Cairns is a city in tropical northeast Queensland that seriously has it all. It is bordered by the oldest rainforest in the world to the west and the Great Barrier Reef to the east. Its nightlife is constant and if you have the money, you will never run out of things to do!
Wander the CBD!
The CBD (Central Business District) is an adorable and extremely walkable part of Cairns. It is filled to the brim with amazing restaurants and has a variety of activities to choose from.
One of my favorite spots in Cairns is the Esplanade. Home to the Lagoon, Ferris Wheel, Beach Volleyball Courts, Boardwalk, and lots of Barbecue Stations, there are plenty of ways to spend a day along this coastal stretch. Although these things can be busy, nothing requires advance purchases to enjoy!
NOTE: It is not advisable to swim in the ocean off the coast of Cairns. There are sharks, jellyfish, and saltwater crocs to avoid, hence why the Lagoon is so popular.
Another area of the CBD I love is the Wharf. This is where all the Great Barrier Reef tour boats dock and where fine dining is easy to find! Some of the best venues in this area are easily Salt House, Ollie’s Italian, Dundee’s, and Hemingways.
Here are some other great spots around the CBD:
- ZOOM and Wildlife Dome – Ropes courses, ziplines, and Aussie animals! What more could you ask for?
- YoMG – The best frozen yogurt in town!
- Rusty’s Markets – A farmer’s market every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday where you can get some cheap groceries, homemade goods, or a yummy breakfast.
- Night Markets – Open after 4:30 pm every night of the week, you can easily find souvenirs for friends or a quick dinner.
- The Crown Hotel – Shameless plug for where I worked, the Crown Hotel is a chill pub that has live music every Friday and Saturday night!
- The Dairy – Best lactose-free ice cream everrr
- Waffle On Cairns – Great for a breakfast in town with both sweet and savory options.
- & Co Coffee – The absolute cutest cafe in Cairns. It is a little bit out of the way but well worth the walk.
Hop on a Bus North!
Just north of the CBD are some other fun sights and activities that are only a 30-50 minute bus ride out.
NOTE: Have cash to use on the bus. You can’t use a credit card on them.
Only 30 minutes by bus from the CBD is the Cairns Botanic Gardens. Although less stunning than driving through the rainforest itself, the Botanic Gardens have so many plant varieties to see and learn about. There are several cafes in the area to wander around and try as well.
A bit further north is Cairns Kart Hire, Laser Tag, and Escape Rooms. The name really gives it away, but this spot is hard to miss as you drive by – especially the Go Kart racing track!
Although there are no beaches in Cairns, about an hour north of Cairns are several stunning beaches that provide swimming nets during stinger season. These include Yorkey’s Knob, Trinity Beach, Palm Cove, and Ellis Beach.
NOTE: Swim at your own risk! Jellyfish can sometimes still get through swimming nets and during some parts of the year there are no nets provided. Sharks, saltwater crocodiles, and jellyfish are all realities of the Tropical North Queensland waters.
Take a Tour!
Cairns is famous for the ecosystems that surround it. From the Great Barrier Reef to the oldest rainforest in the world, it feels like there are endless tours to choose from. So here’s a quick guide to some of the standout options:
The Great Barrier Reef:
Outer Reef Daytrip
Company: Passions of Paradise
Price: $240 AUD
I went on a snorkel tour with this company and can 100% recommend it. They provide lunch and take you to two sites for the day.
Outer Reef Liveaboard
Company: ProDive or Reef Encounter
Price: varies
I did not do a livaboard but know many people that have either done or worked for a live aboard company and loved it. For more potential live aboard companies check out this site HERE
NOTE: Nearly any company offers a choice between snorkeling or scuba diving.
Fitzroy Island
Price: $90 AUD
I recommend just taking the ferry over and exploring the Island on your own without an overpriced tour company.
Book the ferry HERE
Green Island
Price: $110
Similar to Fitzroy, I recommend just taking the ferry over and hiring snorkel equipment there. Green Island is much smaller than Fitzroy and the main thing to do is snorkel.
Book the ferry HERE
HEALTH NOTE: If you are swimming/snorkeling/diving in either the inner or outer reef, be sure to wear reef safe sunscreen! You can find it for sale in most chemist or dive shops. Do your part to keep the reef healthy.
The Daintree Rainforest
Price: $200 AUD
Includes a Kuku Yalanji Welcome Ceremony, Mossman Gorge, Crocodile River Cruise, and Cape Tribulation.
Price: $200
Includes Port Douglas, Crocodile River Cruise, and Cape Tribulation. This is more popular for backpackers so if you’re looking for a more social atmosphere, this is a good option.
Kuranda
For booking general itineraries, I recommend going through GetYourGuide or other third party tour sites. However, Kuranda has lots to do and if you are willing to do some planning for your ultimate day, it can be a good idea to book directly through each attraction’s site. It is much easier to simply book a general tour but I will explain how to plan your own day if that is what you want.
Step 1: Book the Skyrail & Scenic Railroad. If you are staying in Cairns, I recommend starting with the Scenic Railroad and returning with the Skyrail with a bus transfer included. Book the Classic Experience that I recommend HERE
Step 2: Take a look at all the activity options while in Kuranda. Be aware that you will NOT have time to do it all so only pick a couple things for your day. The activities directly in Kuranda are outlined HERE
Step 3: Book the activities you want to do and make sure the timelines add up!
Possible activities and how to book them:
- Animal Encounters – Koala Gardens, Birdworld, and the Butterfly Sanctuary are all options for you to visit. Book one or a combination of experiences HERE
- River Cruise – Book a 10 or 45 minute river cruise HERE. Avoid the sunset cruise if you are returning by the Skyrail as the last cable car runs at 3 pm.
- Rainforestation – Rainforestation requires a transport between the Skyrail/Railway stations so be sure to select one while booking. I recommend the 2.5 hour Big Nature Value Pack to experience an Army Duck Vehicle Cruise, learn to throw a boomerang, and see some crocodiles and koalas. Book this or other similar tours HERE
- Kuranda Markets – No need to book anything but they are only open Wednesday-Sunday.
Party the Night Away!
With its many backpackers and tourists, you can always find something going on any night of the week. Below are some of the most popular scenes:
- Gilligan’s – Gilligan’s is the classic party scene. Thursdays are Ladies Night with a pole dancing contest and Sundays sees their pool party during the day and Wet T-Shirt Contest in the night.
- Salt House – Monday nights everyone heads to Salt House for their $5 drinks.
- Woolshed – Wednesday is Afrobeats night, otherwise it’s a fun spot to be any other night of the week as well.
- PJ O’Brien’s – Wednesday nights PJ’s is home to karaoke and gets absolutely packed for the terrible singing.
- Dirty Laundry – Quite small and not that popular, but the entrance is a slide and its interior is laundromat themed.
- Bar 94 – Popular for techno or rave nights.
Overall, Cairns is a well-loved city in Northern Queensland. It has cafes and tours for the daytime travelers and a chaotic nightlife for those looking to party. I definitely recommend exploring all the things Cairns has to offer.
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