Discover Cairns

Top Things To Do in Cairns

Cairns is one of Australia's most iconic holiday destinations, located in Tropical North Queensland, approximately 170 kilometres north of Townsville. This vibrant coastal city attracts millions of visitors annually who come to experience its unique position as the gateway to both the world-famous Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforest.

The city is perfectly positioned for exploring some of Australia's most spectacular natural wonders. Beyond the reef and rainforest, Cairns offers access to the stunning Atherton Tablelands, the vibrant mountain village of Kuranda, pristine waterfalls, and countless opportunities for wildlife encounters. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to explore more of North Queensland, Cairns offers an unbeatable mix of nature, culture, wildlife, and adventure.

Below is your complete guide to the best Cairns tours and activities for 2025, including reef cruises, underwater adventures, rainforest exploration, tropical relaxation, scenic rail journeys, waterfalls, and wildlife encounters — many available to book directly through Cooee Tours.

Why Visit Cairns?

Cairns stands out as a destination where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. This unique geography creates opportunities for experiences you won't find anywhere else on Earth. In a single day, you can snorkel among vibrant coral gardens in the morning and walk through ancient rainforest in the afternoon. The region's tropical climate, friendly locals, and well-developed tourism infrastructure make it accessible for all types of travelers, from budget backpackers to luxury seekers.

Must-Do Cairns Experiences

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 offers the most accessible access point to the outer reef, where water clarity is exceptional and marine life is abundant. Most reef tours depart from Cairns Marina or the nearby Reef Fleet Terminal.

What to Expect on a Reef Tour

Full-day Great Barrier Reef cruises typically include return transfers from your Cairns accommodation, a comfortable catamaran or vessel journey to the reef (usually 1-2 hours), multiple snorkel sites, all snorkeling equipment including wetsuits and stinger suits, a tropical buffet lunch, and commentary from marine biologists. Many tours also offer optional activities like introductory scuba dives, helmet diving, or scenic helicopter flights over the reef.

The reef itself is teeming with life – expect to see hundreds of species of tropical fish, sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, and countless varieties of coral. The outer reef sites typically offer the best visibility and most pristine coral formations. Tours cater to all skill levels, from first-time snorkelers to experienced divers.

Best Time for Reef Tours

While the Great Barrier Reef can be visited year-round, the dry season from May to October offers the best conditions with calmer seas, excellent visibility (often 20+ meters), and comfortable temperatures. The wet season (November to April) brings warmer water temperatures and the possibility of encountering manta rays and whale sharks, though seas can be rougher and visibility may be reduced.

Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation Adventures

The Daintree Rainforest is estimated to be over 180 million years old, making it the oldest rainforest on Earth. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to thousands of plant and animal species found nowhere else on the planet. Located approximately 110 kilometers north of Cairns, the Daintree is where "the rainforest meets the reef" – a rare phenomenon where two world heritage sites converge.

Daintree River Cruises

A Daintree River cruise is one of the best ways to experience the rainforest's wildlife. These guided boat tours take you through mangrove-lined waterways where saltwater crocodiles bask on the riverbanks. Expert guides help spot crocodiles, rare birds like the azure kingfisher, tree snakes, and other wildlife while sharing insights about the delicate ecosystem.

Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation, named by Captain Cook after his ship ran aground on the reef in 1770, is where the Daintree Rainforest cascades down to pristine tropical beaches. The Marrdja Botanical Walk and Dubuji Boardwalk offer easy access to the rainforest canopy, where you can spot cassowaries, tree kangaroos, and exotic birds. The beaches here are spectacular but swimming is not recommended due to marine stingers and crocodiles.

Mossman Gorge

Located in the southern section of Daintree National Park, Mossman Gorge features crystal-clear mountain streams flowing through ancient rainforest. The Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks, led by indigenous Kuku Yalanji guides, offer cultural insights and traditional plant knowledge. The swimming holes here are safe and refreshingly cool, perfect for a tropical day.

Kuranda Village & Scenic Journeys

Kuranda is a charming mountain village nestled in the rainforest, approximately 25 kilometers northwest of Cairns. The journey to Kuranda is as spectacular as the destination itself, with two iconic transport options: the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Kuranda Scenic Railway

Built in the 1890s, the Kuranda Scenic Railway is an engineering marvel that winds through mountains, past spectacular waterfalls, and over historic bridges. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes and features commentary about the railway's construction and the region's history. Barron Falls, which the railway passes, is particularly impressive during the wet season when water flow is at its peak.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Skyrail offers a bird's-eye view of the rainforest canopy, gliding silently above the treetops for 7.5 kilometers. The journey includes two stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls stations, where you can explore rainforest boardwalks and learn about the ecosystem from ranger-guided walks. Many visitors take the railway up to Kuranda and Skyrail back down (or vice versa) for a complete experience.

