Cairns in Queensland, Australia, is one of the top sites for your vacations. Why? Because there are an insurmountable number of things to do in Cairns that will keep your trip filled with joy and excitement. It is an adventurous destination having epic waterfalls, gorgeous rainforests, and whatnot!
Visiting Cairns will put you in a situation of “so much to do, so little time.” The place is home to two world heritage sites, including the Daintree National Park and Australia’s most famous, the Great Barrier Reef.
There are several things to do in Cairns due to the presence of the Great Barrier Reef, including scuba diving, helicopter rides, day tours, etc.
Located in the Tropical North side of Queensland, Cairns is the perfect destination to explore the lush vegetation of Australia. However, you cannot ignore the adrenaline-filled adventurous activities these areas offer.
Best Things to Do in Cairns
If you desire to visit Cairns, it is always better to plan your trip beforehand. Hence, we present a list that covers the best things to do in Cairns. Some of these activities are completely free, but some may cost you. However, we assure you that each activity on the list has everything you need for a perfect vacation. Therefore, read on to know the best things to do in Cairns during your trip.
Best Things to Do in Cairns (1-6)
1. See the Aquatic Wildlife at the Great Barrier Reef
Australia is home to the world’s largest coral reef system. Hence, seeing it during your trip to Cairns is a must. Great Barrier Reef is the primary reason for many people to visit the state, making it one of the best things to do in Cairns.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site spans an area of more than 350,000 square kilometers. If you plan your trip here, ensure to see Australia’s diverse and abundant marine life through tours.
The Great Barrier Reef offers a variety of things to do for its visitors. These activities will help you discover the largest coral system from your own eyes. Some activities include scuba diving, snorkeling, and a helicopter ride above the Great Barrier Reef.
- Location: Along the East Coast of Queensland, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: June to October
- Fun things to do: Scuba diving, snorkeling, visiting the Green Island, helicopter ride above the Great Barrier Reef, etc.
- Entrance fee: Nil
- Hotels Nearby: Coral Sea Resort Hotel
2. Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome is Your Place to be
Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome will get your heart pumping more blood because of their catalog of fun things to do. The Reef Hotel Casino houses this gorgeous facility on their rooftop.
One of our favorite things to do in Cairns ZOOM is zip-lining through the facility. This adrenaline-filled activity takes you through a path where a 4.5 m tall crocodile named Goliath lives. Due to this zip-lining alone, the place has earned its way to the list of best things to do in Cairns for a beautiful wildlife experience.
Go Zip-lining in Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome over a 4.5 m tall Crocodile named Goliath.
You can also do rope-climbing here at an affordable price. Furthermore, seeing the city’s scenic views from the top is truly mesmerizing.
- Address: The Reef Hotel Casino, 35-41 Wharf St, Cairns City QLD, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Fun things to do: Do adventurous activities such as zip-lining, rope climbing, etc. Also, see the scenic views of the city from the facility.
- Entrance fee: For four activities, the price for an adult is $15 and $10 for a child.
- Hotels Nearby: Pullman Reef Hotel Casino
3. Go on an Eating Spree in Cairns
Imagine a trip where you don’t eat the local delicacies of the place. It would be boring, right? Hence, to avoid such a situation of deep regret, you must eat seafood in Cairns.
We assure you that you will eat some of the best seafood in entire Australia. There are several eating places where you will feast on the local seafood. Cairns has other dining options as well if you are not one of the types of eating seafood.
Cairns offers some of the best seafood in entire Australia.
- Famous Restaurants: Prawn Star, Piato Cairns Restaurant, Ochre Restaurant, Tamarind Restaurant, etc.
- Best time to visit: Whenever your appetite asks you.
- Fun things to do: Eat the delicious cuisines of Cairns
4. Want to Go Underwater without Getting Wet? Visit the Cairns Aquarium
Aquariums have always been a primary center of attraction for many places. However, if we talk about Cairns Aquarium, you will find it one of the best things to do in Cairns. This place is home to 71 diverse and unique ecosystems with a collection of more than 16,000 animal species.
Cairns Aquarium is home to more than 16,000 animal species preserved in 71 ecosystems.
Another cool fact about the Cairns Aquarium is that it is the only aquarium in the world with animals from two World Heritage sites. Hence, you are sure to find aquatic wildlife amusing here.
Similar to a typical aquarium, you will find the wildlife behind the glass. If you want a closer look, you can enroll for the Marine Life Encounters tour. A personal guide will accompany you for the tour, taking you through the entirety of the aquarium, including the turtle hospital.
