Visiting Cairns? 11 Fun Things to Do

You’ll find Cairns sits perfectly positioned between two UNESCO World Heritage sites—the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest—making it Australia’s ultimate adventure basecamp. While most visitors stick to the obvious tourist trails, there’s a strategic way to experience this tropical gateway that’ll maximize your time and minimize the crowds. The key lies in knowing which experiences deserve your precious vacation days and which tourist traps you should skip entirely.

Snorkel the Outer Reef on a Full-Day Boat Trip

While Cairns offers plenty of reef activities close to shore, you’ll experience the Great Barrier Reef at its most spectacular by venturing to the outer reef sites on a full-day boat trip.

These excursions target pristine locations like Norman, Saxon, and Flynn reefs, where vibrant coral gardens rise from the ocean floor just meters below the surface.

You’ll depart around 8:00-10:30am from Reef Fleet Terminal, enjoying a 90-minute cruise to reach two or three carefully selected sites.

Full snorkeling gear, wetsuits, and guided tours with marine naturalists are included, plus a tropical buffet lunch onboard. The spacious dive deck and modern facilities ensure comfortable access to the water for both snorkelers and divers.

Expect to encounter clownfish, sea turtles, giant Maori Wrasse, and countless tropical species.

Tours return by 5:30pm, priced from AUD 185-300 per adult.

Walk the Ancient Daintree Rainforest Boardwalks

Just 90 minutes north of Cairns lies the world’s oldest surviving rainforest, where elevated boardwalks let you explore 180-million-year-old ecosystems without damaging the fragile forest floor.

Start with the free 700-meter Jindalba Boardwalk near the ferry—it’s perfect for families and offers incredible strangler figs and fan palms.

For deeper immersion, head to the Daintree Discovery Centre‘s Cassowary Circuit, where you’ll walk through actual cassowary feeding corridors and reach McLean’s Lookout for panoramic views. The centre also features an impressive 23-meter tower with five educational levels, allowing visitors to experience different layers of the rainforest canopy up close.

Don’t miss the 1.2-kilometer Dubuji Boardwalk, which uniquely combines rainforest and mangrove environments before emerging at stunning Myall Beach, showcasing where ancient rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.

Swim at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

When Cairns’s tropical heat becomes overwhelming, the city’s crown jewel—the Esplanade Lagoon—offers the perfect escape right in the heart of downtown. This 4,800-square-metre saltwater lagoon accommodates up to 1,000 swimmers simultaneously, with depths ranging from 80cm to 1.6m for all swimming abilities.

You’ll enjoy pristine water quality thanks to state-of-the-art filtration systems that clean the water every four hours. Unlike natural swimming spots, there’s no risk of stingers or crocodiles—lifeguards ensure your safety throughout operating hours. The facility provides free changing rooms, showers, and wheelchair access.

Beyond swimming, you can join complimentary aqua aerobics classes or relax on the surrounding grassy areas with barbecue facilities. The lagoon also features distinctive public art including Torres Strait artist Brian Robinson’s Woven Fish sculptures that enhance the cultural experience. With over 25 million visitors since opening, it’s clearly Cairns’s most beloved recreational destination.

Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Combo

After cooling off at the lagoon, set out on one of Australia’s most spectacular rail and cable car journeys that showcases the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest from two dramatically different perspectives.

The heritage Kuranda Scenic Railway winds through 15 tunnels and 37 bridges, climbing 328 meters through rainforest-clad mountains in nearly two hours. You’ll hear English commentary about the railway’s 1800s history while viewing Barron Falls and Stoney Creek. The train features open windows that allow refreshing rainforest breezes to flow through the carriages during your journey.

The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offers a contrasting 1.5-hour aerial experience in air-conditioned gondolas. Stop at Red Peak and Barron Falls stations for boardwalk walks and ranger interactions.

Book combo packages (around AUD 140.50 for adults) including accommodation transfers.

Allow 2-3 hours exploring Kuranda village‘s markets and wildlife sanctuaries between journeys.

Spend a Day on Green Island

While most Great Barrier Reef destinations offer either coral reefs or tropical landscapes, Green Island delivers both as a rare coral cay crowned with 6,000-year-old rainforest just 45 minutes by catamaran from Cairns.

You’ll find world-class snorkeling directly off the beach, where sea turtles graze seagrass beds and colorful reef fish dart between coral formations. Don’t miss the rainforest boardwalk for spotting native birds or Marineland Melanesia’s crocodile habitat featuring Cassius, the world’s largest captive crocodile. For an unforgettable aerial perspective, take a helicopter scenic flight to view the island and surrounding reef from above.

If you’re avoiding water activities, glass-bottom boat tours reveal the underwater spectacle while keeping you dry. Join Wunyami Indigenous Heritage Tours for cultural insights, or simply relax on pristine beaches with full resort facilities supporting extended stays.

Experience Aboriginal Culture at Mossman Gorge

Beyond the reef adventures, Cairns offers profound connections to Australia’s oldest living culture at Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre. You’ll join local Kuku Yalanji guides for intimate Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks through the world’s oldest surviving rainforest.

The experience begins with a traditional Smoking Ceremony, then continues along private tracks where you’ll discover bush medicines, traditional foods, and ochre painting techniques. The centre also features an Art Gallery displaying Indigenous artworks and cultural items that showcase the rich heritage of the region.

