Things To Do
in Cairns
Cairns is a vibrant tropical city located in Far North Queensland, Australia. Known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, it is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The city is surrounded by lush rainforest and has a relaxed atmosphere perfect for outdoor activities.
Cairns also offers a wide range of restaurants, shops, and accommodations to cater to visitors from around the world.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $60
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $35 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a snorkeling tour at the Great Barrier Reef. Immerse yourself in the vibrant underwater world and view incredible marine life.
Enjoy a reef lunch on board the boat, surrounded by stunning ocean views. Continue exploring different snorkeling spots or relax on the boat.
Return to Cairns and freshen up at your accommodation. Stroll through the night markets for dinner and some souvenir shopping.
Head out early to Daintree National Park for a guided rainforest tour. Discover its unique flora and fauna as you walk through this ancient ecosystem.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the rainforest, followed by a guided crocodile cruise on the Daintree River. Spot crocodiles and other wildlife basking in the sun.
Return to Cairns and enjoy a quiet dinner at a local restaurant. Reflect on the stunning nature you experienced throughout the day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty, including the Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforests.
- Pleasant tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round.
- Diverse range of outdoor activities, such as snorkeling, diving, and hiking.
- Rich indigenous culture and history, providing unique cultural experiences.
- Tourist-friendly infrastructure with a variety of accommodation and dining options.
- High humidity levels, especially during the wet season, can be uncomfortable.
- Cost of living can be relatively high due to its popularity as a tourist destination.
- Limited job opportunities outside of tourism and hospitality sectors.
- Potential for natural disasters, such as cyclones and flooding during certain seasons.
- Tourism can lead to overcrowding in peak seasons, affecting the overall experience.
Best Activities in Cairns
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the world's largest coral reef system and its diverse marine life while snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
Take a scenic train ride through the rainforest on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and enjoy aerial views of the lush landscape on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
Embark on a guided tour of the ancient Daintree Rainforest, home to unique flora and fauna, and experience the natural beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site.
Tours
Uncover the best of Cairns with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Cairns
Visit one of these nice places.
Beautiful waterfront area with stunning views of the ocean and mountains, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Offers panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding islands, making it a perfect spot for great photos.
Provides a unique vantage point to capture breathtaking views of the rainforest canopy and distant Coral Sea.
Food in Cairns
Cairns Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try local dish, barramundi is a delicious freshwater fish that can be found in various forms such as grilled, fried, or as fish and chips. Visit Ochre Restaurant or waterfront eateries like Dundee's at the Cairns Marina for a delectable barramundi experience.
Must-Try!
This tropical fruit, known for its sweet and tangy flavor, is a local favorite in Cairns. Look for it at Rusty's Markets or the Cairns Night Markets for a refreshing and exotic treat.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Cairns better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering a wide array of fresh produce, gourmet delights, and local snacks. Don't miss the opportunity to savor authentic street food such as Asian dumplings, Spanish paella, and freshly squeezed sugarcane juice while exploring the vibrant stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When visiting Cairns, it's important to show respect for the local Aboriginal culture. This includes seeking permission before entering Aboriginal land and respecting sacred sites and traditional customs.
Cairns is home to diverse and fragile ecosystems, so it's important to practice responsible tourism and support conservation efforts. This includes avoiding damage to coral reefs and rainforests, and following sustainability guidelines when exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Australian culture values casual and friendly communication, so when interacting with locals in Cairns, it's important to be polite, approachable, and open to conversations. Using common greetings and showing interest in local experiences can help build positive interactions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Cairns with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Cairns
Ensure a smooth experience
In Cairns, Australia, tipping is not expected or required as a standard practice. However, if you receive exceptional service at a restaurant or from a tour guide, it is appreciated to leave a small tip as a gesture of gratitude.
Payment in Cairns is commonly made using Australian dollars. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are readily available. Contactless payment methods are also becoming more common, especially in retail stores and restaurants.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Cairns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The summer season is popular for tourists due to warm temperatures, sunny weather, and ideal conditions for water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving. However, it is also the wet season, with higher chances of rain and the possibility of tropical storms.
Autumn is a pleasant time to visit Cairns, with warm temperatures, lower humidity, and generally calm weather. It's a great time for outdoor activities and exploring the Great Barrier Reef or the Daintree Rainforest.
Winter in Cairns brings dry and mild weather, making it a popular time for tourists looking to escape the colder temperatures in other parts of the world. It's an excellent time for reef cruises, wildlife spotting, and hiking.
Spring offers pleasant weather and the opportunity to witness the natural beauty of blooming flowers and trees. It's a good time for outdoor adventures, and the water temperatures are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Cairns at Night
Hiking in Cairns
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning park featuring waterfalls, the Barron River, and lush rainforests with various hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging.
Known for its beautiful river and scenic landscapes, it offers several walking trails that lead to waterfalls and swimming holes.
This park features well-marked trails that provide excellent views of Cairns and the surrounding landscapes, as well as access to lush rainforest.
Offering a moderately challenging hike, this trail rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding region and the Great Barrier Reef.
A scenic area with multiple trails to explore, including hikes to waterfalls, lakes, and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Cairns through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Cairns by plane.
The main airport serving Cairns, Australia, catering to both domestic and international flights.
The primary airport serving Brisbane, Queensland, and one of the major international gateways for Australia.
Located near the Gold Coast, this airport serves international flights and is a popular choice for travelers heading to the region.
Australia's busiest airport, located in Sydney, serving numerous international destinations around the world.
The primary airport serving Melbourne, providing a wide range of international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Cairns, comprising primarily of individuals of European descent.
Includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as their descendants.
A significant demographic group, including individuals from various Asian countries such as China, India, and the Philippines.
Includes people from various Pacific Island nations, contributing to the multicultural aspect of Cairns.
A smaller demographic group that includes individuals and descendants from countries in the Middle East.
A growing demographic group including individuals from various African nations.
The Soul of Cairns
Discover the essence of Cairns through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport in Cairns, Rugby League has a strong following with local clubs and competitions attracting considerable community support.
Soccer is widely played in Cairns, with various clubs and leagues catering to different age groups and skill levels.
Cricket enjoys popularity in Cairns, especially during the summer months, with numerous teams and tournaments hosted throughout the region.
AFL has a dedicated following in Cairns, with local clubs competing in leagues and contributing to the vibrant sports culture.
Netball is a popular women's sport in Cairns, with many schools and clubs participating in competitive leagues.
Given its coastal location, surf lifesaving is both a sport and a community activity, with clubs focussing on competition, training, and beach safety.
Swimming is a well-supported sport in Cairns, with many facilities available for both competitive and recreational purposes.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Cairns caters well to vegetarians and vegans, with many restaurants offering dedicated menu items and creative plant-based dishes. Look for options like Buddha bowls, raw vegan desserts, and hearty vegetarian burgers at venues like Ganbaranba, Vivo Bar & Grill, and Elixir Tapas Bar.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can explore eateries that provide gluten-free alternatives. Notable places offering gluten-free dishes include Muddys Cafe, Splash Seafood Restaurant, and Lillipad Café, which all prioritize accommodating dietary needs while delivering delightful flavors.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Cairns with these cultural adventures.
