close and personal with some of Australia's favourite animals. Don't miss your chance to have a cuddle with a koala

You can do most of our attractions in half a day, so if you are short of time, they are an excellent option.

Cairns Attractions

Discover <em>Budget tours</em> and authentic experiences in Cairns a, visiting places like the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Fitzroy Island all have great budget options available find out more on thingstodoinCairns.com.au

Cairns Budget Tours

Cairns half-day tours, check out our great options from sightseeing to extreme adventure. We have something for everyone.

Our list of half-day tours, things to do in Cairns list includes rope climbing, white water rafting, relaxing on a tropical island, taking a Cairns sightseeing tour, bungy jumping and more.

Book online today

Cairns Half Day tours

Day tours

Day

Family Tours Australia we offer so many wonderful tours for families from the beach to the outback.

From snorkelling on Australia's Great Barrier Reef to cruising on Sydney Harbour.

Next head to the Gold Coast to have fun at the amusement parks.

Then explore the Great Ocean Road and see the penguins on Phillip Island.

While you are in Australia, why not learn to have some fun with your families like surfing or scuba diving.

Australia has some fantastic animal parks and zoos, and many have petting areas to have a cuddle with a koala or hand feed some wallabies.

Visit Uluru and learn about Australia's ancient culture.

Family

Food and Wine

Our mission to find the most exciting new food and wine experiences.

Cairns Food and Wine tours include delicious fresh tropical produce.

From Weekend markets, to tasting journeys on a bicycle experience a taste of the tropics.

Food and Wine

Australia's Great Barrier Reef is the number one must-see attraction in Australia.

Starting at Lady Elliot Island in the south and continuing north to Papua New Guinea in the North.

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing & one of the seven natural wonders of the World book today.

First, decide where to start your reef adventure, and there is an abundance of superb choices to choose from.

While you are considering the options of a day tour or an extended liveaboard trip starting in Cairns.

Second, have a look at our tropical islands that dot there way along the coast of Queensland, providing amazing holiday destinations.

From budget tours to five-star island getaways frequented by the rich and famous. The Great Barrier Reef has something for everyone.

After you have your destination sorted then be prepared to dive into the azure blue waters and discover the Worlds largest living thing.

Consequently, nothing will prepare you with the colours of the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Barrier Reef

Indigenous Tours Australia

First, discover the true history of Australia through the Indigenous culture, and our traditional owners have lived & looked after these lands for thousands of years.

Second, plan a visit to Laura to see the Quinkan rock art believed to between 15,000 and 30,000 years old.

Then visit cultural attractions and learn to throw a boomerang and how to play the didgeridoo.

Next, visit some caves with aboriginal art and learn about the ancient Dreamtime stories.

When you are in Sydney, you can join an Aboriginal walking tour.

While in Kuranda you can visit with the Pamagirri dancers for a story of the Dreamtime.

Indigenous

Island Tours Australia

Australia is blessed with magnificent islands just waiting to be explored.

Starting with the Whitsundays as a great place to visit an island in fact there are 74 in the group to explore. While you are there, make sure you don't miss Whitehaven Beach.

Next, if get up close and personal with penguins on parade head to Phillip.

While you are in Australia, we love North Stradbroke of a fantastic family holiday.

When you are in Cairns, you can choose the more upmarket Green or if fun and partying are one your mind head to Fitzroy.

Along the way, Fraser is the largest sand island in the World and is well worth a visit.

Afterwards, head to South Australia to spend some time on Kangaroo.

Island

<h2>Rainforest of Tropical North Queensland</h2>
Australia boasts the oldest tropical rainforest in the World.

The UNESCO World Heritage list the tropical rainforest of outstanding Universal value.

The Wet Tropics of Queensland covers an area of 893,453 hectares. This rainforest area is a narrow strip along the east coast of far north Queensland. Starting just north of Townsville and continuing almost to Cooktown.
<h3>Experience the Wet Tropics of North Queensland in one of the numerous ways. Which way suits you best?</h3>
Please sit back and relax on a scenic railway trip as this old train winds its way through the rainforest to the village of Kuranda.

Glide over the top of the canopy on the Cairns Skyrail.

Hold on, as you wind through the ancient forest while white water raft down one of the mighty rivers.

Take a peaceful guided walk and breathe in some of the fresh rainforest air.

Take a boat tour down the Daintree River always on the lookout for crocodiles sunbaking on the shores and a vast array of birdlife.

