Where to go
Hop on a boat for the Great Barrier Reef, venture inland in search of lush rainforest or just kick back and embrace the laid-back tropical lifestyle.
One of the things that defines this part of the world for me is the cloud that rests gently on the tips of the mountains as dawn comes up over Cairns
Andy Ridley – CEO, Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef
Cairns has grown from ramshackle port town to stylish modern city – the erstwhile capital of Tropical North Queensland, with a year-round outdoor lifestyle. Here you can bar-hop, rock-hop or island-hop on the same day.
Welcome to Cairns, the real urban jungle
The Tanks Art Centre hosts live music, comedy, contemporary art exhibitions, workshops and children’s theatre in an intimate venue. Walk through the leafy Botanic Gardens, along the shore of Lake Morris or tackle the winding steps of the Red Arrow track through the Mount Whitfield Conservation Park.
But don’t let that small-town vibe fool you. With its distinctive multicultural mix, Cairns buzzes with innovative eateries, on-trend bars, stylish boutiques and galleries. Visit laneway bar Three Wolves to taste one of the 50 types of whiskey on the menu, or check out Prawn Star, a prawn trawler turned floating restaurant that serves up some of the freshest local prawns and seafood in the city – with a cold brew, of course!
The city is tucked between two of Tropical North Queensland’s greatest natural treasures – the marine playground of the Great Barrier Reef and the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforest, which means adventure is never far away. Almost 30 boats leave Cairns every day for the reef and in less than an hour you can be snorkelling or diving in Australia’s most spectacular underwater environment. Inland, hike through sun-dappled forest on the Douglas Track to Glacier Rock, swim in the cascading pools of nearby Crystal Cascades or glide just metres over the canopy of tropical rainforest on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
There’s no beach in Cairns, so locals and visitors alike cool off in the sparkling Esplanade Lagoon. This 4800 sq m saltwater pool is lined with parks, shady banyan trees, boardwalks and barbecues.
If you need a beach fix, head for Cairns’ Northern Beaches, a string of sleepy seaside villages about 15 minutes from the city. They are a favourite with locals and each has its own unique character, like the family-friendly Trinity, the kite-surfing hub of Yorkeys Knob or the relaxed Holloways.
Burn off some of the holiday calories with one of the free outdoor exercise classes held six mornings a week along the Esplanade. Choose from aqua aerobics in the lagoon, Zumba, yoga, pilates, boxing, beach volleyball and more.
Rusty’s Market has been supplying Cairns with its fresh fruit and vegetables for more than 40 years. Juicy mangoes, native bush fruits, excellent coffee and pop-up food trucks are just some of the temptations. Open Friday and Saturday, 5am-6pm; Sunday, 5am-3pm.
Cairns is a very welcoming city and you’ll feel at home right away. It’s also easy to get around and everything in the CBD is within walking distance.
Each November sees the annual coral spawning on the Great Barrier Reef. This is a great time to visit for snorkelling or diving.
There’s so much to do in Cairns. Check out the bustling markets and vibrant nightlife, or use the city as a jumping-off point to explore the Great Barrier Reef, Wet Tropics Rainforest or the Atherton Tablelands.
Mighty mountain ranges and Wet Tropics Rainforest create the optimum environment for a myriad of extraordinary waterfalls. Fall in love with these 20 waterfall wonderlands only a short drive from Cairns.
If ever the statement “so much to do, so little time” rang true of a destination, Cairns would be it. With the Great Barrier Reef in its front yard and the Wet Tropics rainforest out the back, aside from your bathers, time is the best thing you can pack for a visit to Tropical North Queensland. If it’s your first time in the North Queensland capital, start with these 16 things to do in Cairns.
Whether you’re chasing air-conditioning or water fun, we’ve got you covered with these ways to beat the heat in Cairns.
Flying into Cairns, you can see the city’s close proximity to the rainforest so you know don’t have to go far to explore this wonder. In fact, you can even find it in an inner-city suburb.