Kuranda Markets & Attractions

Kuranda village itself hosts two popular markets – the Heritage Markets and Original Markets – where you can find local crafts, Aboriginal art, clothing, and souvenirs. The village is also home to several wildlife attractions including the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary (home to over 1,500 tropical butterflies), Birdworld Kuranda, and the Kuranda Koala Gardens where you can hold a koala for photos.

Atherton Tablelands & Waterfall Circuit

The Atherton Tablelands is a highland region west of Cairns, offering a cooler climate, volcanic crater lakes, dairy farms, and some of Queensland's most beautiful waterfalls. This fertile plateau sits at approximately 600-900 meters elevation and provides a refreshing contrast to the tropical coast.

Famous Waterfalls

The Waterfall Circuit includes several stunning cascades. Millaa Millaa Falls is the most photographed waterfall in Australia, with its perfect curtain of water falling into a swimming hole surrounded by rainforest. Other notable falls include Zillie Falls, Ellinjaa Falls, and Mungalli Falls, each offering unique swimming opportunities and picnic spots.

Crater Lakes

The tablelands feature several volcanic crater lakes formed thousands of years ago. Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine are pristine, rainforest-fringed lakes with incredibly clear water, perfect for swimming. Both lakes have walking tracks around their perimeters (Lake Eacham: 3km, Lake Barrine: 5km) that wind through ancient rainforest.

Local Produce & Towns

The Tablelands is known for quality local produce including coffee, tropical fruits, avocados, and dairy products. Towns like Yungaburra, Atherton, and Mareeba offer charming country atmospheres with local cafes, galleries, and farmers markets. The region is also home to several excellent wineries and the Gallo Dairyland, where you can taste award-winning cheeses.

Wildlife Encounters & Nature Parks

Tropical North Queensland is home to unique Australian wildlife including some species found nowhere else on Earth. Cairns offers numerous opportunities to see and interact with native animals in natural or semi-natural settings.

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures

Located between Cairns and Port Douglas, Hartley's features the famous crocodile attack show where massive saltwater crocodiles launch themselves from the water. The park also houses cassowaries, koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and a variety of native birds and reptiles in spacious natural habitats.

Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park

Experience indigenous Australian culture through dance performances, didgeridoo demonstrations, boomerang throwing, and spear throwing. The park offers insights into the Tjapukai people's connection to the land, traditional hunting techniques, and Dreamtime stories that have been passed down for thousands of years.

Cassowary Conservation

The endangered Southern Cassowary is found only in the rainforests of North Queensland. These large, flightless birds play a crucial role in seed dispersal. Mission Beach, south of Cairns, offers the best chances of spotting wild cassowaries, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon. Remember to observe from a safe distance and never feed these magnificent birds.

Adventure Activities in Cairns

White Water Rafting

The Barron River and Tully River offer world-class white water rafting experiences. The Tully River, in particular, provides grade 3-4 rapids through pristine rainforest gorges – it's considered one of Australia's best rafting experiences. Full-day tours include all equipment, experienced guides, and lunch.

Bungy Jumping & Jungle Surfing

AJ Hackett operates Australia's only jungle bungy jump tower near Cairns, set in the rainforest for an adrenaline-pumping experience. For a slightly less intense thrill, jungle surfing (ziplines through the rainforest canopy) offers spectacular views and an exciting way to experience the rainforest from above.

Skydiving

Cairns offers some of the world's most scenic skydiving, with tandem jumps from up to 15,000 feet. You'll freefall over the Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforest – landing on the beach at Mission Beach or Cairns makes for an unforgettable experience.

Practical Information for Visiting Cairns

When to Visit

Cairns has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season (May-October) offers sunny days, low humidity, and comfortable temperatures (20-26°C), making it peak tourist season. The wet season (November-April) brings afternoon thunderstorms, higher humidity, and warmer temperatures (24-31°C), but also lower prices and fewer crowds. Marine stingers are present in coastal waters during summer months, though stinger nets and suits provide protection.

Getting Around

Cairns is compact and walkable, especially around the CBD and Esplanade. Most tours include hotel pickups from Cairns accommodation. For independent exploration, rental cars are useful for visiting the Tablelands and northern beaches. The town also has good bus services, and bicycles can be rented for exploring the Esplanade boardwalk.

Where to Stay

Cairns offers accommodation for all budgets. The CBD and Esplanade area provide easy access to restaurants, bars, and the lagoon. The Northern Beaches (Palm Cove, Trinity Beach, Clifton Beach) offer a more relaxed resort atmosphere with beautiful beaches. Port Douglas, 65km north, is an upmarket alternative with boutique hotels and proximity to both reef and rainforest.

What to Pack

Essential items include reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), insect repellent, light breathable clothing, swimwear, a light rain jacket (especially in summer), comfortable walking shoes, and a hat. Most reef tours provide wetsuits and snorkel gear, but consider bringing your own mask for the best fit.