Personalised 4WD tours are a great option and come in styles to suit the adventurous and the not so brave.

Long before James Cook arrived in Australia, the Aboriginal people have been living in this region.

Visit the Mossman Gorge Centre, Experience a guided Dreamtime Walk learning about this pristine region.

Learn about Australia's Indigenous population and their connection to the natural environment.

HotGetaways.com.au have some great tour packages to make the most of your time in Cairns.

Our rainforests are rich in history and diversity book your rainforest tour today

Rainforest

Scenic Flights Australia

Take a scenic flight over some of Australia's best icons.

From a spectacular flight over Sydney Harbour to the Great Barrier Reef.

Next, get your camera ready for your flight over Heart Reef in the Whitsunday.

Then arrive in style with a spectacular helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef landing onboard Reef Encounter.

While you are in Sydney, enjoy a flight past the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Begin your day with a hot air balloon flight over a wonderful landscape.

Afterwards, you can plan a flight to Kangaroo Island in South Australia.

Our spectacular flights will give you the best view of Australia's best icons.

Scenic Flights

Sightseeing tours Australia

Starting with Australia’s spectacular destinations

Next, view our awesome handpicked tours and see the best of Australia. We have selected our favourite well-known locations as well as some that you may have never heard of.

While you are in Queensland, there are some must-dos, of course, the Great Barrier Reef is first on the list.

Second, visit the magnificent Daintree Rainforest marvel at the giant trees and lush rainforest.

Then feel the breeze in your hair while you are sailing the azure blue waters of the Whitsunday Islands.

Third visit the largest sand island in the World and have a soak in the Champagne Pools on Fraser Island.

Fourth on our list of fantastic sightseeing tours is North Stradbroke Island for stunning beaches. This is an ideal stop to relax.

Fifth on our list is a visit to the Gold Coast the kids will love the amusement parks. Next head to the mountains to see the Natural Arch and a refreshing swim.

Sightseeing

Tour Packages consist of multiple tours for one great price. Our best of Australia Tours range in price and duration.

First, we choose our best locations, and then we add the best way to see and things to do.

Starting with the Great Barrier Reef, for example, it is a great destination to package with Kuranda the village in the rainforest.

While in Cairns, everyone wants to ride the historical Kuranda Train, so we package that with visiting the Great Barrier Reef.

Next for the adventure lovers scuba diving seems to be a great combination with skydiving as long as you do it in the right order of course.

After that, white water rafting is a must through the rainforest, and we have some awesome tour packages that make the most of this fun activity.

Tour Packages

train tours

Train

<h2>Unique Stays in Australia.</h2>
Begin by exploring Australia's tours that include unique accommodation.

First see our spectacular destination in the best marine parks, camping in pristine outback locations and more.

Second, discover some of our islands experiences on a guided accommodated tour.

Next, get you up close and personal with magnificent wildlife.

Then see our remote locations and discover our spectacular country.

While you are in Australia, go sailing for a few days on the stunning Whitsunday Islands.

In contrast to most of our other tours for the motorbike enthusiasts, the Cairns to Cape York ride includes awesome campsites.

Then discover five-star camping at Uluru.

See the best in Australia.

Unique Stays

VIP Tours Australia

If you love being pampered and doing things in Style, then our VIP Tours are definitely for you.

While you are in Australia, please choose from our hand-selected luxury tours and get the pampering that you deserve.

First, plan your trip to the Great Barrier Reef with our Top Deck Club with your own valet chooses from one day or an extended stay.

Start your tours at the front with private services to airports, events and social outings.

Next, avoid the lines with our special event tours taking you to the front every time.

Afterwards plan a sunrise camel ride in Uluru and see the Field of LIghts experience.

Before you leave, Australia stops by Australia Zoo to visit some of our Aussie favourites.

VIP Tours

Water activities in Australia

Australia is spoilt for choice of outstanding water activities.

First, the Great Barrier Reef is a must.

Whether you choose to explore the reef scuba diving or snorkelling, everyone is amazed at the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.

Next learn to surf Australia has the most amazing beaches to choose from.

While you are in Queensland head to Fraser Island and discover Lake Mackenzie and the champagne rock pools.

After that head to Port Douglas for some amazing paddleboarding.

Lizard Island is prime for kite surfing and snorkelling.

Then go kayaking on Sydney Harbour for the most amazing views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Afterward, relax on the beach at Bryon Bay.

As a final point don't miss swimming with the whale sharks in Ningaloo.

