Great Barrier Reef
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest and outstanding coral reef. Colorful corals and abundant marine life make them ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Despite the suppository and semi-sub, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy at the Reef, including a postcard being sent from the only Australia Post postbox.
Cairns Botanical Gardens
A few out of all the botanic gardens in cooler climates are compared with the plants in the Botanical Gardens, which has one of the most exceptional exhibitions in the world of tropical plants. Additionally, you can spot native animals and birds on the grounds, explore walking paths, and enjoy informative tours to learn more about the species at the Cairns Botanical Gardens.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
In addition to passing through World Heritage-listed forest, the Scenic Railway runs from Cairns to Kuranda. Over 120 years ago, the railway was built as a commuter railway, but now it is a tourist train. Cairns visitors should not miss this trip, which takes just under 2 hours one-way.
Palm Cove
Cairns’ best beach is located at Palm Cove, a charming seaside village. Stunning paperback palms line the Esplanade of this village, giving it its name. In addition to sun, sand, and surf, it’s popular for kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Located just 1km from the beach is a 9-hole golf course.
Crystal Cascades
There are several small waterfalls and large pools at the Crystal Cascades, a hidden gem of Tropical North Queensland. Swimming in a tranquil, peaceful rainforest is one of the most magical experiences of Australian nature.
Daintree Rainforest
There are numerous species of bat and butterfly found in the Daintree Rainforest, one of the most picturesque in Australia.
It’s not only a delight for nature lovers, but it’s also a fascinating site for scientists as well, as Australian flora and fauna evolved largely in isolation, and the Daintree allows visitors to explore the stories behind this incredible site, but it’s also amazing to wander through the forest and coastal views, or just enjoy the walking trails and waterfalls.
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
A combination of actors and hi-tech holograms tells the creation myth of the original custodians of the land. A fireside corroboree, a canoe ride, and other activities are available. The experience is both educational and entertaining at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.
Dolphin and Whale-watching
You’ve come to the right place if you enjoy dolphin and whale watching in Cairns. If you visit at a certain time, you will find a variety of species here. Various cruise companies offer cruise tours.
Three-quarters of the world’s whales and dolphins live on the Great Barrier Reef, which serves as a breeding habitat for cetaceans.
A 6,000-kilometer round trip from Antarctic waters is undertaken by 2,000 humpback whales between July and September to give birth to and nurse their calves. It is truly a sight to behold such massive mammals.
Tablelands
There are beautiful highlands in the Atherton Tablelands, half an hour from Cairns. It’s less touristy than Cairns, which can be a refreshing change for those seeking a truly tranquil, picturesque, relaxing, unspoiled getaway. Green Island
As a result of their higher altitude, the Tablelands are more temperate than Cairns, and have less humidity, making them a wonderful getaway in summer; similarly, Cairns have mild winters.
In addition to there being plenty of quaint little towns to explore in the Tablelands despite being quieter than Cairns, the region is also home to the Tableland Express steam journey, Hou Wang Miau Chinese Temple, Gallo Dairyland dairy farm, Coffee Works boutique roastery, Lake Barrine tea house, and Tyrconnell Historic Gold Mine.
Green Island
An iconic Cairns tourist attraction, Green Island is only 300 meters wide and 650 meters long and lies 27km offshore from the city within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park World Heritage Area.
It is a beautiful spot for relaxing and enjoying Australian beach life due to its white sand beaches, verdant rainforest, and crystal blue waters. Green Island Resort, one of the world’s most environmentally-friendly resorts, is available for overnight stays and offers cruises to the Island.
Night Markets – Rusty’s Market
Cairns’ markets are just the place for some city fun after you’ve enjoyed relaxing on places like Green Island and the Tablelands. There are five nights out per week, with the market open from 5 pm. to 11 pm. and the food court open from 10 am. to 11 pm.
Local artisans and designers sell their work as well as souvenirs and delicious food. It’s worth waking up early to catch the best produce Tropical North Queensland has to offer at Rusty’s Market, which opens at 5 am on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Lyquid Nightlife
During the summer months, Cairns is packed with backpackers from all over the world; a great nightlife scene has sprouted to cater to them, with Lyquid being one of the best nightclubs around. The interior is very luxurious, with a water swirl-themed entrance, and visitors from around the globe can mingle and meet.
Port Douglas
The beautiful seaside town of Port Douglas is just north of Cairns. There are lots of boutique shops and restaurants in town, but it can be a bit pricey. There’s so much to see, do, and learn about in this little town.
There are plenty of things to do, such as visiting the Daintree Rainforest and visiting the Great Barrier Reef. It is possible to walk from Four Mile Beach to Flagstaff Hill for a breathtaking view of Port Douglas Lighthouse.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
As a 7.5km cableway, the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway encircles Barron Gorge National Park’s verdant rainforest, which has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Skyrail offers some of the most breathtaking views in the rainforest, and it’s a very relaxing way to travel.
Gondolas with glass bottoms are available, so you can observe the rainforest beneath your feet. At the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Barron Falls Station, you can also learn about what you’re seeing at a captivating Rainforest Interpretation Centre.
Lava up close and personal
In most cases, seeing lava up close and personal would not be your idea of fun, but don’t worry, this attraction is perfectly safe! You can explore the Undara Lava Tubes during guided tours at the Undara Volcanic National Park. Undara’s tubes are believed to be the longest in the world, and there are only 23 countries with lava tubes.
Besides swag tent villages and pioneer huts, Undara offers thrilling events like Opera in the Outback, and you can stay overnight in a swag tent village or hut.
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