From swimming in wild waterfalls, to exploring hidden coves and outback tracks, it’s time to hit the road to enjoy the adventure of a lifetime on these road trips from Cairns.
If you like to start your holiday by getting a lay of the land, you’re in luck, because Cairns has an array of stunning lookouts. With a Coral Sea front garden and an ancient rainforest out the back, the views from these Cairns lookouts are nothing short of showstopping.
Travelling with your four legged bestie doesn’t have to be ruff! From pooch friendly swimming holes to eateries with dog menus, this guide to dog friendly travel in Cairns ensures that your pooch enjoys their time in the sun.
A chain of relaxed seaside villages lay just north of Cairns, each boasting their own unique features. Find out more about each of Cairns’ beaches and which tickle your fancy.
As a region, Tropical North Queensland offers an array of experiences that will engage your senses and immerse you in its natural wonders. From the rainforest to the reef, you’re sure to find an abundance of accessible adventures for all tastes.
With such a vibrant foodie culture, finding the best cafes in Cairns can be overwhelming. Fuel your caffeine addiction with these local favourites for a guaranteed quality cup of coffee.
Are your campsites better described as camp palaces, or do you just roll with the bare essentials? Whether you’re at one end of the spectrum or the other, lace up your hiking shoes, load up your 4WD (or hatchback) and string your fairy lights around these camping sites near Cairns.
Located just 30 minutes north of Cairns, Trinity Beach is a relaxed seaside village waiting to be explored.
Sunday may be renowned as the day of rest, but you’re in a tropical paradise with a free schedule and an appetite to get out and about. Here’s how to make the most of your Sunday fun day in Cairns.
Step away from the mainstream chain stores and hit the city streets to browse an array of local Cairns shops.
The Cairns Botanic Gardens may just be a stone’s throw away from the city, but the lush greenery and meandering rainforest paths will make you feel like you are a thousand miles away. Megan Woolfe explores this leafy haven.
Soak up the colour and the character, the smells and the sounds clunk and clash in a cacophony of the excitement of these 11 great markets.
If you’re into adventure and nature, point your compass south and explore Cairns’ under-the-radar southern corridor – a region of breathtaking natural beauty with a whole lot of country charm.
As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is teeming with an abundance of restaurants offering fresh, local catches and exceptional seafood. Find the stand-out seafood dishes in Cairns below.
A big part of travelling is finding the perfect spot to have a cold drink at the end of a day adventuring. Here’s where to quench your thirst in Cairns, whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur, beer buff, gin junkie or simply love a glass of wine with a view.
From earthy bush tucker and exotic fruits to ocean-caught seafood and a biodynamic dairy farm, Tropical North Queensland offers up a menu with a unique ingredients list.
Surrounded by national parks, World Heritage rainforest and the Great Dividing Range, find countless bush walks or hikes within a short distance of Cairns.
Cairns to Cape Tribulation (return)
Welcome to the loveliest little drive in Queensland. Short but oh-so-sweet, the Great Barrier Reef Drive covers just 140km in a straight line north from Cairns to Cape Tribulation via Port Douglas.
View itineraryTownsville to Cairns
Stretching between Cairns and Townsville, this under-the-radar route can be completed in four hours, but is best enjoyed over a couple of days so you can soak up the region’s spectacular natural assets and relaxed friendly vibe.
View itineraryCairns to Cairns
Get ready to discover the very best of Tropical North Queensland on the Great Tropical Drive. Some 26 different routes make up the drive, taking you from coast to Savannah, islands to the outback, rainforest to reef.
View itineraryTropical North Queensland
Discover local specialties and hidden gems on a mini road trip through Tropical North Queensland with these one day wonders. Here are eight itineraries to get you out and about.
View itineraryCairns
Tropical North Queensland
Air travel is a popular choice of transport for many tourists traveling to Tropical North Queensland, with direct flights from all major cities and also from a number of Australia’s regional centres.
