Cairns is not a massive city but it is certainly enjoyable! It is a popular tourist destination due to its year-round tropical climate and easy access to both the Great Barrier Reef and the Northeastern rainforests. The coastal town is not huge and can be fully enjoyed in about 3-4 days, however, I know plenty of people who have fallen in love with Cairns and stayed for much much longer!
Day 1
Spend your first day fully exploring the city of Cairns. Stop into Rusty’s Markets for some breakfast and then take it slow wandering along the boardwalk that leads through the Esplanade. Along the way you’ll come across several Barbecues, the Cairns Lagoon, the Reef Eye (Cairns’ ferris wheel), and the Marina.
Take a dip in the Lagoon and then head further down the boardwalk to Mooz Gelato & Juice Bar for some lunch. If you’re in more of a seafood mood you can go a bit further and stop at Prawn Star instead – a restaurant right on a boat in the middle of the marina!
Once satiated, walk down Abbott Street until you reach the Cairns Aquarium. This is a bit of a pricey option at $48 AUD so if you are looking for something more budget friendly, you can wander around the town’s cute shops or bus over to the Flecker Botanic Gardens.
After whatever fun activity you find fitting, grab dinner at Jimmy’s Burger & Co before popping over to Gilligan’s for some casual drinks or a crazy night!
Day 2
What do you see on the Railway and Skyrail?
Both transports stop at Barron Falls, a stunning waterfall in the middle of the Barron Gorge. Along the railway you also get to spot Stoney Creek Falls.
For your second day, get off the coast and immerse yourself in the tropical rainforest by visiting Kuranda. There are two ways to make your way to this little town. The Scenic Railway goes the entire distance between Cairns and Kuranda while the Skyrail stretches from Smithfield to Kuranda. I recommend doing both (one into Kuranda and the other out) but the railway is definitely the more convenient option as a direct link to Cairns.
While in Kuranda head to the Koala Gardens and Birdworld where you will be able to hold a koala, feed kangaroos, see quokkas, and have tropical birds land on you. Pick up some lunch at the Barron Falls Hotel and then shop around the various markets until it is time to catch your skyrail or railway back.
Book the same Kuranda experiences HERE
You will most likely arrive back in Cairns around 4pm so grab a quick catnap and then head off to Salt House for a very fancy dinner and end to your day (this place is expensive! If it is not in your budget, there are a million other places for you to check out!!).
Day 3
Wake up early for a Great Barrier Reef snorkel or scuba full day tour!! I recommend doing a full day because you will be provided snacks, lunch, two snorkels or scuba dives, and it’s a whole day on the Great Barrier Reef!! Seriously, this is a must-do while in Australia. It’s even on my Ultimate Bucket List and I’m sure it’s on yours too!
Our tour was through Passions of Paradise. Click HERE to book the same!
You will most likely return to Cairns around 5pm and will be tired and hungry. Grab a quick and nice bite to eat at La Pizza and head back to your accommodation to shower and maybe nap. If you can rally some energy for the night, check out Dirty Laundry, a Laundromat-themed club! It’s pretty small and not too busy, but with a good DJ and the right people it will be a fun last night in Cairns.
Sylvia's Gap Year 