Things to do in Cairns

Activities, attractions and tours

Cairns
Palm Cove Beach which includes swimming, tropical scenes and a beach
Cairns which includes street scenes and signage
Cairns
Cairns

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Most popular experiences in Cairns

Tours & day trips

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Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Activity duration is 9 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 52 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €142 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Activity duration is 9 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is €145 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Reef Magic Experience & Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Flight

Reef Magic Experience & Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Flight

Activity duration is 8 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €276 per adult*
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Attractions

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Hartley's Crocodile Adventures Half-Day Tour

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures Half-Day Tour

Activity duration is 6 hours and 20 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 12 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €70 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Cairns City Half Day Tour

Cairns City Half Day Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is €84 per adult
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What to do in Cairns

Popular places to visit

Cairns Esplanade featuring a pool, a luxury hotel or resort and swimming

Cairns Esplanade

Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.

Cairns Esplanade
Palm Cove Beach

Palm Cove Beach

Located in between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, this palm tree-lined beach is an idyllic spot to take it easy or begin an adventure.

Palm Cove Beach
Cairns Marlin Marina

Cairns Marlin Marina

Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.

Cairns Marlin Marina
Esplanade Lagoon featuring a coastal town and a hotel

Esplanade Lagoon

Relax after a day of sightseeing or cool down from the summer heat in this fresh-water lagoon, one of Cairns’ best city attractions.

Esplanade Lagoon
Cairns Night Markets

Cairns Night Markets

During your trip to Cairns, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Cairns Night Markets. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area or seek out the local tours.

Cairns Night Markets
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway featuring rainforest and forest scenes

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station

Soar above the treetops of the rain forest, gorges and mountains of North Queensland in a glass-enclosed cable car.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station
Clifton Beach showing tropical scenes and a garden

Clifton Beach

This quiet beach north of Cairns offers long stretches of white sand and clear water.

Clifton Beach
Australian Armour and Artillery Museum

Australian Armour and Artillery Museum

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Australian Armour and Artillery Museum during your travels in Cairns. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area.

Australian Armour and Artillery Museum

Reef Fleet Terminal

Explore the waterfront in Cairns with a trip to Reef Fleet Terminal. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.

Reef Fleet Terminal

Areas of Cairns

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Palm Cove

Relax on sandy beaches and swim in turquoise waters at a resort town between the Great Barrier Reef and the rain forests of tropical Far North Queensland.

Palm Cove
Cairns showing a city

Cairns Central Business District

4.5/5(69 area reviews)

Cairns Central Business District is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina.

Cairns Central Business District
Trinity Beach featuring landscape views, tropical scenes and a beach

Trinity Beach

Unwind on this tranquil stretch of golden beach, relax under the shade of swaying palm trees and explore Tropical North Queensland at your leisure.

Trinity Beach
Cairns Esplanade showing swimming, a luxury hotel or resort and a pool

Cairns North

Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Cairns North. Make a stop by top sights like Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland while you're exploring the area.

Cairns North
Clifton Beach which includes golf, a luxury hotel or resort and mountains

Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while in the area.

Clifton Beach
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Yorkeys Knob

Yorkeys Knob is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Half Moon Bay Golf Course.

Yorkeys Knob
Photo by Mike from Cairns

Koah

Frequently asked questions

Is Cairns worth visiting?
Cairns offers an interesting mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into history, outdoor activities or regional cuisine, there's a lot to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Cairns?
After you've checked off major attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Cairns Aquarium, spend some time discovering Cairns's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cairns?
The top tourist attraction in Cairns is Yorkeys Knob Beach, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Cairns?
You can easily visit popular sights like Cairns Aquarium, St Monica's Cathedral and The Cairns Museum with a three-day break in Cairns. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a bit longer and check out Fitzroy Island.
Is Cairns a walkable city?
It depends on what you'd like to do and see in Cairns. Several key attractions, including Cairns Aquarium and St Monica's Cathedral, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Cairns's best neighbourhoods, Cairns Central Business District is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Cairns North is 3 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Cairns with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all ages, here are some awesome ideas for what to do in Cairns with kids.

What to do in Cairns for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of nature, there are loads of things to do in Cairns for adults including Cazalys Cairns and Australian Armour and Artillery Museum.
Are there free things to do in Cairns?
From visiting parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Cairns. If you need inspiration, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. St Monica's Cathedral is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing activities.