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. 6Sailing Trips & Boat Tours
  7. 7Day Trips
  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

Exceptional experience facilitated by a talented and knowledgeable cre

Despite challenging weather conditions the crew didn’t quit trying to deliver an incredible experience on the reef and they delivered. Lunch provided was both healthy and delicious.

Cairns Snorkeling Day Trip Reviewed by William, 03/19/2019

Absolutely amazing experience. Worth every sent paid! Great day

Really great way to show tourists our way of life and the animals in their habitats. Also, great food and service. Shows were great

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures Ticket + Transfer from Cairns Reviewed by Riley, 03/16/2019

Terrific trip with exceptional dive crew

This trip was on a very comfortable and spacious boat. The organization on board was superb. We were changed to another boat from the one booked but I think it was an upgrade as there was only a 60 person capacity which was not full and around 10 crew/dive supervisors. The reefs were teaming with fish and lunch on board was more than expected. This trip is well worth doing.

From Cairns: Luxury Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour Reviewed by Iain, 03/06/2019

A very interesting, informative and fun day.

George, our tour guide is excellent. Very knowledgeable and funny too. A very good driver too.

Daintree Wilderness & Cape Tribulation Full-Day Tour Reviewed by Dorothy, 03/03/2019

Great trip to the reef, I can highly recommend.

The Katamaran has two Decks where you can either sit inside or on the sun top outside. The crew was very friendly, helpful and communicative. As there were not so many people on the vessel it was easy to get in contact with other travelers. We were served a light breakfast, a nice lunch and a snack in the afternoon. We had two stops on the reef where snorkeling or diving was possible. This was a memorable trip I enjoyed being part of this great experience. Thank you.

From Cairns: Premium Great Barrier Reef Catamaran Cruise Reviewed by Dagmar, 02/13/2019
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