02/09/2026
Best Things to Do in Cairns: The Ultimate Guide to Tropical North Queensland
If you're planning a trip to Cairns, prepare to have a difficult time deciding what to do first.
Cairns sits right in the middle of two of Australia's greatest natural treasures: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Add tropical islands, waterfalls, wildlife, Indigenous culture, mountain villages, beautiful beaches and a relaxed tropical city atmosphere, and you've got one of Australia's most spectacular holiday destinations.
The great thing about Cairns is that you don't have to choose between a beach holiday and an adventure holiday. You can snorkel the Great Barrier Reef in the morning, walk through an ancient rainforest in the afternoon and watch the sunset over the Coral Sea that evening.
So, if you're wondering what are the best things to do in Cairns?, here are some of our favourites.
1. Explore the Great Barrier Reef
No trip to Cairns is complete without experiencing the Great Barrier Reef.
Just offshore from Cairns is one of the world's most extraordinary natural environments, with colourful coral, tropical fish, turtles and an incredible variety of marine life.
For many visitors, a reef cruise is the highlight of their entire Queensland holiday.
You can choose from experiences including snorkelling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boats and island visits. Whether you're an experienced diver or someone who simply wants to float above the coral with a mask and snorkel, there is a reef experience to suit almost everyone.
Our tip: If the reef is on your Cairns bucket list, don't leave it until the last minute. Weather and availability can affect reef trips, particularly during busy travel periods.
2. Visit Green Island
If you're looking for an easier way to experience the Great Barrier Reef, Green Island is a fantastic choice.
This beautiful coral cay is surrounded by the warm tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef and is easily accessible from Cairns by boat.
Spend the day swimming, snorkelling, relaxing on the beach or exploring the island before returning to Cairns.
It's particularly appealing for families and travellers who want a taste of the reef without committing to a full outer-reef diving experience.
3. Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway
One of the most iconic Cairns experiences is the journey from Cairns into the mountains to Kuranda – the Village in the Rainforest.
The historic Kuranda Scenic Railway winds its way through the rainforest, past dramatic waterfalls, bridges and Barron Gorge.
It's not simply transport to Kuranda — the journey itself is part of the experience.
Once you arrive, you can explore Kuranda's markets, galleries, wildlife attractions and rainforest surroundings.
4. Fly Above the Rainforest on Skyrail
For a completely different perspective, take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway back down the mountain.
The cableway travels above the rainforest canopy, providing spectacular views across the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest and Barron Gorge.
The journey covers 7.5 kilometres and includes opportunities to stop and explore the rainforest along the way.
And yes — taking the train one way and Skyrail the other is one of those Cairns experiences that feels like a proper holiday rather than simply getting from A to B.
5. Discover the Daintree Rainforest
Ready to step into an ancient world?
Head north from Cairns towards the Daintree Rainforest.
The Daintree is one of the most extraordinary rainforest environments in Australia, where lush tropical forest meets the coastline.
You can explore rainforest boardwalks, cruise the Daintree River looking for wildlife and experience the remarkable landscape around Cape Tribulation.
The Daintree Discovery Centre offers elevated walkways and canopy views, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the rainforest from ground level right up into the treetops.
6. Experience Cape Tribulation
There aren't many places where ancient rainforest meets tropical coastline quite like Cape Tribulation.
Located north of the Daintree River, Cape Tribulation is one of those places where the journey is just as memorable as the destination.
Take a walk through the rainforest, admire the coastline and soak up the feeling of being somewhere genuinely wild.
It is a fantastic addition to a Cairns itinerary for travellers who want to see more than just the city and reef.
7. Visit Mossman Gorge
Another spectacular Daintree-region experience is Mossman Gorge.
Here, enormous rainforest trees surround crystal-clear waters and granite boulders, creating one of the most beautiful natural environments in Tropical North Queensland.
But Mossman Gorge is also a place of significant cultural importance.
Visitors can experience Indigenous culture through guided experiences that share traditional stories, knowledge and connections to Country.
It's an opportunity to see the rainforest from a completely different perspective.
8. Meet Australian Wildlife
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland are home to some wonderfully unusual Australian wildlife.
Depending on where you explore, you may encounter crocodiles, cassowaries, wallabies, koalas, tropical birds and other native animals.
Kuranda is particularly popular with wildlife lovers, with attractions including Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld and other wildlife experiences.
And if you've never seen a cassowary in the wild, keep your eyes open when travelling through the rainforest and Cassowary Coast!
9. Spend an Afternoon at Palm Cove
After a few days of sightseeing, sometimes you just need to slow down.
That's where Palm Cove comes in.
