15 Best Things to Do in Cairns, Australia

The best things to do in Cairns are a day on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, the Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway to Kuranda, a day trip to the Daintree and Mossman Gorge, and an island day on Green Island or Fitzroy Island. Four to five days covers the city, the reef and the rainforest.

What to Do in Cairns

Cairns was the last stop on my tour of Australia’s East Coast. I started my journey in Melbourne and then continued to Sydney, Brisbane and Airlie Beach for a sailing trip in the Whitsundays.

Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and calls itself the adventure capital of Australia. You can snorkel or dive on the largest coral reef system in the world, swim in the Esplanade Lagoon, ride a cable car over the rainforest or jump out of a plane.

I compiled this list with my favorite activities in Cairns to help you plan your trip. Universal Traveller updated the prices, opening hours and transport details in October 2026, and added the reef, the islands, Kuranda and the Daintree.

Things to Do in Cairns Compared

1. Spend a Day on the Outer Great Barrier Reef

The main reason most people come to Cairns is the Great Barrier Reef. Day boats leave the Reef Fleet Terminal every morning for the outer reef, about 90 minutes offshore, where the water is clearer than on the inner reef close to the coast.

Most trips moor at a pontoon or visit two or three reef sites, with snorkeling gear, lunch and a glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine included. You do not need to be an experienced diver, as the crews offer introductory dives for beginners and lend stinger suits to everyone.

Operators include Sunlover, Great Adventures, Reef Magic and Passions of Paradise from Cairns, and Quicksilver from Port Douglas.

Verdict: Worth it, and the one thing not to skip in Cairns. Choose a calm day and an outer reef site rather than the cheapest trip.

This premium catamaran trip to the outer reef includes snorkeling gear and lunch, rated 4.8 from over 3,800 reviews.

2. Skydive Over Cairns

Jumping out of a plane might seem crazy to some, but it’s exactly my kind of activity! In fact, I did my very first skydive in Cairns, and it’s an experience that’s hard to describe in words.

My instructor had already done over 7,000 dives, and I completely understand why. Cairns is one of the best places to skydive in Australia, and if you dare to keep your eyes open, you see the coastline, the reef and the rainforest around Cairns from above.

Before heading to the airport, we received a comprehensive safety briefing, and our personal instructors repeated the key points. I felt very secure throughout the entire activity.

Everyone was highly professional, and I could feel they had a lot of experience. They created a relaxed and cool atmosphere.

Verdict: Worth it if you have ever wanted to try it. The views over the coast make Cairns a better place for a first jump than most cities.

This tandem skydive includes pickup from Cairns, rated 4.9 from over 350 reviews.

3. Ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Another cool activity I did in Cairns was the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. This 7.5-kilometer cable car takes you over the World Heritage-listed tropical rainforest of Barron Gorge National Park, from Smithfield in the northern suburbs to Kuranda.

I opted for the Diamond View upgrade, which features a glass-bottom gondola with views straight down into the rainforest. You can make a stop at Red Peak Station and join a free guided boardwalk tour to learn more about the rainforest.

The second stop was easily my favorite part of the tour. From Barron Falls Station, you can walk to a lookout over the Barron Gorge and Barron Falls, which are at their fullest in the wet season.

Verdict: Worth it. Take Skyrail one way and the Kuranda Scenic Railway the other for the classic Kuranda day.

This round-trip Skyrail ticket includes stops at both rainforest stations, rated 4.6 from over 110 reviews.

4. Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway to Kuranda

The Kuranda Scenic Railway climbs from Cairns into the rainforest on a line built in the 1880s and 1890s, with 15 hand-dug tunnels and views over the Barron Gorge. The trip takes just under two hours from Cairns Station.

Kuranda itself is a small village in the rainforest with markets, cafes, Birdworld, the Koala Gardens and the Butterfly Sanctuary. Most people take the train up in the morning and Skyrail back down in the afternoon.

Verdict: Worth it for the views, especially combined with Skyrail. Gold Class is a nice extra on a special trip but not essential.

5. Sunbathe at the Esplanade Lagoon

The Esplanade Lagoon in Cairns is a huge saltwater swimming pool with a sandy edge and large grass areas where you can sunbathe. Because of stingers and crocodiles, it is not safe to swim at most spots in the sea, so the lagoon is a great alternative on hot days.

