Things to do in Cairns
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Most popular experiences in Cairns
Water activities
See all 42 activitiesOpens in new tabOcean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
History & culture
See all 35 activitiesOpens in new tabKuranda Self-Drive Skyrail & Rail Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 6 activitiesOpens in new tabCairns Self-Guided Audio Tour
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
See all 11 activitiesOpens in new tabOuter Reef Odyssey - 40 minute Reef Scenic Flight
Attractions
See all 11 activitiesOpens in new tabCairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket
What to do in Cairns
Popular places to visit
Cairns Esplanade
Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.
Cairns Marlin Marina
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.
Palm Cove Beach
Located in between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, this palm tree-lined beach is an idyllic spot to take it easy or begin an adventure.
Esplanade Lagoon
Relax after a day of sightseeing or cool down from the summer heat in this fresh-water lagoon, one of Cairns’ best city attractions.
Cairns Night Markets
During your visit to Cairns, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Cairns Night Markets. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area, or seek out the local tours.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Soar above the treetops of the rain forest, gorges and mountains of North Queensland in a glass-enclosed cable car.
Australian Armour and Artillery Museum
You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Australian Armour and Artillery Museum in Cairns. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area.
Clifton Beach
This quiet beach north of Cairns offers long stretches of white sand and clear water.
Cairns Central Shopping Centre
During your visit to Cairns, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Discover the beautiful coral reefs in this walkable area, or enjoy its local tours.
Areas of Cairns
Palm Cove
Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove.
Cairns Central Business District
Cairns Central Business District is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.
Trinity Beach
Travelers to Trinity Beach praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach.
Cairns North
The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Cairns North. A stop by Cairns Esplanade or Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland might round out your trip.
Clifton Beach
Travelers come to Clifton Beach for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while you're in town.
Parramatta Park
Parramatta Park is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Barlow Park and Cazaly's Stadium.