Located just north of Cairns, Palm Cove is famous for its palm-lined beachfront, beautiful views and relaxed tropical atmosphere.
Take a walk along the esplanade, enjoy a long lunch, grab a coffee or simply sit under the palms and watch the world go by.
It's particularly beautiful around sunset.
10. Visit the Cairns Esplanade
You don't need to leave the city to enjoy the tropical Cairns lifestyle.
The Cairns Esplanade is the perfect place for a relaxed stroll, swim or evening wander.
The famous Cairns Lagoon provides a beautiful place to cool off, while the surrounding foreshore has restaurants, cafes, walking paths and plenty of space to simply enjoy being outdoors.
Cairns itself offers a surprisingly diverse mix of city experiences, markets, gardens, galleries, restaurants and outdoor activities.
11. Chase Waterfalls
If you're visiting Cairns during the warmer months, put some waterfalls on your itinerary.
The region surrounding Cairns is packed with spectacular swimming holes and waterfalls.
Popular destinations include Josephine Falls, Babinda Boulders and Millaa Millaa Falls.
The Atherton Tablelands are particularly rewarding for travellers who have a little extra time and want to escape the coastal heat.
Pack your swimmers!
12. Explore the Atherton Tablelands
Drive west from Cairns and you'll find a completely different side of Tropical North Queensland.
The Atherton Tablelands offer rolling green landscapes, rainforest, waterfalls, lakes, farms, food producers and charming country towns.
It's a wonderful option for visitors who want to experience more of the region beyond the standard Cairns attractions.
How Many Days Do You Need in Cairns?
This is one of the most common questions we hear.
Our answer?
At least five days if you can manage it.
That gives you enough time to experience the reef, rainforest and Cairns itself without feeling as though you're racing from one attraction to the next.
A great Cairns holiday could look something like:
Day 1: Arrive and explore Cairns
Day 2: Kuranda, Scenic Railway & Skyrail
Day 3: Great Barrier Reef & Green Island
Day 4: Daintree & Cape Tribulation or Mossman Gorge
Day 5: Palm Cove, waterfalls or a relaxed day in Cairns
Of course, you can spend much longer exploring Tropical North Queensland. There is an enormous amount to see beyond Cairns itself.
Want to See the Best of Cairns Without Organising Everything Yourself?
This is exactly why we created the Cairns Essential Package at Leylands Travel Australia.
We've taken many of the experiences that make a Cairns holiday unforgettable and brought them together into one carefully planned itinerary.
Our 3-day Cairns Essential Package includes:
🌴 Day 1 – Kuranda & the Rainforest
Travel into the rainforest and experience:
Kuranda
Kuranda Koala Gardens
Birdworld Kuranda
Kuranda Riverboat Cruise
Rainforest Army Duck Tour
🐠 Day 2 – Great Barrier Reef & Cairns
Spend the morning exploring Green Island and the Great Barrier Reef, including time for swimming and snorkelling.
Then return to Cairns for a guided city sightseeing experience, afternoon tea and an evening visit to beautiful Palm Cove.
🌿 Day 3 – Choose Your Rainforest Adventure
On your final day, choose between two incredible experiences.
Option A – Cape Tribulation
Travel through the Daintree Rainforest, cross the Daintree River and explore the rainforest where it meets the Coral Sea.
Option B – Mossman Gorge
Experience the rainforest and learn about Indigenous culture through an Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk with a traditional owner.
Both options also include a Daintree River wildlife cruise, morning tea, lunch and a visit to Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas.
And because we know that organising accommodation, tours, transfers and entry tickets can become a holiday in itself, the package also includes four nights of premium central Cairns accommodation, expert guides, transport and listed activity entries.
Why Choose a Cairns Package?
There is absolutely nothing wrong with planning your own Cairns adventure.
But if you're travelling from interstate or overseas, trying to coordinate reef cruises, rainforest tours, accommodation, transfers and sightseeing can quickly become complicated.
A package lets you spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the destination.
And that's what a holiday should be about.
You shouldn't need a spreadsheet to have an adventure.
Ready to Discover Cairns?
From the colourful underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef to ancient rainforest, tropical islands, wildlife and beautiful beaches, Cairns really does offer something for everyone.
Whether you have three days or three weeks, Tropical North Queensland has a way of making you want to stay just a little longer.
If you're planning your first visit and want to experience the reef, rainforest and best of Cairns in one easy itinerary, take a look at our:
🌴 Cairns Essential Package
3 days of unforgettable experiences + 4 nights accommodation
👉 Explore the Cairns Essential Package https://leylandstravelaustralia.au/home/trip/cairns-essential-package/
Start planning your Tropical North Queensland adventure with Leylands Travel Australia.
