Things to do in Cairns

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Cairns Travel Guide

A coastal promenade with a pebbly beach, palm trees, and modern buildings in the background.

A turquoise beach with large rocks and dense green foliage.

A beach with large rocks and clear turquoise water.

An aerial view of a small island surrounded by clear turquoise waters and coral reefs.

A beach lined with tall palm trees, a sandy shore, and a calm sea with distant mountains.

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 {237 fun activities in Cairns fun activities in Cairns} are also worth a look.

Things to do

Half-Day Green Island, Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Big Cat Green Island - Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise

$85

per adult

86% of travellers recommend

relaxing at the deck of a ship in Australia

Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour

$192

per adult

96% of travellers recommend

Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Agincourt Reef Cruise

$136

per traveler

94% of travellers recommend

All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef

$182

per adult

Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket

$15

per adult

Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets

$200

per adult

98% of travellers recommend

passengers aboard amphibious DUKW drive through jungles in Cairns

Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest

$24

per adult

80% of travellers recommend

Kuranda Rainforestation Nature Park Ticket (BNP)

$49

per adult

Wavedancer Low Isles Cruise on Luxury Sailing Catamaran

$193

per adult

96% of travellers recommend

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Cairns must see attractions

1. Cairns Esplanade

The Cairns Esplanade is the tree-lined boardwalk along the foreshore in the city of Cairns. It overlooks the Trinity Inlet and the Coral Sea on one side, and is lined with restaurants and gardens on the other. It has bike paths and walking trails, playgrounds, barbecues, exercise areas and a salt-water lagoon.

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A large public swimming pool with people swimming and playing, surrounded by buildings and mountains in the background.

2. Palm Cove Beach

Experience the stunning beaches, resorts and scenery where the rainforest hugs the shores of the Great Barrier Reef at Palm Cove Beach. Swim or sunbathe beneath the warm Tropical North Queensland sun. Explore the waters on a kayak or sailboat and take in the views of forested hills rising up behind the beach’s string of swaying palm trees.

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A sandy beach with palm trees and ocean waves.

3. Cairns Marlin Marina

The Cairns Marlin Marina is where all your Great Barrier Reef adventures start, with tour boats coming and going throughout the day. Enjoy shopping, entertainment and dining along the waterfront promenade.

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A marina with several sailboats docked at the pier.

4. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

The Esplanade Lagoon is a water feature in Cairns where you can relax, cool off and socialise with other travellers. The lagoon is on the waterfront on the Cairns Esplanade and is surrounded by tropical gardens. Spend an entire day relaxing by the water, join a fitness class or cool off in the midday heat.

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A crowded swimming pool with people enjoying the water, a lifeguard chair, and a lifeguard tower.

5. Cairns Night Markets

The Cairns Night Markets offer perfect spots to pick up items you need during your northern Australia trip or souvenirs and gifts to take home. One big plus for the market is that it is totally enclosed and fully air-conditioned. Come every evening to get cool after long hours in the sun or arrive midday for a pleasant brunch or lunch out of the heat.

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A narrow market aisle with clothing racks, hats, and accessories.

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!

Stay near popular Cairns attractions

Cairns Esplanade

9.2/10 (7,071 reviews)

Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.

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