What to do in Cairns

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal town with dense forest, a mountain, and a large body of water.
A beach with people, palm trees, and a lifeguard flag.
A colorful building with a sign reading "Palace" and various businesses on the ground floor.
A marina with boats docked, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains in the background.
A waterfall in a forested area with rocks and a person sitting by the water.

Things to do

Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket

Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket

฿463
per adult
Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

฿6,021
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Ocean Spirit Michaelmas Cay & Reef Cruise

Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef

฿4,247
per traveller
100% of travellers recommend
Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef
Kuranda Koala Gardens General Entry Ticket

Kuranda Koala Gardens General Entry Ticket

฿555
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Kuranda Koala Gardens General Entry Ticket
Kuranda: Birdworld Entry Ticket

Kuranda: Birdworld Entry Ticket

฿555
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kuranda: Birdworld Entry Ticket
Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Admission Tickets

Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Admission Tickets

฿995
per adult
Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Admission Tickets
Tomb of the Pharaohs Entry Ticket

Tomb of the Pharaohs Entry Ticket

฿1,204
per adult
Tomb of the Pharaohs Entry Ticket
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Most fun & popular experiences in Cairns

Tours & day trips

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Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Activity duration is 9 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 986 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿5,988 per adult
Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive CruiseOpens in new tab

Wildlife & nature

See all 47 activities
Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Agincourt Reef Cruise

Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Agincourt Reef Cruise

Activity duration is 6 hours and 30 minutes
9.4 out of 10 with 47 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿4,972 per traveller
Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Agincourt Reef CruiseOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 25 activities
Premium Great Barrier Reef & Coral Cay Cruise from Cairns

Premium Great Barrier Reef & Coral Cay Cruise from Cairns

Activity duration is 1 day
9.8 out of 10 with 149 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿6,445 per adult
Premium Great Barrier Reef & Coral Cay Cruise from CairnsOpens in new tab

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 25 activities
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef & Helicopter Package

Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef & Helicopter Package

Activity duration is 9 hours
7.8 out of 10 with 24 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿10,128 per adult
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef & Helicopter PackageOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 12 activities
Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Admission Tickets

Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Admission Tickets

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.2 out of 10 with 24 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿990 per adult
Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Admission TicketsOpens in new tab

What to do in Cairns

Stay near popular Cairns attractions

A large public swimming pool with people swimming and playing, surrounded by buildings and mountains in the background.
Photo by Tourism and Events Queensland
Open Photo by Tourism and Events Queensland

Cairns Esplanade

9.2/5 (7,071 reviews)
A vibrant 2.5-kilometer waterfront promenade with the iconic Esplanade Lagoon overlooking the Coral Sea. Enjoy free fitness classes, picnic areas, or dine at waterfront cafés while watching the sunset.
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Where to stay in Cairns

Find the best Cairns areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Cairns
Learn more about Cairns
A nighttime urban scene with a large tree, street lamps, and a multi-story building.

Cairns Central Business District

Cairns Central Business District is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina.

A sunset over a calm pool with palm trees and a gazebo.

Cairns North

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Cairns North. A stop by Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland or Cairns North Beach might round out your trip.

The entrance to Cairns Botanic Gardens with a signboard, lush greenery, and a stone pathway.

Edge Hill

You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Edge Hill. You might want to make time for a stop at Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens or Tanks Arts Centre.

An aerial view of a riverside resort with a circular water feature, a bridge, and lush greenery.

Parramatta Park

Parramatta Park is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Cazaly's Stadium and Barlow Park.

A beach lined with tall palm trees and a clear blue sky.

Palm Cove

Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Day trip destinations from Cairns

A railway station named Kuranda Railway Station with a red roof, surrounded by lush greenery and ferns.

Kuranda

Frequently asked questions

Is Cairns worth visiting?
Cairns offers an interesting mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into history, outdoor activities or regional cuisine, there's a lot to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Cairns?
After you've checked off major attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Cairns Aquarium, spend some time discovering Cairns's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cairns?
The top tourist attraction in Cairns is Yorkeys Knob Beach, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Cairns?
You can easily visit popular sights like Cairns Aquarium, St Monica's Cathedral and The Cairns Museum with a three-day break in Cairns. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a bit longer and check out Fitzroy Island.
Is Cairns a walkable city?
It depends on what you'd like to do and see in Cairns. Several key attractions, including Cairns Aquarium and St Monica's Cathedral, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Cairns's best neighbourhoods, Cairns Central Business District is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Cairns North is 3 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Cairns with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all ages, here are some awesome ideas for what to do in Cairns with kids.

What to do in Cairns for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of nature, there are loads of things to do in Cairns for adults including Cazalys Cairns and Australian Armour and Artillery Museum.
Are there free things to do in Cairns?
From visiting parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Cairns. If you need inspiration, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. St Monica's Cathedral is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing activities.