Water Activities

Waterfalls

Waterfalls

Rafting

White Water Rafting

Best Things to do in Cairns

Hartleys Crocodile Adventures

Hartleys Crocodile Adventures

Hartleys Crocodile Adventure is located just minutes north of Cairns or minutes south of Port Douglas Located on a hectare World Heritage location at Wangetti

$41

Great Barrier Reef Budget Cruise

Great Barrier Reef Budget Cruise

Cairns favourite budget tour to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Best crew, unlimited snorkelling, BBQ lunch, 2 locations and boomnetting

$115

Rainforest and Waterfall Tour

Rainforest and Waterfall Tour

You are invited on "Gus the Wonder Bus" for an unforgettable day tour through Queensland's spectacular Atherton Tablelands region.

$119

Daintree Rainforest on a Budget

Daintree Rainforest on a Budget

Fun Day to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation including Wildlife Habitat, Daintree River Cruise, Alexandra Lookout and Dubuji Boardwalk

$185

Cape Tribulation 4wd Tour

Cape Tribulation 4wd Tour

Discover the Daintree Rainforest on our Cape Tribulation Premium day Tour visit Daintree Rainforest Cape Tribulation and the Bloomfield Track

$220

Great Barrier Reef Tour, Reef Experience

Great Barrier Reef Tour, Reef Experience

Cairns best All Inclusive Tour Spectacular outer Barrier Reef locations Includes FREE scuba dive for certified divers and beginners, snorkelling, breakfast & BBQ Lunch

$205

Ocean Spirit

Ocean Spirit

Sail the Coral Sea with Cairns Sailing to Michaelmas Cay. Enjoy a relaxing day of sailing and snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef.

$219

Daintree Rainforest Luxury Tour

Daintree Rainforest Luxury Tour

Explore the oldest living tropical rainforest in the world Daintree Rainforest, spot a crocodile on our Daintree River Cruise, enjoy our guided rainforest walk

$229

Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Cairns

Visit Norman Reef onboard Great Adventures. Your trip includes 3 hours on our Outer Reef Activity platform and snorkeling equipment

$252

Lizard Island

Lizard Island

Access this beautiful island via scenic flight and enjoy a full six hours to explore this pristine national park without any crowds.

$810

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary Kuranda

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary Kuranda

Visit the largest butterfly aviary in the Southern Hemisphere! Wander through beautiful Rainforest Gardens. Get up close to different species of tropical butterflies.

$20

Cairns Wildlife Dome

Cairns Wildlife Dome

Cairns City Zoo at the top of the Reef Casino. You can get your photo taken with a koala. Meet some of our Aussie animals!

$25

Mamu Tropical Skywalk Queensland

Mamu Tropical Skywalk Queensland

Not only beautiful but sustainable too! You will explore the rainforest from the floor to the canopy and experience breathtaking views from this canopy boardwalk

$27

Aquarium in Cairns

Aquarium in Cairns

Discover over 16,000 creatures from the reef and rainforest by immersing yourself in the 5 unique habitats which are on display.

from $44

Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome

Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome

Cairns Zoom is an awesome adventure ropes course that is great for the whole family don't miss the chance to zoom over the crocodile pit

from $45

Paronella Park Cairns

Paronella Park Cairns

The Spanish Castle in the Rainforest Spread over 5 Hectares Jose Paronella began construction of his labour of love in the early 1930s

$49

Rainforestation Kuranda

Rainforestation Kuranda

Visit Rainforestation Kuranda and see Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, Koala and Wildlife Park and World War 2 amphibious Army Duck rainforest tour!

$52

Australian Indigenous Experience

Australian Indigenous Experience

See the world’s oldest living culture brought to life through traditional dance, art, and interactive demonstrations.

from $62

Fitzroy Island Ferry

Fitzroy Island Ferry

Fitzroy Ferry departs several times a day from Cairns Choose from halfday fullday and resort accommodation Prices start at for an adult for a child

$82

Kuranda Scenic Train and Skyrail

Kuranda Scenic Train and Skyrail

The Kuranda Scenic Train and Skyrail day tour to Kuranda is a must when visiting Cairns discover Kuranda Markets unique art galleries and stalls

$83

Kuranda Rainforest Skyrail

Kuranda Rainforest Skyrail

Specifically engineered for breathtaking views, there's no better way to see the Kuranda Rainforest!

