The ultimate travel guide toCairns

Waterfalls, Rainforests and Gardens

Venture beyond the Esplanade and you’ll discover the heart of Far North Queensland. The Cairns Botanic Gardens is a great introduction to the beauty of the tropics. Just 20 kilometres west of town lies Crystal Cascades, a series of inviting freshwater swimming holes and waterfalls. Rather admire the Cairns rainforest from above the canopy? The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway will immerse you among gorgeous palms and giant ferns, then jump on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway back to Cairns to traverse through dense rainforest, rugged mountains, and the stunning Barron Gorge. Interested in going further afield? The World-Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest is home to a range of native flora and fauna, including the tree-dwelling kangaroo and the cassowary.

Water Activities

One of the best ways to see the Cairns and its surroundings is by water. Thrill seekers are for the ride of their lives as they race through the beautiful Trinity Inlet. Local’s best-kept secret, Fitzroy Island is a haven for water sports, including sea kayaking, ocean trampolining, snorkelling and diving. Feel the need for speed? Get your fix and white water raft down the rapids of the Tully River and through World-Heritage Rainforest.

Great Barrier Reef

No trip to Cairns is complete without a visit to the world’s largest coral system. Day tours will take you out to snorkel or dive the Reef, guiding you through the technicolour dream of coral and marine life. And non-swimmers needn’t miss out. The Seawalker will descend you into the Great Barrier Reef to walk the ocean floor and see what all the fuss is about.

Markets and Cultural Attractions

Cairns’ markets are a mandatory stop for travellers who want a taste of the local culture. The mountain village of Kuranda is best known for its galleries and markets, the latter which specialise in leather goods, wood and jewellery. Prefer to shop in town? Every Saturday, the Cairns Esplanade Market is where local artisans proudly share their work, stocking everything from one-of-a-kind ceramics to natural skincare products. For night owls, the Cairns Night Markets comes alive every evening at 5pm, with 131 regularly rotating stalls to ensure sifting for treasure never gets boring.

Travellers in need of fuel ahead of a long day of sightseeing should stop by at Caffiend. A favourite breakfast spot among locals, this Cairns cafe is famed for using seasonal ingredients to serve up modern twists on the classics. For a table with a view, book ahead at Ochre Restaurant. Situated along the Harbour Lights boardwalk, it’s the perfect spot to take in views of the inlet, mountains and the reef. Looking for a casual bite? Head to Piato for Mediterranean dining without the fuss.

Visiting Cairns is simple, you can fly, drive, and even catch a bus or train to Cairns. Brisbane to Cairns flights are 2.5 hours long while Sydney to Cairns flights have a journey time of over 3 hours. All flights arrive at Cairns Airport where car hire services are abundant. However, getting around Cairns is just as easy without your own set of wheels. Ride-sharing services, taxis, bikes and the Sunbus bus service will get you to wherever you want to explore.

Experience the Tropics without the stress with your pick of Cairns holiday packages. On arrival in Cairns, perhaps one of the most scenic ways to see Cairns more of Far North Queensland is the winning combination of helicopter, train and Skyrail. With an endless array of Cairns Great Barrier Reef tours on offer, finding one that caters to your interests and schedule should be a breeze.