Cairns
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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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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 Cairns 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

  • Language
    English
  • Currency
    AUD ($)
  • Time Zone
    UTC (+10:00)
  • Country Code
    61
  • 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.

Things to Do in Cairns

  1. 1Tours
  2. 2Nature & Adventure Tours
  3. 3Nature & Panoramic Tours
  4. 4Cruises & Water Tours
  5. 5Activities
  6. 6Day Trips
  7. 7Sailing Trips & Boat Tours
  8. 8Water Sports
  9. 9Snorkeling
  10. 10Viewing points

Top Attractions in Cairns

  1. 1Great Barrier Reef - Cairns
  2. 2Green Island
  3. 3Kuranda
  4. 4Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
  5. 5Kuranda Scenic Railway
  6. 6Daintree Rainforest

Cities in Australia

  1. 1Sydney
  2. 2Melbourne
  3. 3Adelaide
  4. 4Brisbane
  5. 5Darwin
  6. 6Arnhem Land Region
  7. 7Yulara
  8. 8Alice Springs
  9. 9Perth
  10. 10Hobart

Other Sightseeing Options in Cairns

Want to discover all there is to do in Cairns? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Cairns

An amazing day with loads of things to do

The crew were really helpful in explaining all of the different activities you could do on the day. The marine biology talks were interesting and the snorkel tour good fun. If you get the chance to do helicopter flight do it, it was a fantastic way to see the Reef.

Ultimate Great Barrier Reef Cruise with Marine World Pontoon Reviewed by Nicola, 01/21/2019

Great crew, great food; great experience! Thank you.

The crew was very professional friendly and knowledgable. This was the best scuba and snorkeling that we have done. Great food and wonderful Hospitality. Definitely recommend this excursion of the Great Barrier Reef

From Cairns: Premium Great Barrier Reef Catamaran Cruise Reviewed by Cindy, 01/09/2019

Fantastic trip put it on your must do list

Spend a little more and do the helicopter. You see the reef from above and it is out of this world.. The boat trip and diving was also very good. Well organised and very cheerful staff. Well worth it.

Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Flight and Cruise Reviewed by Kevin, 01/06/2019

Thank you all of crews for good caring us

My young niece had a seasick and crews helped so nicely and she got scared to snorkel but crews helped her enjoy for the day. Good experience.

ReefQuest - Discover the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns Reviewed by Zoe, 01/06/2019

Excellent well worth booking in advance with.

Even though this booked through New Years, there was still excellent communication which meant no stress. Everything went smooth as silk and the Skyrail was off the charts the most wonderful experience ever (make sure you take advantage of getting off and checking out the amazing views and wonderful information provided.

Kuranda Full-Day Trip by Train and Skyrail + Hotel Transfer Reviewed by Justin, 01/02/2019
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