- Address: 5 Florence St, Cairns City QLD, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Fun things to do: See the diverse aquatic species of Australia, go diving with sharks, and take Marine tours at the Cairns Aquarium.
- Entrance fee: $42 per adult.
- Hotels Nearby: Cairns Aquarius Holiday Apartments
5. See the Lush Greenery at the Cairns Botanic Gardens
Nestled in the beautiful Cairns, the Botanic Gardens in the state are full of greenery and vegetation. The facility expands over a land of 38-hectare, giving you ample space to roam around.
You don’t have to pay an entrance fee for the Botanic Gardens, making it one of the best free things to do in Cairns. Furthermore, it is a must-visit place because the garden houses Australia’s only two Amorphophallus Titaniums.
Amorphophallus Titaniums (a Jurassic-looking plant) are only found in Cairns Botanical Gardens in Australia.
If you are into plants and dinosaurs, the Amorphophallus Titaniums will surely amaze you. The plant’s leaf is about seven meters long and weighs about 70 kg when it fully matures. Hence, easily making it the largest inflorescence found in the world. Try clicking photos near it; we assure you that you will not be able to resist posting them on your social.
- Address: 78-96 Collins Ave, Edge Hill QLD, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
- Fun things to do: Relax and rejuvenate here after a tiring day, admire the lush greenery, click photos, etc.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Hotels Nearby: Cairns Queens Court
6. Try Bar Hopping in Cairns
The best way to experience the nightlife of Cairns or any state is to do bar hopping. You will find some of the best bars and breweries in Cairns that will help you fall in love with them.
With the tropical and humid climate of Cairns, bar hopping is delightful. Below we have listed the famous bars in Cairns with the best facilities and beers. Dance your way in these bars for a splendid time.
- Famous Bars in Cairns: Flamingos Tiki Bar, Three Wolves, The Downunder Bar, Ultimate Party, etc.
- Best time to visit: At night
- Fun things to do: Enjoy the gorgeous nightlife of Cairns through Bar hopping.
Best Things to Do in Cairns (7-13)
7. Swim in the Beautiful Waterfalls
Cairns surrounds itself with beautiful rainforests and mighty mountain ranges. These conditions combine to create the best environment for pristine blue waterfalls.
Cairns is home to more than 60 beautiful waterfalls for you to swim on. The enchanting voice of water falling onto the rocks will keep you obsessed with these places.
Cairns is home to more than 60 beautiful waterfalls for you to swim on.
Some famous waterfalls include Stoney Creek Falls, Fairy Falls, Josephine Falls, and others. Luckily, most of them are located just a few kilometers away from the city center. Hence, you must not forget to pack your bag with your swimsuit to swim in the best possible conditions in Cairns.
- Famous Waterfalls: Josephine Falls, Fairy Falls, Crystal Cascades, Stoney Creek Falls, etc.
- Best times to visit: April to October.
- Fun things to do: Swim in 60+ gorgeous waterfalls Cairns offers.
- Entrance fee: Mostly free
8. Visit the World’s Tallest Natural Pyramid
As a matter of fact, Walsh Pyramid in Cairns is the world’s tallest pyramid occurring naturally. Hence, it is almost impossible for you to ignore this stunning place.
You should hike this 922-meter high mountain if you are fit enough. Your hike to the summit and the return journey would take about 3-4 hours. Hence, if you can spare some time, we would suggest you hike the mountain.
Once you reach the summit, you will unlock access to a breathtaking 360-degree view of Cairns. Therefore, you must add it to your list of things to do in Cairns.
- Address: Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- Wiki page: Click here
- Best time to visit: Reach the Walsh Pyramid in the morning to fully enjoy.
- Fun things to do: hike to the top of the pyramid and see the gorgeous views of Cairns.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Hotels Nearby: Cairns Rainforest Retreat
9. Hot-Air Balloons Will Take You Places in Cairns
Similar to Brisbane, you will find hot-air balloon options in Cairns too. Since the weather here is warm with mostly clear skies, hot-air ballooning in this city is one of our top things to do in Cairns.
Most hot air balloon trips in Cairns start from Mareeba, go to the Tablelands, and back to Mareeba. Other trips take you to places where you will see some of the most beautiful views you have ever seen.
Surprisingly, the Hot Air facility has the most affordable price range, ensuring that even budget travelers can get a chance to ride the balloons. Check Hot Air’s official website for more information.
