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Looking for what to get up to in Cairns? You’re in the right place!
As longtime adventure travelers and nature lovers, we’ve made several visits to the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
From snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef (duh!) to chasing waterfalls and jet boat rides, there are so many bucket list worthy adventures at your fingertips in Cairns. It can honestly be so hard to choose, which is why we’ve narrowed it down to our top 10 for you. If you tick off all of the items on this list (or even just a few of them) we guarantee that you’ll have an incredible time in Cairns.
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal favorite thing to do in Cairns is explore the Great Barrier Reef on this snorkel/dive tour! Spend hours on a superyacht stopping to snorkel or dive in this iconic location. Check out the 2,500+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Tip: This tour is very popular, so book your spot now and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
- Things to do in Cairns, Australia
- 1. Explore the Great Barrier Reef on a snorkeling and diving cruise
- 2. Ride the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway
- 3. Cruise to Green Island
- 4. Explore the city on a sightseeing tour
- 5. Check out the Cairns Aquarium
- 6. Get outside and explore Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest
- 7. Get your adrenaline pumping on a whitewater rafting trip
- 8. Hop on a jet boat ride
- 9. Relax on a sunset cruise
- 10. Chase waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands
- Where to Stay in Cairns, Australia
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Cairns, Australia
1. Explore the Great Barrier Reef on a snorkeling and diving cruise
- Duration: 8.5 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: snorkeling at two outer reef spots, introductory or certified dive (if option selected), barbecue lunch and wine on board,
- Inclusions: boat ride, barbecue lunch on board (vegetarian and vegan available), use of snorkeling or scuba equipment, two snorkel stops, one dive (if selected), glass of wine, snack, all taxes and fees
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 3,200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
Exploring the Great Barrier Reef on a superyacht? I’m not kidding when I say that we literally couldn’t book this tour fast enough!
If you’re traveling to Cairns, then I can almost guarantee that you’ve dreamed of snorkeling or diving the Great Barrier Reef. Therefore, this tour is an absolute must-do! We opted for the snorkeling and scuba diving tour, but you can always choose the snorkel-only option or an introductory dive if you’re not PADI certified.
In the morning, we boarded a sleek superyacht and cruised out to two outer reef locations, where we had the best time snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. It was truly breathtaking, and the dive site was even better. Everywhere we looked, there was something incredible to see, from coral formations to curious turtles gliding right by us. It was so exciting!
The crew, including our dive instructor, Jack, were very well-organized and made us feel super safe. Jack was very patient and so knowledgeable about the reef, and we learned a ton from him.
Towards the end of the tour, we also enjoyed an amazing barbecue on board. The seafood was amazing but there were plenty of veggie and vegan options, so no worries on that front. We also enjoyed a complimentary glass of Australian wine as we sailed back towards the shore, which was the perfect note to end on.
This tour is truly a top-tier way to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or only want to snorkel, I truly cannot recommend this tour enough. It’s a truly breathtaking experience and hands down THE best thing to do in Cairns. Whatever you do, don’t miss out!
Book this tour with over 2,500 5-star reviews here, before it sells out!
2. Ride the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, free time in Kuranda
- Inclusions: pickup and drop-off from Cairns, one-way trip on Kuranda Scenic Railway, one-way trip on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, seeing lots of wildlife, spectacular views
- Rating: 4.4 stars (check 900+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
It would be such a shame not to experience the lush beauty and wildlife of Tropical North Queensland while you’re in Cairns, which is why we consider this full-day trip to Kuranda a must-do!
We had an amazing day packed full of nature, adventure, and incredible views. It began with a ride on the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway, where we enjoyed a magical ride through the rainforest. We loved the views of the forest canopy and saw some stunning waterfalls along the way!
Then, when we arrived in the rainforest village of Kuranda, we had free time to explore at our own pace. We went to Birdworld at our own expense, and loved it, and checked out the Nature Park, but what you do here is up to you. The market is definitely worth exploring too, just FYI.
Then, we took the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway home, which was honestly even more spectacular than the scenic railway! Gliding high above the treetops and waterfalls was jaw-droppingly beautiful and gave us a whole new perspective. It was my favorite part of the day!
Not only was this tour a totally enchanting experience, it was also incredibly well-organized, and I don’t think that we could have done it for much cheaper by ourselves to be honest. We would 100% do it again, so don’t hesitate to book this tour!
Reserve this tour now and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you depart!
