Things to do in Cairns

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Great Barrier Reef

Sunlover Reef Cruises

7.1

Cairns · 1km from downtown

169 reviews

Everything you can experience at Moore Reef is beyond your imagination. The Sunlover Great Barrier Reef Cruise departs daily from Cairns Ferry Terminal to the new Moore Reef Offshore Platform, where you can discover and explore the unparalleled wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. On this offshore platform, you can spend a day participating in various interesting activities, as well as admiring the beautiful Great Barrier Reef from all angles. On this luxury offshore platform 40 kilometers from Cairns, you can explore the mysterious underwater world up close. Moore's Reef Platform is the world's premier marine experience platform, designed to accommodate visitors of all ages and abilities, allowing everyone to experience the magnificent Great Barrier Reef in comfort. Fitzroy Island, part of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, is one of Cairns' most accessible tropical getaways. Just a short 45-minute boat ride from Cairns, this lush rainforest island is celebrated for its coral beaches, fringing reefs, and vibrant marine life. Unlike typical continential islands, many of Fitzroy's beaches are formed from crushed coral, built up over thousands of years. These remnants of ancient reefs were gradually reshaped and displaced by hundreds of tropical storms, creating the island's uniquely textured shores that embody its deep connection to the Great Barrier Reef's natural history.

No. 8 of Family-friendly Attractions in Queensland

Cairns Aquarium

6.2

Cairns · 381m from downtown

238 reviews

Cairns Aquarium is a very new and regional aquarium in Australia. It has won two awards in the tourism industry. This is an ecological exhibition hall in the world that brings together the essence of the world's two natural heritages - the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical rain forest. The whole museum is divided into 10 North Queensland ecosystems and 71 habitats. You can enjoy more than 15,000 North Queensland characteristic creatures in the fully air-conditioned museum, many of which are rare and protected species. The aquarium is located in the heart of Cairns, adjacent to major hotels in the city, with convenient transportation.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Great Barrier Reef

Reef Magic

6.2

Cairns · 1km from downtown

53 reviews

If you are looking for a day trip from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef, then the Dream Reef cruise is a better choice. In order to give you a refined and comfortable Great Barrier Reef experience, the Dream Reef cruise is limited to no more than 200 people. The Dream Reef cruise ship has exclusive access to the outer barrier reef platform, which has clear water, colorful corals and a variety of marine life. The comfortable, stable and fast catamaran of the Dream Reef reduces the travel time, increases the time spent on the Great Barrier Reef to 5 hours, and provides a variety of marine entertainment activities suitable for all ages, allowing you to fully enjoy the wonderful time of Moore Great Barrier Reef!

No. 13 of Best Things to Do in Queensland

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

6.3

Smithfield · 11.4km from Cairns

534 reviews

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is one of Cairns' most iconic rainforest experiences. The journey spans approximately 7.5 km, departing from Smithfield Terminal, passing through Red Peak and Barron Falls stations, and arriving at Kuranda Village. Guests can enjoy spectacular aerial views of the World Heritage-listed rainforest, with the opportunity to disembark at intermediate stations to walk, explore, and learn more about the rainforest ecosystem. This experience is suitable for families with children, seniors, couples, independent travelers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a relaxing way to experience Cairns' natural beauty. A popular option is to combine Skyrail with the Kuranda Scenic Railway for a full-day Kuranda experience, or simply enjoy a return Skyrail journey. Advance booking is recommended. Please note that the departure point is Smithfield Terminal (not Cairns city centre), and guests should arrange transport accordingly.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Great Barrier Reef

Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises

6

Cairns · 1.1km from downtown

21 reviews

Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef is a popular tourist destination in Cairns. It only takes 45 minutes to take a cruise on the Big Cat to reach Green Island, a beautiful coral island on the Great Barrier Reef. It is a coral island surrounded by white sandy beaches, beautiful reefs and abundant marine life, and the island is covered with tropical rainforest vegetation. The Big Cat cruise ship has four voyages to Green Island every day, the full-day ferry departs at 9:00 and 11:00, and the half-day ferry departs at 9:00 and 1:00 pm. You can freely snorkel or swim in the crystal-clear waters of Green Island, you can also take a glass-bottom boat and a semi-submarine boat to visit the wonderful underwater world, you can also stroll along the tree-lined paths of the national park, or just lay leisurely. Enjoy the sun and white sand on the beach. If you want to learn more about the Great Barrier Reef, you can also book a snorkeling experience tour with Big Cat, aerobic snorkeling and no heavy equipment diving. Big Cat cruises have a range of options for families, couples, groups and charters. When you go to Green Island, you can freely start snorkeling from the beach. It doesn't matter if you can't swim, Big Cat has a semi-submarine on Green Island to take you to experience the beautiful underwater creatures.

