Discover Cairns

Top Things To Do in Cairns 2025

Cairns is one of Australia's most iconic holiday destinations, perfectly positioned as the gateway to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Located 1,700 kilometres north of Brisbane and 350 kilometres north of Townsville, Cairns attracts millions of visitors annually who come to experience world-class snorkeling and diving, ancient rainforest adventures, Indigenous cultural experiences, and vibrant tropical lifestyle.

This comprehensive guide covers the best Cairns tours and activities for 2025, including Great Barrier Reef cruises, Daintree Rainforest expeditions, Kuranda Scenic Railway journeys, waterfall circuits, wildlife encounters, and much more. Whether you're planning a family holiday, romantic getaway, solo adventure, or backpacker experience, Cairns offers unforgettable experiences for every traveller.

1. Great Barrier Reef Tours from Cairns

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast. Cairns provides the closest and most convenient access point to the reef, with daily tours departing from Cairns Marina.

Types of Reef Tours Available:

• Full-Day Reef Cruises: Spend 5-6 hours at the reef with snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, marine biologist presentations, and buffet lunch included
• Outer Reef Tours: Visit pristine reef locations 1-2 hours offshore for the clearest water and most diverse marine life
• Scuba Diving Expeditions: Both certified and introductory diving experiences available with professional instructors
• Pontoon Reef Platforms: Large floating platforms with underwater observatories, semi-submersibles, and safe swimming enclosures
• Small Group Tours: Intimate reef experiences with limited passengers for personalized service
• Helicopter & Reef Combos: Scenic flights over the reef combined with snorkeling stops

Most reef tours include all snorkeling equipment, wetsuits or stinger suits, guided snorkel tours, marine expert talks, and freshly prepared meals. Hotel transfers from Cairns accommodation are typically included.

2. Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation Tours

The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest on Earth, estimated to be 180 million years old. Located just 90 minutes north of Cairns, the Daintree is home to unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on the planet.

Daintree Tour Highlights:

• Daintree River Cruise: Spot saltwater crocodiles, tropical birds, and unique wildlife along the pristine river system
• Cape Tribulation: The only place on Earth where two World Heritage sites meet - rainforest and reef
• Mossman Gorge: Crystal-clear swimming holes surrounded by ancient rainforest and giant boulders
• Rainforest Boardwalks: Elevated walkways through pristine rainforest including Marrdja and Dubuji boardwalks
• Indigenous Cultural Experiences: Learn about Kuku Yalanji traditions, bush tucker, and spiritual connections to country
• Wildlife Spotting: Search for cassowaries, tree kangaroos, Boyd's forest dragons, and tropical birds

Full-day Daintree tours typically include morning tea, lunch, and all entry fees. Most tours depart Cairns around 7:00 AM and return by 6:00 PM.

3. Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail Cableway

The journey to Kuranda Village is as spectacular as the destination itself. This mountain village sits 25 kilometres northwest of Cairns, accessible via two of Australia's most scenic transport experiences.

Kuranda Experiences:

• Kuranda Scenic Railway: Historic 1891 railway climbing through 15 tunnels and over bridges with panoramic rainforest views
• Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: 7.5 kilometre gondola ride gliding above the rainforest canopy with two rainforest stations
• Kuranda Markets: Heritage Markets and Original Markets featuring local crafts, jewelry, art, and tropical produce
• Wildlife Parks: Kuranda Koala Gardens, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, and Birdworld Kuranda
• Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park: Traditional dance performances, didgeridoo lessons, and cultural experiences
• Barron Falls Lookout: Spectacular waterfall views especially impressive during wet season

Popular tour combinations include taking the Skyrail up and the railway down, or vice versa, allowing you to experience both modes of transport in one day.

4. Atherton Tablelands & Waterfall Circuit

The Atherton Tablelands is a scenic highland plateau located 90 minutes inland from Cairns, featuring volcanic crater lakes, cascading waterfalls, farmland, and cool climate rainforest.

Tablelands Highlights:

• Millaa Millaa Falls: The region's most photographed waterfall with swimming opportunities
• Waterfall Circuit: Visit multiple waterfalls including Zillie, Ellinjaa, and Mungalli Falls
• Lake Eacham & Lake Barrine: Pristine volcanic crater lakes perfect for swimming and rainforest walks
• Curtain Fig Tree: Massive 500-year-old strangler fig with aerial roots forming curtain-like walls
• Mareeba Wetlands: Birdwatching paradise with over 200 recorded species
• Local Produce: Visit chocolate factories, coffee plantations, cheese producers, and tropical fruit farms

Tablelands tours offer a refreshing contrast to coastal Cairns with cooler temperatures, diverse landscapes, and peaceful rural scenery.

5. Cairns Esplanade & Lagoon

The Cairns Esplanade is the city's premier waterfront precinct, stretching 2.5 kilometres along the shoreline. Since Cairns doesn't have a traditional swimming beach due to mudflats and marine stingers, the Esplanade Lagoon serves as the city's favorite swimming spot.

