A guide of what to do in Cairns

If you haven’t put Cairns on your to visit-list, it needs to be. Although it has gotten quite the reputation for being a backpacker and party-hub, it holds so many natural treasures that have to be explored. The city itself presents itself as more of a small town where everybody knows everybody, the parties are endless, the cafes are cute and the lagoon is packed. Just spending a few days here will make you feel like you know this city in and out. You will find your favorite café, or your favorite spot at the lagoon, and you will start to find the love for this city.

When it comes to what to do in Cairns, as mentioned, Cairns is your gateway to a number of natural wonders. First and foremost is the Great barrier reef, where you can book day-trips and snorkel or dive in the reef, or book extended live-aboard for diving, where you live on a boat for a couple of days exploring the reef. It is also where you can do the jungles of Cape Tribulation, the Atherton tablelands with its many waterfalls and Kuranda national park that offers aboriginal-experiences.

In other words, you can spend a very long amount of time in Cairns, and you will have plenty to do. It is a favorite starting point for the people that want to travel down the coast, but the city is a worthy trip in and of itself. I would recommend spending at least 3-4 days here, if not more, to really experience all that Cairns has to offer.

Transportation

Since Cairns isn’t quite big, you can manage very well with just walking if you are living in the city center. If not, there are public buses that go regularly, and go all the way to the northern beaches. You can also consider renting a car for more freedom and leisure.

Money

The currency is Australian dollars, ATMs can pretty much be found everywhere and almost every store will expect credit and debit cards as payment

Best time to visit

Cairns don’t go by the regular seasons, such as winter and summer.. It is a tropical place and pretty much always hot, and therefore go by the wet season (November til March) and the dry season (April til November). April to September is therefore best as it is still warm but dry and the crowds aren’t too big

What to do in Cairns

The great barrier reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest barrier reef in the world and one of the seven natural wonders. Cairns is the most popular base for visiting the reef, and there are a multitude of companies offering snorkeling-trips or diving trips, for one day and multiple days. Although it has suffered greatly from bleaching and is definitely not in its prime state, it is still a must see when visiting Cairns.

Cape tribulation

Cape tribulation is a headland where the rainforest meets the sea. It is a special experience to walk straight through the bright, green jungle onto the thin strip of beach and look out towards the turquoise sea. It is the meeting point of two UNESCO world heritage sites; The Wet Tropics Rainforest and The Great Barrier Reef.

Daintree rainforest

Daintree rainforest is the oldest rainforest on the planet, and you can watch an array of plants, critters, animals and a natural creek. It is well-combined with a trip to Cape Tribulation.

Kuranda and aboriginal culture walk

In the mountain village, Kuranda, you can go on a numerous number of aboriginal experiences, from going on walkabouts and learning about their culture, paint traditional aboriginal paintings and you can even go aboriginal spearfishing. In Kuranda, you can travel to through the scenic railway, and travel back with the Skyrail cableway.

Fitzroy Island and Green Island

Green Island and Fitzroy Island are small islands in the heart of the great barrier reef easily accessible from a boat that departures from Cairns city. Take a relaxing day, enjoying the beaches in the islands, and even do a multi-day tour on Green Island, which some claim to be the highlight of their stay in Cairns.

Atherton tablelands

Two words can sum up this place: stunning waterfalls. Take a day-tour. Uncle Brians tours have a good reputation of being packed full of activities and really fun and engaging guides.

Hang by the lagoon

Because of jellyfish, bull-sharks and crocodiles, the waters that surround the city of Cairns are not allowed to swim in. Because of this, the city has created a lagoon on the esplanade that works just like a beach. Spend afternoons or mornings, or maybe even the whole day here, relaxing, having a barbeque and reading a good book.