Things to do in Cairns
Activities, attractions and tours
Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.
Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.
Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.
Most popular experiences in Cairns
Tours & day trips
See all 147 activities
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Wildlife & nature
See all 40 activities
Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 20 activities
Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
See all 14 activities
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef & Helicopter Package
Attractions
See all 10 activities
Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket
What to do in Cairns
Popular places to visit
Cairns Esplanade
Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.
Palm Cove Beach
Located in between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, this palm tree-lined beach is an idyllic spot to take it easy or begin an adventure.
Cairns Marlin Marina
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.
Esplanade Lagoon
Relax after a day of sightseeing or cool down from the summer heat in this fresh-water lagoon, one of Cairns’ best city attractions.
Cairns Night Markets
During your trip to Cairns, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Cairns Night Markets. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area or seek out the local tours.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station
Soar above the treetops of the rain forest, gorges and mountains of North Queensland in a glass-enclosed cable car.
Clifton Beach
This quiet beach north of Cairns offers long stretches of white sand and clear water.
Crystal Cascades
Enjoy the spectacular coral reefs and explore Crystal Cascades, a lovely green space in Cairns. Discover the top-notch restaurants in this walkable area or seek out the local tours.
Australian Armour and Artillery Museum
You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Australian Armour and Artillery Museum during your travels in Cairns. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area.
Areas of Cairns
Palm Cove
Relax on sandy beaches and swim in turquoise waters at a resort town between the Great Barrier Reef and the rain forests of tropical Far North Queensland.
Cairns Central Business District
Cairns Central Business District is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina.
Trinity Beach
Unwind on this tranquil stretch of golden beach, relax under the shade of swaying palm trees and explore Tropical North Queensland at your leisure.
Cairns North
Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Cairns North. Make a stop by top sights like Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland while you're exploring the area.
Clifton Beach
Clifton Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while in the area.
Yorkeys Knob
Yorkeys Knob is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Half Moon Bay Golf Course.
- Hotels near Esplanade Lagoon
- Hotels near Cairns Convention Centre
- Hotels near Reef Hotel Casino
- Hotels near Clifton Beach
- Hotels near Smithfield Shopping Centre
- Hotels near Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland
- Hotels near Muddy's Playground
- Hotels near Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome
- Hotels near Clifton Village Shopping Centre
- Hotels near Cairns Golf Club
- Hotels near St Monica's Cathedral
- Hotels near Sugarworld Waterpark