Things to do in Cairns

Activities, attractions and tours

Cairns
Palm Cove Beach showing tropical scenes, a sandy beach and swimming
Cairns featuring street scenes and signage
Cairns
Cairns

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Most popular experiences 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
9.6 out of 10 with 54 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 9,615 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Cairns: Daintree Rainforest Wildlife Experience Cruise

Cairns: Daintree Rainforest Wildlife Experience Cruise

Activity duration is 1 hour
6.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 1,331 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Reef Magic Experience & Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Flight

Reef Magic Experience & Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Flight

Activity duration is 8 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 18,716 per adult*
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Attractions

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Hartley's Crocodile Adventures Half-Day Tour

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures Half-Day Tour

Activity duration is 6 hours and 20 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 4,755 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Cairns City Half Day Tour

Cairns City Half Day Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is P 5,706 per adult
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What to do in Cairns

Popular places to visit

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

Cairns Esplanade

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

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 Marlin 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
Esplanade Lagoon which includes 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

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 garden 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

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

Reef Fleet Terminal

Explore the waterfront in Cairns with a trip to Reef Fleet Terminal. Discover the beautiful coral reefs in this walkable area, or enjoy its local tours.

Reef Fleet Terminal

Areas of Cairns

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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

5/5(1 area review)

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 which includes landscape views, tropical scenes and surfing

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, a pool and swimming

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 showing a luxury hotel or resort, golf and mountains

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
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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
Photo by Mike from Cairns

Koah

Wangetti

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.