Things to do in Cairns

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Skyrail Rainforest Cableway which includes rainforest and landscape views
Palm Cove Beach showing swimming, a beach and tropical scenes
Cairns showing signage and street scenes
Cairns featuring general coastal views, tranquil scenes and a bay or harbor
Cairns featuring forest scenes, a cascade and a river or creek
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Most popular activities in Cairns

Tours & day trips

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Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Agincourt Reef Cruise

Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Agincourt Reef Cruise

Activity duration is 6 hours and 30 minutes
9.2 out of 10 with 41 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥21,266 per traveler
Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Agincourt Reef CruiseOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

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Cairns: Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge & Daintree Day Tour

Cairns: Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge & Daintree Day Tour

Activity duration is 12 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥28,016 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
7.6 out of 10 with 24 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥40,096 per adult
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Attractions

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Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Admission Tickets

Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Admission Tickets

Activity duration is 1 hour
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥3,959 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Private Half Day Tour: World Heritage Rainforest & Waterfall

Private Half Day Tour: World Heritage Rainforest & Waterfall

Activity duration is 5 hours
Price is ￥118,867 per traveler*
Private Half Day Tour: World Heritage Rainforest & WaterfallOpens in new tab

What to do in Cairns

Discover the most popular places to visit in Cairns

Cairns Esplanade which includes a pool, swimming and a luxury hotel or resort

Cairns Esplanade

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

Cairns Esplanade
Cairns Marlin Marina which includes sailing, mountains and a 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
Palm Cove Beach featuring a beach, tropical scenes and general coastal views

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 featuring a coastal town and a hotel

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 Night Markets showing markets as well as a small group of people

Cairns Night Markets

During your visit to Cairns, 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
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway showing forests and rainforest

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
Clifton Beach which includes a park and tropical scenes

Clifton Beach

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

Clifton Beach
Australian Armour and Artillery Museum which includes interior views and military items

Australian Armour and Artillery Museum

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Australian Armour and Artillery Museum in Cairns. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area.

Australian Armour and Artillery Museum

Cairns Central Shopping Centre

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

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Cairns

Palm Cove showing a beach, a garden and tropical scenes

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 which includes a city

Cairns Central Business District

4.5/5(264 area reviews)

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 Cairns.

Cairns Central Business District
Trinity Beach showing 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 which includes a luxury hotel or resort, swimming and a pool

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.

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

Clifton Beach

Travelers come to Clifton Beach for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while you're in town.

Clifton Beach
Yorkeys Knob showing tranquil scenes and mountains

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

Popular day trips from Cairns

Photo by Cheskie's Gap Life

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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.