Things to do in Cairns

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Cairns showing coral, tropical scenes and landscape views
Cairns which includes cuddly or friendly animals and zoo animals
Cairns which includes dangerous animals and zoo animals as well as an individual femail
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland

Cairns Attractions

Not sure what to do in Cairns? There's no need to worry. We've got some fabulous recommendations for you. Awesome food, an intriguing history and remarkable attractions — this dynamic city has it all.

If you're ready to hit the streets of Cairns, sign up for a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let an experienced guide show you some of the most popular sights. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {202 fun activities in Cairns fun activities in Cairns} are also worth a look.

Most popular activities in Cairns

Tours & day trips

See all 158 activities
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Activity duration is 9 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 58 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $165 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 19 activities
Cairns: Daintree, Mossman Gorge, & Cape Tribulation Day Trip

Cairns: Daintree, Mossman Gorge, & Cape Tribulation Day Trip

Activity duration is 12 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $181 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 18 activities
Reef Magic Experience & Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Flight

Reef Magic Experience & Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Flight

Activity duration is 8 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $322 per adult*
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Attractions

See all 10 activities
Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket

Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket

Free cancellation available
Price is $13 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 5 activities
Private Half Day Tour: World Heritage Rainforest & Waterfall

Private Half Day Tour: World Heritage Rainforest & Waterfall

Activity duration is 5 hours
Price is $766 per traveler*
Private Half Day Tour: World Heritage Rainforest & WaterfallOpens in new tab

What to do in Cairns

Free Things to Do in Cairns

Heading to Cairns on a budget? The following can be seen for zip.

The Cairns Museum - Bring the entire family and go on a journey of discovery through history together.

Muddy's Playground - Let your hair down and add a bit of extra fun to your getaway here.

Cairns Marlin Marina - This busy spot is a popular rendezvous point for visitors and locals alike.

Esplanade Lagoon - Get out of life's fast lane and treat yourself to a bit of time relaxing close to the water.

Cairns Night Markets - Make time to take a look at this place of local importance.

St Monica's Cathedral - Stop for some quiet contemplation and discover a few things about this site's religious importance.

Red Arrow Walk - Be treated to views that'll blow you away at this natural landscape.

Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens - Refresh your body, mind and soul by spending a little time in nature.

Things to Do in Cairns with Kids

There are plenty of unforgettable experiences in Cairns that the whole gang will enjoy. These are some of the best family friendly experiences around.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Cairns? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Cairns

Mareeba featuring a small town or village and landscape views

Mareeba

Green Island

Green Island

Cairns and Northern Beaches which includes signage

Kuranda

Photo by Lexi

Fitzroy Island

Photo by Mike from Cairns

Koah

Photo by Cheskie's Gap Life

Portsmith

Hartley\'s Crocodile Adventures

Wangetti

Babinda featuring signage and a small town or village as well as an individual femail

Babinda

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Cairns on a sunny day?
What to do in Cairns on a rainy day?
What should I not miss in Cairns?
Bring your spirit of adventure and make a beeline for these top-rated sights:

  • Esplanade Lagoon
  • Mount Whitfield Conservation Park
  • Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens

Are there cheap things to do in Cairns?
What can you do in Cairns for free?
You'll hardly have time to grab your wallet out of your pocket with so many fantastic free things to do:

  • Esplanade Lagoon
  • Mount Whitfield Conservation Park
  • Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens
  • Cairns Esplanade