Things to do in Cairns

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Cairns
Cairns
Cairns
Cairns
Cairns
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Most popular activities 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 ￥29,869 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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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 ￥30,426 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef & Helicopter Package

Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef & Helicopter Package

Activity duration is 9 hours
7.8 out of 10 with 24 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥50,519 per adult
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Attractions

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Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket

Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket

3.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥2,296 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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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 ￥28,589 per traveler
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What to do in Cairns

Discover the most popular places to visit in Cairns

Cairns Esplanade

Cairns Esplanade

4.5/5(257 reviews)

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

4.5/5(142 reviews)

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
Cairns Central Shopping Centre

Cairns Central Shopping Centre

4/5(178 reviews)

During your visit to Tropical North Waterfront, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Discover the beautiful coral reefs in this walkable area, or enjoy its local tours.

Cairns Central Shopping Centre
Esplanade Lagoon

Esplanade Lagoon

4.5/5(106 reviews)

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

4.5/5(109 reviews)

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

Cairns Marlin Marina
Cairns Convention Centre, Queensland: Aerial Photo of Iconic Architecture, Urban Landscape, Waterfront, and City Infrastructure in Tropical North Queensland, Australia

Cairns Convention Centre

4.5/5(22 reviews)

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

Cairns Convention Centre
Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach

4.5/5(37 reviews)

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

4.5/5(211 reviews)

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 Night Markets

Cairns Night Markets

4/5(151 reviews)

During your visit to Tropical North Waterfront, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Cairns Night Markets. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area, or seek out the local tours.

Cairns Night Markets

Where to stay in Cairns

Find the best Cairns areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Cairns
Learn more about Cairns

Cairns Central Business District

Cairns Central Business District is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Tropical North Waterfront.

The Cairns Lagoon at sunrise in Tropical North Queensland

Cairns North

Beaches and abundant 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.

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 Mount Whitfield Conservation Park.

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 you can see some sights in the area like Palm Cove Beach and Kuranda National Park.

Popular day trips from Cairns

Portsmith

Portsmith

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 travelers 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 neighborhoods, Cairns Central Business District is 0.32 kilometers away from downtown, while Cairns North is 3 kilometers away from the city center 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 neighborhoods, 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.

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