I had it in my head that I wouldn’t like Cairns, Australia. I’m unsure why, however I used to be incorrect.
As one in every of Australia’s greatest vacationer cities, Cairns is vibrant with loads of eating places and cafes to maintain me completely satisfied.
To not point out, because of its Tropical North Queensland location, the climate in Cairns is superb. You may stroll round at evening and have a lot to see and do, and the times are stuffed with an unlimited variety of decisions from snorkeling excursions to climbing within the surrounding nationwide parks.
I shortly found that Cairns is greater than only a gateway to the Nice Barrier Reef. It’s additionally the gateway to the Atherton Tablelands and the close by Daintree Rainforest. For nature lovers, the town isn’t too dangerous to make use of as a base for climbing adventures.
We had been blown away by the variety of issues to do in Cairns. So that will help you plan your journey to Cairns, right here’s an inventory of the very best sights in Cairns, plus just a few hidden gems.
Issues to do in Cairns, Australia
So with out additional ado, listed below are the highest issues to do in Cairns. Whether or not you wish to discover the Nice Barrier Reef, calm down and chill, or study concerning the native historical past and tradition, these Cairns sights are for you.
1. Swim on the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Undoubtedly, a favorite characteristic of the Tropical North Queensland cities is their man-made swimming pools by the seaside.
Simply in case you didn’t know, the cruelty of the Aussie north is you get stinking sizzling summers, however you possibly can’t swim from the seashores, they’re filled with stingers – jellyfish that may severely hurt you, even kill you.
There are additionally just a few crocs round too. Sadly, Australia is filled with lethal creatures, however luckily, you possibly can keep away from them simply.
The principle seaside in Cairns can be extra of a mud flat, and never that good anyway.
To not worry, the man-made Cairns lagoon provides you precisely what you want.
Crystal clear waters, seaside views, and life guards. The Cairns Esplanade lagoon is a cool place to laze round, learn your ebook, and meet different vacationers.
2. Go to Rusty’s Farmer’s Market
OMG. I might be hanging out at Rusty’s Markets each week if I lived in Cairns.
I believe it’s the most affordable farmers’ market I’ve visited in Australia to date. 50 cent avocados, hiya! Get right here on a Sunday at round 2pm simply earlier than it shuts, there’s slash-down costs galore.
You may wish to test with the Woolworths grocery store too, on a day we had been in there they’d a trolley filled with fruit and veg they had been promoting for $3 all you would fill in a bag. There was a little bit of wrestling occurring to fill the luggage with the very best items.
I actually cherished that concept to forestall wastage.
3. Discover The Nice Barrier Reef
Cairns is the gateway to the Nice Barrier Reef, a real surprise of the world that’s 2,300km lengthy, which is why it’s such a well-liked place to go to and doubtless the primary purpose you’re visiting. It so needs to be!
I’m completely satisfied to say The Nice Barrier Reef is simply as magnificent and magical as you’ve heard. I cherished our full-day tour exploring the underwater world with the ladies. It was such a cool expertise for them at such a younger age.
Visiting the Nice Barrier Reef will be costly, but it surely’s a once-in-a-lifetime factor. Funds for the expense so that you don’t really feel responsible or harassed when it comes time handy over the money for this unbelievable World Heritage Web site.
We debated about the fee however knew it was one thing we could by no means get to do once more, and hey, it’s the Nice Barrier Reef.
We requested some locals on the Caravan Park we had been staying at for recommendation, checked in with our fb neighborhood, and jumped on Tripadvisor to do extra analysis.
We’d at all times wished to go to the Outer Reef, as a result of that’s the place the very best snorkeling and diving are. You may solely go to the Reef as soon as, however you’ll want to see it at its finest!
Excursions vary from small boats the place you dive or snorkel off the boat, to greater excursions the place you moor at a pontoon and from there take part in many various actions.
The Pontoon Expertise
As a result of we now have two younger youngsters we determined the pontoon expertise can be most sensible. We didn’t fancy being caught on a cramped boat all day with a two and six-year-old, it might have been aggravating, and having access to the water would have been tough.
We selected the pontoon expertise at Marine World based mostly out at Moore Reef with Reef Magic Excursions after listening to they had been most likely the very best for households. The household value was $495 together with lunch, however hey it’s the Nice Barrier Reef and it’s Australia.
The pontoon was an amazing alternative.
After our 90-minute high-speed catamaran experience out from Cairns our vessel moored at Marine World and we jumped on the pontoon.
