Things to Do in Cairns

The Cairns botanical gardens officially known as Flecker botanical garden is a botanic reserve in Collins Avenue. It is named after Dr. Hugo Flecker who is known for his immense botanical contribution to this place. Commenced on the 2 of February 2007, it has since become a world heritage listed site. It is also known as Fitzalan's Botanical gardens and Edge hill nursery and it is one of the best places to visit in Cairns.

Having a special place in Cairns history this garden has its native sausage tree kigella pantana, hoop pines Araucaria cunninghamii and Cook pine Araucaria columnaris. Further down Goodwin street are the damson plum and a blue quandong. There are rainforest understory plants along the creek with paperbarks and a Leichhardt tree. Aroids and gingers are a part of the garden as well. The walking area is non slippery due to the use of exposed aggregate concrete.

Location: Collins Ave, Edge Hill QLD 4870, Australia

Highlight: The garden has its theme based on the botanical historical evolution of the new Queensland region.

Palm Cove is the shy, quiet chilled-out unique village which is referred to as the Spa capital of Australia. Some who visit it call it 'the ultimate tropical serenity'. It offers the best of tropical adventure with its reef, rainforest, and indigenous culture and it is one of the best places to visit in Cairns. Relax by the ancient paper bark Melaleuca trees lining the casually styled esplanade. There are various world class beach resorts and hotels here to pamper you and further cater to your every whim and fantasy.

When you get tired of relaxing move out into the tropical sunshine and take part in Great Barrier Reef excursions and rainforest trips, go seeking thrill on a kayaking adventure or try fishing in your personal jetty. A Mecca of sophistication, Palm cove lets you pamper yourself with its various beauty salons and spas. Shop in its boutiques and take care of yourself by taking advantage of the health and fitness centers.

Location: It is located 27 km North of Cairns

Highlights: It is known as the Spa capital of Australia

Best time to visit: September to November, March to May.

Most people come to Cairns to visit the Great Barrier Reef. There are many rainforests, white beaches, corals and abundant and diverse marine life. You can do several activities here at Green Island where the clear water invites you to dive, swim, and snorkel to your heart's content. Also very famous here is the semi-submarine ride and the glass bottom boat ride and it is one of the best tourist places in Cairns Australia.

Both of these are excellent options if you are a marine life enthusiast. Visit Green Island has live commentary, the hosts of which expound the wonders of the corals and live fish feeding. There are 3 tours departing at 9 am, 11 am and 1 pm every day. The green island national park is also worth checking out. This is a once in a lifetime tropical island experience not to be missed.

Location: It is situated 27 km offshore from Cairns, Queensland in Australia.

Highlights: Green Island is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, which is the largest living thing on the planet and is even visible from space.

The St Monica's Cathedral is a Catholic Church in Cairns. This nondescript Building which most people miss is a delight in itself. A witness to the battle of Coral Sea, this unknown building is a hidden gem and a wonder of architecture and interior design. There are a number of stained glass windows of which 24 depict the creation. It is a modern Cathedral which does not require any sort of religious affiliation and it is one of the best places to visit in Cairns.

Visit this church on a sunny day to see it in its full glory. The interior of this church holds its own even in comparison with bigger churches. Here the friendly staff and the caretaker are more than happy to explain the illustrious history and architecture of the Cathedral. Do attend the church on Sundays at 10 AM to listen to the mesmerizing music of the church choir.

Location: 181 Abbott St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia

Highlight: Come here for the stained glasses and the church choir.

Yourkeys Knob is your ideal Beach front Destination for your holiday in Cairns. You are encouraged to go and find your own piece of personal paradise on the golden treasures that lay here. The wide expanse of sand covered by a palm-fringed hammock will surely seduce you. With a large stinger net, you can swim all you want in pure unrestricted pleasure. There is just so much to do that it will be really hard to explore all of it in just one day and it is one of the amazing tourist places in Cairns Australia.

Windsurfing and sailing are big attractions at Yorkeys. With Rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef nearby, your nature dose is never too far away. To complement that there are so many city bus tours, pick-ups and you can obviously rent your own car out there. When you do get hungry, do not forget to eat at the open air Yorkeys knob boating club which offers bistro meals. While eating there you can take in the exclusive view of the marina and the ocean.

Location: It is located 13 km north of Cairns.

Highlights: It is a very popular kite surfing destination. The south east winds provide brilliant thrust to your sail.

Best time to visit: Come here between April to November for the Kite surfing.

