Things to do in Cairns

Activities, attractions and tours

A waterfront with a reflective pool, a blue-roofed pavilion, and wind sculptures.
A clear turquoise sea, a pier extending into the water, and a small island with dense vegetation.
A coral reef with fish and coral formations.
A clear blue pool with a wooden deck, palm trees, and a sign for Cairns Esplanade.
A multi-tiered waterfall cascading down a steep, rocky cliff surrounded by dense, green forest.

Things to do

passengers aboard amphibious DUKW drive through jungles in Cairns

Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest

P1,514
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest
Half-Day Green Island, Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Big Cat Green Island - Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise

P5,433
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Big Cat Green Island - Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise
relaxing at the deck of a ship in Australia

Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour

P12,246
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour
Port Douglas: Shaolin Seafood Lunch Sail, with Fresh Prawns

Port Douglas: Shaolin Seafood Lunch Sail, with Fresh Prawns

P3,366
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Port Douglas: Shaolin Seafood Lunch Sail, with Fresh Prawns
Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour

Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour

P9,941
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour
Best of Fitzroy Island Day Tour

Best of Fitzroy Island Day Tour

P7,376
per adult
Best of Fitzroy Island Day Tour
Silverswift Dive & Snorkel Adventure

Silverswift Dive & Snorkel Cruise

P13,715
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Silverswift Dive & Snorkel Cruise
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What to do in Cairns

Stay near popular Cairns attractions

A beach with a lifeguard tower, palm trees, and a swimming pool.

Cairns Esplanade

9.2/10 (7,071 reviews)
A vibrant 2.5-kilometer waterfront promenade with the iconic Esplanade Lagoon overlooking the Coral Sea. Enjoy free fitness classes, picnic areas, or dine at waterfront cafés while watching the sunset.
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Where to stay in Cairns

Find the best Cairns areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.
A waterfront with a reflective pool, a blue-roofed pavilion, and wind sculptures.

Cairns Central Business District

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

A sunset over a calm pool with palm trees and a gazebo.

Cairns North

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Cairns North. A stop by Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland or Cairns Mudflats might round out your trip.

The entrance to Cairns Botanic Gardens with a signboard, lush greenery, and a stone pathway.

Edge Hill

You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Edge Hill. You might want to make time for a stop at Cairns Botanic Gardens or Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens.

An aerial view of a riverside resort with a circular water feature, a bridge, and lush greenery.

Parramatta Park

Visitors to Parramatta Park enjoy its shopping, and if you want to do some exploring, Barlow Park is worth a stop.

A sunset over a beach with palm trees silhouetted against the sky.

Palm Cove

Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Palm Cove Beach and Back Shot Beach.

A coastal town with houses, roads, and a hilly backdrop.

Koah

A coral reef with various coral formations and clear turquoise water.

Wangetti

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.