Cairns Queensland, Australia Travel Guide
Cairns is a prime destination for adventures in nature, leveraging its proximity to rainforests, rivers, and the Great Barrier Reef.
Cairns Esplanade (flat, surfaced trails), Cairns Botanic Gardens (easy boardwalks), Barron Falls lookout walk (Kuranda), Mossman Gorge (easy boardwalks).
Red Arrow and Blue Arrow walks in Cairns (steep views), Daintree National Park trails (Jindalba, Dubuji Boardwalk), Walsh's Pyramid track (challenging due to steepness).
Mount Bartle Frere (Queensland's highest peak, multi-day, difficult), Wooroonooran National Park trails (Josephine Falls to Goldsborough Valley track).
Marine stinger season typically runs from November to May. Always swim in stinger-safe areas (nets) or wear a stinger suit during this period in ocean waters.
Occasional workshops focusing on art, craft, music, or dance are offered by local art galleries or community centers. Inquire locally to check current schedules.
An annual event (usually August) featuring arts, culture, music, and community events.
In July, it celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with local events sometimes occurring.
Many luxury hotels and resorts in Cairns and Palm Cove have in-house spas. Independent day spas are also in the city. Some retreats offer yoga and meditation classes. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon offers public swimming and relaxation.
Live music venues like The Jack, Gilligan's, and The Pier Bar are common. Cairns Theater And dance Centre (CPAC) hosts live performances. Nightclubs like Gilligan's and The Woolshed have lively dancing. The main bar district is around Lake Street, Spence Street, and the Esplanade. The Reef Hotel Casino has gaming and bars.
Rusty's Market (fresh produce, street food, Fri-Sun). Cairns Night Markets (souvenirs, food court, nightly). Kuranda Village markets (local crafts, art, daily). Souvenirs include Aboriginal art, didgeridoos, boomerangs, opal jewelry. Cairns Central Shopping Centre for retail therapy.
Cairns is a hub for thrilling activities and up-close wildlife experiences.
Ideal for crocodile spotting and various birdwatching opportunities.
An indoor wildlife sanctuary atop The Reef Hotel Casino with crocodiles, koalas, birds, and rainforest animals.
Includes Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld, and Australian Butterfly Sanctuary for guaranteed animal sightings.
Full-day tours to outer reef platforms for snorkeling, diving, and glass-bottom boat experiences. Options via GetYourGuide.
Guided tours into the Daintree Rainforest, including boardwalks and river cruises. Local operators offer diverse options.
Popular day trips to Green Island or Fitzroy Island, for relaxing, swimming, and water sports.
Cairns offers ample opportunities for relaxation and wellness, from luxurious spa treatments to tranquil natural swimming holes.
A free public swimming and relaxation area, with sandy edges and shaded spots.
Many hotels feature large, resort-style pools, offering a luxurious setting for a swim or sunbathing.
Offer a more relaxed beach experience, perfect for unwinding by the ocean.
Cairns has a thriving café scene. Many independent cafes are in the city center and The northern part of Beaches. Enjoy area coffee and fresh breakfast or lunch options.
The Cairns Botanic Gardens offer tranquil benches. Local libraries and quiet sections of greater hotels provide comfortable reading spaces.
The Cairns Art Gallery and smaller independent galleries provide a calm environment for appreciating local and national art. A relaxed way to use an afternoon.
The Queensland sun is very strong. Always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses when outdoors. Seek shade, especially during the middle of the day, to avoid skin damage from sun and heat illness.
Cairns has a lively nightlife and entertainment scene, specifically centered around the city area.
Gilligan's is a large nightclub popular with backpackers. The Woolshed is another popular nightclub for dancing. The Landing stage Bar transforms into a lively spot in the evenings.
The main bar district concentrates around the city center, especially on Lake Street and Spence Street, and by the Esplanade.
The Reef Hotel Casino has gaming, bars, and occasional live entertainment. Late-night bars and clubs generally lock up around 3 AM.
Cairns has an exciting array of activities for every type of traveler. Balance your adventure with relaxation and cultural experiences for an entire Cairns journey.
