Quick Highlights – Things to Do in Cairns

    • Snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s natural wonders
    • Explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest, the part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area
    • Take a scenic journey on the Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Railway
    • Relax on tropical islands like Fitzroy Island and Green Island
    • Discover waterfalls, swimming holes and scenic drives inland
    • Enjoy family-friendly attractions, wildlife parks and aquariums
    • Experience adventure with rafting, bungy jumping and skydiving

Start here: choosing what to do

Most visitors have three or four days and one big decision to make each day. This page is the starting point — pick the path that matches your trip and follow it through.

  • If this is your first visit — do one reef day and one rainforest or Kuranda day. Everything else is a bonus.
  • If you have one day only — the reef. It is the thing you cannot do anywhere else.
  • If you want the reef — start at Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns.
  • If you want rainforest — which rainforest should you visit compares the Daintree, Kuranda and the Tablelands.
  • If you are going to Kuranda — read Cairns to Kuranda first, because how you travel decides how long you get there.
  • If you want a day out of the city — day trips from Cairns compares eleven destinations.
  • If you are staying in the city — Cairns attractions covers what is walkable, including what costs nothing.
  • If you are travelling with children — things to do in Cairns for kids.
  • If you have no car — Kuranda, the reef and the islands all work without one. The transport is part of the experience.
  • If you have a few hours — the Esplanade and the Lagoon, five minutes from most city accommodation.
  • When you are ready to book — Cairns tours lists everything departing the city by category.

Welcome to Cairns – Where the Reef Meets the Rainforest

Cairns is one of Australia’s most exciting travel destinations, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. Located in Tropical North Queensland, Cairns is the gateway to two World Heritage-listed wonders,  the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

Whether you’re seeking unforgettable reef experiences, lush rainforest escapes, or vibrant local culture, Cairns offers something for every traveller. This guide will help you discover the very best things to do in Cairns and plan an incredible holiday.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef

A visit to Cairns is not complete without experiencing the Great Barrier Reef. This world-famous natural wonder is home to vibrant coral gardens, tropical fish, turtles, and marine life found nowhere else on Earth.

Popular Reef Experiences

    • Snorkelling tours for all ages and abilities
    • Scuba diving, including introductory and certified dives
    • Reef pontoon tours with underwater observatories
    • Glass bottom boat and semi-submarine tours
    • Liveaboard adventures for multi-day reef exploration

Reef tours depart daily from Cairns and cater to families, couples, and adventure seekers alike.

Explore more: Great Barrier Reef Tours from Cairns
Compare the reef options in full, or see the reef destination guide.

Discover the Daintree Rainforest

Step into a living museum in the Daintree Rainforest, estimated to be over 180 million years old. This ancient ecosystem is rich in biodiversity and offers a completely different experience to the reef.

Top Rainforest Experiences

    • Guided Daintree tours with local experts
    • Mossman Gorge walks and cultural experiences
    • Wildlife spotting including cassowaries and tree kangaroos
    • River cruises on the Daintree River

The rainforest is perfect for nature lovers and those wanting to connect with Australia’s unique environment.
Which rainforest should you visit compares the Daintree with Kuranda and the Tablelands, and the Daintree Rainforest guide covers the region in detail.

Visit Kuranda – The Village in the Rainforest

Kuranda is a charming village nestled in the rainforest above Cairns and is one of the region’s most popular day trips.

How to Get There

    • Kuranda Scenic Railway (historic train journey)
    • Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (gondola over the rainforest canopy)

What to Do in Kuranda

    • Browse local markets and artisan shops
    • Visit wildlife parks and butterfly sanctuaries
    • Enjoy cafes surrounded by rainforest

Cairns to Kuranda compares the train, Skyrail, both and self-drive, and the Skyrail page covers the cableway itself.

Island Escapes from Cairns

Cairns is the gateway to stunning tropical islands just a short boat ride away.

Top Islands to Visit

    • Fitzroy Island – hiking, snorkelling and family-friendly beaches
    • Green Island – coral cay with rainforest and reef in one location

These islands are perfect for day trips or overnight stays and offer a relaxing tropical experience.
Island tours from Cairns compares Green Island and Fitzroy Island, and there is a dedicated Green Island guide.

Adventure Activities in Cairns

For thrill-seekers, Cairns is Australia’s adventure capital.

Top Adventure Experiences

    • White water rafting on the Barron or Tully River
    • Bungy jumping in the rainforest
    • Skydiving over the reef and coastline
    • Scenic helicopter flights over reef and rainforest

These experiences add excitement and unforgettable memories to your trip.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Cairns

Cairns is an excellent destination for families, with activities suitable for all ages.

Family Highlights

    • Cairns Aquarium – discover reef and rainforest ecosystems
    • Cairns Koalas & Creatures – meet iconic Australian wildlife
    • Lagoon on the Esplanade – safe swimming area in the city
    • Wildlife parks and interactive animal experiences

Things to do in Cairns for kids has more for families, and Cairns attractions covers the Esplanade Lagoon and Muddy’s playground.

Waterfalls, Nature & Scenic Drives

The surrounding region is filled with natural beauty waiting to be explored.

Must-See Natural Attractions

    • Millaa Millaa Falls – one of Australia’s most photographed waterfalls
    • Josephine Falls – perfect for swimming and relaxing
    • Atherton Tablelands – scenic drives, lakes and local produce
    • Babinda Boulders – a beautiful freshwater swimming spot

Day trips from Cairns compares the Tablelands, the Daintree and eight other destinations, including how long each really takes.

Food, Markets & Local Experiences

Cairns offers a vibrant food scene with fresh tropical produce and local flavours.

Local Highlights

    • Rusty’s Markets – fresh fruit, coffee and local culture
    • Waterfront dining along the Cairns Esplanade
    • Cafes, restaurants and tropical dining experiences

Cairns shopping and markets covers Rusty’s and the Night Markets in more detail.

Free Things to Do in Cairns

There are plenty of great experiences that don’t cost a thing.

Free Activities

    • Walk along the Cairns Esplanade
    • Swim in the Cairns Lagoon
    • Enjoy sunset views along the waterfront
    • Explore local parks and walking trails

Cairns attractions sets out what a no-cost day in the city actually looks like.

Plan Your Cairns Adventure

Cairns is a destination that truly has it all, reef, rainforest, islands, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or an extended stay, there are endless things to do and experiences to enjoy.

Top Reasons to Visit Cairns

    • Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
    • Access to the world’s oldest rainforest
    • Year-round warm tropical climate
    • Wide range of tours and experiences
    • Perfect for couples, families and adventure seekers

FAQs – Things to Do in Cairns

What are the best things to do in Cairns?
The best things to do in Cairns include visiting the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the Daintree Rainforest, taking the Skyrail to Kuranda, and enjoying island day trips.

How many days do you need in Cairns?
A stay of 4–7 days is ideal to experience the reef, rainforest, and surrounding attractions.

Is Cairns good for families?
Yes, Cairns is very family-friendly with attractions, wildlife experiences, and safe swimming areas like the Cairns Lagoon.

Can you visit the reef without diving?
Absolutely. Snorkelling, glass bottom boats, and reef pontoons make the reef accessible to everyone.

What is the best time to visit Cairns?
Cairns is a year-round destination, with the dry season (May to October) offering the most comfortable weather.

Start Planning Your Cairns Holiday Today

From the vibrant coral reefs to ancient rainforests and tropical islands, Cairns offers some of the most unforgettable experiences in Australia. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or family fun, you’ll find it here.

Explore tours, plan your itinerary, and experience the very best things to do in Cairns.