It gave us all room to maneuver round with out being confined to a ship. Plus the steps that lead down from the primary deck to a submersed snorkel platform let you sit down and put in your masks and fins, making it simple to slip into the water.
Marine World at Moore Reef
The all-weather Marine World platform caters to all exercise ranges and was an amazing base for the day.
We had our personal desk and chairs on the sundeck, use of freshwater showers and altering rooms and lockers, and a yummy morning/afternoon tea plus a full buffet lunch.
The perfect half was the boldness Kalyra acquired by snorkeling within the sheltered coral lagoon. The snorkel space is supervised always, they’d snorkeler relaxation stations scattered round when you wanted a break within the water, and we might clearly see the underside always.
AND we met “Wally” the massive Maori Wrasse!
Introductory Scuba Dive
In the event you’re going to go to the Nice Barrier Reef you’ve gotta do a dive proper?!
Craig determined this was a once-in-a-lifetime second and put his hand up for an introductory dive. This was going to be solely his second time ever diving, his first being two years in the past off Shelley Seashore in Sydney.
For $125 he acquired a 30-minute dive with an teacher and only one different particular person. Intro dives have not more than 4 guests per teacher making it reassuring for any first-timers.
He cherished it.
His dive reached a most of about 8 metres within the lovely coral lagoon, a sheltered space with dense coral reef and a ton of marine life, together with a while swimming with massive WALLY!
“It’s one other world down there, I can undoubtedly see the dependancy to diving” he beamed.
After all, he needed to take the obligatory selfie:
Not solely did we snorkel and dive, however we had been capable of see extra of the reef on a glass backside boat and a semi-sub.
We cherished our household day trip on the reef.
In the event you or your loved ones are heading to Cairns, Marine World is a superb possibility. Apart from what we did Reef Magic Cruises even have an journey snorkel safari and licensed diving packages.
The opposite main tour operators out of Cairns embrace Quicksilver and Reef Expertise.
Snorkelling from Inexperienced Island
We additionally spent the day on Inexperienced Island positioned 45 minutes by boat from Cairns.
It’s a sand island and is nice for a calming day and for households, Kalyra cherished seeing just a few fish and stingrays!
You may snorkel straight off the shore and we felt the realm close to the jetty was significantly better than snorkeling off the patrolled seaside. There’s additionally a pleasant boardwalk by way of the forest to the opposite aspect of the island, and while the kiddies performed within the water I loved a therapeutic massage.
There are three departure instances and our household ticket price $215 and we went with Nice Adventures.
4. Go to Kuranda on the SkyRail and Scenic Railway
One of the vital fashionable issues to do in Cairns aside from visiting the Nice Barrier Reef is using the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway as much as the hinterland city of Kuranda after which taking the Kuranda Scenic Railway again down.
The Skyrail was opened in August 1995, and on the time was the longest gondola cableway on the earth.
The scenic journey takes you previous Barron Falls, an attractive waterfall that’s nestled within the rainforest.
You additionally get a hen’s eye view of among the finest moist tropics panorama, interval. From our diamond view gondola, we might look down by way of the ground to see the superb crops and flora beneath.
5. Go White Water Rafting on the Barron River
Trying to get moist and adventurous? There are just a few thrills on the Barron River within the Barron Gorge Nationwide Park by way of rapids referred to as The Meat Cleaver, The Suckhole, and the Rooster.
And a rafting journey is at all times made that rather more particular by a loopy rafting information, Marty.
Marty was energetic, fast with a joke and a wry smile. His loud booming laughter echoed off the steep ravines and towering timber wrapped in vines amid dense undergrowth.
Try Raging Thunder Adventures. Say hello to Marty for us!
6. Take A Free Health Class on the Esplanade
I actually wished to partake in these free train lessons, but it surely was a little bit troublesome as we had been staying a bit out of city. Every single day there’s a free train class comparable to yoga, Pilates and boxing.
There’s additionally a stunning boardwalk when you favor to stretch your legs that means.
7. Take pleasure in The Cairns Evening Markets
I wasn’t blown away by the Cairns evening markets, but it surely’s a great way to go an hour or so. I’d recommend simply skipping the market half and heading straight to the therapeutic massage part. $15 for 40 minutes – unprecedented in Australia.
8. Go to The Atherton Tablelands
There are many day journey alternatives (or longer) in The Atherton Tablelands, a area about an hour southwest of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland.
