30 best things to do in Cairns – from the reef to the rainforest!

From prehistoric rainforest to the world’s largest barrier reef, Cairns is the perfect gateway to explore Tropical North Queensland’s greatest treasures and two World Heritage listed sites: the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.

A relaxed tropical city that blends cosmopolitan comforts with immense natural beauty and a rich Indigenous culture, it’s unexpected and thrilling one moment, serene and understated the next. Think cascading waterfalls and hidden swimming holes, lush rainforest canopy and birdsong, fertile farmlands and bush remedies to inspire your outdoor experiences.

Explore the city and surrounds at your own pace: from island-hopping, guided hiking and zippy ziplining to leisurely sunset sails, crocodile cruises and bar-hopping through the top dining scene and nightlife hotspot, there is something for everyone in Cairns. 

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Cairns, here are our top picks to help you plan your ultimate itinerary.

Best things to do on the Great Barrier Reef

One of Australia’s natural wonders, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and admire the splendour and scope from above.

1. Go snorkelling or diving at the Outer Reef

A few hours by boat from Cairns and home to diverse marine life, the Outer Great Barrier Reef offers some of the best snorkelling and diving spots for first-timers and seasoned pros alike. There are plenty of reef tours that that cruise to these lesser-visited sites for snorkellers and divers to explore what lies beneath the surface.

Guided full-day trips usually include all snorkelling and diving gear, plus lunch, beverages and snacks, so simply bring your swimmers, a hat and sunscreen (and sense of wonder!) Once out on the water, you can soak up vibrant coral formations, colourful bommies and tropical marine species.

Base yourself on the Moore Reef or Reef Magic pontoons for a full day of swimming, snorkelling and other Outer Reef activities. Thrill-seekers can add on experiences like helmet diving or semi-submersible tours, while culture-seekers can learn about Indigenous connections to the Reef on a Dreamtime Cruise with Indigenous Sea Rangers, pairing snorkelling with storytelling.

2. Take a day trip to Fitzroy Island or Green Island

Easily accessible from the mainland, the islands of the Great Barrier Reef are the ideal for an island day trip from Cairns with return transfers or guided cruises, with both Fitzroy and Green Islands just a 45-minute ferry ride or catamaran cruise from the marina.

Family-friendly Fitzroy Island is where you can see Nemo, Dory and Squirt in real life with clownfish, blue tangs and green sea turtles swimming in the shallow reefs surrounding the island. Pack your beach essentials and soak up the underwater scene on a full-day snorkelling and glass-bottom boat cruise, kayak the pristine waters and enjoy beach time on the sand of Fitzroy Island.

Unspoiled Green Island offers a mix of lush rainforest and coral cays to explore on a half- or full-day cruise. Non-swimmers can opt for a glass-bottom boat tour or wander the island’s rainforest boardwalks, while swimmers can dive in for a snorkelling safari or guided tour to discover coral gardens and tropical marine life.

3. See the reef from above on a scenic flight

Wonder at the vast, jaw-dropping expanse of the Great Barrier Reef from above on a scenic flight. One of the most popular things to do in Cairns, take a sightseeing helicopter or light aircraft over the reef’s islands and cays of the Great Barrier Reef for a thrilling aerial experience that’s suitable for all ages. 

With in-flight commentary on your 30- or 40-minute flight, you’ll take in the sweeping views of the Great Barrier Reef and other key sights, such as Green Island, Arlington Reef, Middle Cay, Michaelmas Cay, Upolu Reef and Palm Cove, from your window seat. Bring your camera to capture the panoramic view of the reef, island and marine life as it unfolds beneath you.

Choose a fly-cruise combo to view the Great Barrier Reef from both above and below the surface, pairing a helicopter flight and catamaran cruise with swimming or snorkelling in the warm waters, plus lunch.

Best things to do in Cairns city

Cairns is known as a popular tourist hotspot that also brings flair to the tropics with a refreshing foodie scene, vibrant nightlife and waterfront attractions.

