Situated as a gateway to both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, tropical Cairns is a nature lover’s dream and the perfect family holiday destination.
The Great Barrier Reef stretches more than 2,300 km, home to 1,625 species of fish, 600 types of coral, 133 types of sharks and rays and 6 species of sea turtles. The best way to spot sealife is on a tour, with many operators running their daily programs out of Cairns. Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel offers a half-day diving experience, complete with Marine Biologists and Indigenous Cultural Guides to teach you all about the amazing reef landscape.
If on-land adventures are more your thing, venture north to the world’s oldest rainforest for breathtaking beauty and unique flora and fauna. The Daintree Rainforest has adventures to suit any budget. Horse ride along Cape Tribulation, zipline through the rainforest with Treetops Adventure, and much more. Of course, the Daintree Discovery Centre is a must-visit, with tours, presentations and all your itinerary needs. It also hosts the Aerial Walkway Rainforest Skywalk, meaning you can walk amongst the colourful canopy.
There are plenty of tour operators in the Daintree, featuring knowledgeable guides who can detail the history of this stunning location and point out unique wildlife from saltwater crocodiles to snakes and birds. Most of the local wildlife has adopted a nocturnal lifestyle, so joining a night tour means venturing on foot to spot bandicoots and owls.
Daintree Tours offers the only zip-lining tour of the rainforest, part of a full-day package that will immerse you in the natural beauty of your surroundings. The tour includes a walk beneath the canopy, zip-lining with Treetops Adventure, a one hour crocodile and wildlife spotting river cruise, and even the chance to swim at the nearby Heritage Lodge.
For an outdoor adventure closer to home, Crystal Cascades waterfall is only 25 minutes outside of town. To access the fall, it’s an east 1.2 kilometre walk from the carpark. Along the way, there are several freshwater swimming holes, or you can hold out for the main waterfall and pool at the end. Brave souls often jump from the top and plunge into the depths below, while others prefer calmly floating in the crystal clear water.
Back in town, Rusty’s Markets is an iconic Cairns attraction featuring more than 180 stalls of local produce, baked goods, clothing, jewellery and so much more. First opened in 1975, it has grown into one of the most well-known markets in Australia, delighting locals and tourists alike.
To learn more about the city, join Cairns Discovery Tours for an afternoon exploring the sites. From heritage-listed cathedrals to museums and botanic gardens, it’s the easiest and most interesting way to get to know everything on offer in this iconic Queensland destination.
Cairns is also a hub of breweries and bars serving up refreshing drinks after a day in the sun. Sunset Bar, located on the Marlin Marina, features uninterrupted views of the water and laid back charm. The menu includes carefully curated cocktails that match the summer vibes, as well as local beers and wines to showcase the best that Queensland has to offer.
Or, check out Wolf Lane Distillery, where gins and liqueurs are infused with North Queensland tropical fruits and rainforest botanicals for unbeatable flavour. At the cellar door, in the heart of the CBD, you can enjoy a tasting flight to sample the best seasonal drops. Or, sign up for a gin and cocktail masterclass, to learn the art of distilling and craft delicious cocktails to enjoy with friends.
Can’t get enough of tropical Cairns? To read about the seven best Indigenous experiences in Cairns, click here.
