Things to do in Cairns
Activities, attractions and tours





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Most popular experiences in Cairns
Tours & day trips
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Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
History & culture
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Kuranda Self-Drive Skyrail & Rail Tour
Food, drink & nightlife
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Cairns: Daintree Rainforest Wildlife Experience Cruise
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
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Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef & Helicopter Package
Attractions
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Cairns: 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.

Crystal Cascades
Enjoy the beautiful coral reefs and explore Crystal Cascades, a lovely green space in Cairns. Discover the top-notch restaurants in this walkable area, or seek out the local tours.
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.
Reef Fleet Terminal
Explore the waterfront in Cairns with a trip to Reef Fleet Terminal. 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
Beaches and abundant dining options are well-reviewed features of Cairns North. Make a stop by top sights like Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland while you're exploring the area.

Clifton Beach
Travelers come to Clifton Beach for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Clifton Village Shopping Centre and Clifton Beach while you're in town.

Yorkeys Knob
Yorkeys Knob is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Half Moon Bay Golf Course.