Top attractions in Cairns
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Top sights in Cairns
Top 6 Essential Things To See Around Cairns
Cairns is in the north of the Australian state of Queensland. The area surrounding the city is a natural paradise - there's the Great Barrier Reef, for one thing - so here are a few exhilarating sights you can check out during a visit to the area.
1. Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Take a boat over to Green Island, where you can stop off and go swimming. Experience the unreal coral colors and stunning wildlife of the reef, illuminated by the sun.
2. Reef Snorkeling
You may not be able to delve 20,000 leagues under the sea, but you can go snorkeling, which is pretty close! Here's your chance to be a mermaid or merman for a couple of hours.
3. Kuranda Rainforest
Enjoy this lush tropical rainforest on the ground, or fly over it on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. You can also seamlessly glide from land to water in an amphibious vehicle!
4. Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
Experience the culture of the Aboriginal Djabugay people. Enjoy a didgeridoo show, visit a museum with ancient murals, try some Djabugay cuisine, and learn to throw a boomerang.
5. Undara Lava Tubes
Take a day to explore the Outback and walk around under a volcano - that's not something you get to do every day!
6. Tully River White Water Rafting
The Tully River hosted the 1991 Australian Canoe and White Water Rafting Championships. Don't worry, though, you're not alone, as each boat holds seven people.
Planning Your Visit
What should I wear?
Owing to its near-equatorial location, Northern Australia is very hot all year round. Make sure to wear cool, cotton clothing, stay hydrated, and definitely layer up on sunscreen and a hat.
Are there any health and safety tips I should be aware of?
Before your trip, consult your doctor about injections you may need to get. If you are walking around in the rainforest, be sure to bring mosquito repellent - ideally purchased locally, as creams from back home may not be suitable for the climate.
Do I need insurance for outdoor activities?
For extreme sports like white water rafting, it's essential. There can also be an age limit, so if you happen to be under 18, do check in advance if you need to have a parent or guardian with you.
Good to know
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- Language
- English
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- Currency
- AUD ($)
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- Time Zone
- UTC (+10:00)
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- Country Code
- 61
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- Best time to visit
- August is the best month to visit, when the weather is warm and sunny, with low humidity, and the peak season is ending.
Top Attractions in Cairns
Things to Do in Cairns
Cities in Australia
Other Sightseeing Options in Cairns
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What people are saying about Cairns
This was probably the most touristy thing we did while in Cairns/Port Douglas. Everything was extremely organised and explained clearly to us. Jun was extremely friendly. We loved his commentary on Cairns and the Great Diving Range as we drove through Cairns to pick everyone else up at their hotels.
We had an excellent day at Kuranda. The highlights were the Kuranda Rainforest Station, animal sanctuary, Dreamtime and especially the aqua duck expertly guided by Chris. Learning how to throw a boomerang was hilarious fun. The train trip back was fascinating. Cheers
Great for kids under 10 and first timers. Was expecting a long continuous tubing experience, versus getting out and walking back up the river and doing the same rapids. But it was great for son who was doing it for first time. Andy, Sarah and Kai were great guides.
Great experience as someone who visited Cainrs for first time. The tour guide was amazing. Jim had a great sense of humour and kept us entertained with facts and his great energy all day long. We loved the trip and had a great time. Definitely would recommend.
Excellent tour, Tom WH had excellent commentary and stories. We had a great swim at Mossman gorge and the welcome to country ceremony and smoking ceremony were enlightening. We also enjoyed the river cruise down the Daintree river.
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