3. Cruise to Green Island
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: 7:15 am
- Highlights: snorkeling or diving around the Great Barrier Reef, seeing colorful fish and marine life, visiting the pristine beaches of Green Island, beautiful views from the cruise
- Inclusions: cruise to the Great Barrier Reef and Green Island, snorkeling equipment, 1-2 introductory or certified dives (depending on option selected), morning and afternoon tea, buffet lunch, coffee, fish feed
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 575+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
Green Island is one of the Great Barrier Reef’s best coral cays, and it’s the only one with a rainforest! So not only did we get to go diving on the Great Barrier Reef AND relax on pristine tropical beaches, we also got to explore the rainforest and see wildlife when we booked this tour!
We opted for the 2-dive package, and it was amazing. However, there are a variety of options available. Whether you’re a certified diver like us, a first-timer, or just want to snorkel, there’s something for you. I definitely think it’s worth scuba diving if you’ve got the budget – hey, when in the Great Barrier Reef, right?
The cruise itself was an absolute pleasure. We had tea and coffee on board and enjoyed the stunning views as we made our way towards Green Island. There, we had time to enjoy the gorgeous beaches and venture into the rainforest before gearing up for our dives.
The dive spots we visited are exclusive to this particular tour company, so it was just our small group there, which was incredible. The coral gardens were teeming with tropical fish, turtles, and giant clams, and we even saw a small reef shark!
As if all of that weren’t enough, we had a plentiful buffet lunch on board. There was tons of yummy seafood, as well as several vegetarian options. We also had a crisp glass of Australian wine as we sailed back towards Cairns. It definitely took the sting off of the end of such a fantastic day.
For us, this tour was worth every penny and we would do it again in a heartbeat. It sums up everything that a visit to Cairns is about: gorgeous beaches, island scenery, and amazing marine life.
Check availability and book this top-rated tour here!
4. Explore the city on a sightseeing tour
- Duration: 5.5 hours
- Time: 12:30 pm
- Highlights: Botanic Gardens, Palm Cove Beach, Barron Gorge National Park, Cairns Museum, Lake Morris Road
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, local guide, afternoon tea, admission to Cairns Museum with reentry
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 175+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
Cairns may be the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the city itself! The first time we visited, we loved exploring on this awesome sightseeing tour.
From the moment we met our local guide, Chris, we knew we were in for a treat with this tour! We loved exploring the bustling wharves and harbor with him, but for me one of the top highlights was the Cairns Museum. It was such a great place to learn more about the area’s history and indigenous culture, and best of all, we got free reentry for the rest of our time in Cairns.
After that, we headed to the fantastic NOA restaurant in Edge Hill, where we were treated to a delicious afternoon tea. We couldn’t get enough of the fresh scones with jam, and they were the perfect fuel for the second leg of the tour!
We walked off all of our scones and sandwiches with a stroll through Flecker Botanical Gardens, and visited a stunning lookout point along Lake Morris Road. But the highlight of the tour was the last stop of the day, which was a visit to Palm Cove Beach during golden hour. It was the perfect end to a pretty dreamy day in Cairns!
If you want to get to know Cairns better, you really can’t go wrong with this tour. We would recommend it to any first timer!
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book it in advance here!
5. Check out the Cairns Aquarium
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Time: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
- Highlights: live ray and shark feeding show, underwater tunnel, marine touch tank, deep reef dank, rare marine and rainforest creatures, conservation presentations
- Inclusions: Aquarium admission, conservation talks, live feeding show, access to all exhibits
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
When visiting Cairns, I highly recommend setting aside some time to explore the Cairns Aquarium. It’s one of the best we’ve ever visited, and a great way to learn more about the amazing marine life that inhabits the Great Barrier Reef. Better yet, you can save time and guarantee your entry when you purchase your tickets in advance here!
There are 70 different exhibits in this Aquarium, so be sure to set aside a few hours! We loved being mere inches away from sharks and stingrays, and the underwater tunnel was absolutely magical.
We also saw endangered sawfish, giant turtles, and even a live ray and shark feeding show. It was truly the next best thing to diving on the Great Barrier Reef itself!
Now, we really enjoyed the Aquarium as two full-blown adults, but we think it’s an especially amazing thing to do with kids. Not only will it get them excited about marine life and conservation, the hands-on exhibits such as the Marine Touch Tank are guaranteed to be a hit.
If you’re in Cairns during the wet season, then we think that visiting the Aquarium would be a fantastic way to pass the time when it rains.
On a scuba diving tour, we found we were just focused on the experience itself, but in the Cairns Aquarium, we were able to take a step back and appreciate the complexity of the marine ecosystems in this beautiful part of the world.