Esplanade Features:

• Esplanade Lagoon: Free saltwater swimming lagoon with lifeguards, landscaped lawns, and BBQ facilities
• Boardwalk & Promenade: Scenic walking and cycling paths with ocean views and tropical gardens
• Exercise Stations: Free outdoor fitness equipment along the boardwalk
• Mudflat Boardwalks: Explore mangroves and mudflats at low tide with interpretive signage
• Night Markets: Thursday to Sunday evenings featuring food, souvenirs, and local crafts
• Restaurants & Cafes: Waterfront dining options ranging from casual to fine dining

The Esplanade is perfect for morning walks, sunset views, picnics, and enjoying Cairns' tropical outdoor lifestyle year-round.

6. Fitzroy Island & Green Island Day Trips

Cairns is surrounded by stunning tropical islands, each offering unique experiences just a short boat ride from the mainland.

Island Options:

• Green Island: 45-minute ferry to this coral cay with excellent snorkeling, glass-bottom boats, and rainforest boardwalk
• Fitzroy Island: Granite island with hiking trails, secluded beaches, sea turtle rehabilitation center, and pristine coral gardens
• Snorkeling & Diving: Both islands feature protected reef areas teeming with tropical fish and coral
• Beach Activities: Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and beach volleyball
• Island Resorts: Day visitor facilities or overnight accommodation available
• Nature Walks: Rainforest trails and lighthouse walks with panoramic ocean views

Island day trips are ideal for families, non-swimmers, and those wanting a more relaxed reef experience closer to shore.

7. Cairns Wildlife Experiences

Tropical North Queensland is home to unique Australian wildlife and endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.

Wildlife Encounters:

• Cairns Tropical Zoo: Koala cuddles, crocodile feeding, and native animal presentations
• Hartley's Crocodile Adventures: Crocodile shows, boat cruises, and wildlife park 40 minutes north of Cairns
• Cassowary Spotting: Search for endangered cassowaries in Mission Beach and the Daintree
• Night Wildlife Tours: Spot nocturnal animals including possums, tree kangaroos, and owls
• Bird Watching: Over 400 bird species including parrots, kingfishers, and rainbow bee-eaters
• Platypus Viewing: Early morning platypus spotting at Granite Gorge and Lake Eacham

Many tours combine wildlife experiences with other attractions for comprehensive day trips.

8. Adventure Activities in Cairns

For adrenaline seekers, Cairns offers thrilling adventure activities set against spectacular natural backdrops.

Adventure Options:

• White Water Rafting: Navigate rapids on the Tully River or Barron River with professional guides
• Skydiving: Tandem skydives from 15,000 feet with views over the reef and rainforest
• Bungy Jumping: AJ Hackett's jungle bungy tower in the rainforest near Smithfield
• Mountain Biking: Trails through Smithfield Mountain Bike Park with all skill levels catered for
• ATV Quad Biking: Guided tours through rainforest trails and farmland
• Jet Boating: High-speed thrills through Trinity Inlet and mangrove waterways

All adventure activities include full safety briefings, equipment, and experienced instructors.

9. Port Douglas & Northern Beaches

Port Douglas is a sophisticated tropical resort town located 65 kilometres north of Cairns, known for its palm-fringed Four Mile Beach, Marina Mirage shopping, and proximity to both reef and rainforest.

Port Douglas Highlights:

• Four Mile Beach: Patrolled beach with stunning mountain backdrop and beachfront dining
• Macrossan Street: Boutique shopping, galleries, restaurants, and tropical resort atmosphere
• St Mary's by the Sea: Iconic white chapel on the beach perfect for photos
• Wildlife Habitat: Walk-through wildlife sanctuary featuring wetlands, rainforest, and savannah environments
• Sunday Markets: Local produce, crafts, and live entertainment at Anzac Park
• Reef Tours from Port Douglas: Closer access to Agincourt Reef and Low Isles

Many visitors combine Cairns with Port Douglas stays for the best of both destinations.

10. Cairns City & Cultural Attractions

Beyond natural attractions, Cairns offers cultural experiences, museums, galleries, and vibrant nightlife.

City Attractions:

• Cairns Museum: Regional history from Indigenous culture through to present day
• Tanks Arts Centre: Contemporary art galleries in converted WWII fuel storage tanks
• Cairns Botanic Gardens: 38 hectares showcasing tropical plants including rare palms and rainforest species
• Flecker Botanic Gardens: Heritage-listed gardens with boardwalks through wetlands and mangroves
• Cairns Art Gallery: Regional and touring exhibitions featuring Australian art
• Dining Scene: Waterfront restaurants, rooftop bars, and multicultural cuisine reflecting tropical lifestyle

The compact city center makes exploring Cairns' cultural attractions easy on foot or by bicycle.

Best Time to Visit Cairns

Cairns enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, divided into two distinct seasons:

Dry Season (May - October):

• Cooler temperatures averaging 23-26°C with low humidity
• Minimal rainfall and clear sunny skies
• Peak tourist season with higher accommodation rates
• Ideal for reef tours, diving, and outdoor activities
• Best visibility for underwater photography

Wet Season (November - April):

• Warmer temperatures averaging 25-31°C with high humidity
• Afternoon storms and tropical rainfall
• Lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds
• Spectacular waterfalls at their peak flow
• Stinger season requiring protective suits for ocean swimming

Both seasons offer unique advantages, with the dry season favored for first-time visitors and the wet season perfect for budget travelers and waterfall enthusiasts.