The Best Things to Do in Cairns, Australia
It may be the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, but that’s not all that attracts tourists to Cairns. As well as having the world’s largest coral reef system on its doorstep, Cairns boasts the oldest tropical rainforest and a Tablelands region that’s brimming with nature.
Cairns is the only place in the world where two World Heritage-listed sites can be found side by side. As such, the tropical North Queensland city has plenty to offer visitors. If snorkelling and diving off the beach with the resident sea turtles, colourful fish and coral isn’t enough, there’s a glass-bottomed Skyrail that you can ride over the incredible Daintree Rainforest; the waterfront Esplanade with its own lagoon; and plenty of great culture and food to experience. Here’s our list of the best things to do in Cairns.
1. Stroll the Esplanade
Natural Feature, Swimming Pool, Historical Landmark
The Cairns Esplanade is perhaps the most frequented of the city’s attractions. Not only is it a go-to for active tourists and locals, it also holds historical significance: this is the spot where the first explorers dragged themselves ashore in the 1800s. With swampy mangroves on one side, cafés and restaurants on the other and a saltwater lagoon and family-friendly park area at its centre, this community space is a haven for birdlife and ideal for a stroll or family picnic. It’s best captured at dusk, which is also the busiest time.
2. Ride the Skyrail over the Daintree
Natural Feature
4. Beat the heat at the Cairns Aquarium
Aquarium
5. Picnic and swim at Babinda Boulders
Natural Feature, Swimming Pool
This hidden paradise is at the foothills of Queensland’s highest mountain Bartle Frere (Chooreechillum), about 56km (35mi) from Cairns city. Babinda Boulders is a popular swimming hole and a place of spiritual significance for indigenous people. The Babinda Creek can be thunderous due to the high average annual rainfall, while the surrounding area is thick with tropical rainforest and lush with trees, ferns, vines, moss and lichen. Camping and swimming are permitted and there’s a sealed walking track and picnic areas to enjoy.
6. Visit the Doongal Aboriginal Art Gallery
Art Gallery
With the world’s largest collection of locally made didgeridoos, boomerangs and an extensive range of other traditional Aboriginal artefacts, Doongal is the gallery to visit for authentic indigenous artworks. Passionate cultural art enthusiast Fred Nooravi teamed up with three Kuranda Aboriginal artists to open the gallery in 1993 and today it features as many as 150 Central Australian artists, 20 of them local and specialising in Aboriginal rainforest art. There are three galleries to peruse here and plenty of art to consider.
7. Relax at Riley on the waterfront
Spa Hotel
Crystalbrook Collection has joined the hotel block in Cairns, with two properties opening recently. In addition to its enviable position on the Esplanade, Eleme Day Spa and Rocco Rooftop Barand Restaurant are two good reasons to spend an afternoon at Riley. Eleme offers personalised treatments and five-star pampering for men, women, couples and groups, with the Eleme Voyages treatments considered the height of luxury. Rocco is the go-to for a sunset drink and light bite or meal. As Rocco is the city’s highest rooftop bar and restaurant, incredible views, vibes and great Mediterranean-style food are givens.
8. Learn about Aboriginal culture at Tjapukai
Museum, Park, Historical Landmark
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