Things To Do in Cairns

Cairns is the gateway to Queensland’s tropical north, offering a huge and diverse range of laid back to action packed adventures. Here you can explore the Great Barrier Reef one day, heritage listed rainforest national parks the next, go to the extreme or just relax in the sun beside the lagoon or on one of the superb beaches.

A visit to the reef to explore one of the world’s wonders is a must on any visitor’s itinerary. Fast ferries, a sailing yacht or helicopter take you there and to nearby islands. Spend the day exploring its spectacular beauty by snorkelling, scuba diving or viewing the dazzling colours of coral and tropical sea life through a glass bottomed boat or semi-submersible. Remember to take an underwater camera with you.

Three world acclaimed, nearby white water rafting locations, unique rainforest bungy jumping, minjin swinging and high sky diving makes Cairns Australia’s capital for adrenalin junkies. Rafting operates year round and caters for all ages and fitness levels. AJ Hackett’s amazing centre is a must add to any self respecting extreme addict’s ‘done this, done that’ skite sheet. While free falling from 14000 feet may not appeal to everyone, again it is a ‘must’ inclusion on the extreme list. But lower altitude jumps are also available. Perhaps, however, hot air ballooning, followed by a champagne breakfast, is more your idea of breezing through the air.

For less fearsome adventures, try estuarine, reef or river kayaking, horse riding and quad biking through rainforest trails or have close encounters with crocodiles aboard sight seeing cruises. The tropical north teems with saltwater fish species, many highly sought after by enthusiasts for their fighting abilities and delicious taste. Fishing charters skippered by a local expert will take you to the best estuarine and river destinations.

Plenty of day tours to nearby attractions will keep you captivated and amazed with the beauty and culture of the region. Visiting Kuranda on the Scenic Railway and returning on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, where you travel over the rainforest canopy, is one of the most popular, memorable and not to be missed trips. Want to learn how to play the didgeridoo or throw a boomerang? You’ll learn these and many more at the Tjapukai Cultural Park which showcases the culture of the region’s aboriginal people, an informative and entertaining experience.

A day trip or overnight stay at Cape Tribulation rewards you with experiencing the lush Daintree Forest meeting the warm azure waters of the Coral Sea – the only place in the world where ‘rainforest meets the sea’. A day trip to Mossman Gorge provides another spectacular encounter with nature and an opportunity to chat with the aboriginal guides.

These are just a few of the many tours, activities and attractions of the Cairns region.

Cairns Weather

Weather in Cairns is a typical tropical climate. Expect medium humid heat to rapid downpours, Cairns has it all!

Winter: June till October typically 24 to 28 degrees

Summer: November to May typically in the 30's. This is when most of the years rain will fall.