Cairns Ports North hosts numerous large cruise ships and private boats regularly throughout the calendar year. Board from one of many Queensland coastal towns.
Why not turn your holiday to Tropical North Queensland into an “epic road trip”? If along the way you feel peckish, stop at some of the farmers markets or roadside fruit stalls and savour gorgeous local tropical fruits.
Coaches depart multiple times daily from Brisbane and travel up the east coast to Tropical North Queensland. The direct journey can take approximately 30 hours, so you can relax and experience the ever-changing scenery as you travel through almost 2000km of Queensland countryside.
From five-star to budget-friendly, you will find an abundance of accommodation in Cairns.
In Cairns, you can see a world-famous artist perform at the Tanks Art Centre, visit one of the monthly markets or cheer with the crowd at a local sporting match.
Friday plans? Sorted. Start your weekend right at @pachamamabycrystalbrook, the Mexican restaurant and bar at @crystalbrookbailey . Think sunset aperitifs, tapas and masterpieces on your plate. 🌅🌮🍹
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
@queensland @australianopen
ID: A video showcasing Pachamama, a Mexican restaurant and bar in Cairns. Features include a series of shots of colorful cocktails and authentic Mexican dishes, emphasising fresh ingredients and stylish decor. The setting includes large agave plants and decorative tiles, creating a lively dining atmosphere.
Fairies must exist because this place is magical 💚 🤎 Just 20 minute’s drive from Cairns’ CBD and you too could be dipping your toes in…
📍 Fairy Falls, Crystal Cascades
📸: @krystalsierra__
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
@queensland @australia
ID: A cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and moss-covered rocks, with a person wading in the calm pool at the base of the falls.
🌅🌴 Dawn Patrol Lineup: Grab your coffee and hit these sunrise hotspots.
▸ Palm Cove
▸ Four Mile Beach
▸ Cape Tribulation Beach
▸ Mission Beach
▸ Etty Bay
▸ Cardwell Beachfront
📍 Drop a pin and see the day wake up in @tropicalnorthqueensland .
📸 FB/ross.palm.9 ╰┈➤ @visitpalmcove #cairnsnorthernbeaches
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
@queensland @australia
ID: Sunrise at Palm Cove, with tall palm trees framing a golden sky over the calm sea. Early morning beachgoers are visible in the distance, enjoying the peaceful start to the day. The scene captures the quintessential tropical charm of Cairns’ Northern Beaches
Join us in @tropicalnorthqueensland to countdown to 2025! From Hollywood glam to poolside cocktails, welcome the new year with a bang 🚀🍾.
Check out our NYE guide (link in bio) ⬆️
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
@queensland
@australia
@portdouglasdaintree
ID: The video opens at @novotelcairns , showcasing a pool scene, then shifts to @crystalbrookflynn where a bartender makes a cocktail. It moves on to a party atmosphere at @pullmanportdouglas , followed by a fireworks display in Port Douglas. Inside the @thebensonhotel_cairns , a New Year’s Eve party is in full swing. The scene transitions to @mexicairns with its festive bar environment, and then to a dining experience at @crystalbrookriley . The video wraps up with another fireworks show over Cairns Esplanade, celebrating the New Year.
🌴 Save these ideas to stay cool this summer!🌞
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1️⃣ Float The River. Cool off with @backcountryblissadventures and float the Mossman River. As the #DaintreeRainforest canopy shades you, the gentle current takes you downstream where every twist and turn is a blur of green magic.
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2️⃣ Discover #WooroonooranNationalPark on two wheels. Shaded trails wind through rainforest, passing creeks and streams - this is one ride you won’t want to miss.
3️⃣ Dine out on the Cairns Esplanade. Grab a cold drink, fresh tropical food and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this waterfront precinct. With so many options to eat, you will be spoiled for choice.