No. 1 of Activities in Queensland

Snorkeling or Scuba Diving in Cairns

5.4

Cairns is located at the northernmost tip of the east coast of Queensland, Australia. Here, you can not only witness the magnificent scenery of the Great Barrier Reef, the largest living coral area on the earth, but also get close to colorful tropical fish and marine life, and enjoy a double feast of vision and soul. Unique Creatures and Landscapes:Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, where dive sites are renowned for their spectacular coral reefs and rich marine life. Divers can swim with minke whales, explore the wall and deep-sea silver fin whales at Osprey Reef, or encounter giant potato cod at Lizard Island's Cod Holes. Excellent visibility:Cairns' waters are crystal clear, with diving visibility between 25 and 35 meters. June to November is the best diving season, when it is the dry season in Cairns, with little rain and high visibility. Comfortable air and water temperature:Cairns has a tropical climate, which is warm all year round. The water temperature changes from 29℃ in summer to 22℃ in winter, providing a comfortable diving experience. Beginner Difficulty:Cairns diving is relatively easy, with average depth of dive sites 17 meters, the water flow is weak, even the top flow has no pressure. Cairns has become a dream destination for diving enthusiasts around the world with its unique marine life, high visibility and suitable water temperature. Whether you are an adventure seeker or a nature lover who loves marine life, you can find your own diving fun here.

Australia · Cairns

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Cairns

Hot Air Balloon Cairns

5.1

4.8/5

6 reviews

Hot Air Balloon Cairns is a highly popular activity where visitors can soar in a hot air balloon at dawn, marveling at the breathtaking views of the Atherton Tablelands from above while enjoying the serene beauty of sunrise. The hot air balloon ride typically begins before dawn, offering a 40–60 minute flight experience that allows visitors to admire the rolling hills, rivers, and farmlands from high above. During the flight, the pilot provides insightful commentary about the region, pointing out local highlights to enhance the educational and entertaining aspects of the journey. After the hot air balloon tour, visitors assist the pilot in deflating, rolling, and repacking the balloon, completing this unique adventure. To commemorate the experience, guests receive a souvenir certificate and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or juice along with light breakfast snacks. Hot Air Balloon Cairns is not just a visual feast but also an unforgettable adventure, perfect for thrill-seekers and those looking for a romantic experience. At the end of the flight, visitors are transported back to their hotels, concluding a delightful hot air balloon journey.

Cairns · 753m from downtown

No. 20 of Family-friendly Attractions in Australia

Rainforestation Nature Park

6.5

4.3/5

330 reviews

The Tropical Rainforest Park is located on the Kennedy Highway, only a 5-minute drive from the town of Kuranda and about half an hour from Cairns. It is one of the ancient and mysterious tropical rainforests in the world, a symbol of Kuranda, and a must-visit place in Cairns. 1. There is a fixed shuttle bus to and from the tropical rain forest park and the butterfly house every day. Drive to the rainforest park, opposite the visitor center and gift shop, you can sign up for various activities. Entering from the parking lot, you will first come to the wildlife park. The wildlife park is not far from the entrance, providing visitors with the opportunity to get in touch with cute animals. In addition to petting koalas, you can also feed kangaroos and take pictures with crocodiles. In the zoo is a saltwater crocodile that is more than 5 meters long. It has the title of "Devil Jack" because it killed 12 other small crocodiles in the park before. The built trail allows tourists to see his activities very clearly. 2. Near the Tropical Fruit Garden is Tropical Fruit Orchard. There are more than 40 kinds of tropical fruits. You can also taste fresh juice while learning knowledge! In the middle of the tropical fruit garden is the tropical supply station, which provides a variety of tropical juices, tropical fruit ice cream and snacks, allowing you to cool off in this hot tropical rainforest. 3. Amphibious vehicle Amphibious vehicle is a unique adventure rainforest experience, which is a unique project in the park. There are 12 military combat vehicles left over from World War II in the park, and the experience time is 45 minutes. This expedition has a dedicated guide explaining the flora and fauna of the rainforest, including Jurassic plants, fig trees, orchids, blue butterflies, chameleons and various birds. 4. Australian aboriginal performances In addition to this, there are also Australian aboriginal performances waiting for you. Professional Aboriginal guides will take you back in time in original costumes and gain insight into primitive life. Ancient culture tour, including half-hour dance performance and half-hour display of weapons and instruments. In the natural background of the tropical rainforest, the indigenous people play musical instruments, expressing their worship of nature incisively and vividly. They also imitate various animals, showing scenes of gathering and hunting. The professional demonstration and explanation of Huilibiao will also be included. The indigenous people use javelins to hunt animals, and you can also take pictures with them. Also, you can admire the drawing of pointillism or try face painting.

