Things to do in Cairns
Activities, attractions and tours





Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.
Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.
Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.
Most popular experiences in Cairns
Tours & day trips
See all 150 activities
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Wildlife & nature
See all 39 activities
Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 21 activities
Cairns: Daintree Rainforest Wildlife Experience Cruise
Attractions
See all 11 activities
Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
See all 10 activities
Reef Magic Experience & Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Flight
What to do in Cairns
Popular places to visit

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.
Cairns Central Shopping Centre
During your visit to Cairns, you can do some window-shopping at Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.
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.
Areas of Cairns

Palm Cove
Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Palm Cove Beach and Kuranda National Park, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Cairns Central Business District
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.

Trinity Beach
Trinity Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

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.

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.

Parramatta Park
Parramatta Park is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Cazaly's Stadium and Barlow Park.
- Hotels near Cairns Convention Centre
- Hotels near Esplanade Lagoon
- Hotels near Reef Hotel Casino
- Hotels near Sugarworld Waterpark
- Hotels near Smithfield Shopping Centre
- Hotels near Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland
- Hotels near Clifton Beach
- Hotels near Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome
- Hotels near Clifton Village Shopping Centre
- Hotels near Cairns Golf Club
- Hotels near Muddy's Playground