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A man throws a cast net into the water, hoping to catch prawns, shrimps or small fish to use as bait. You can just make out the head of a great egret at the bottom of the photo, which is hoping to get a share of the spoils.
A man throws a cast net into the water, hoping to catch prawns, shrimps or small fish to use as bait. You can just make out the head of a great egret at the bottom of the photo, which is hoping to get a share of the spoils. - Photo by David Clode

Explore the Tropical Beauty of Cairns, Australia: A Travel Blog

About Cairns, Australia

Cairns, Australia is a tropical paradise with endless possibilities for adventure. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Australia. With a vibrant nightlife and countless outdoor activities, Cairns is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a unique blend of relaxation and excitement. Book your trip today!

Cairns, located in tropical North Queensland, Australia, is a paradise for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. With its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, Cairns offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers.

For those who love the water, Cairns is the perfect destination. The Great Barrier Reef, located just off the coast of Cairns, is one of the world's most incredible natural wonders. Snorkeling and diving in the crystal-clear waters allow visitors to witness the stunning array of marine life that call this area home. For those who prefer to stay above water, there are also plenty of opportunities for fishing, sailing, and kayaking.

Cairns is also home to the Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests in the world and a World Heritage Site. Visitors can take a guided tour through the rainforest, where they can learn about the unique flora and fauna that call this area home. The Daintree also offers plenty of hiking opportunities for those who want to explore the rainforest on their own.

For those looking for a more relaxed pace, Cairns has plenty to offer as well. The city has a vibrant arts scene, with plenty of galleries and museums to explore. There are also plenty of beaches in the area, where visitors can relax and soak up the sun.

Cairns is also known for its delicious cuisine, with plenty of restaurants offering fresh seafood and other local delicacies. There are also plenty of markets in the area where visitors can sample local produce and crafts.

Overall, Cairns is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Australia. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and endless opportunities for adventure, it's no wonder that Cairns is one of Australia's top travel destinations.

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Popular Stays in Cairns, Australia

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Cairns, Australia

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Business hotelsHotels with charmSustainable HotelHotels with spa

Double Tree By Hilton Hotel Cairns

Our oceanfront hotel in Cairns is surrounded by landscaped, tropical gardens with views of the Coral Sea. We're a short walk from Cairns Aquarium, Cairns Art Gallery, the Esplanade Lagoon, and city center. Cairns Airport is five kilometers away. Enjoy our 24-hour fitness center and outdoor pool with plenty of seating. DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns is 5 minutes' walk from the shopping, dining precinct and entertainment and business centre of Cairns. The hotel is just a 15-minute drive from the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
General view

Pacific Hotel Cairns

The Pacific Hotel Cairns boasts a magnificent location. It is situated on the picturesque Esplanade overlooking Trinity Harbour and the Reef Fleet Terminal, the main departure point in Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef. The hotel is also opposite the casino, restaurants and a short walk to the Esplanade Lagoon. The hotel offers beautiful rooms, with higher rooms featuring private balconies. The higher levels enjoy superb water views across either the inlet or sea. Hotel facilities include a swimming pool, 24 hour reception, internet kiosk, free Wi-Fi and onsite parking (fee applies). Experience Bushfire Flame Grill for Brazilian-inspired, Australian-style BBQ. Showcasing prime Australian beef, the thrill of the grill explodes every night. Here guests enjoy a Brazilian-inspired, Australian-style barbecue. Metre long skewers of succulent Australian beef, pork, lamb and chicken are seasoned, marinated and gently roasted on the churrasco grill. Waiters slice sizzling hot roasted meats from the skewers directly to your plate. The restaurant also offers an a la carte menu. Bushfire opens for dinner from 5.30pm until late. Breakfast is available daily from 6.30am until 9.30am. Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in our bar. The Pacific Hotel Cairns is the perfect base for your Tropical North Queensland holiday.
General view
Hotels with charmHotels with spaDesign

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments are located only 100 metres from Cairns Central Shopping Complex and Railway Station. They are within walking distance to the Convention Centre, The Pier Marina and picturesque lagoon on the new Cairns foreshore development. Designed in a modern 'Atrium Style', the apartments are built around a recreational spa, lap sized swimming pool, tropical pool, gym and beautifully landscaped barbecue area that pays homage to the tropical lifestyle. The complex is built in 3 stages, each with its own distinct theme and first class facilities. The apartments consist of a common entry lobby connecting to a studio apartment and a larger one bedroom or in some cases a smaller one bedroom with a larger one bedroom. All apartments have cooking facilities. Southern Cross Atrium Apartments are the perfect destination for a convenient and comfortable visit to Cairns.
Restaurant
Business hotels

