Things to Do in Cairns

Cairns Attractions

Cairns is a beautiful coastal city in tropical Far North Queensland, and one of the best places in Australia to base yourself for exploring natural wonders. As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, there’s an enormous range of Cairns tourist activities on offer, whether you’re a local ticking off your own backyard or visiting from interstate or overseas. Some of the best Cairns attractions to tick off include the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, pristine beaches and the Cairns Aquarium. There’s no better way to discover these Cairns things to see and do than with a handpicked experience from RedBalloon. From Helicopter Flights and Hot Air Ballooning to Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling and Outdoor Adventures, there are countless ways to explore this beautiful part of Queensland.

How many days do you need in Cairns?

If you’re visiting Cairns, we recommend allowing at least 2-3 full days to tick off the best experiences and attractions. Planning a longer trip? Browse Cairns Getaway Packages for the perfect accommodation to base yourself in while you explore the city and its surroundings.

What are the best things to do in Cairns?

There are so many amazing and fun things to do in Cairns, perfect for locals, visitors and tourists alike. On RedBalloon you’ll find the best things to do in Cairns Australia has to offer, including:

– Tandem Skydive Over Cairns: Get ready for the experience of a lifetime. On this 15,000ft skydive, you’ll strap up with a professional skydive instructor and take in stunning views of the Great Barrier Reef from above.

– Cairns Reef Scenic Helicopter Flight – 40 Minutes: See the Great Barrier Reef in all its glory from 2,500 feet, with uninterrupted 360-degree views in every direction.

– Scenic Rail, Skyrail and Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures Tour: Skip the queues and glide over World Heritage rainforest on the iconic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, then get up close to crocodiles at Hartley’s.

– Cairns Bungy Jump: Climb to the top of the tower and take the leap of a lifetime. Whether you choose to touch the water or stay dry, this is one of the most daring Cairns activities on offer.

– Great Barrier Reef Dive and Snorkel Cruise with Lunch: Sail from Cairns to three outer Great Barrier Reef sites in a single day, with diving, snorkelling and tropical dining included.

– Hot Air Ballooning over the Atherton Tablelands: Experience the magic of a sunrise hot air balloon flight departing Cairns, drifting silently above the patchwork hills and rainforest of the Tablelands.

– Thala Beach 2 Night Stay with Wine and Breakfast – For 2: For the ultimate trip, unwind at this luxury eco-retreat on a private headland between Cairns and Port Douglas, set across 145 acres of pristine nature with breakfast and wine included.

Free Things to Do in Cairns

Balancing a bucket list experience with a few free things to do in Cairns is a great way to stretch a holiday further. The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a free, patrolled swimming lagoon right on the waterfront ( a great stinger-season alternative to the ocean), while the Cairns Botanic Gardens and Muddy’s Playground are perfect for a relaxed, no-cost afternoon. Browsing the stalls at Rusty’s Markets or the Cairns Night Markets is another free way to soak up the local culture. Pair a free morning at the Esplanade with an affordable RedBalloon experience like the Crocodile Express Daintree River Cruise from $39.50*, or Tomb of the Pharaohs General Admission from $52*, for a well-rounded day without breaking the bank.

Things to Do in Cairns with Kids

There are so many things to do in Cairns with kids that will keep them entertained for hours. Whether you’re after a family activity everyone can enjoy together, or something to burn off energy so the grown-ups can relax, you’ll find it in our range of kids activities. Some of the top Cairns kids activities include:

– Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures with Transfers – Half Day: Meander over 2,000 metres of boardwalks, take a wetlands cruise to spot crocs, and catch a live snake and crocodile show.

– Cairns Jet Boat Ride – 35 Minutes: Non-stop thrills with 360 degree spins, slides and power-break stops.

– Guided ATV Tour with Petting Zoo Entry: Ride your own quad bike through a Kuranda rainforest cattle farm, then finish with unlimited time at the petting zoo.

Best Day Trips from Cairns

Cairns is the perfect base for exploring more of Tropical North Queensland. Some of the best day trips from Cairns include:

– Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation: Cruise the ancient waterways on the Crocodile Express Daintree River Cruise.

– Kuranda: ride the Skyrail and Scenic Railway through rainforest canopy on the Express Kuranda, Rainforestation and Skyrail Tour.

– Green Island: Snorkel and unwind on a coral cay with the 1 Night Tropical Green Island Escape.

– Fitzroy Island: A rugged, fringing-reef island just 45 minutes away with the Fitzroy Island Return Transfer from Cairns.

– Atherton Tablelands: Waterfalls, wineries and wildlife make this region a must, best seen by floating about it all on a Hot Air Balloon Flight.

