Heading up North and looking for the best things to do in Cairns?
Well you’re spoilt for choice!
This popular town in Northern Queensland is best known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, but there’s heaps of other epic things to see and do in the area too – so make sure you pencil in plenty of time to tick all of these off your bucket list…
8 Of The Best Things To Do In Cairns
1. Snorkel or Dive The Great Barrier Reef
Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Cairns has to be spending a day on the Great Barrier Reef – it’s one of the most visited natural wonders in the world and should be high up on everyones Australia bucket list!
Cairns has the biggest choice for Barrier Reef tours too – so whether you’re looking for a relaxing family day out, a bit more fun and party with a backpacker crew or want to go all out with an overnight dive boat there’s plenty to choose from.
You’ll have an epic experience whether your snorkel or scuba dive – but if you’ve never tried diving before then it’s also a great opportunity to do an Intro dive and go find Nemo!
Check out our full range of Great Barrier Reef tours here
2. Complete your Open Water Dive Course
And with such an epic reef system right on the doorstep why not go all out and complete your dive course in Cairns?
Whether you’re just starting out with your open water dive course, want to further your dive education or go pro with your Divemaster course, Cairns is the spot to head to!
Choose from a budget option with day trips out to the reef or treat yourself to one including an overnight liveaboard on the reef for a once in a lifetime experience!
Book your open water dive course here
3. Scenic Flight
With the epic Atherton Tablelands behind the city and the reef in front – a scenic flight is one of the best ways to take in all the natural beauty of Cairns and beyond.
From a taster 15 minute scenic flight right through to an hour long that takes in the coastline up to Cape Tribulation and over the reef there’s an option for every budget.
You can also combine it with your day trip to the reef too – with the popular Snorkel & Helicopter package combining a helicopter flight out to the reef and day of snorkelling!
4. Bungy Jump
Time to get your adrenaline on the go now with Australias only bungjy jump! Run by the inventors of the bungy – AJ Hackett – the Cairns bungy jump is over water, s you can choose a refreshing head dip on your way down!
If it fits into your schedule their legendary Sunday Sessions combine discounted bungy jumps with pumping tunes and happy hour drinks – an epic day out for sure!
5. Do The Cairns Waterfall Loop
Behind Cairns is the stunning Atherton Tablelands, which is also home to the Cairns Waterfall loop. An epic drive that packs in heaps of amazing landscapes and waterfalls too.
You’ll even get to recreate the famous Loreal hair flick advert – which is also the waterfall that Peter Andre filmed his “Mysterious Girl” music video at too!
Choose to self drive with a small group or jump on one of our Cairns Waterfall tours for heaps of fun with travellers from all over the world.
6. Relax on the Kuranda Scenic Railway
Fancy something a bit more chilled? Well the Kuranda Scenic Railway is one of the best things to do in Cairns.
You’ll wind through the valleys, deep into the rainforest, learning heaps about the history of the building of the railway, before spending a relaxing afternoon in the town of Kuranda. You can even combine it with the Skyrail too – giving you spectacular views across the rainforest canopy.
7. Party The Night Away!
When it comes to travelling the East Coast of Australia, Cairns is generally either the start or finish point for most peoples Australia adventures – which means the nightlife in Cairns is pumping!
Dance the night away at the famous Gilligans backpacker bar and club (which also has a hostel if you want to be in amongst it!) or get up on the tables at the equally famous Woolshed…or explore heaps of other late night spots around town!
8. Bounce Up To Cape Tribulation
Okay, so admittedly this isn’t in Cairn itself – but if you’re short on time a day trip from Cairns to Cape Tribulation is an easy way to fit Cape Trib into your itinerary.
The only place on the planet where two world heritage sites meet – the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef – it’s one of the most stunning places in the whole of Australia.
Packed with waterfalls, wildlife and rainforest a trip up to Cape Tribulation (and quick stop en route in Port Douglas) is well worth fitting into your Cairns portion of the trip
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