The lagoon is right on the waterfront and has showers, toilets and barbecues. I really enjoyed relaxing here after my day tours in Cairns.

Verdict: Worth it on any hot afternoon, and the safest place to swim in central Cairns.

6. Visit the Cairns Night Markets

The Cairns Night Markets open every evening in the heart of the city, next to the Esplanade. They have a lively atmosphere and dozens of stalls selling local crafts, souvenirs and a wide range of Asian handicrafts.

The food court offers local and international dishes, like Japanese sushi, Chinese dumplings and Indian curries. Pro tip: after 9 PM, many food stalls offer discounts to sell off their remaining food before closing.

Verdict: Worth an evening stroll and a cheap dinner. Do not expect much local craft beyond the souvenirs.

7. Snorkel at Green Island

Green Island is a small coral cay about 45 minutes by boat from Cairns, and part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. You can snorkel straight from the beach, walk around the island in about 45 minutes or take a glass-bottom boat over the reef.

It is the easiest reef trip from Cairns, and a good choice for families and anyone who is not a confident swimmer.

Verdict: Worth it for an easy half day. For coral in better condition, the outer reef is the better choice.

This full-day Green Island cruise lets you choose between snorkeling and a glass-bottom boat, rated 4.5 from over 1,700 reviews.

8. Spend a Day on Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island is a larger, hilly rainforest island about 45 minutes from Cairns. You can hike to the summit or the lighthouse, snorkel off Nudey Beach and visit the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, which cares for sick and injured sea turtles.

There is more to do on land than on Green Island, and it feels quieter once the day boats leave.

Verdict: Worth it for a mix of hiking, snorkeling and beach time. Book the turtle talk ahead, as numbers are limited.

This full-day trip includes the ferry with optional snorkeling and glass-bottom boat extras, rated 4.5 from nearly 2,000 reviews.

9. Explore the Daintree and Cape Tribulation

The Daintree Rainforest north of Cairns is one of the oldest rainforests in the world. At Cape Tribulation, about 2.5 to 3 hours’ drive from Cairns, the rainforest runs down to the beach, with the reef offshore.

A cable ferry crosses the Daintree River, and a wildlife cruise on the river is the best way to see saltwater crocodiles in the wild. The Daintree Discovery Centre has boardwalks and a canopy tower through the forest.

Verdict: Worth it, but long as a day trip. Stay a night or two in the Daintree or Port Douglas if you can.

This tour combines the Daintree, a river cruise and Mossman Gorge, rated 4.6 from nearly 3,000 reviews.

10. Walk Through Mossman Gorge

Mossman Gorge is in the southern part of the Daintree, about 75 minutes north of Cairns. A shuttle bus runs from the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre to the gorge, where boardwalks and a rainforest circuit lead along the Mossman River and its granite boulders.

The best way to visit is the Ngadiku Dreamtime Gorge Walk, led by Kuku Yalanji guides, the Traditional Owners of the land. It starts with a smoking ceremony and ends with bush tea and damper.

Verdict: Worth it, and the best Indigenous cultural experience near Cairns. Book the Dreamtime walk rather than just the shuttle.

11. Visit Port Douglas

Port Douglas is a relaxed resort town about an hour’s drive north of Cairns along the coast. Four Mile Beach, Macrossan Street’s restaurants and the Sunday market in Anzac Park make it a good base for the reef and the Daintree.

Quicksilver runs its outer reef trips from the marina here, and the Low Isles are a short sail away.

Verdict: Worth a night or two. It is calmer and more upmarket than Cairns, and closer to the Daintree.

12. Relax at Palm Cove

Palm Cove is a small beach village about 25 minutes north of Cairns, with a palm-lined beach and a row of restaurants and resorts along the Esplanade. It is the closest good beach to the city.

The first stage of the Wangetti Trail, a new walking and mountain biking trail, opened in September 2024 between Palm Cove and Ellis Beach.

Verdict: Worth a half day for the beach and a long lunch. Stay here instead of Cairns if you want a quieter base.

13. Go White Water Rafting on the Barron River

Cairns is a good place for white water rafting. The Barron River, about 30 minutes from the city, offers half-day trips on grade 2 and 3 rapids through the Barron Gorge, which suit first-timers.

