From the splendours of the Great Barrier Reef to the jumbled rainforest palms and ferns, Cairns is a coastal city like no other.
May to October is the prime time for a Far North Queensland holiday, so whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to experience a different side of the city, there’s heaps of things to see and do in Cairns.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite recommendations, including four G’day Parks! We bet you’ll be booking your Cairns caravan park stay on the G’day Parks app or online in no time.
COASTAL FUN
DIVE INTO THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
The World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef is one of the most sparkling gems in Australia’s treasure chest. From snorkelling and scuba diving expeditions with tropical fish and marine life to island cruises, the vibrant outer reef colours, coral, and cerulean waves will leave you in awe. Check out Experience Oz for amazing tours and experiences in the Great Barrier Reef.
VISIT CAIRNS ESPLANADE
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
The picture-perfect Cairns Lagoon is a free, saltwater swimming pool right on the beachfront, patrolled during daily operational hours. Along Cairns Esplanade, you’ll also find beach volleyball courts, fitness stations, a skate plaza, bouldering park, and three kids playgrounds, including the fun-tastic Muddy’s Playground. Enjoy a daily walk or jog on the famous Esplanade Boardwalk to soak up the atmosphere.
BEACHES
You can’t come to Cairns without spending at least a fraction of your time at the nearby beaches! When you’ve got Trinity Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Holloways Beach, Palm Cove Beach, Clifton Beach, Kewarra Beach, Ellis Beach, and more to choose from, how can you resist? (Just watch out for stinger season, from November to May.)
ISLAND EXPLORATION
There are all sorts of ways to visit the bunch of islands off the coast of Tropical North Queensland. Take a glass bottom boat tour over the Great Barrier Reef to Green Island, sail through Michaelmas Cay, or go whale watching (June to September) en route to Fitzroy Island.
DEADLY AFTER DARK SUNSET CRUISE
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Join an authentic Indigenous tour while travelling on Mandingalbay Yidinji Country. Deadly After Dark incorporates a sunset cruise, Welcome to Country, and traditional Smoke Cleansing Ceremony. You’ll gain fascinating insights into ancient language and dialects, cultural seasons, traditional practices, and implements that are still created and used today.
FISHING FOR A GOOD TIME
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Cairns has no shortage of fishing spots, and its beautiful sunny days make the perfect backdrop for a day at the reef or river mouth. Barra season starts in February, where you might snag a metre-long fish, so pack your fishing rod or sign up for a charter in Trinity Inlet.
NATURE AND WILDLIFE WONDERS
CAIRNS AQUARIUM
After exploring the depths of the Great Barrier Reef and its marine life, learn more about the underwater world at Cairns Aquarium. They have the tallest deep reef tank in the Southern Hemisphere!
HARTLEY’S CROCODILE ADVENTURES
From cruising through wetlands to watching a Crocodile Attack Show, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is a great location to safely view tropical crocs and other wildlife. You can even pole feed a crocodile, with a photo and certificate to commemorate your bravery.
KAYAK WITH SEA TURTLES
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
Starting from Palm Cove, you’ll meet green and hawksbill turtles in their habitat, before making your way to nearby mangroves that are home to shovelnose rays. There’s also an opportunity to go swimming in a secluded beach, and travel through a limestone cave.
CAIRNS KOALAS AND CREATURES
For a wildlife experience in the city centre, head to Cairns Koalas and Creatures. Get your photograph taken with a cuddly koala or a snapshot with a slithery reptile.
TAKE TO THE SKY
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Soar above nature on a Hot Air Balloon (with a glass of sparkling once you’ve touched back down) or fly over coral reefs on a Scenic Flight.
CAIRNS BOTANIC GARDENS
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Surround yourself with tropical plants at the Cairns Botanic Gardens. Free guided, walking tours include a weekly bird watching tour to keep your eyes peeled for the gardens’ feathered friends.
SWIM UNDER WATERFALLS
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Combine waterfall spotting with the freshest swimming pools. Josephine Falls, Crystal Cascades, and Stoney Creek are just a few of the beautiful waterfall swimming spots to cool off.
ADMIRE THE NIGHT SKY
From April to August, Night Sky Secrets run seasonal Astronomy Dinner Tours. At a dark sky wilderness spot, about an hour from the CBD, share a sunset dinner before you look through telescopes and your guide reveals the beauty of the night sky. The night will conclude with a billy tea and ancient star tale around the campfire.
NEARBY DAY TRIPS
PALM COVE
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Less than half an hour away, Palm Cove is a little slice of heaven. Stroll the esplanade parade of melaleuca trees, walk barefoot on golden sand, go beach fishing, and browse the delightful Palm Cove Markets.
KURANDA
Kuranda is a popular village tucked inside the rainforest in the Atherton Tablelands. Arrive via the heritage-listed Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns Central or ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Rainforestation Nature Park combines land and water rainforest scenery, Aboriginal cultural tours, and a Koala and Wildlife Park. Animal lovers can continue the good times at Birdworld Kuranda, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, and Kuranda Koala Gardens.
PORT DOUGLAS
Head north for just over an hour to reach the dreamy town of Port Douglas. Go shopping, relax on Four Mile Beach, or feast at delicious restaurants.
PARONELLA PARK
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a film set at Paronella Park, from its castle to the luscious tropical gardens. Listen to their story on the short-and-sweet tour around the grounds. It’s a 1.5-hour drive south of Cairns, and you can combine your visit with admission to the Mamu Tropical Skywalk.
INNISFAIL ART DECO TOUR
An hour or so south of Cairns, a self-guided art deco walk is a fabulous way to appreciate the town of Innisfail. Grab a map from the museum or join a guided historical walk.