Your guides share ancient stories while demonstrating traditional weaving and explaining how their ancestors used native plants. The walk concludes with damper bread and bush tea.

Book ahead since groups stay small to maintain cultural authenticity. Wear comfortable shoes and bring insect repellent. Hotel transfers from Cairns are available, making this UNESCO World Heritage experience easily accessible for meaningful culture.

Drive the Waterfall Circuit to Josephine Falls

When you’re ready to explore Cairns’ stunning hinterland, the Waterfall Circuit delivers one of Queensland’s most rewarding self-drive experiences, culminating at the spectacular Josephine Falls.

Start your journey south through Gordonvale, then tackle the famous Gillies Highway with its 263 bends ascending into the Tablelands. Return via Palmerston Highway through farmland and small towns before reaching Josephine Falls, located 75km south of Cairns in Wooroonooran National Park.

The falls feature three cascades with a natural water slide and rope swing surrounded by lush rainforest. A paved 1.2km trail leads from the sealed car park to swimming holes and lookout platforms. For the more adventurous, the challenging Bartle Frere trail offers a 10km return hike taking approximately 8 hours.

Arrive early to avoid tour crowds, and stick to designated swimming areas—Devil’s Pool’s dangerous currents are off-limits.

Visit Cairns Aquarium for Up-Close Marine Life

After exploring Cairns’ natural waterfalls and rainforest landscapes, head back to the city center for an equally impressive underwater adventure at Cairns Aquarium. This world-class facility houses over 16,000 animals across 71 living habitats representing Tropical North Queensland’s diverse ecosystems.

You’ll walk through Australia’s only 10-meter Deep Reef Tank and experience the stunning 360-degree Oceanarium with its 20-meter underwater tunnel. Don’t miss the Marine Touch Tanks where you can safely handle sea stars and sea cucumbers, or catch the daily shark feeding demonstrations.

For deeper engagement, book the Marine Life Encounter tour to hand-feed Cownose Rays or visit the onsite Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. The aquarium features Australia’s largest freshwater exhibit for those interested in tropical river ecosystems. The aquarium’s fully air-conditioned facility operates year-round, making it perfect for escaping Cairns’ tropical heat.

Explore the Night Markets and Marina Waterfront

As evening settles over Cairns, the city’s vibrant Night Markets come alive with over 70 stalls sprawling across Abbott Street and The Esplanade. You’ll find everything from handmade crafts and Australiana souvenirs to authentic Asian street food and fresh seafood.

The air-conditioned, undercover venue operates daily from 4:30 pm to 11 pm, making it perfect for escaping the tropical heat. The markets are conveniently positioned at the heart of Cairns city at 54-60 Abbott St, with entrances accessible from both Abbott Street and the Esplanade.

Don’t miss the diverse food court where you can sample Far North Queensland’s specialties, including sulphur-free seafood and local produce.

For relaxation, indulge in affordable massages from skilled Chinese therapists.

Saturday mornings, head to the nearby Marina for the Farm Gate Market featuring organic local produce from 7:30 am to 2 pm, then enjoy waterfront dining with scenic views.

Take a Day Trip to Fitzroy Island

Just 45 minutes by catamaran from Cairns Marina, Fitzroy Island offers one of the region’s most accessible Great Barrier Reef experiences without the crowds of more popular destinations. Book the full-day tour departing at 8:30 AM—you’ll need those six hours to explore properly.

Head straight to Nudey Beach via the easy 600-meter rainforest walk for the island’s best snorkeling. The fringing reef here delivers colorful corals and frequent turtle sightings right off the beach. Pack reef walkers since rocky sections can be tricky barefoot. For a complete underwater experience, consider adding a glass bottom boat tour to see marine life without getting wet.

Don’t skip the summit track for panoramic Coral Sea views—on clear days, you’ll spot Green Island in the distance. Book weekends early as tours sell out fast. Snorkel gear rentals are available on-island, but stinger suits are essential during jellyfish season.

Swim in the Crater Lakes at Atherton Tablelands

Escape Cairns’ coastal heat with an invigorating dip in the Atherton Tablelands’ pristine crater lakes, where ancient volcanic eruptions created some of Queensland’s most spectacular natural swimming holes.

Lake Eacham offers the best swimming experience with crystal-clear waters averaging 65 meters deep, complete with pontoons and boat ramps for easy access. You’ll find excellent facilities including picnic areas and barbecues perfect for day trips.

Lake Barrine provides a more tranquil experience with shallow swimming areas surrounded by World Heritage rainforest. Don’t miss the nearby teahouse for refreshments after your swim. The lake also features one of Australia’s oldest kauri pine stands, adding ancient natural heritage to your visit.

These rain-fed freshwater lakes maintain pleasant temperatures year-round, though you should remain vigilant for occasional crocodile sightings despite their rarity.

The Sum Up

You’ve got endless adventures waiting in Cairns—from world-class reef diving to ancient rainforest walks. Don’t try cramming everything into one trip; instead, pick three to four activities that match your interests and energy level. Book reef trips early for better weather windows, and always pack reef-safe sunscreen. The wet season (December-April) brings crowds but also lush landscapes. Whatever you choose, Cairns won’t disappoint—it’s Australia’s adventure capital for good reason.