Top Things to Do in Cairns
Things to Do in Cairns
Here, the star is the Great Barrier Reef-take your pick of snorkeling tours by day. By night, stroll the Esplanade. For beaches, head north or to Green Island.
Explore popular experiences
See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Cairns.
- Full-day Toursfromper adult₱9,026
- Scuba Divingfromper adult₱8,989
- fromper adult₱6,732
- Full-day Toursfromper adult₱10,643
- fromper adult₱7,334
- Scuba Divingfromper adult₱8,537
- fromper adult₱5,604
- Full-day Toursfromper adult₱8,180
- Lunch Cruisesfromper adult₱9,026
- On the Waterfromper adult₱7,334
Other Top Attractions around Cairns
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- lkamphuisGold Coast, Australia1,462 contributionsThis was such a delight
The Kuranda railway station was stunning - like stepping into days gone by
Beautifully cared for and amazing plants
Would recommend this to anyoneWritten February 4, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - DallsalladSeaford, Australia13 contributionsGreat place to take a nice walk in morning or late at night. I felt safe walking along late at night.
I love the lights for Chinese new year, and the vibe that it has on the esplanades at night and during the dayWritten February 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - peterjohncairnsSwindon, UK1 contributionGreat day out. If you're interested in Australia's aquatic fauna & fauna this is the place for you.
The staff were very informative & engaging.Written March 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - DallsalladSeaford, Australia13 contributionsBeautiful gardens, I wanted to see more butterflies in the enclosure but may not have come at the right time. Lots of rare plants which I loved to see.Written February 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alex FaiersCape Town, South Africa1 contributionThe team at Aus Amour have an amazing collection of military vehicles and artillery cannons. Over 60% of there vehicles are in running condition and they are always working on there vehicles to make non-runners running and keep runners running. They honestly are doing an absolute great job with there vehicles and they are extremely friendly and knowledgeable and are ready to answer every question that you might have.Written March 14, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alix VSydney, Australia163 contributionsAn absolute highlight of one of our days chasing waterfalls. Josephine Falls is crystal clear, so unbelievably clean and has a safe and bigger swimming spot at the bottom. Set yourself up on the rocks and you can stay for hours in the shade. There is a fun natural rock slide into the pool as well as a rope swing.Written January 10, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Winter74Australia28 contributions10/10 place for kids! Bring bathers and change of clothes kids loved it. Water was cold but on a sunny day that wouldn’t be a problem and it didn’t stop our kids from getting wet anyway.Written August 12, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- John TurnerCaulfield, Australia3 contributionsSpent day visiting Fig Tree, waterfalls and lakes in Atherton Tablelands. Did a self drive from Cairns and everything well sign posted. An excellent day’sWritten September 8, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AngieSydney, Australia92 contributionsMy kids and I wandered through these markets and had great fun filling our bags with fresh exotic fruits and vegetables to take back to our serviced apartments. There is pley tnto choose from and a great variety, at reasonable prices. Due to our close proximity during our stay in Cairns, we popped over back to back on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It was super convenient to buy pre cut & packaged fruits to try first before deciding to buy whole pieces. A must stop for anyone visiting Cairns to get a true taste of what Far North Queensland has to offer!Written December 3, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ron MMenasha, WI430 contributionsMy wife and I found this museum and decided to check it out. We’ve been in a number of museums during this trip to Australia and have learned a lot about the country in general. This was a nice change as the displays focus on Cairns history. There are a lot of artifacts and information boards. The staff was very friendly. I recommended this.Written February 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- scvroseFiddletown, CA1,105 contributionsSeastar dropped us off before the island we swam in. Enjoyed watching the hundreds of birds making their nest on this slender piece of land. One of my highlights.Written November 18, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KokoSydney, Australia1 contributionThe gallery reopened in a new location and there are so much amazing items to see! Most items on display are rare which you don't even see in Japan. If you love Japanese history, antiques, art and/or swords, I highly recommend it! John, the owner, is very friendly and knowledgeable.Written February 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cairns
- The top attractions to visit in Cairns are:
- Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
- Cairns Botanic Gardens
- Cairns Aquarium
- Esplanade Boardwalk
- Kuranda Scenic Railway
- The best outdoor activities in Cairns according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all outdoor activities in Cairns on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Cairns according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip
- Atherton Tablelands, Waterfalls & Rainforest Day Tour from Cairns
- Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel & Dive Cruise
- Ocean Free Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise
- Green Island Day Trip from Cairns
- The most popular things to do in Cairns with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- FNQ Nature Tours
- Marine Discoveries
- Kuranda Rainforest Journeys ATV Tours
- Rainforest Spirit Tours
- Frankland Islands Reef Cruises