4. Swim at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

Spend an hour or linger longer at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon – Cairns’ most iconic free swimming spot – for a refreshing dip in its sheltered waters. It’s safe for littlies to splash around and perfectly placed for grown-ups to cool down right on the CBD waterfront, complete with the lagoon’s iconic sculptures.

The city’s 4,800sqm saltwater lagoon is free and staffed by lifeguards during opening hours, offering a safe and secure year-round swimming spot, particularly during the summer stinger season. 

Make a day of it with public barbecue facilities and dip in and out of the Esplanade Lagoon at your leisure – the idyllic location includes shallow, sandy-edged areas, accessible boardwalks and shaded spots. Don’t forget your swimmers, towels, sunscreen and a hat for a free, fun day out.

5. Explore Cairns Aquarium

Before you embark on an immersive reef or island cruise, get up close with coastal and marine life at Cairns Aquarium - a must-do indoor attraction for understanding the reef before you see it in the wild or the perfect rainy-day activity! With more than 16,000 aquatic animals on display across nine ecosystems, kids and adults alike will gain a deeper insight into the habits and habitats of Tropical North Queensland’s marine creatures and reptiles.

The guest journey follows a raindrop from the rainforest to the Coral Sea, flowing through the mangroves, shallow reefs and ocean depths, with standout animal encounters in exhibits, touch pools and shark and ray feeding. Cairns Aquarium features Australia’s only 10m Deep Reef Tank and largest freshwater display, along with a 20m underwater tunnel and oceanarium to ogle creatures up close.

Experience life underwater on a guided day, twilight or night tour, learn about the centre’s rehabilitation of sea turtles and enjoy behind-the-scenes access, including handfeeding gentle cownose sting rays, on a VIP private excursion.

6. Stroll through Rusty’s Markets

Rusty’s Markets brings a cornucopia of fresh produce from the Atherton Tablelands and as far away as the Torres Strait to Cairns city every Friday to Sunday, making it a popular stop with locals and visitors. This vibrant CBD farmers market features more than 180 streetside stalls spanning fresh produce, flowers and provisions as well as market wares and gourmet gifts.

From baked delights to exotic fruits, locally made coffee and chocolate to deli goods, Rusty’s offers eats and treats enhanced by a festive tropical ambience, thanks to live music by local musicians. Open early morning to late afternoon, it’s become a must-do in Cairns for its colourful atmosphere and authentic local foodie experience.

7. Eat at Cairns Marina

Cairns boasts an array of chic eateries and diverse restaurants with a prime marina position to soak up the waterfront views, tropical sunsets and culinary creativity – making it a must-do for anyone who loves great food with a view.

From Indigenous-inspired menus with locally sourced ingredients to European influences and hotspots where steak and seafood are the stars, Cairns Marina has dining for all tastes.

Enhanced by the view along the Esplanade and The Pier dining precincts, choose Salt House, Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse and Blu Marlin for sumptuous seafood, Ollie’s Italian, Ela and Piato for Mediterranean cuisines and Dundees and Ochre for a taste of bush tucker and native ingredients.

Whether it’s a special occasion or a destination dining experience to enjoy during your getaway, Cairns Marina has plenty of dining out options to elevate your itinerary.

8. Sample Cairns’ food and bar scene

For a more casual bite, look no further than Cairns’ café culture and beachfront eateries, which make it easy to graze your way through the day, fuelled by locally grown and freshly ground beans.

Cairns has around 180 cafés in the city limit, many serving plantation coffee beans grown, harvested, roasted and ground locally and paired with fresh milk from biodynamic Atherton Tablelands dairies – your barista-made flat white doesn’t get any fresher.

Cairns CBD laneway bars and breweries are similarly local flair, with share plates, cocktails and craft beers served with Coral Sea views and a tropical twist. 

Sip rum at Calypso Club, enjoy cocktails and gin at Oak & Vine, or settle into Three Wolves, Flamingo Tiki Bar or Rocco atop Crystalbrook Riley. Pull up a stool at Hemingway’s Brewery or Wolf Lane Distillery, or bar-hop your way through the scene on a Cairns brewery tour.