Snorkelling & Scuba Diving Trips from Cairns

Cairns is one of the best places in the world for Barrier Reef snorkelling and Barrier Reef diving Cairns, with the Great Barrier Reef just a short cruise offshore. If you’re after the best Great Barrier Reef tours Cairns has to offer, our range includes:

– Great Barrier Reef Dive and Snorkel Cruise with Lunch: Three outer reef sites in one day, with diving, snorkelling and tropical dining.

– Small Group Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef – Full Day: A more intimate way to explore, with lunch and snacks included.

– Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight & Reef Snorkel – Half Day: See the reef from above and below the waterline in one trip.

– Overnight Sail & Snorkelling Adventure to Outer Reef – For 2: An exclusive small group overnight sail and snorkel trip to the outer reef, with scuba diving available for first-timers.

Whichever you choose, you’ll come face to face with vibrant coral, tropical fish, turtles and, if you’re lucky, reef sharks and rays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best beaches near Cairns?

Cairns city itself doesn’t have a swimming beach, the Esplanade Lagoon fills that gap, but some of the best beaches near Cairns include Palm Cove, Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach and Ellis Beach, all a short drive north. Want to stay a little longer? Browse our Cairns Getaway Packages, like the 1 Night Resort Escape in Cairns with Breakfast For 2.

What are the best day trips from Cairns?

Some of the best day trips from Cairns include the Daintree Rainforest, Kuranda and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Green Island, Fitzroy Island and the Atherton Tablelands. See our full range of day trip experiences above.

What are the best things to do in Cairns?

Top Cairns experiences include snorkelling or diving the Great Barrier Reef, tandem skydiving over the reef, riding the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, day tripping to the Daintree, and a scenic helicopter flight over the reef and rainforest.

What are the top free things to do in Cairns?

Some of the best free things to do in Cairns include swimming at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, strolling the Esplanade boardwalk, visiting the Cairns Botanic Gardens, and browsing Rusty’s Markets or the Cairns Night Markets.

What are the best things to do in Cairns at night?

After dark, Cairns comes alive with waterfront dining and unique night tours. Try the Deadly After Dark Sunset Cruise and Canapes, a 3 Course Dinner at Dundee’s on the Waterfront, or step into ancient Egypt after hours on the Tomb of the Pharaohs Sunset Tour and 3 Course Dinner.

What are the best things to do in Cairns with kids?

Families love Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, a jet boat ride on Trinity Inlet, and a guided ATV tour with a petting zoo visit. See our full range of Cairns kids activities above.

What are the best things to do in Cairns for couples?

Cairns is made for romance, from a private Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Flight to a sunset dinner cruise or couples spa treatment. Browse RedBalloon’s Experiences for Two for more ways to share the moment.

What are the best things to do in Cairns when it rains?

The wet season doesn’t have to slow you down. Some of the best indoor activities in Cairns include the Cairns Aquarium, the immersive Tomb of the Pharaohs exhibition, and a delicious Beer Tasting & Brewery Tour.

What are the best snorkelling and scuba diving trips from Cairns?

Cairns offers some of the best reef access in the world, from a full-day Great Barrier Reef dive and snorkel cruise with lunch, to small group snorkelling tours and an overnight sail and snorkel adventure to the outer reef. See our snorkelling and diving range above for the full list.

What is the best month to visit Cairns?

There are plenty of months we recommend visiting Cairns in, especially between April and September if you want to swim in the ocean and enjoy the best weather. We also recommend travelling outside school holidays to avoid the crowds and enjoy cheaper accommodation.

What months can you swim in Cairns?

Some parts of Tropical Far North Queensland, including Cairns, are affected by the stinger season, meaning certain months aren’t safe to swim in the ocean. From November to May there may be stingers in the water, making it unsafe to swim without a stinger suit. The best time to swim in Cairns is April to October, outside of stinger season.

Can you swim in the ocean in Cairns?

Yes, you can enjoy swimming in the ocean in cairns, especially outside of the stinger season. If you want to swim during stinger season (over summer), take caution and know where and when to swim safely, what to wear, and where the stinger nets are.

With our range of experiences and things to do, you can tick off the best Cairns attractions from your must-see list. Don’t know which one to pick? You can always choose a Gift Voucher and decide later, it can be used to purchase any experience or product in Cairns, including accommodation.

Explore More of Queensland

Cairns is just one incredible corner of the Sunshine State. If you’re planning a bigger Queensland trip, discover more things to do nearby, from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast to the Whitsundays and beyond:

– Things to do in Tropical North Queensland.

– Things to do on the Great Barrier Reef.

– Things to do in the Whitsundays.

– Things to do in the Gold Coast.

– Things to do in the Sunshine Coast.

– Things to do in Brisbane.

– Things to do in Queensland.