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.