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4️⃣ Go up in elevation and head for the @athertontablelands . A summer oasis filled with waterfalls, tropical produce, epic views and plenty of adventure.
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5️⃣ Treat yourself to the ultimate summer delight with a scoop of tropical ice cream. From @emeraldcreek.icecreamery to the @daintreeicecream and @mungallicreek, you will find some of the best tropical flavours this side of the equator. Sweet, refreshing, and oh-so-good! 🥭
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#explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
@queensland @australia
ID: Title frame over video reads “5 Cool Ways to Stay Cool This Summer” as a montage of scenes showcases Tropical North Queensland activities: floating down a rainforest river with Back Country Bliss Adventures, cycling through Wooroonooran National Park, sipping cocktails on the Cairns Esplanade, enjoying waterfalls and views on the Atherton Tablelands, eating ice cream at Mungalli Creek Biodynamic Dairy, and swimming in the Cairns Lagoon.
📌 Save for your ultimate @australia bucket list 🌴
An epic day trip from Cairns! @thalabeach Nature Reserve is only an hours drive north towards @portdouglasdaintree
⚠ Remember to watch out for falling coconuts! 🥥🤍
📷 @zac_and_tay
#ExploreCairnsGBR #ExploreTNQ #ThisIsQueensland #seeaustralia
[ID: Three images showcasing Thala Beach Nature Reserve, which is a field of bright green palm trees, perfectly planted in rows along a winding road, nestled beneath the mountains]
From reef to runway, @cairnsfashionweek has landed in the heart of the tropics 🪸👠
Six days of cutting-edge fashion, set against the stunning backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef, where breathtaking landscapes and bold styles collide. See you on the catwalk! Book your tickets now – Ends Sunday!
#ExploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
[ID: Behind-the-scenes footage of Cairns Fashion Week, featuring interviews with models and designers, alongside runway highlights.]
The greatest LOVE STORY is happening on the Great Barrier Reef right now ❤️
Trillions of coral eggs and sperm unite in an underwater snowstorm, setting the stage for the ultimate (coral) baby boom 🪸✨ AKA: Coral Spawning
And this year, it’s getting a helping hand! A team from @australianmarinescience is training Cairns and @portdouglasdaintree marine industries in the cutting-edge Coral IVF technique. These tiny bundles of life will then be planted on reefs affected by bleaching 🩵🐠
With Coral IVF boosting fertilisation success rates by 100 times, the program is supporting the future of our @gbrmarinepark
#ExploreTNQ #ExploreCairnsGBR #ThisIsQueensland #SeeAustralia
[ID Video showcasing coral spawning taking place on the Great Barrier Reef, which looks like a beautiful snowstorm of coral eggs and sperm uniting]
🎃 Not into scary movies & didn’t get enough of an adrenaline rush this Halloween?
@skyparkcairns by AJ Hackett has you covered!
Experience the ONLY bungy jump in Australia and get your heart racing—the only fright being the height!
Are you brave enough to take the plunge? 🕷️🧗♂️
🎥 @skyparkcairns
#ExploreTNQ #ExploreCairnsGBR #SeeAustralia #ThisIsQueensland
[ID: A video montage showcasing the thrill of bungy jumping at SkyPark Cairns. It begins with someone walking the plank, followed by clips of people calming themselves before jumping. Highlights include a woman backflipping off the ledge, various people jumping, and three people on a massive swing. The montage also features burgers and beers.]
Hands up if you’re dreaming of this view 🤩🙋 Windin Falls is a spectacular waterfall on the @athertontablelands located along the Old Cairns Track in Wooroonooran National Park 🌿🌅 Have you been here before? 🥾
⚠️ Always check the weather conditions before exploring, stay on the designated walking tracks and avoid hiking on hot days.
📸 @_letsescapetogether_ #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
[ID: Image of a man and woman sitting on a rock at Windin Falls, with gentle water flowing nearby. They overlook a green valley of forested hills. ]
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