$85

Cairns Sight Seeing

Cairns Sight Seeing

The ultimate “City Sights” tour of Cairns and its spectacular tropical environs Offering so much more than the usual City tours this truly rewarding afternoon.

$87

Green Island Half Day Tour

Green Island Half Day Tour

Enjoy beautiful Green Island with the Green Island Half Day tour. Laze on the beach, snorkel, dive or wander the rainforest boardwalks.

from $88

Green Island Day Trip

Green Island Day Trip

Green Island Reef Cruise options for both full or half day spend a lovely day options for snorkeling relaxing on the beach walking and more

$88

Indigenous Cultural Experience

Indigenous Cultural Experience

Take a cultural experience with indigenous Kuku Yalanji, the traditional custodians, from traditional spear fishing to observing native food plants and cultural medicines.

from $90

Parasailing Cairns

Parasailing Cairns

Get a birdseye view of Cairns as you sail over the inlet on our Cairns Parasailing with wonderful views of the city and Green Island

from $90

Estuary Fishing Cairns

Estuary Fishing Cairns

Estuary Fishing Cairns. Catch barramundi, mangrove jack, queenfish, fingermark, trevally, salmon and more hard fighting tropical species.

from $95

Cairns Estuary Fishing and Crabbing

Cairns Estuary Fishing and Crabbing

Enjoy a great morning or afternoon Fishing and Crabbing in the calm waters of our Cairns Estuary Trinity Inlet which is surrounded by lush greenery.

from $95

Cairns Calm Water Fishing

Cairns Calm Water Fishing

Only the best equipment is supplied to ensure the best Cairns fishing trips.

from $95

Cairns Ultimate Dinner Cruise

Cairns Ultimate Dinner Cruise

A Cairns Dinner Cruise is the perfect way to relax and take in the views of the Cairns city lights and Trinity Inlet

$99

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures Half Day

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures Half Day

Experience the famous Crocodile Attack Show where you see the notorious head shake and death roll of these huge prehistoric animals

from $99

AJ Hackett Giant Jungle Swing

AJ Hackett Giant Jungle Swing

AJ Hackett Giant Jungle Swing is the only multi-person swing in Australia swooping through the jungle from 45 metres to 1 metre in 3.5 seconds!

from $99

Best Places to Stay in Cairns

Great Barrier Reef DEAL – Liveaboard

Great Barrier Reef DEAL – Liveaboard

DISCOUNT LIVEABOARD Stay on the Great Barrier Reef snorkeling deal, 2 days 1 night 'Great Barrier Reef Deal'

$450

Stateroom Liveaboard

Stateroom Liveaboard

Cairns' #1 rated liveaboard, unbeatable on service & value. Visit the best Outer Reefs scuba diving or snorkeling

from $490

Top Deck Club Liveaboard

Top Deck Club Liveaboard

Experience the best with a luxurious liveaboard cruise and fantastic service on the Great Barrier Reef. Make your holiday the best it can be

from $835

Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard & Rainforest

Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard & Rainforest

Liveaboard and Daintree rainforest package. See 2 World Heritage sites, so snorkeling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef and explore the amazing Daintree.

from $719 Book Read more

Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard & Kuranda

Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard & Kuranda

Reef Liveaboard and Kuranda village package. See the Great Barrier Reef, go snorkeling or diving and experience an awesome day trip to Kuranda village.

from $741 Book Read more

North Queensland Getaway

North Queensland Getaway

Great Barrier Reef liveaboard, Daintree rainforest, Outback and Chillagoe Caves package. Explore limestone caves, discover the oldest tropical rainforest and stay on the Reef.

from $914 Book Read more

Action Getaway

Action Getaway

Great Barrier Reef liveaboard rafting on the mighty Tully river and an overnight stay in the beautiful Cape Tribulation See the best the tropical north

from $948 Book Read more

Top Deck Liveaboard and Rainforest

Top Deck Liveaboard and Rainforest

Experience two World Heritage Sites with this Top Deck Liveaboard and Rainforest package. See the Great Barrier Reef in style, on the luxurious Top Deck...

from $1,064 Book Read more

Luxury Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard and Kuranda

Luxury Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard and Kuranda

Luxury liveaboard on the Reef and a day trip to Kuranda by train and return with Skyrail.

from $1,086 Book Read more

Reef and Island Getaway

Reef and Island Getaway

Imagine sleeping on Australia's Great Barrier Reef! This awesome package includes Australia's best Great Barrier Reef liveaboard and one night on tropical Green Island.

from $1,210 Book Read more

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