A lot of our readers jumped out to inform us The Atherton Tablelands was one in every of their favorite locations in Australia. So we visited.
Highlights included The Waterfall Circuit, Mountain Biking and the Sizzling Air Balloon Rides.
8. Take a Journey To Mossman Gorge and The Daintree
We predict you might want to flee from Cairns and discover some enjoyable nature in your journey, and if I’m studying your thoughts proper, then a visit to The Daintree Rainforest can be the last word alternative.
Don’t do it as a day journey – it’s beautiful and you must get your calm down on within the inexperienced jungle. You may keep at Port Douglas or inside The Daintree for a few days and discover.
Mossman Gorge is simply north of Port Douglas and was my favorite a part of The Daintree Rainforest.
9. Get Breakfast at Lillipad Cafe
An acquaintance really helpful we cease right here for breakfast, which makes a speciality of contemporary vegetarian delicacies. As a former chef within the Cairns space, we adopted her recommendation.
It appears lots of of different individuals will need to have in addition to there have been no obtainable tables.
We managed to jab one as we turned to stroll out with disappointment in our hearts. The meals parts had been HUGE and contemporary. It may well really feel a little bit cramped at a desk of 4 although.
10. Have a Monster-sized Dinner at Cock and Bull Pub
Whoa! Monster serving sizes on the Cock & Bull. The service was a little bit unusual, however the serving measurement is huge and the meals good, so undoubtedly value stopping in right here for some pub grub.
Go for both the Roast or the vegetarian lasagna. So tasty and so HUGE!
11. Take a go to to Cairns Botanic Gardens
A go to to the Botanic Gardens is a should on any journey to Cairns. It has among the finest collections of native Australian crops and fauna within the nation.
In addition to this, it’s additionally an academic day trip for the children. Each two weeks, they run a Little Taccas arts and crafts workshop for below 5s, they usually even have a Little Sprouts workshop that teaches youngsters about gardening.
In the event you’re not visiting with youngsters, you might benefit from the strolling excursions, which is able to let you know all concerning the distinctive flowers and animals you see right here.
12. Examine Out Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome
In search of some adrenaline-fuelled issues to do in Cairns? Then you definately’ll love a visit to Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome.
That is the world’s first problem ropes course nestled inside a wildlife park. You may cuddle a koalas, zip by way of the skies on one in every of three ziplines, or do a Dome-Climb to see unbelievable views of the CBD.
One of many zip-lines even flies over a 4 meter salt water crocodile.
Don’t say we didn’t warn you, this place isn’t for the faint-hearted!
13. Take a Helicopter Journey over the Barrier Reef
We talked about earlier than {that a} journey to Cairns with out visiting the Nice Barrier Reef can be a sin. It might be like visiting Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower!
However we all know that not everyone seems to be a fan of swimming, snorkeling or diving. If that’s you, then you definately may favor a helicopter flight!
You may soar above the reef and see it in all it’s magnificent glory. There isn’t a higher method to expertise the scale of the reef than by seeing it within the air. It’s simply, wow!
14. Loosen up at 4 Mile Seashore
We talked about earlier how the unhappy reality about Cairns is the gorgeous climate however there’s nowhere to securely swim.
If you wish to go to some incredible Queensland seashores, head out a little bit method to 4 Mile Seashore (a four-mile-long seaside, duh!) simply north of Cairns.
It has mushy, golden sand and crystal-clear blue water – it’s like a tropical island paradise however on the mainland.
The seaside is nicely maintained and nice for households for the reason that waves are extra mild right here.
You’ll discover palm timber lining the seaside and there’s at all times a mild, cool breeze.
You may spend your days enjoyable, swimming, or sunbathing below the palms. It’s the right spot to calm down and luxuriate in being on one in every of Australia’s prime seashores.
15. Strive Spear Fishing at Cooya Seashore
In the event you’re in search of some distinctive issues to do in Cairns, maybe you may take pleasure in attempting spearfishing at Cooya Seashore.
The seaside is rather more like a mud-plane, and is a superb place to hunt for mud crabs in addition to attempt spear fishing.
We had a good time attempting to catch some fish with our spears. You may learn all about our expertise right here.
16. Take a Day Journey to Fitzroy Island
You wouldn’t consider the tropical magnificence that yow will discover only a quick distance from Cairns. You may attain a number of tropical islands all inside a day journey – it’s unbelievable!