Kuranda · 16.6km from Cairns

No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Cairns

Cairns Koalas & Creatures

4.9

4.3/5

15 reviews

Cairns Koalas & Creatures is an interactive experience center that combines education and entertainment. Here, visitors have the opportunity to get up close with Australia's iconic animal, the koala, and learn about their habits. Visitors can take photos with koalas and enjoy the experience of interacting with these gentle marsupials. The center is dedicated to wildlife conservation, educating visitors about the importance of preserving natural heritage by showcasing Australia's unique ecosystems, such as the Great Barrier Reef, mangroves, rainforests, abundant woodlands, and rugged outback areas. Visitors can explore these ecosystems and understand their crucial role in maintaining Australia's biodiversity. Cairns Koalas & Creatures also offers a series of educational programs aimed at raising public awareness about wildlife conservation and encouraging participation in preservation efforts.

Cairns · 1km from downtown

No. 19 of Best Things to Do in Queensland

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Traveller favourites curated for you

Kuranda Scenic Railway

6.1

4.6/5

100 reviews

Kuranda · 18.1km from Cairns

7% off

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Australia Cairns Daintree Rainforest + Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre + Cape Tribulation 1-day tour with English-speaking guide and lunch included

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Australia Cairns Daintree Rainforest + Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre + Cape Tribulation 1-day tour with English-speaking guide and lunch included

4.9/5

53 reviews646 booked

Departs from Cairns

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From€133.21

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14 days · Sydney - Airlie Beach - Cairns - Port Douglas - Darwin - Singapore

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelPrivate Tours

10 reviews12 booked

Explore Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia and discover the Great Barrier Reef and urban bays

9D8N • Australia + Sydney + Cairns + Melbourne + Blue Mountains + Great Ocean Road + Great Barrier Reef

100% private independent tour exclusively for your group. No forced shopping stops, no hidden extra fees. One vehicle throughout | The itinerary is logically arranged with reasonable pacing, ensuring no rushed sightseeing. | Enjoy traveling at your own pace, free from any rigid group schedule.

From EUR 2,916

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Experiences you can't miss in Cairns

Featured Day tours in Cairns

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Cairns Green Island Great Barrier Reef Big Cat half-day tour snorkeling/glass bottom boat

4.5/5

· 16 reviews· 384 booked

Duration: 3.7 hrs

English

Free cancellation

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Cairns Magic Reef Great Barrier Reef 1-day tour with snorkeling, lunch, glass-bottom boat, and semi-submarine

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Cairns Magic Reef Great Barrier Reef 1-day tour with snorkeling, lunch, glass-bottom boat, and semi-submarine

4.7/5

· 18 reviews· 383 booked

Duration: 10 hrs

English

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From€176.00

Cairns Kuranda Rainforest Day Tour English Package Bus Cable Car Rainforest Park Free Choice

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Cairns Kuranda Rainforest Day Tour English Package Bus Cable Car Rainforest Park Free Choice

4.9/5

· 170 reviews· 1.6k booked

Duration: 5.5 hrs

English

Free cancellation

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98.8% of travelers recommend

5% off

Limited-time sale

From€120.19€126.52

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Australia Kuranda Cable Car + Scenic Railway Half-Day Tour [Depart After Wake-Up with Transfers Included]

5.0/5

· 1 review· 26 booked

Duration: 4.8 hrs

English

From€143.18

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Kuranda, Skyrail and Scenic Rail - Full-Day Tour

Duration: 24 hrs

English

Free cancellation

From€133.03

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Australia Kuranda Scenic Cable Car + Railway Day Tour [Including Transfers/Multiple Departure Points]

4.0/5

· 2 reviews· 30 booked

Duration: 6.3 hrs

English

From€148.66

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Cairns Great Barrier Reef + Fitzroy Island 1-day tour

4.8/5

· 4 reviews· 192 booked

Duration: 6.7 hrs

English

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From€84.95

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Featured Culture & history in Cairns

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Cairns Paronella Park 1-day tour with Chinese/English guide, city pickup available, can be combined with airport transfer

5.0/5

· 3 reviews· 60 booked

Duration: 5.7 hrs

English

Free cancellation

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5% off

Limited-time sale

From€137.97€145.24

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[Limited-Time Special for Kids] Cairns Great Barrier Reef Sunlover Day Tour with Optional Helicopter Ride