For bigger rapids, a full-day trip on the Tully River, about two hours south, is one of the best-known rafting trips in Australia.

Verdict: Worth it if you have half a day free. Go to the Tully if you want a full day of serious rapids.

This half-day Barron Gorge rafting trip includes transfers from Cairns, rated 4.7 from over 130 reviews.

14. Swim at Crystal Cascades

Crystal Cascades is a series of freshwater rock pools and small waterfalls in the rainforest at Redlynch, about 20 minutes’ drive from central Cairns. Locals come here to cool off on hot days.

A short paved path leads along the creek to the swimming holes. The pools have hidden rocks, so never jump in.

Verdict: Worth a visit on a hot afternoon. Go early on weekends, when it gets busy.

15. Walk Through Cairns Botanic Gardens

Cairns Botanic Gardens in Edge Hill, about 10 minutes from the center, show the plants of the wet tropics, with the Flecker Garden, a conservatory full of orchids and boardwalks through the nearby mangroves and wetlands.

The Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, with walking trails and views over the city, starts right behind the gardens.

Verdict: Worth an hour or two, especially in the morning before the heat.

Where to Stay in Cairns

The Esplanade and the Marina are the most convenient areas in Cairns, with the reef boats, the lagoon and restaurants within walking distance. For a beach base, look at Palm Cove or Port Douglas, and for the rainforest, the Daintree.

• For the Esplanade: Crystalbrook Riley, a resort-style hotel with a large lagoon pool on the waterfront
• For the marina: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns, steps from the Reef Fleet Terminal
• For the rainforest: Silky Oaks Lodge, a luxury lodge on the Mossman River near Mossman Gorge
• For Port Douglas: Thala Beach Nature Reserve, with treehouse-style bungalows on a private headland

Getting to and Around Cairns

Cairns Airport is about 6 kilometers north of the city center, around 10 minutes by taxi or shuttle bus. Taxis cost about A$30.

In Cairns, every Translink bus trip costs a flat 50 cents, which also covers the buses to Palm Cove. Reef boats leave from the Reef Fleet Terminal and the Marlin Marina, both within walking distance of the Esplanade.

Most tours to Kuranda, the Daintree, Mossman Gorge and the rafting rivers include hotel pickups. A rental car is the easiest way to explore the coast to Port Douglas and the Daintree on your own.

Best Time to Visit Cairns

The best time to visit Cairns is from May to October, the dry season, when days are warm and sunny and the humidity is lower. June to August is the coolest time, with average highs of about 26°C.

The wet season, from December to April, is hot and humid, with heavy rain from January to March and the risk of tropical cyclones. Stinger season runs from about November to May, so swim inside the stinger nets and wear a stinger suit on the reef.

Climate data: Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Cairns Aero station averages. Crowd levels are Universal Traveller’s assessment.

Suggested 5-Day Cairns Itinerary

• Day 1: the Esplanade, the Botanic Gardens, an afternoon at the Esplanade Lagoon and dinner at the Night Markets
• Day 2: a full day on the Outer Great Barrier Reef
• Day 3: the Kuranda Scenic Railway up to Kuranda and Skyrail back down
• Day 4: the Daintree, Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge, or a night in Port Douglas on the way
• Day 5: a skydive or rafting in the morning, then Palm Cove or Fitzroy Island

With less time, prioritize the reef and Kuranda. With more, add two nights in Port Douglas or the Daintree.

More Universal Traveller Guides to Australia

• Best things to do in Sydney
• Best things to do in Melbourne
• Best things to do in Brisbane
• Luxury sailing in the Whitsundays
• All Australia guides

Frequently Asked Questions About Cairns

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• About the Author
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Tim Kroeger( International Tourism Management Expert )

Tim Kroeger is the founder and editor of Universal Traveller, covering luxury stays and active travel. Based in Bangkok, he draws on 15+ years of travel across 112+ countries, from reviewing luxury hotels to bikepacking through Southeast Asia. He also writes about luxury wellness and longevity travel at tim-kroeger.com, where he developed the Restorative Index.

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Expertises: International Tourism Management, Luxury Travel, Adventure travel, Luxury Bikepacking