One of the vital hanging tropical islands close to Cairns is Fitzroy Island. It’s a tiny island that’s dwelling to lower than 50 individuals, but it surely’s value visiting for Nudey Seashore.
And no, it’s not a nudist seaside, however a stunning powdery white sand seaside with entry to the Nice Barrier reef.
Sit within the mushy sand or snorkel within the corals from the shore. A visit to Fitzroy won’t disappoint.
17. Discover the Chillagoe Caves (Queensland Outback)
We’re unhappy that the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is closed, however you possibly can nonetheless see some glorious examples of Aboriginal rock artwork on the Chillagoe Caves.
The Chillagoe – Mungana Caves Nationwide Park is nestled within the Outback Queensland and is thought for its sacred caves.
You may solely go to the caves on a guided-ranger tour, however these excursions take you to see three of essentially the most unbelievable caves within the web site; Donna, Trezkinn and Royal Arch caves.
Study aboriginal artwork and tradition on these fascinating excursions.
Ideas from our Fb Group
We put the query to our Fb neighborhood: “What are your ideas for Cairns?” The response was fairly epic, and we’re delighted to share another enjoyable issues to do and locations to eat and keep from our neighborhood:
Kristina Jo – It’s best to go to Hartley’s Crocodile Farm! It’s a enjoyable journey, particularly for the children. And don’t overlook to take a look at the Northern Seashores, I might advocate Trinity Seashore and Clifton Seashore as a result of they’re fairly quiet however Palm Cove and Ellis Seashore are very busy and touristic.
Clarissa Brennen – Do the superior 4sum Bungy soar, skydive, reef & Tully rafting & there’s a enormous swing on the bungy web site additionally. Cape Trib & Daintree River are wonders that you’ll actually take pleasure in. Paronella Park additionally has among the tropical horizons excursions that take you to waterfall spots for a swim however a lot of the corporations do.
Carolina Gutierrez – Go the general public swimming pool! It’s so good! Additionally, you could go to the totally different islands trigger they’re lovely, particularly The Whitsundays!
Michelle Brough – Tropical Zoo is nice together with a free pool on the town that comes with free wifi. Port Douglas is good for lunch.
Jaimee-Ray Ray – Evening markets have a crepe! Go to the rainforest zoom on prime of the on line casino.
Ruth Higgin – Port Douglas, a visit up the creeks on the Woman Douglas, it was pouring with rain once we had been there in Jan. however such an inexpensive however very informative journey with two beautiful girls.
Layla Turner – Nice Barrier Reef journey. However decide your boat fastidiously. Some don’t go to the outer reef and solely go to crowded spots. It was 7 years in the past however I went with Passions of Paradise. They go to the outer reef and Michelmas Cay, which is a surprising island and there was nobody else there besides our group it was actually superb.
They’re dearer as a result of they go additional out but it surely’s value it, the workers is superb, certified, and made me really feel actually protected snorkeling on the market in the course of nowhere. There’s additionally an enormous buffet lunch included and fish feeding on the way in which. Examine them out, it’s value the additional money!
Danielle Danimezza Melnyczenko – Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda. It’s a particular place for me and so lovely. The ladies will discover it fascinating!
The place to Keep in Cairns
We stayed in our camper trailer on the Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut (Previously Coconut Vacation Park) about 6 km south of Cairns city centre.
The ladies cherished it, there have been loads of issues to maintain them entertained like water parks, swimming pools, mini-golf, and open air motion pictures.
It’s the place we met The Block Customers who turned our touring companions on and off for the subsequent couple of months. We miss them!
In the event you want extra luxurious, The Hilton is centrally-located in Cairns, or for low-budget travellers, you possibly can’t go incorrect with the YHA Cairns Central Hostel.
Last Ideas on Issues to Do in Cairns
So there you may have it, our prime issues to do in Cairns, and as you possibly can see, there’s a lot to see and do!
Whether or not you’re in search of some enjoyable for all of the household, otherwise you’re on a {couples} weekend away, you’ll discover loads of sights in Cairns to maintain you busy.
In the event you’re ever caught for decisions, you possibly can’t go incorrect with a go to to the nationwide parks. Cairns is all about nature, so make sure you test a few of this out whilst you’re there.
We hope this information helped you determine on issues to do in Cairns and provided some inspiration for planning your itinerary.
Extra Tropical North Queensland Ideas
Are you planning to go to different components of Tropical North Queensland? Then these different guides could also be helpful to you.
Do you may have any ideas for issues to do in Cairns? Share within the feedback part beneath.
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