City guides
Australia
Queensland
Things to do in Cairns
Any time of year can be enjoyable for a visit to Cairns, thanks to its tropical climate and the wide variety of natural attractions on its doorstep, although the dry season from June to October is generally more reliable for outdoor activities. Nature lovers, especially snorkellers and scuba divers, will find plenty to do.
Visitors can encounter iconic Australian wildlife, such as crocodiles and koalas, at places such as Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda is a popular way to glide above the rainforest canopy and waterfalls.
Venturing further afield, the Great Barrier Reef offers world-class snorkelling and diving, while the Daintree Rainforest, part of the world's oldest tropical rainforest, can be explored via walking trails, river cruises, or canopy tours. Cape Tribulation also provides kayaking, snorkelling, and jungle adventure experiences. On the mainland, Airlie Beach serves as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, many of which are national or marine parks ideal for relaxation and sightseeing.
Bowling Green Bay National Park
Just 15 miles (25 km) south of Townsville, Bowling Green Bay National Park is a spectacular slice of tropical Queensland, spanning nearly 22,500 acres (58,000 hectares) of …
Bowling Green Bay National Park
Just 15 miles (25 km) south of Townsville, Bowling Green Bay National Park is a spectacular slice of tropical Queensland, spanning nearly 22,500 acres (58,000 hectares) of mountains, wetlands, mangroves and salt‑pans. The park includes the dramatic Mount Elliot range and the lush Alligator Creek valley, where waterfalls tumble into deep rainforest pools. Rich in natural and cultural heritage, the land is cared for by the Bindal people, the traditional custodians.
Adventure seekers and nature lovers can hike scenic trails, camp under starry skies, and spot native wildlife from birds to marsupials. With its mix of rainforest peaks and peaceful coastal marshes, Bowling Green Bay offers a serene escape from the everyday, perfect for a day trip or a weekend adventure from Townsville.
Website parks.qld.gov.au/parks/bowling-green-bay
The Esplanade
The Cairns Esplanade is the heart of the city's tropical lifestyle, where visitors can relax, play, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Its safe, sparkling saltwater lagoon is perf…
The Esplanade
The Cairns Esplanade is the heart of the city's tropical lifestyle, where visitors can relax, play, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Its safe, sparkling saltwater lagoon is perfect for a swim, while the expansive lawns invite picnics, barbecues, kite flying, and sun-soaked relaxation. On Saturdays, the Esplanade bursts with colour and energy as arts and crafts markets mingle with lively buskers and street performers. Fitness enthusiasts can join free classes several days a week, or simply enjoy jogging along the scenic foreshore. With something for everyone, from dining and shopping to outdoor fun and people-watching, the Esplanade offers a quintessential Cairns experience.
Website www.cairnsesplanade.com
Skyrail
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is one of Cairns' most popular attractions, carrying visitors nearly five miles (7.5 km) from the Caravonica Terminal to the picturesque village o…
Skyrail
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is one of Cairns' most popular attractions, carrying visitors nearly five miles (7.5 km) from the Caravonica Terminal to the picturesque village of Kuranda. Gondolas glide silently above the rainforest canopy, offering spectacular views of waterfalls, gorges, and lush tropical vegetation. Along the way, passengers can step off at two mid-stations, Red Peak and Barron Falls, to explore elevated boardwalks and rainforest trails. Interpretive displays provide fascinating insights into the ecology, flora, and fauna of this ancient forest. The full return trip takes around two hours, and gondolas seat up to six people. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during busy holiday periods.
Website www.skyrail.com.au
Paronella Park
Paronella Park is the magical creation of José Paronella, a Spanish immigrant who built his dream castle beside Mena Creek Falls, about 75 miles (120 km) south of Cairns, in 1929.…
Paronella Park
Paronella Park is the magical creation of José Paronella, a Spanish immigrant who built his dream castle beside Mena Creek Falls, about 75 miles (120 km) south of Cairns, in 1929. Today, the park is admired for its romantic architecture and lush tropical setting, which includes bamboo groves, forest walks, a secret garden and a 'tunnel of love'. Visitors can join guided walks and night tours, included in the admission price, to learn about José's inspiring story and the park's fascinating history. Recognised by the National Trust of Queensland in 1997 as a cultural treasure, Paronella Park remains a favourite destination for weddings, photography, and travellers seeking a touch of tropical magic.
Website www.paronellapark.com.au
The Wet Tropics of Queensland
The Wet Tropics of Queensland, one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests, is a UNESCO World Heritage Area renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and lush, ancient landsca…
The Wet Tropics of Queensland
The Wet Tropics of Queensland, one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests, is a UNESCO World Heritage Area renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and lush, ancient landscapes. Stretching along the coast from just south of Townsville to north of Cooktown, it contains 13 distinct rainforest types, 29 species of mangrove, and countless unique plants and animals. Visitors can wander winding forest trails, discover hidden waterfalls, spot colourful birds, and relax on golden beaches, all within a stunning natural setting. National parks such as Daintree, Barron Gorge, Wooroonooran, and Girringun showcase the rainforest at its most spectacular. About two hours north of Cairns via the Captain Cook Highway, Daintree Village provides an ideal gateway for day trips or weekend escapes into this remarkable tropical wonderland.
Website www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au/wet-tropics-rainforest/
Great Barrier Reef
One of the world's great natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef stretches across more than 133,000 square miles (344,400 km²) along the Queensland coast and includes over 1,000…
Great Barrier Reef
One of the world's great natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef stretches across more than 133,000 square miles (344,400 km²) along the Queensland coast and includes over 1,000 islands, ranging from tiny sandy cays to lush rainforest isles. Visitors can explore this spectacular underwater world by diving, snorkelling, taking a scenic flight, or viewing it from a glass-bottomed boat.
The Reef has evolved over millions of years, supporting around 7,000 species of plants and animals, including green turtles, loggerhead turtles, and humpback whales, which breed in its waters. Many excursions depart from Cairns or other coastal towns, with options ranging from day trips to liveaboard cruises, making it easy for travellers to experience one of the most extraordinary marine ecosystems on Earth.
Website www.gbrmpa.gov.au
Cape Tribulation
Located within Daintree National Park and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Cape Tribulation is one of Queensland's most pristine and picturesque destinations. Visitors can expe…
Cape Tribulation
Located within Daintree National Park and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Cape Tribulation is one of Queensland's most pristine and picturesque destinations. Visitors can experience the world's oldest tropical rainforest from the treetops on a canopy tour, explore nearby rivers in search of crocodiles, or simply relax and take in the stunning scenery. The Great Barrier Reef lies just offshore, offering easy access to world-class snorkelling and diving. Beach lovers can enjoy walks or horseback rides along the spectacular coastline, while accommodation ranges from luxury eco-resorts to self-catering cabins, charming bed and breakfasts, and scenic campsites.
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Riversleigh
Riversleigh, in northwest Queensland, is Australia's most significant fossil site and part of the Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it …
Riversleigh
Riversleigh, in northwest Queensland, is Australia's most significant fossil site and part of the Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it preserves remarkably well-kept fossils of mammals, birds, and reptiles dating back 10 to 25 million years, during the Oligocene and Miocene epochs. These remains, discovered in ancient limestone formed by freshwater environments, reveal how the region's ecosystem evolved from dense rainforest to open woodland and grassland. Among the discoveries are primitive koalas and wombats, giant crocodiles, large flightless birds, and ancestral thylacines, offering extraordinary insight into the evolution of Australia's unique wildlife.
Website whc.unesco.org/en/list/698/