For casual dining, keep it simple with pub-style favourites and ocean views along the Cairns Esplanade Dining Precinct. Check out Boardwalk Social by Crystalbrook, Rattle N’ Hum and the Bavarian Beer House or venture to the Night Markets for Asian street-style fare.

9. Take a sunset cruise or dinner sail from the marina

A Cairns harbour sunset cruise or dinner sail is a popular way to soak up the balmy Coral Sea breezes, twilight ambience and mountain-fringed city views while enjoying a meal and beverages that showcase the region’s bountiful produce.

Whether you opt for a leisurely sail, jetboat or a calm water catamaran, nightly sunset cruises drift along the Cairns Waterfront and into Trinity Inlet for a glittering cityscape vista, best enjoyed with a glass of bubbly or soft drink on the outside decks. For a cultural alternative, join the two-hour Deadly After Dark sunset cruise experience from Cairns to the waters of Mandingalbay Yidinji Country for storytelling, canapés and connection to Country.

Suitable for kids to adults, bring comfy footwear and an air of adventure for a peaceful, scenic and quintessential Cairns must-do experience.

Best rainforest and nature experiences

 With an ancient rainforest on its doorstep, you don’t have to venture far from Cairns to experience natural surrounds, steeped in Indigenous country and culture. 

10. Ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda

One of the most iconic rainforest experiences in Cairns, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway transports you above and below the treetop canopy between Smithfield Terminal (around 15 minutes from Cairns CBD) and Kuranda. Whether you choose to take the Skyrail up and return on the Kuranda Scenic Rail, or reverse it, most tours include both attractions plus transfers for a seamless Kuranda day trip suitable for families, couples and groups.

The Skyrail glides over the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, stopping at Red Peak for guided ranger boardwalk tours and the Rainforest Discovery Zone, and at Barron Falls for 360-degree views from The Edge Lookout.

On the ground, the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway travels across the Stoney Creek trestle bridge, past dense rainforest and cascading waterfalls and through 15 hand-cut tunnels, offering plenty of photo opportunities and viewpoints along the way.

Allow around 1.5 hours for a one-way Skyrail experience or at least 2.5 hours for the return, plus extra time to explore Kuranda Village at your leisure.

11. Visit Kuranda Village

Many visitors discover Kuranda Village as part of a Skyrail or Scenic Rail tour; however, you can also add DIY exploration of the colourful and creative rainforest village to your Cairns itinerary.

Set aside up to three hours to spend in the ‘village in the rainforest’, where you’ll find art galleries, cafés, alfresco markets and wildlife parks, or go on a full-day guided tour from Cairns to make the most of your time in Kuranda.

Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets (open Thursday to Monday) and the Heritage Markets (open Thursday to Sunday) are particularly popular drawcards, offering a lively ambience and local fare from fresh produce to Indigenous arts and crafts - one of the key reasons Kuranda is such a popular thing to do when in Cairns.

Meanwhile, the wildlife parks and sanctuaries in the area feature tropical and native birdlife, animals and even insects. Visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Bird World, Koala Gardens and Rainforestation Nature Park to get up close to native fauna.

12. Take a day trip to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation

The Cape Tribulation headland is where the rainforest truly meets the reef and is a must-do Cairns day trip for nature lovers. Home to two World Heritage Sites, the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, this region offers countless ways to explore its pristine wilderness. 

Where to begin? A full-day guided tour from Cairns is an easy way to gain deeper insight into the Daintree and Cape Tribulation, with Indigenous and local guides sharing stories and secrets of medicinal plants, wildlife and hidden features of the rainforest and reef.

Step into more than 1,200sqkm of prehistoric jungle in the Daintree, home to ancient flora, rare birds, reptiles and native animals. It’s easily accessible on a fun 4WD day trip with marked trails, boardwalks and safe swimming holes (just keep an eye out for signage that there are no crocs in the water!) You can even try standup paddleboarding on the Mossman River or join a crocodile-spotting cruise along the Daintree.

