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. 4Activities
  5. 5Cruises & Water Tours
  6. 6Sightseeing Tours
  7. 7Water Sports
  8. 8Snorkeling
  9. 9Sailing Trips & Boat Tours
  10. 10Day Trips

Top Attractions in Cairns

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

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

The Best Crew & Equipment of any Snorkeling trip ever!

My wife & I have snorkeled around the world but Passions of Paradise, was the best ever. Awesome Crew, very informative & educational. The equipment was clean & top quality. The onboard Chef prepared fresh fruits & excellent lunch. If you are in Cairns & want to Snorkel or Dive the Great Barrier Reef, this is by far the Best Choice!

From Cairns: Premium Great Barrier Reef Catamaran Cruise Reviewed by Gregory, 11/12/2018

Excellent organisation and very friendly crew

I can only recommend you this trip. It was my first real snorkeling and the crew gave every attention to the people and provided all the necessary support. The whole experience was unforgettable.

Cairns Snorkeling Day Trip Reviewed by a GetYourGuide customer, 11/07/2018

Spectacular cable car ride over the tree tops

A beautiful full day and I included the extra ticket with zoo and boat ride . My cousins enjoyed the treat!

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway & Kuranda Rail from Cairns Reviewed by Fran, 11/02/2018

The most fun way to see the Botanic Gardens

We had so much fun riding the segways around the Botanic Gardens. Would highly recommend this to all ages.

1.5-Hour Segway Tour of Cairns and Botanic Gardens Reviewed by Sandra, 11/02/2018

Fantastic day out, loved every minute of it

Really enjoyed the waterfall experience, very well organised and it was a day full of fun and laughter.

From Cairns: Full-Day Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Tour Reviewed by Kathryn, 11/01/2018
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