MUST-SEE IN THE CITY
ART GALLERIES
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland/Andrew Watson
Art aficionados will have no trouble sampling the regional creative scene, from Court House Gallery to NorthSite Contemporary Arts. Cairns Art Gallery is free to enter, showcasing local artists and Far North Queensland culture through exhibitions, curator’s talks, art workshops, and school holiday classes. To explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories and artwork, Doongal Aboriginal Art and Bulmba-ja are well worth a visit.
EXPLORE CAIRNS' MARKETS
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Get an authentic taste of Cairns and Tropical North Queensland at Rusty’s Markets, with more than 180 stalls open Friday to Sunday. Holiday visitors and locals alike love the tropical fruit, nourishing veggies, fragrant flowers, freshly baked bread, and artisan delights. The Cairns Night Markets are open every day from 4.30pm to 11.00pm, and there are many markets around Cairns, Palm Cove, and Kuranda for your fix.
SHOP ’TIL YOU DROP
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
It’s not hard to indulge in retail therapy when you visit Cairns, especially in the CBD. Plus, from thrifting at op shops to bargain hunting at DFO Cairns, there’s plenty of deals on the horizon.
TASTE YOUR WAY AROUND CAIRNS
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Cairns’ bar and dining scene is top shelf, and the local seafood is some of the freshest out there, so why not take a tasty tour? Stay central with a half-day brewery and distillery tour, where you’ll fill up on craft beer, spirits, and a pub lunch. To explore the regions, join an Outback Tasting Tour through the Atherton Tablelands, sampling cheese, coffee, chocolate, wine, liqueur, tropical fruits, and more delicacies.
MOSEY THROUGH CAIRNS MUSEUMS
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
The Australian Armour and Artillery Museum lays claim to the largest display of armoured vehicles and artillery in the Southern Hemisphere. Meanwhile, Cairns Museum (open six days a week) is another top spot to step into the past with interactive exhibits, and the Cairns Historical Society is open Monday to Friday.
RELAX ON A LUXURY SPA DAY
Amidst all the exploration and activities, it’s also important to slow down on holiday. If that’s not an excuse to book a spa day, then what is?
HOLIDAY THRILLS
BUNGY JUMPING
Did you know Cairns is home to Australia’s only bungy jumping site? It’s 50m above a natural lagoon, with 16 different jump styles available to try. Skypark Cairns also has a Giant Swing and a Walk the Plank experience for added thrills and panoramic views of World Heritage rainforest.
GO OFF ROAD
Drive a CanAm Commander over rugged rainforest trails, with light lunch and refreshments included. Whether you want to sit behind the wheel or enjoy the bumps and views as a passenger, you’re in for a treat.
CAIRNS CANYONING
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Up for a challenge? Turn the rapids into an adventure playground with Cairns Waterfalls, as you repel, abseil, traverse, explore, slide, and swim through the rainforest on a Behana Adventure Tour.
WET AND WILD
Come prepared to get splashed as you swerve, spin, and speed past coastal scenery on a jet boating tour, or learn how to ride a jet ski. If the river’s more your scene, go white water rafting or river tubing along the Cairns, Barron, and Tully Rivers.
CAIRNS WAKE PARK
Cairns Wake Park runs knee boarding and wakeboarding lessons for beginner and advanced skill levels. Then, conquer the floating obstacles at the adjoining Cairns Aqua Park. Grab an H2O Pass to experience both attractions!
WHERE TO STAY?
When it's time to explore Cairns, G’day Parks has four parks which are all less than half an hour from the CBD and Cairns Airport (CNS), perfect to reach both inner-city attractions and nearby natural wonders.
Crystal Cascades Holiday Park
Crystal Cascades Holiday Park is a first-class choice for families, with a resort-style pool, playground, and pump track kids are bound to love.
Among their vast selection of accommodation, a Birdwing Spa Villa is a modern, two-storey cabin which sleeps up to six people and has a covered outdoor deck and spa bathroom. The park faces Freshwater Creek and frequently welcomes visiting birds, butterflies, and white lipped tree frogs for a restful atmosphere, not far from its namesake—the pristine Crystal Cascades waterfalls.
Barrier Reef Tourist Park
Nestled in the southern suburbs, Barrier Reef Tourist Park is a quiet and tranquil tropical escape. Chill out in the pool or TV Room, and make the most of great facilities.
If you’re coming with a caravan in tow, there are plenty of ensuite sites. Need a cabin? They’ve got that covered, too. A Pelican Villa is a beautifully furnished six-berth cabin featuring a kitchen, ensuite, and patio with an outdoor setting.
First City Caravilla
First City Caravilla has lush green grounds, comfy cabin accommodation, and a convenient location less than 15 minutes from Cairns Esplanade.
Choose a powered or unpowered site, or curl up in a welcoming ensuite cabin. A four-berth Family Ensuite Cabin has a private kitchenette and ensuite, plus access to park facilities like BBQs and a pool.
Lake Placid Rainforest Retreat
At Lake Placid Rainforest Retreat, pick a bungalow, villa, or powered site among the palms. This hidden gem is located 20 minutes out of Cairns' city centre, in an envied location near Stoney Creek.
A four-berth Kingfisher Cottage has an outdoor setting to sit amongst the tropical surroundings. Enjoy a dip in the pool or a cold drink with a forest view. If you want holiday serenity, you’ll find it at this beautiful park.
Your coastal adventure in Tropical North Queensland awaits!
Book your Cairns escape on the G’day Parks app or online, and start looking forward to that classic tropical climate.
You'll be counting down the days until it's time for a snorkelling or diving expedition through the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the awe-inspiring views of the Far North Queensland rainforest, browsing the Cairns Museum, or toasting your adventure at rooftop bars overlooking the Cairns Esplanade.