4.9/5

· 14 reviews· 256 booked

Duration: 7.7 hrs

English

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From€186.97

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Tomb of the Pharaohs - Ticket

Duration: 24 hrs

English

Free cancellation

From€36.15

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Cairns Audio Tour: Historic Landmarks

Duration: 1.5 hrs

English

Free cancellation

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20% off

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From€3.99€4.99

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Cairns: Immersive Small Group Indigenous Cultural Experience

Duration: 3 hrs

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From€92.92

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Skip the Line: Cairns Museum Single Admission Ticket

4.9/5

· 8 reviews

Duration: 24 hrs

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From€9.37

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Entry Ticket at Historic Village Herberton

5.0/5

· 13 reviews

Duration: 3–8 hrs

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From€28.72

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Featured Outdoor & sports in Cairns

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Cairns Big Cat/Green Island Great Barrier Reef Cruise [Short Trip/Snorkeling/Glass Bottom Boat]

4.8/5

· 4 reviews· 128 booked

Duration: 7.7 hrs

English

Free cancellation

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From€64.87

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Cairns Big Cat Green Island Great Barrier Reef Cruise Half-Day Tour - Optional Morning/Afternoon Snorkeling & Glass Bottom Boat

5.0/5

· 2 reviews· 79 booked

Duration: 2.7 hrs

English

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From€72.09

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Cairns Reef Magic Great Barrier Reef 1-day tour with meals | helicopter/diving/snorkeling

4.6/5

· 51 reviews· 1.2k booked

Duration: 6.5 hrs

English

Free cancellation

90.2% of travelers recommend

From€175.87

Cairns helicopter sightseeing Great Barrier Reef Nautilus Aviation

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Cairns helicopter sightseeing Great Barrier Reef Nautilus Aviation

4.7/5

· 7 reviews· 164 booked

Duration: 30 mins

English

Free cancellation

81 travellers saved

From€288.75

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Cairns Barron River Rafting half-day tour [hot tea & coffee | optional hotel transfers | adventure game]

5.0/5

· 5 reviews· 76 booked

Duration: 3 hrs

English

Free cancellation

56 travellers saved

From€72.49

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Skydiving in Cairns city [hotel pick-up and drop-off + ocean view skydiving + overlooking the Great Barrier Reef]

5.0/5

· 5 reviews· 61 booked

Duration: 1 hr

English

Free cancellation

From€209.97

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Tully River Full-Day Rafting: Cairns, Mission Beach or Self-Drive

4.9/5

· 284 reviews

Duration: 12 hrs

English

Free cancellation

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98 consecutive positive reviews

From€127.93

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Cairns Cruises

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19 days · Singapore - Indonesia - Australia - Sydney

Cruise Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia and enjoy the Great Barrier Reef and tropical islands

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Silver Moon5

Depart from Singapore

From EUR 13,618

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Sail the world and take in historic cities and vast, azure seas.

Private Tours in Cairns

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Group Tours in Cairns

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3D2N • 3-Day Isle of Skye Inverness Highlands and Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh

4.9/5

752 reviews

From EUR 215

3D2N • 3-Day Guided Isle of Skye and Highlands with Stay from Edinburgh

4.7/5

423 reviews

From EUR 478

2D1N • 2-Day Outlander Experience Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

4.9/5

40 reviews

From EUR 275

5D4N • 5-Day Best of Scotland Experience from Glasgow

4.7/5

15 reviews

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4D3N • 4-Day Outlander Trail Tour from Edinburgh Including Admissions

4.8/5

47 reviews

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2D1N • Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Inverness & The Highlands - 2 Day Tour

4.8/5

141 reviews

From EUR 137

2D1N • Cairns: Daintree & Cape Tribulation 2-Day Tour with Options

5/5

1 review

From EUR 204

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4.7/5

13 reviews

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Cairns Today's weatherCloudy 23-33℃

Cairns weather for the next 2 days11/11: 23-33℃, 11/12: 22-34℃

Free things to do in Cairns

Port Douglas

4.3

Port Douglas · 58.6km from Cairns

92 reviews

Kuranda

5.8

Kuranda · 18.2km from Cairns

201 reviews

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

3.6

Cairns · 786m from downtown

52 reviews

Cairns Botanic Gardens

3.4

3.9/5

62 reviews

Edge Hill · 1km from downtown

Barron Falls

3.4

3.5/5

46 reviews

Kuranda · 16.7km from Cairns

Esplanade

3.4

4.2/5

150 reviews

Cairns North · 1.3km from downtown

Green Island

5.6

Green Island · 28km from Cairns

307 reviews

Fig Tree Play Ground

2.9