Finish at Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest kisses the Coral Sea. Wander the white-sand beach and take in the sweeping views from the Kulki Lookout before heading back to Cairns.

13. Chase waterfalls around Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands

Much is made of the stunning beaches, reefs and rainforests near Cairns, but the Tropical North Queensland hub is also close to some of the region’s most beautiful waterfalls, with cascades and swimming holes just a short drive from the city.

Pack your swimmers to chase waterfalls near Cairns on a dedicated half-day tour from Cairns, visiting spots like:

• Crystal Cascades, tucked into the rainforest with a series of pools and falls.
• The mystical-sounding Fairy Falls with its natural plunge pool.
• The awe-inspiring Behana Gorge, where the 3.2km walk rewards you with views of the impressive Clamshell Falls.

Venture further inland from Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands on a full-day, family-friendly guided tour to encounter the famous Waterfall Circuit.

Here you can swim among iconic and majestic drops such as the tiered Josephine Falls, complete with a natural rock slide; the much-photographed Millaa Millaa Falls with its 18m classic cascade; and the nearby, misty Zillie Falls. Adding a waterfall excursion is perfect for a nature-packed day trip from Cairns and is one of the best ways to cool off in Tropical North Queensland. 

While the waterfalls near Cairns are beautiful year-round, the best time to plan your visit is during the wet season (November to April) when the falls are in full flow and the rainforest is its most lush and vibrant. 

14. Take a guided rainforest tour to learn about Indigenous culture

Experience the continuous connection to Country on a guided rainforest tour from Cairns, led by Traditional Owners sharing the stories and history of Yarrabah, Australia’s largest Indigenous community. It’s a must-do cultural experience for travellers wanting a deeper understanding of the region while enjoying the incredible landscapes.

Your tour engages all the senses, including listening to ancient language and storytelling, taking part in a welcome and cleansing smoking ceremony, tasting bush foods and gaining a new perspective on rainforest and coastal flora and fauna.

From Cairns, you can join the Hands On Eco Country Tour, which includes a Trinity Inlet river cruise to Hills Creek for a guided exploration with Traditional Owners, the Mandingalbay Yidinji people. In the Daintree, take a full-day Daintree Dreaming experience with a Kubirri Warra clan member, beginning at Mossman Gorge and continuing to the beach’s mudflats, complete with an immersive art activity and lunch.

Best adventure and wildlife experiences

With an enviable outdoor playground on its doorstep, there’s no shortage of ways to feel a natural high and encounter native wildlife around Cairns.

15. Go white-water rafting on the Barron River

Ride the rapids on the Barron River among the Atherton Tablelands, just inland from Cairns. This classic Cairns adventure – and one of the region’s most popular adrenaline experiences – lets you take on a  white-water rafting adventure course in your own raft on a guided tour through World Heritage-listed Barron Gorge National Park, navigating fun grade 2–3 rapids for around two hours of on-water action.

A guided half-day white-water rafting tour from Cairns includes all safety gear and training, and no prior experience is required – just bring a change of clothes and a towel, as you’re guaranteed to get wet. 

Suitable for those aged 12 years and pvt, expect exhilarating, full-on fun for families, friends and couples, with rainforest scenery and rushing rapids combining for a memorable bucket-list experience.

16. Spot crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise

Feel a spike of adrenaline – but keep your hands safely inside the boat – on a Daintree River crocodile cruise,  one of the best ways to see wild crocs in their natural habitat. Join a guided open-boat tour on the Daintree River to spot Tropical North Queensland’s most famous residents while soaking up the rainforest scenery.

A one-hour crocodile cruise journeys down the Daintree River for an immersive adventure, with expert guides pointing out the diverse wildlife that lives among the mangroves, including estuarine crocodiles, snakes, birds and even the occasional frog. 