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns is located on the Cairns Esplanade, only a short walk from Muddies Playground, the Cairns Boardwalk, Esplanade and dining precinct. A 5 minute walk to the Cairns Aquarium, 10 minute walk to the centre of the city. All tour operators pick up from the Hotel. The resort offers stunning views of Trinity Bay and the surrounding mountains, with all hotel rooms offering private balconies. Cairns Airport is approximately 4.8km (7 minutes drive) from the hotel. Complimentary Gym and use of 2 tennis courts for guests. Three swimming pools includng a small lap pool in beautiful surroundings are located within the resort grounds. 24 Hour Reception. Complimentary WIFI throughout. The CHB restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. A cocktail and tapas bar, adjacent the restaurant is open for guests 7 days a week.
Conferences
Business hotelsHotels with charm

Shangri La Hotel The Marina Cairns

CNS - Cairns International Airport - 5.7 Kilometres / 4 miles north . Shangri-La Cairns is situated along the marina in breathtaking Cairns - just a short boat ride to the Great Barrier Reef. The property is convenient to Cairns abundant recreational activities - including water sports - beaches - rafting - bungee jumping - river cruises - golf - and rain forest walks.For more information on our health and hygiene precautionary measures cancellation fee waivers and Golden Circle - please visit shangri-la.com/cares Shangri-La Cairns is situated on the marina in central Cairns- a short boat ride to the Great Barrier Reef. The Hotel is also convenient to many of Cairns recreational activities and shopping. Facilities and services include a stunning outdoor pool and separate children pool. The Backyard restaurant offers an exquisite taste of innovative Australian cuisine- while The Backyard features live entertainment Thur to Sat nights- savoury tapas and a fine selection of boutique beers and cocktails. Also available are conference and meeting facilities with many different styles of meeting rooms and spaces. The hotel comprises four floors and 255 guest rooms and suites furnished in an elegant contemporary style. Amenities include luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets- free high speed wireless internet- electronic safe and balcony with city- garden or waterfront views. Horizon Club level accommodation provide guests with additional premium features including a private concierge and access to the exclusive Horizon Club Lounge with complimentary light buffet breakfast- snacks and evening drinks.
Lobby
Business hotelsHotels with spa

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Your accommodation in Cairns Check-in to paradise and enjoy a tropical retreat at Cairns Harbourside Hotel. Located on The Cairns Esplanade overlooking sparkling Trinity Bay, relaxed holiday vibes can be found here year-round. Leave your worries behind and settle into one of 173 spacious accommodation rooms, each featuring a private balcony with water, lush tropical garden or hinterland mountain views. Unwind with room service cocktails or lounge by the sapphire blue outdoor pool. Wander our expansive grounds with colourful blooms and picnic-perfect lawns, or head out to explore the nearby Great Barrier Reef or Daintree. Whether you’re looking for a family holiday or business trip, Cairns Harbourside Hotel is your next destination. .
Restaurant
Business hotelsHotels with spa

Pullman Cairns International

Enjoy 5-star Cairns accommodation in Tropical North Queensland. Swim in the tropical pools, enjoy a relaxing treatment in Vie Spa or dine on the best local seafood in Coco's Restaurant. This hotel is located in the heart of Cairns CBD, and close to the departure point for daily trips to the Great Barrier Reef and other natural attractions. With 16 floors of spacious hotel rooms, this hotel also means business, featuring 2,700 square metres of first-rate meetings, conference and events facilities
General view
Business hotelsHotels with spa

Park Regis City Quays

The Park Regis Cairns Hotel invites you to discover Cairns and surrounds by providing the ultimate base during your next visit. With the Esplanade, harbour foreshore, restaurants, shops, Night Markets, Reef Casino and Marlin Marina merely a short stroll away; you are close to everything that makes Cairns a great destination. Park Regis Cairns is also 100 metres from Cairns' newest attraction - the Blue Sky Brewery. For guests attending tradeshows, conferences and other events, Cairns Convention Centre is conveniently located directly across the street from the hotel. Whether your stay is for business or pleasure (or a bit of both) Park Regis Cairns ensures a truly peaceful and relaxing retreat during your next visit to Cairns.