- Address: 36 Abbott St, Cairns City QLD, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Fun things to do: Travel around famous places in Cairns through Hot-Air Balloons
- Entrance fee: From $360 to $850.
- Hotels Nearby: Pacific Hotel Cairns
10. Buy Souvenirs from the Market
The best part about going to a new place is shopping in the local market and buying souvenirs. Luckily, Cairns has some of the most dynamic night markets that offer almost everything you need.
Some famous marketplaces in Cairns are Rusty’s and the night markets. However, the night markets are those that have stolen our hearts. You can shop from more than 70 retail outlets, including eateries.
Shop from more than 70 retail outlets, including eateries!
Even if you do not want to spend money, you can spend some time with yourself or your family roaming around the market.
- Famous Marketplaces in Cairns: Rusty’s Markets, Cairns Night Markets.
- Official website: Click here
- Fun things to do: Buy souvenirs, apparel, and anything you stumble upon in the markets of Cairns.
11. Know the History at the Cairns Museum
Want to turn back to the pages of the history of Cairns? If yes, you must visit the Cairns Museum on Lake St. The inside of the museum holds memory shards and indigenous stories about Tropical North Queensland.
You can enhance your knowledge about Cairns, its reef, and rainforests. However, the museum is not limited to these only. You can find information about the problems Cairns had to face in its history, including the toad plagues and the mold outbursts.
Cairns Museum is not limited to reefs and rainforests. It also has information about the toad plagues, the mold outbursts, and the 1970s hippie movement.
Furthermore, the museum also showcases the 1970s hippie movement, which was one of the key events of the recent century. Hence, if you are into history, you must add Cairns Museum to your list of things to do in Cairns.
- Address: Cnr Lake and Shields St, 93/105 Lake St, Cairns City QLD, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Sundays closed.
- Fun things to do: Turn Back to the pages of history and increase your knowledge about it.
- Entrance fee: $10
- Hotels Nearby: Hides Hotel Cairns
12. Go for White Water Rafting
Adventure sports are one of the best ways to fill your blood with adrenaline. And what adventure sport is better than white water rafting? Practically, there are not many.
Take an epic journey through the Barron River with your friends and family. Since the facility is near the city center, it won’t consume much of your time. Hence, white water rafting is one of the best things to do in Cairns as it can help you get the thrill you always wanted. Surely, it will create memories that you will keep for life!
- Popular White Water Rafting Operators: Foaming Fury, RNR White Water Rafting
- Official website: Click here
- Fun things to do: Enjoy one of Cairn’s most adrenaline-filled water sports.
- Entrance fee: Varies. However, the advertised rate is $229 + $30 (levy payable on the tour day).
13. Interact with the Locals in Kuranda
You must not miss this golden opportunity to interact with locals and understand the traditional Aboriginal culture in Kuranda. The existence of the Pamagirri Aboriginal culture dates back to 40,000 years ago. Hence, it is worth spending time understanding it.
The locals are friendly and will teach you the ancient rituals and bush remedies. Furthermore, you can also go for boomerang and spear throwing. There is so much to learn from the locals residing in the rainforests in Kuranda that you cannot miss. Hence, we had to add it to the list of fun things to do in Cairns.
- Address: Kuranda, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Fun things to do: Know about the traditional Aboriginal culture
- Entrance fee: Nil
FAQs
What are the most famous things to do in Cairns?
Cairns has a vast collection of fun things to do. However, undoubtedly the best thing about Cairns is the Great Barrier Reef. As mentioned, most people visit this city primarily for the reef system. The Great Barrier Reef offers endless opportunities to swim, snorkel, and interact with over 1,500 marine species.
How much time is enough for a trip to Cairns?
Honestly, even a lifetime is not enough to fully explore Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. Hence, for an ideal vacation, you need at least 3 days to see most tourist attractions. The most perfect time would be 5 days to spend in Cairns.
What is the best time to visit Cairns?
If you are okay with little rain, then April, May, September, and October are the best months to visit Cairns. Why? Because you won’t find many tourists, resulting in inexpensive accommodation rates.
Should I visit Cairns?
Your trip to Cairns will be absolutely worth it. Since it is an absolute tourist hub with lush greenery, Cairns has something for everyone. Rainfalls, the Great Barrier Reef, night markets, museums, and many other attractions fill the beautiful Cairns. Hence, you must visit Cairns at least once in your lifetime.
Leave a reply