It can get quite busy here, so I recommend grabbing your tickets in advance here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Get outside and explore Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest
- Duration: 10 – 12 hours
- Time: 7 am
- Highlights: Mossman Gorge, traditional smoke ceremony with the Kuku Yalanji people, lunch in Daintree Village, Thornton’s Beach
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, live commentary on board, local guide, all activities and admission fees, lunch
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 1,700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
We booked this tour because we wanted to see both the lush green beauty and rich cultural heritage of Tropical North Queensland, and it certainly delivered! It saved us the hassle of hiring a car, we had an amazing guide, and we enjoyed a stress-free day full of unforgettable moments.
The day began with a visit to Mossman Gorge, where we got to take part in a traditional smoke ceremony with the Kuku Yalanji people. It was an amazing way to connect with the heritage of North Queensland, and dive deep into the Aboriginal culture. We then explored the gorge itself, which was like visiting a land before time, and we even got to go swimming here.
Once we’d dried off, we made our way to Daintree Village, where we had a hearty lunch before we embarked on a wildlife cruise along the river. We were lucky enough to spot a couple of crocodiles basking in the sun, which was thrilling – and just a little scary!
The last stop of the day was at Thornton’s Beach, which is where the rainforest turns into a white sand beach! It was gorgeous, quiet, and felt a little more wild somehow than the beaches close to Cairns.
This tour was a real adventure, and we totally understand why it has so many fantastic views. We were totally wowed by the wild beauty of Queensland, and we loved learning more about the region’s rich cultural history. In short, we can’t recommend booking this tour enough!
Check availability and secure your spot on this tour here.
7. Get your adrenaline pumping on a whitewater rafting trip
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 1 – 2:30 pm
- Highlights: rafting along grade II and III rapids, floating through ravines and rainforest, suitable for all experience levels
- Inclusions: pickup and drop-off from Cairns, rafting session, safety equipment, professional instructor
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 1,450+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re up for an adventure, then I can’t recommend this white water rafting tour enough. We’ve been white water rafting many times in the past, but paddling through the beautiful Barron Gorge was a standout experience.
The Barron River has grade II and III rapids. We still found them exciting, even though we’re experienced rafters, but they’re easy enough for beginners to tackle safely.
We were picked up from Cairns in the early afternoon and were driven out to Lake Placid. Our guide, Kai, gave everyone a thorough briefing to ensure that everyone in our group felt confident. There were a few beginners among us, and Kai was really supportive and encouraging of them all. By the end of the tour, we honestly couldn’t tell the beginners from the pros anymore!
Moreover, it was so much fun. At first, we were gently floating along and enjoying the views, and the next thing we knew, our hearts were racing as we flew over the rapids. We loved navigating the tight corners and zooming down waterfalls, and then at the end we got to free float as we all patted ourselves on the back.
Honestly, this tour is fantastic for anyone who’s up for an exciting adventure. It really doesn’t matter whether you’ve been rafting before or not!
Besides, the Barron River is only about 20 minutes from Cairns, so it would be a real shame not to take advantage of this awesome rafting tour while you’re here.
Book this tour with over 1,300 5-star reviews here, before it sells out!
8. Hop on a jet boat ride
- Duration: 35 minutes
- Time: 10:30 am – 3 pm
- Highlights: exploring the Trinity Inlet, exciting spins and tricks, seeing local landmarks, chance of spotting crocodiles
- Inclusions: 35-minute boat ride, all equipment, safety briefing
- Rating: 5 stars (check 350+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
This jet boat tour combines beautiful scenery, a thrill ride, and a fun way to cool off in Cairns’ tropical climate, so it’s not killing two birds with one stone, but three! This high-speed adventure was easily one of the most exciting things that we did in the area.
We were fitted with safety gear and had a quick safety briefing. Then, we were off, and let me tell you, we did not start slowly.
We zoomed across the waters of the Trinity Inlet at full speed, as our captain did 180° and 360° spins, among other crazy tricks. We were soaking wet by the end, but given how hot it can get in Cairns, that’s really no bad thing.
Not only was this ride an absolute blast, it was also a fantastic way to soak in Cairns’ tropical landscape. We passed through mangroves, saw the rainforest, and even saw the mountains towering in the distance.
Our captain pointed out landmarks, helped us to spot some wildlife, and played some upbeat music along the way as well. The energy on board really couldn’t have been higher!
Not only did this jet boat ride put huge smiles on our faces, it was also really easy to fit into our Cairns itinerary! It only lasted for 35 minutes, but they were definitely some of the most memorable of our time here. And trust me, once you go jet boating once, you’ll definitely want to do it again!
Book this tour here and get FREE cancellation before you take off!
