Things to do in Cairns

Activities, attractions and tours

Cairns
Palm Cove Beach which includes swimming, tropical scenes and a beach
Cairns which includes street scenes and signage
Cairns
Cairns

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 145 activities
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
9.6 out of 10 with 53 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €142 per adult
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive CruiseOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 20 activities
Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Activity duration is 9 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is €146 per adult
Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive CruiseOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 19 activities
Fitzroy Island Adventures - Full Day or Half Day

Fitzroy Island Adventures - Full Day or Half Day

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
8.6 out of 10 with 40 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €59 per adult
Fitzroy Island Adventures - Full Day or Half DayOpens in new tab

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 14 activities
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef & Helicopter Package

Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef & Helicopter Package

Activity duration is 9 hours
7.6 out of 10 with 23 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €223 per adult
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef & Helicopter PackageOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 10 activities
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures Half-Day Tour

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures Half-Day Tour

Activity duration is 6 hours and 20 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €70 per adult
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures Half-Day TourOpens in new tab

What to do in Cairns

Areas of Cairns

Default Image

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.

Palm Cove
Cairns showing a city

Cairns Central Business District

4.5/5(69 area reviews)

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.

Cairns Central Business District
Trinity Beach featuring landscape views, tropical scenes and a beach

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.

Trinity Beach
Cairns Esplanade showing swimming, a luxury hotel or resort and a pool

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.

Cairns North
Clifton Beach which includes golf, a luxury hotel or resort and mountains

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.

Clifton Beach
Default Image

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.

Yorkeys Knob
Photo by Mike from Cairns

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.