Things to do in Cairns
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Most popular experiences in Cairns
Tours & day trips
See all 151 activitiesOpens in new tabOcean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Wildlife & nature
See all 42 activitiesOpens in new tabBig Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Adventure & outdoor
See all 22 activitiesOpens in new tabDaintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation Day Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 5 activitiesOpens in new tabCairns Self-Guided Audio Tour
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
See all 11 activitiesOpens in new tabOuter Reef Odyssey - 40 minute Reef Scenic Flight
What to do in Cairns
Popular places to visit
Cairns Esplanade
Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.
Cairns Marlin Marina
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.
Palm Cove Beach
Located in between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, this palm tree-lined beach is an idyllic spot to take it easy or begin an adventure.
Esplanade Lagoon
Relax after a day of sightseeing or cool down from the summer heat in this fresh-water lagoon, one of Cairns’ best city attractions.
Cairns Night Markets
During your trip to Cairns, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Cairns Night Markets. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area or seek out the local tours.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Soar above the treetops of the rain forest, gorges and mountains of North Queensland in a glass-enclosed cable car.
Australian Armour and Artillery Museum
You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Australian Armour and Artillery Museum during your travels in Cairns. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area.
Clifton Beach
This quiet beach north of Cairns offers long stretches of white sand and clear water.
Cairns Central Shopping Centre
During your visit to Cairns, you can do some window-shopping at Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.
Areas of Cairns
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.
Cairns Central Business District
Cairns Central Business District is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Cairns Esplanade and Esplanade Lagoon.
Trinity Beach
Trinity Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.
Cairns North
The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Cairns North. A stop by Cairns Esplanade or Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland might round out your trip.
Clifton Beach
Clifton Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while in the area.
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.
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