Most popular for its warm tropical climate, Cairns has something for everyone to enjoy. As well as being a favorite tourist destination, Cairns also serves as a gateway to the famous Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest and other attractions in Far North Queensland.Whether you only have a day to sightsee or a whole weekend of travel planned, you can be sure that there are enough attractions and leisure activities to fill up your schedule.
There are also several towns outside of Cairns worth a visit if you want to expand your travels.
Things to See
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef has the largest coral reef system in the world. It is an important part of the regions nature and culture and one of the most favourite tourist destinations in the world. It is also a UNESCO World heritage site.
Lake Placid
This is a quiet, serene lake surrounded by a scenic rainforest. A visit to Lake Placid is ideal if you are after interactions with Mother Nature and for family picnics.
Northern Beaches
To get to a beach in Cairns you have to travel by car or by bus as there are no beaches available in Central Cairns. The Northern side however has several beaches characterized by warm weather, calm waters and beautiful sands to relax on.
Mount Whitfield Conservation Park
This is a perfect place to take nature walks as you enjoy the rainforest. It also has amazing views of the city.
Smithfield Conservation Park
This is another forested area with walking tracks. It is less popular with tourists but a favorite for locals.
Cairns Regional Gallery
For art lovers, you will find a wide variety of art exhibitions from local artists and beyond. If you are more interested in the town’s history, then Cairns Museum would also be worth a visit.
Things to Do
Swim
The best place to enjoy a swim is in the artificial lagoon near the pier. It offers a much better experience than the Northern Beaches which are closed off for part of the year due to dangerous sea creatures.
Take a nature walk
With conservations parks and rainforests abound in and around Cairns, hiking is a popular activity. Check out adventure shops and bookshops for walking guides which list the best walking tracks.
A magical ride on the Sky Rail Rainforest Cableway
If you want an eagle’s eye of the dense rainforests, this is the way to go. The cableway rides above the treetops providing tourists with unparalleled views of the forests and other natural features.
Hot Air Ballooning
Few opportunities give you the chance to sightsee the town like a hot air balloon ride. You can see the city below, the expansive forests and many other beautiful features. It is even more breathtaking if you do it at sunrise or sunset.
Guided Tours
If you would rather have someone guide around, look out for the many tours offered by various companies. There are tours both on land and in the waters.
Enjoy the city’s lively nightlife
There are plenty of nightclubs, casinos and bars where you can enjoy some good music and endless fun.
For those who want to venture outside of Cairns, other good destinations nearby include Port Douglas, Palm Cove, Trinity Beach, Daintree and Townsville.