This leisurely wildlife safari cruise can also be combined with a full-day Daintree and Cape Tribulation guided tour for an even more immersive wildlife adventure!

17. See native wildlife at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

Crocodiles and cassowaries and koalas, oh my! Encounter a jaw-dropping array of native wildlife in a World Heritage-protected environment at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, located around 40 minutes’ drive from Cairns and about 25 minutes from Palm Cove.

A must for animal enthusiasts and wildlife spotters, this long-running attraction spans 10 hectares of natural rainforest and lagoon habitats home to tropical birds, reptiles, insects and other iconic Australian animals, such as koalas, kangaroos and wombats.

General admission includes entry into educational wildlife presentations and a 20-minute boat cruise on Hartley’s Lagoon to spy crocodiles and other wildlife in their element. Set aside a few hours to wander the Cassowary Walk, Wildlife Discovery Trail and more, or elevate your experience with special animal encounters such as crocodile feeding or breakfasting with koalas, for an extra fee.

18. Try canyoning or ziplining in the rainforest

For a fully immersive rainforest adventure, you can’t go past a canyoning or ziplining experience – two of the most thrilling outdoor activities near Cairns and a must for adventure-seekers visiting Tropical North Queensland. Venture 30 minutes south of Cairns to the stunning Behana Gorge to try canyoning, splashing and sliding over the crystal-clear waters and smooth volcanic rocks. Or soar above the tree canopy on a thrilling Daintree Rainforest ziplining 

A half-day Behana Gorge canyoning adventure includes all the gear you need, along with training and professional instruction, so you can feel the rush of abseiling and canyoning with confidence. Simply pack your beach essentials, shoes with a good grip and a change of clothes.

For something a little easier but equally memorable, a fully guided two-hour Cape Tribulation zipline canopy tour for kids aged four and over showcases a breathtaking bird’s eye view from three ziplines and a panoramic platform over the Daintree Rainforest. You can also join a  Daintree Rainforest Tour from Port Douglas that pairs a Treetops Adventure zipline experience with a crocodile-spotting cruise for a full day of nature and wildlife.

19. Skydive over the reef or rainforest

Take your adrenaline chasing to a new level with a skydiving experience over the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest in Tropical North Queensland. Boasting some of Australia’s highest tandem jumps (up to 15,000 feet), you’ll score serious kudos and a huge thrill with a freefall of around 60 seconds – one of the most exhilarating things to do in Cairns for adventure lovers. 

For novices and seasoned skydivers alike, a Cairns tandem jump is the ultimate adventure, offering delivers unbeatable views of the reef and rainforest from above, pairing sky-high scenery with the unique rush of skydiving in one of the world’s most spectacular regions.

Set aside around six hours for the morning skydiving experience, plus transfers from Cairns, joining an experienced instructor for a memorable tandem jump. Suitable for those aged 16 years and over.

20. Bungee jump or swing over a jungle lagoon

Daredevils can enjoy an upside-down rainforest view at Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett, 20 minutes north of Cairns CBD. Go bungee jumping over a natural lagoon at the AJ Hackett Bunjy Jump or try the Giant Swing for a thrill-seeking experience for up to three people over the tropical jungle terrain.

Choose from more than 16 different bungee jump styles from a 50m-high tower – the highest viewing platform in Cairns – above a deep, natural lagoon in the rainforest. Australia’s only Giant Swing will keep you high above the tree canopy, reaching speeds up to 120km/h in three seconds. While there are plenty of adventure tours and activities in Tropical North Queensland, this is one adrenaline junkies visiting Cairns shouldn’t skip out on.

There’s no age restriction on the multi-person Giant Jungle Swing; however, kids must be 10 years and over or more than 45kg to bungee jump (or 35kg for a tandem jump). For a slightly less intense thrill, try the 140m-high Walk the Plank attraction in a harness.]

Best things to do near Cairns

Want to experience more natural bliss on a day trip or overnight? Cairns is the ideal base to explore the islands, reefs and rainforests of Tropical North Queensland.

