Cairns, Australia Aerial View Noah Beach
THE QUEEN OF QUEENSLAND

Cruise to Cairns, Australia

There are so many things to do in Cairns, Australia. Once you arrive, you’ll see why this tropical paradise is so popular. Known for beautiful, balmy weather all year long, this city is the perfect jumping off point for UNESCO World Heritage sites and natural wonders like the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. There’s also Cairn’s Botanical Gardens, home to one of Australia’s most diverse exhibitions of tropical plants, the Kuranda Scenic Railway which cuts through lush rainforests, and opportunities to learn about local culture — like the award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park that explores Aboriginal history, folklore and traditions.
National Language English
Currency Accepted Australian Dollar (AUD)

Things To Do in Cairns, Australia

Nudey Beach Fitzroy Island Cairns Queensland Australia

GET ON ISLAND TIME

Nudey Beach Fitzroy Island Cairns Queensland Australia

Nudey Beach Fitzroy Island Cairns Queensland Australia

GET ON ISLAND TIME

A day trip to nearby Green Island is the perfect getaway for sun seekers. It’s one of the best spots to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, but you can also spend your visit unwinding on the island’s white-sand beaches or paddle boarding over calm, crystal blue waters.

Cairns Australia Great Barrier Reef Couple Snorkeling

WATCH FOR WILDLIFE

Cairns Australia Great Barrier Reef Couple Snorkeling

Cairns Australia Great Barrier Reef Couple Snorkeling

WATCH FOR WILDLIFE

The Great Barrier Reef is a breeding sanctuary for whales and dolphins, which means the sea around Cairns is always teeming with critters. Join a wildlife-watching tour on the water and get an up-close look at the many marine animals that call the area home.

Cairns, Australia Curtain Fig Tree
Cairns, Australia Curtain Fig Tree

HIT THE HIGHLANDS

About half an hour out of Cairns you’ll find the Atherton Tablelands, a highland region sprinkled with quaint little towns, idyllic farms and plenty of captivating natural scenery. If you’re looking to spend the day off the beaten path, this is a great option.

Cairns, Australia Seafood Salad
Cairns, Australia Seafood Salad

LOCAL CUISINE

Whether you’re in the mood for local seafood fished fresh from the surrounding waters, top-notch dishes prepared with Southeast Asian flare, or locally sourced delicacies like jam made from North Queensland wildflowers and deep-fried reef bugs, Cairns is home to a food scene that satisfies on every level.

Tropical North Queensland Landscape
Tropical North Queensland Landscape

SHOPPING

You’ll find vintage fashions, indie boutiques, and eco-friendly wares at Oceana Walk Arcade and high-end designers at Galleria. If you’re looking for indigenous art, hit up one of the many galleries throughout the city, or scope out local markets for handcrafted souvenirs and homemade snacks.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 Pedaling along Cairns’s vast network of cycling paths is a great way to see the city.
2 Looking to island hop? There’s a high-speed ferry that gets you to nearby Fitzroy Island in under an hour.
3 Tasty meals in Cairns don’t have to break the bank. Opt for budget-friendly cafes instead of upscale restaurants.
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