One of the most visited Cairns tourist attractions, Fitzroy Island is home to a massive resort, two grand restaurants, and a National Park. With several unique activities to do, including kayaking and boating. Fitzroy Island is one of the most scenic places to visit, offering beautiful views of the surroundings, along with walking trails to stroll around. 

 Barron Falls is a steep cascading waterfall on the Barron River that falls from a significant height of 250 meters. Commencing from the Atherton Tablelands, the waterfall flows to the dramatically carved gorge through the Lamb Ranges named the Barron Gorge. Tourists can enjoy the sweeping views of one of these beautiful Cairns tourist attractions from the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or Barron Falls Lookout.

One of the most interesting and unique places to visit in Cairns, the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park offers an insight into the oldest living cultures in the world. Witness the indigenous dance performances along with arts, and taste some locally sourced food. Combining entertainment and education, the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park offers the most authentic experience in Australia. 

Known to be amongst the largest aviaries in the country, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is one of the most unique Cairns tourist attractions to visit. View more than 1500 butterflies belonging to the tropical region including the Cairns Birdwing Butterfly and the Monarch. Visit the laboratory here, filled with over 4000 caterpillars, when on a guided tour. 

Barron Gorge National Park, one of the top attractions for nature enthusiasts in Cairns, stretches from Lake Placid to Atherton Tableland in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Barron Gorge National Park charms everyone with its unspoiled natural beauty as it is surrounded by lush green mountains, flowing waterfalls, and unique fauna.

If you are looking for a getaway from the hassle of the city, then visit Esplanade to indulge in some fun and leisure time. Offering several water activities, including swimming, the Esplanade is a perfect place to experience a pool party. Get to immerse yourself in panoramic views of the Trinity Inlet. Do visit the many attractions here including the Skatepark, Muddy’s Playground, and Healing Garden Playground, among others.

Among the most unique places to visit in Cairns, the Kuranda Koala Gardens is one of them. Located in the Kuranda rainforest village, this attraction is an ideal place to visit for all wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Home to animals including wallabies, wombats, gliders, crocodiles, and quokkas; you can indulge in the many educational tours offered here. 

Crystal Cascades, one of Cairns' best-kept secrets among tourist attractions, is tucked away among the city's stunning rainforests and attracts visitors with its entrancing waterfalls. The secluded freshwater lake, surrounded by huge granite rocks, is the perfect place to go swimming. You can drive your own vehicle to this serene location where you can witness mountain water rushing through the trees.

One of the best places to visit in Cairns is the Daintree Rainforest, especially for all adventure seekers. The Daintree Rainforest, which is surrounded by a verdant landscape, allows you to get a closer look at some of the rarest plants and creatures that live here. Experience Ziplining through the forest, which is sure to get your adrenaline rushing. 

One of the top luxury places to visit in Cairns, the Reef Hotel Casino is home to 127 lavish rooms, along with a personal spa bath and a garden view overlooking the city. With several amenities including a rooftop swimming pool, a gym, a casino, a boutique, and several restaurants, the Reef is a must visit. Some other attractions to view here include the unique Wildlife Dome.

One of the most magnificent aquariums in Cairns, the Cairns Aquarium features species from the Wet Tropics Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. The magnificent aquarium offers the best shark feedings every day, environment explanations, and animal displays. The Great Barrier Reef and North Queensland's marine ecosystems are represented by the rarest species in 71 displays at the aquarium.

Situated on the Barron river, the Tinaroo Falls Dam is a great Cairns tourist attractions to visit when looking for a getaway. Some of the most famous activities to indulge in here include sailing, waterskiing, house boating, and swimming. The Tinaroo Falls Dam also offers an opportunity to trek through the pristine rainforests enclosed here. 

Among the best Cairns tourist attractions, is the Cairns Night Markets, which is an open night market, inspired by the markets in South East Asia and Hawaii. Shop some of the best locally made goods from over 131 stalls, selling textiles, artwork, daily items, handicrafts, and many more items. Do visit the many smaller food joints and the retail spaces offering some delicious, lip-smacking snacks.

You may get away from the bustle of the city, at Stoney Creek, which is located in the Barron Gorge National Park. This is one of the best sites for nature enthusiasts to visit in Cairns because it is surrounded by rainforests. The Stony Creek Falls is a pristine area to escape the bustling people and cool down from the summer heat by taking a refreshing swim.

Regarded amongst the most beautiful places to visit in Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the wonders of the natural world. Surrounded by nearly 3000 individual reefs and about 900 islands and coral cays, this is a retreat for snorkelers and certified divers that flock around this place. You can witness the unparalleled variety of marine life at this Great Barrier reef.