Things to do in Cairns

Activities, attractions and tours

Cairns
Cairns
Cairns
Cairns
Cairns

Things to do

passengers aboard amphibious DUKW drive through jungles in Cairns

Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest

€21
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest
Ocean Spirit Michaelmas Cay & Reef Cruise

Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef

€112
per traveller
100% of travellers recommend
Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef
Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket

Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket

€12
per adult
Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

€159
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
relaxing at the deck of a ship in Australia

Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour

€168
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour
The Cairns Museum is two blocks walk from Cairns Esplanade and the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal - Cnr Lake and Shields Streets, Cairns -

Skip the Line: Cairns Museum Single Admission Ticket

€9
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Skip the Line: Cairns Museum Single Admission Ticket
Couple snorkeling among abundant coral reefs and marine species at the Green Island Reef in Cairns

Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise

€61
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Kuranda Koala Gardens General Entry Ticket

Kuranda Koala Gardens General Entry Ticket

€15
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Kuranda Koala Gardens General Entry Ticket
Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class

Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets

€175
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets
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Most popular experiences in Cairns

Tours & day trips

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Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Activity duration is 9 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 986 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €159 per adult
Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive CruiseOpens in new tab

Wildlife & nature

See all 46 activities
Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Agincourt Reef Cruise

Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Agincourt Reef Cruise

Activity duration is 6 hours and 30 minutes
9.4 out of 10 with 47 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €132 per traveller
Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Agincourt Reef CruiseOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 24 activities
Premium Great Barrier Reef & Coral Cay Cruise from Cairns

Premium Great Barrier Reef & Coral Cay Cruise from Cairns

Activity duration is 1 day
9.8 out of 10 with 149 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €171 per adult
Premium Great Barrier Reef & Coral Cay Cruise from CairnsOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 12 activities
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures General Admission

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures General Admission

Activity duration is 8 hours and 30 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 27 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €31 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 7 activities
Cairns: Pontoon Boat Hire with Optional BBQ and Fishing Hire

Cairns: Pontoon Boat Hire with Optional BBQ and Fishing Hire

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is €152 per traveller
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What to do in Cairns

Popular places to visit

Cairns Esplanade

Cairns Esplanade

Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.

Cairns Esplanade
Palm Cove Beach

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.

Palm Cove Beach
Esplanade Lagoon

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.

Esplanade Lagoon
Cairns Marlin Marina

Cairns Marlin Marina

Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.

Cairns Marlin Marina
Cairns Central Shopping Centre

Cairns Central Shopping Centre

During your visit to Tropical North Waterfront, you can do some window-shopping at Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.

Cairns Central Shopping Centre
Cairns Night Markets

Cairns Night Markets

During your trip to Tropical North Waterfront, 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.

Cairns Night Markets
Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach

This quiet beach north of Cairns offers long stretches of white sand and clear water.

Clifton Beach
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station

Soar above the treetops of the rain forest, gorges and mountains of North Queensland in a glass-enclosed cable car.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station
Cairns Convention Centre, Queensland: Aerial Photo of Iconic Architecture, Urban Landscape, Waterfront, and City Infrastructure in Tropical North Queensland, Australia

Cairns Convention Centre

Learn about the events happening in Cairns Convention Centre during your trip to Tropical North Waterfront. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.

Cairns Convention Centre

Where to stay in Cairns

Find the best Cairns areas for the activities you enjoy most.

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.

The Cairns Lagoon at sunrise in Tropical North Queensland

Cairns North

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Cairns North. A stop by Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland or Cairns North Beach might round out your trip.

Edge Hill

You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Edge Hill. You might want to make time for a stop at Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens or Tanks Arts Centre.

Aerial view above Rhodes with views to Wentworth Point and Concord West with Parramatta River in Sydney NSW Australia

Parramatta Park

Parramatta Park is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Cazaly's Stadium and Barlow Park.

Palm Cove

Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Aerial photo of tropical housing estate in mountain range

Koah

Frequently asked questions

Is Cairns worth visiting?
Cairns offers an interesting mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into history, outdoor activities or regional cuisine, there's a lot to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Cairns?
After you've checked off major attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Cairns Aquarium, spend some time discovering Cairns's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cairns?
The top tourist attraction in Cairns is Yorkeys Knob Beach, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Cairns?
You can easily visit popular sights like Cairns Aquarium, St Monica's Cathedral and The Cairns Museum with a three-day break in Cairns. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a bit longer and check out Fitzroy Island.
Is Cairns a walkable city?
It depends on what you'd like to do and see in Cairns. Several key attractions, including Cairns Aquarium and St Monica's Cathedral, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Cairns's best neighbourhoods, Cairns Central Business District is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Cairns North is 3 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Cairns with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all ages, here are some awesome ideas for what to do in Cairns with kids.

What to do in Cairns for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of nature, there are loads of things to do in Cairns for adults including Cazalys Cairns and Australian Armour and Artillery Museum.
Are there free things to do in Cairns?
From visiting parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Cairns. If you need inspiration, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. St Monica's Cathedral is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing activities.