Guide to Cairns

The Great Barrier Reef’s spectacular array of coral, tropical fish, turtles and rays are nothing short of unforgettable. Discover all the ways you can explore the reef and experience its beauty, both in and out of the water. 

From open-air markets to the popular al fresco cafés, there is a lot to discover along the Cairns Esplanade. Don’t miss the saltwater lagoon offering families cool respite on a hot day. Find out what’s on along the Esplanade.

Take a day tour of the Cairns coastline, charter your own sailboat, snorkel secret beaches or soak up the island life at one of the region’s eco resorts. Find out more about Queensland’s lesser-known island getaways.

From the waters of the reef to the green moss of the Daintree Rainforest, engage with ancient knowledge and storytelling with Indigenous experiences you’ll find nowhere else. Immerse yourself in an Aboriginal experience near Cairns. 

Nothing washes away worries like a leisurely float below a rainforest canopy. With Back Country Bliss Adventures, you'll drift down the river with a snorkel, spying the marine life under the surface with this unforgettable experience.

Is the world’s most perfect picnic spot on Vlasoff Cay? Land by helicopter on a speck of sand surrounded by the bluey-green Coral Sea and snorkel in the crystalline waters before enjoying a rock-star breakfast with bubbles. 

The Great Eight is the Great Barrier Reef’s answer to an African safari’s Big Five. Set out to find all eight of these wonderous underwater creatures and you're guaranteed to be rewarded with plenty more incredible sights along the way.

The World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest is full of natural wonders. Swim in clear waterholes, spot crocodiles in the river and find where the rainforest meets the reef. Explore the ancient magic of the oldest tropical rainforest in the world.

Surrounded by tropical rainforest-clad mountains, the charming village of Kuranda is known for its scenic cableway, local markets and artistic community, with so much more to discover. Get to know its quirky side. 

The warm rains of a tropical summer bring renewed vitality and intense vibrancy to Queensland’s cascading waterfalls, balmy seas and abundant wildlife. Explore all the reasons a tropical summer escape to Cairns should be on your radar. 

With an ecosystem that is more biodiverse than that of the Galapagos Islands, the Wet Tropics is the ultimate place for an animal encounter. Find out where you can meet the region’s rare and elusive creatures found nowhere else on Earth.

Floating atop Moore Reef is the Sunlover pontoon, complete with a spiralling waterslide. A tour perfect for family or friends, this outer reef tour is the whole package, offering everything from snorkelling to glass-bottom boating.

A short drive from Cairns, cooling off in the refreshing spray of a waterfall is unbeatable on a hot day. From giant cascades in all their thundering glory to hidden plunge pools, head out in search of the area’s best falls. 

Arts and crafts, fresh produce, clothing and jewellery are all on offer from local producers and artisans. With a bustling atmosphere accompanied by live music, spend a few hours browsing these treasure troves. 

Visitors ready to get their hearts pumping can't miss the Cairns Skypark by AJ Hackett. Push yourself to the limits as you climb up 50 metres (164 feet) before bungy jumping off the platform toward the lagoon below.