Explore Cairns
Plan Your Trip to Cairns: Best of Cairns Tourism
Essential Cairns
Bucket-list adventures in and around Cairns
Daintree National Park935Don't miss a chance to hike through what’s believed to be the oldest surviving rainforest on the planet. While venturing out on your own is possible, take my advice and hire a guide so that you don't miss highlights like the wide beach at Cape Tribulation. The resident saltwater crocodiles—known to locals as “salties”—are the reason that swimming isn’t allowed here. But it’s still a great place to take in the scenery.
Kuranda Scenic Railway4,898For the best views of the countryside, I recommend grabbing a seat on the right-hand side of the Kuranda Scenic Railway. As you cross over bridges and through tunnels that were carved more than a century ago, you’ll have the best view of Barron Falls, which becomes a torrent after a storm. Once you’re in Kuranda, head to an animal park to spot some Aussie wildlife or do a little window-shopping before returning to Cairns.
Millaa Millaa Falls454Cairns is a great base for exploring the Atherton Tablelands, with its towering Millaa Millaa Falls just a 90-minute drive from the city. The 60-foot-tall waterfall is one of the most photographed in Australia, and the watering hole below is a fantastic place for cooling off after a day of exploring. Keep your eyes peeled for the occasional platypus. You could easily spend a day exploring this spot along with nearby Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls.
Green Island2,498It takes just under an hour for your catamaran to reach the shores of Green Island, making it one of the quickest ways to get to the Great Barrier Reef. You can snorkel right from the beach near the jetty, and you have a good chance of spotting green turtles and other creatures. If you prefer to stay on dry land, take a hike on the boardwalk leading through the rainforest.
Rusty's Market452Ever bitten into a fuzzy rambutan, spiky dragon fruit, or knobbly custard apple? Me neither, until I visited Rusty's Market in Cairns. Apart from these lesser-known fruits, you can also expect to find (in season, of course) juicy pineapples, candy-like mangoes, and bananas that weren’t flown in from the other side of the world. It’s open Friday through Sunday, and locals know to get here early for the best selection.
Palm Cove Beach2,221Palm Cove was recently named the world's best beach, and I’m not going to argue with that. (Neither will the dolphins and whales that frequent this part of the coast.) The long stretch of palm-lined sand is at its best at daybreak, when you might feel like getting up early for a sunrise stroll. Always adhere to the lifeguard's warnings, especially in the warmer months, as marine stingers and crocodiles sometimes call these waters home.
Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours54Keep an eye out for crocodiles basking in the sun as you venture deeper and deeper into the mangrove forest on this three-hour tour. The wildlife is just the beginning, because the real thrill for me is being welcomed to the traditional lands of the Mandingalbay Yidinj people with a smoke ceremony. You then set off into the rainforest to learn more about bush medicine. It’s an incredible introduction to Aboriginal culture.
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Cairns Travel Guide
Travelers' pro tips or experiencing Cairns
Lynne P
Saltwater crocodiles are a part of the environment. Take note of the crocodile warning signs.
Monica U
If you're planning to do some "adventuring" it is best to rent a car for a couple of days than to rely on public transport or taxis.
dytokyo
Cairns is a big regional city with no beach so look at staying at Port Douglas. Note if it is stinger season so make sure accommodation has a good pool.
Monica U
Cairns is one of the doors to the Great Barrier Reef, however, it's also a tropical paradise crammed full of wonders just waiting to be discovered.
Lynne P
The Cairns region is the tropical playground of the north of Australia. There is no shortage of outdoor activities to do, with the reef, rainforest, and outback tablelands all on your doorstep, just waiting to be explored.
What is the best way to get there?
flying
Cairns is serviced by Cairns International Airport.
train
Cairns’ Railway Station is the city’s main station and the terminus of the North Coast line from Brisbane.
bus
Greyhound Australia offers services to and from Cairns to other major cities in Queensland. Buses typically arrive in the Greyhound Coach Terminal.
Do I need a visa?
If you’re visiting Cairns from overseas, see if you need a visa using this website.
When is the best time to visit?
April or September: Cairns’ tropical climate means that it maintains warm temperatures even during the winter months when the cities of Melbourne and Sydney get super chilly. For the ultimate combination of off-peak accommodation prices, dry weather, and fewer crowds, visit between April and September. However, between November and May, Cairn’s experiences what’s known as stinger season, when jellyfish are common off the city’s shores.
For more information on Cairns weather and when to go, check out some tips here.
Get around
bus
Sunbus provides the bus service in Cairns; routes typically begin at Cairns City Mall and cover the suburbs, beaches, and city. For timetables and route information, see this link.
rideshare
It can be difficult to hail a cab from the street in Cairns, so it's best to download a rideshare app if you’re planning to explore by taxi. Apps available in Cairns include Uber, Ola, and Shebah.
On the ground
What is the time zone?
Australian Eastern Time (GMT+11)
What are the voltage/plug types?
The standard voltage in Melbourne is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. Associated plugs are type I, which have two flat metal pins shaped like a V.
What is the local currency?
Australian dollar (AUD)
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes.
Is it easy to find a bank?
Yes.
How much do I tip?
Tipping is not expected in Australia, however, a tip for exceptional service is always appreciated.
Are there local customs I should know?
Drinking
The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.
Public transport
Allow others to disembark before boarding, don’t take up more than one seat, and stand to offer seating to pregnant women or someone with a disability.
Walking
Walk to the right of the sidewalk and step off to the side of the sidewalk if you want to stop to check your phone, look up directions, or want to take in a view.
- We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Cairns, which include:
- Some of the most popular restaurants in Cairns include:
- Cairns is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:
- We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Cairns:
- Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns
- Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip
- Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran
- Ocean Free Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise
- Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel & Dive Cruise
- If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Cairns between September and November, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between June and August.