Our Suggestions for great things to do and see around Cairns

Cairns is the perfect base for exploring the wonderful natural features that Far North Queensland has on offer. From the famous World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef to the Wet Tropics of Queensland rain-forests, from beaches fringed with palm trees to cascading waterfalls spilling over granite boulders - this part of Australia has it all. Cairns is the central hub and gateway for day tours and activities, with accommodation suiting backpackers through to luxury world-class 5 star hotels and resorts. 

It's possible to go hot air ballooning in the morning, visit the Great Barrier Reef during the day, and dine on fine cuisine along the Esplanade in the evening, followed up with a dip in the Esplanade Pool. Cairns caters for outdoor adventures, with mountain bike and hiking trails and day walks around the mountain ranges, and excellent foot and cycle paths from the CBD to the Northern Beaches and suburbs of Stratford and Freshwater. If  water is your thing, then enjoy River Boarding or check out some of the fine swimming beaches along the Northern Beach suburbs - all within an easy 20 minute drive from the airport.

Relax with a day spa or beauty treatment, explore the niche and specialty shops hidden down the laneways within Cairns city. 

Cairns is a city that is constantly transforming and evolving - a place to return to for a brand new experience every time. Enjoy!

 

  • The Botanical Gardens in Cairns have Australia's best exhibitions of tropical plants.  Entry is free and the gardens are open every day.  The Cairns Botanic Gardens is home to a wide range of diverse plant and animal life, making this a place with many opportunities for…

  • Explore a beautiful part of the tablelands on a mountain bike at the Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park, the landscape and views are just stunning, with great weather all year round .  There are a number of trails you can discover and most are suited to beginner mountain bike…

  • The Cairns Esplanade and Lagoon is a tourist attraction in itself. The Cairns Esplanade offers many recreational facilities and free fitness activities.  The Cairns Lagoon is free and safe to swim in all year round, especially popular in the summer months.  This area has…

Most popular rides

See All Popular Rides
  • Go to detail page
    Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast best ballooning Weekends $495
    Balloon Rides

    Gold Coast

    Gold Coast Classic Ballooning with vineyard breakfast and return transfers

    21 Reviews
    $440
    Book Now
  • Go to detail page
    Thumbnail Weekends $450
    Balloon Rides

    Cairns

    Classic ballooning self drive to Mareeba, Atherton Tablelands

    11 Reviews
    $420
    Book Now
  • Go to detail page
    Thumbnail Weekends $495
    Balloon Rides

    Brisbane

    Brisbane Classic Hot Air ballooning with vineyard breakfast, self drive meet at Nerang or Canungra

    11 Reviews
    $440
    Book Now