9. Relax on a sunset cruise
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 5:15 pm
- Highlights: gorgeous sunset, views of the Trinity Inlet and surrounding mountains, engaging commentary, comfortable small boat
- Inclusions: 1.5-hour boat cruise, snacks, welcome glass of beer or wine
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
We never say “no” to a sunset cruise, and neither should you, especially when it’s as incredible as this one! If you’ve got a free evening in Cairns, we highly suggest booking this sunset cruise!
We absolutely loved cruising along the waterways of the Trinity Inlet and soaking in the views as the sky began to change color.
We were welcomed on board with a choice of beer, wine, or a soft drink, and then we set sail, listening to Captain Bruce’s commentary along the way. In fact, doing this tour actually proved to be a great way to learn more about the history and culture of Cairns!
This tour is a must for keen photographers, as we were able to snap some amazing photos as we glided along the scenic waterways. We managed to spot some seabirds and our captain also told us stories about saltwater crocodiles, although unfortunately we didn’t spot any – this time! We would definitely do this tour again, though.
Honestly, we thought that this tour was such an amazing way to relax and unwind. The boat was also much more comfortable than we expected, and there was just a great atmosphere on board among our small group, and the time just flew by.
Don’t miss out on this experience – book your sunset cruise in advance here.
10. Chase waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands
- Duration: 10 – 11 hours
- Time: 7:30 am
- Highlights: visiting Josephine Falls and Millaa Millaa Falls, swimming in Lake Eacham, seeing the Cathedral Fig Tree, enjoying a picnic lunch, seeing the Crater
- Inclusions: transport from Cairns, National Park access, tour guide, small group tour, morning tea, lunch, afternoon snack
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re ready for an adventure, then we think that this full day trip to the Atherton Tablelands offers the perfect escape from the heat and humidity in Cairns! Oh, yeah, and these lush green highlands are absolutely beautiful – that helps a lot, too!
This is a small group tour, and the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming right from the start. Our guide, Marcio, was fun and charismatic, and taught us a ton about the history and ecosystem of the tablelands.
The first stop of the day was the Cathedral Fig Tree, which is a gigantic 500-year-old fig tree, which looks like it belongs in a fantasy movie! Then, we drove to Lake Eacham and enjoyed a picnic lunch in this quiet, serene location.
For me, though, the best part of this day was chasing waterfalls!
We visited Millaa Millaa Falls first, which Marcio told us is one of Australia’s most photographed waterfalls, and honestly, I was not surprised to discover this. We continued onto Josephine Falls, where we had so much fun sliding down the natural rock slide into the crystal clear pool. It was wide enough that our whole group could slide together!
This tour was the ideal mixture of adventure and relaxation. We were fully immersed in the incredible beauty of the Atherton Tablelands and we got to see a ton, without ever feeling rushed. We came away with big smiles on our faces, tons of great photos, and lots of great memories!
This tour is likely to sell out – book your spot in advance here!
Where to Stay in Cairns, Australia
Now that you have a list of the best things to do in Cairns, you need somewhere perfect to stay! Luckily, there are a lot of great options here and they are all pretty affordable – even for a waterfront location. Below, I’ve picked out three excellent options to help narrow down your search!
Luxury – $$$
Crystalbrook Flynn is a 5-star luxury hotel, located right near the water. You can opt for rooms with harbor or city views, and they range in size from twin to 2-bedroom suites. The modern design, amenities, and top-tier staff make this a luxury stay. I can’t forget about the two different pools and three restaurants too!
Rooms start around $300 AUD and can be booked on Booking.com.
Mid-range- $$
Sunshine Tower Hotel is conveniently located in central Cairns, but has a great outdoor area and mountain views. This is a very comfortable mid-budget hotel, rooms are spacious and clean, and you can enjoy the onsite pool and restaurants. They offer a range of room options, from standard hotel rooms to full apartments, some with a balcony, pool views, or ocean views.
Prices start at $160 AUD – check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
If you’re traveling on a budget, Dreamtime Hostel is my top choice! This hostel is located in central Cairns and has a very laid back vibe, perfect for those who are looking to relax more than party. It’s a clean, eco-friendly, locally owned hostel with lots of local recommendations. They offer dorm rooms starting at about $50 AUD per night, or private rooms for about $100 AUD per night.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com or Hostelworld.
For more options, check out all the hotels in Cairns here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
While the top thing to do is easily explore the Great Barrier Reef, I think you’ll find more to Cairns than meets the eye! We had so much fun during our time here, between snorkeling the famous reef, exploring the city, taking on white water rapids, and all the day trips at our fingertips. You’ll never be bored on your trip to Cairns!
Thanks for reading our blog! If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out our other Australia blogs. As an Aussie native, I’ve been all over the country and love sharing my favorite places. I’ll leave a few other travel guides below to help inspire your travels and plan your dream vacation.
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