21. Take a scenic coastal drive to Port Douglas

Embark on a tropical road trip from Cairns to Port Douglas, taking the 66km scenic coastal route on the Captain Cook Highway. The drive takes just over an hour, but the stunning scenery will make you want to linger longer to soak in lush rainforest views on one side and epic ocean vistas on the other.

Whether you spend a day or more (we recommend a long weekend), this route is one of Australia’s most breathtaking stretches and is the perfect escape to the reef, rainforest and islands. Hire a car in Cairns and stop 30-40 minutes later at pristine shores like Ellis Beach and Palm Cove Beach, wander on rainforest walks in the Wet Tropics Heritage Area, and explore charming small towns between Cairns and Port Douglas.

At the other end, Port Douglas awaits –  a laidback town and another popular launchpad to explore more of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. 

22. Unwind at Palm Cove

Located between Cairns and Port Douglas, Palm Cove is an indulgent alternative to the CBD bustle. The beach village offers a luxury enclave of 5-star hotels and fine dining establishments against an idyllic tropical backdrop of namesake palm trees, pristine sands and crystal-clear waters – a must-do tropical escape near Cairns.

Just 30 minutes north of Cairns, Palm Cove is steeped in barefoot glamour and a renowned spa capital, making it the ideal haven for relaxation in a tropical paradise. Spend a night or more and do as much or as little as you please. 

Soak up the outdoors on a bike ride, explore the picturesque village, enjoy a beach picnic, sample fresh seafood and elevated cuisine, or simply luxuriate in your upscale digs, perhaps with a spa treatment or room service to enjoy the blissful seaside serenity.

23. Spend a night in the Daintree or on an island

Whether you want to sleep in a secluded rainforest abode surrounded by the sounds of nature or beach yourself on a tropical island, Cairns offers several incredible overnight escapes near the city. From the Daintree Rainforest and nearby reef islands, you’re spoilt for choice.

Less than two hours’ drive from Cairns, the Daintree Rainforest provides a respite from the coastal city. Accommodation options range from eco-luxury cabins to budget and backpacker stays, as well as camping on Cape Tribulation. With limited mobile service, it’s the perfect opportunity to switch off and connect with nature.

For those seeking an island stay, Fitzroy and Green islands are just a 45-minute ferry or catamaran ride away. Both offer a mix of upscale beach retreats, sustainable stays and camping options. For the ultimate luxury escape, fly via private charter to remote Lizard Island or Orpheus Island for unrivalled 5-star seclusion.

24. Swim in hidden spots like Crystal Cascades or Behana Gorge

Once you’ve dipped your toes in the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, channel your inner mermaid on a freshwater swimming quest. Discover hidden swimming holes and secluded waterfall pools in Crystal Cascades and Behana Gorge, some of the best freshwater spots in Cairns

Crystal Cascades is only 25 minutes from Cairns CBD but feels like another world. With a series of cascading falls and inviting swimming holes and accessible for all ages, you can easily spend half a day floating in nature’s lap of luxury.

Like all good things, Behana Gorge requires some effort to get to. After a 30-minute drive south of Cairns, a 45-minute walk along a sealed road beside the creek is required to get to your stunning destination. (Tip: Pack some water bottles and sunscreen). Your reward is the view of Clamshell Falls and the refreshingly cool pools at the base of these impressive cascades. 

6 more things to do in and near Cairns

1. Go river tubing on the Mulgrave River
2. Take a hot-air balloon ride over the Atherton Tablelands
3. Walk through the world’s longest lava tubes at Undara
4. Splash out on a jetski tour along the Great Barrier Reef
5. Visit the enchanting rainforest castle at Paronella Park
6. Rock out at the Crystal Caves in the Atherton Tablelands

Flights to Cairns

Virgin Australia offers direct flights to Cairns from major Australian cities, including:

• Melbourne to Cairns
• Sydney to Cairns
• Hobart to Cairns
• Perth to Cairns