Things to do in Cairns, Australia

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Cairns, Australia

Discover in the semi-submarine
Digital Voucher540 minutes

Quicksilver Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Palm Cove

Great for beginners, non-swimmers and first-time visitors to Tropical North Queensland cruise to Agincourt Reef. You can watch fish feeding, go on a snorkeling expedition, try scuba diving, view the coral and marine life on a semi-submersible submarine, and enjoy a tasty buffet lunch. Transport between Palm Cove and Port Douglas is included.
Cairns Classic Hot Air Balloon ride
Digital Voucher360 minutes

Cairns Classic Hot Air Balloon ride

Don't miss the chance to go for a hot-air balloon flight over Far North Queensland's Atherton Tablelands. It's one of the "must do" activities when visiting the tropics. You have the choice of pick-up from Cairns, the Northern beaches or Palm Cove hotels.
Barron Falls Wet Season
Digital Voucher5760 minutes

4 Day Cairns: Daintree Rainforest, Reef, Kuranda & Paronella Park

Enjoy four fun filled days exploring the Great Barrier Reef, including a free Introductory Dive; visit to the 'oldest rainforest on earth' with a day tour to the stunning Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation. Join the Kuranda Scenic Train and then enjoy free time in Kuranda Village before gliding over the Rainforest canopy on board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway; Explore the Amazing Tropical Highlands & Paronella Park. Please note: accommodation is not included
Hot Air Ballooning Tour from Northern Beaches near Cairns
Digital Voucher360 minutes

Hot Air Ballooning Tour from Northern Beaches near Cairns

Don't miss the chance to go for a hot-air balloon ride over Far North Queensland's Atherton Tablelands - it's one of the top "must do" activities when visiting the tropics. Pickup and return transfers from Northern Beaches accommdation.
Wander through the Giant Kauri Pines - Paronella Park
Digital Voucher660 minutes

Day Tour to Paronella Park, Lake Barrine and Millaa Millaa Falls

Northern Experience Eco Tours was established in 1997 and is the original Tablelands-Paronella Park tour. Travel in a comfortable air-conditioned mini coach with local naturalist guides and experience the uniqueness of the tropics and the diversity of our beautiful tropical rainforests. Tour south of Cairns for a full day out traveling through the magnificent World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforests of Wooroonooran National Park, swimming in waterfalls, traveling through the Atherton Tablelands, viewing Volcano’s and visiting local must see attractions such as Millaa Millaa Falls, Lake Barrine, Curtain Fig Tree, extended touring time at Paronella Park and much more.
Cairns Koalas & Creatures at the Pier
Digital Voucher30 minutes

Cairns Koalas & Creatures at the Pier

Journey through Australia’s diverse landscapes for a family fun and educational-focused experience. Australia's stunning Great Barrier Reef, a vibrant ecosystem teeming with marine life, is a real-life testament to the planet's natural beauty. Our lush, abundant Rainforest and Mangrove environments are a sanctuary for distinctive wildlife, providing shelter and sustenance for countless species. The rugged Outback, with its harsh, yet mesmerizing terrain, is another integral part of our natural heritage while the precious Woodlands is home to one of our Australian icons, the koala. Each of these unique areas play a crucial role in maintaining Australia’s biodiversity. Learn and understand about the significance of protecting these invaluable natural landscapes for future generations. Don’t forget to purchase your koala souvenir photo for an unforgettable memory.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Digital Voucher330 minutes

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Day Trip from Palm Cove

Enjoy the wonders of Australia’s Tropical Rainforests with Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the Kuranda Scenic Railway on this day trip from Palm Cove.
Our friendly hostess at Skyrail Smithfield Terminal is available to assist you.
Digital Voucher420 minutes

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Day Trip from Cairns

Enjoy the tranquility of the rainforest as you soar above the canopy aboard the Skyrail on a day trip to Kuranda from Cairns. Option to upgrade to the popular Rainforestation Nature Park.

Why People Love Cairns, Australia

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Cairns, Australia

PM
P M
5
Aug 2019
Quicksilver Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Palm Cove
Quicksilver Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Palm Cove
Quicksilver Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Palm Cove
Quicksilver Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Palm Cove
This cruise was fantastic. Large boat with everything you need. After a 1.5hr boat ride out to the reef, you then have 3.5hrs to snorkel, dive etc etc. The snorkelling is amazing - the water, the coral, the fish - all just spectacular. To be up close and swimming with so many fish is surreal....
SR
Stephen R
4
Nov 2016
Quicksilver Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Palm Cove
Quicksilver Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Palm Cove
Quicksilver Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Palm Cove
Quicksilver Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Palm Cove

Big boat so sea sickness not a real issue and the pontoon had lots of options to fill the time. Snorkelling, underwater viewing ,glass sided boat etc

PC
Peter C
5
Dec 2009
Quicksilver Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Palm Cove
Quicksilver Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Palm Cove
Quicksilver Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Palm Cove
Quicksilver Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Palm Cove
Well organized, and well looked after throughout the trip.

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Explore all things to do in Cairns, Australia

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cairns

What are some of the best activities to do in Cairns?

Cairns is famous for its natural beauty, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy here. One of the most popular activities is snorkeling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef, which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. You can also take a scenic railway ride through the rainforest, go whitewater rafting, or take a hot air balloon ride over the Atherton Tablelands.

What are some must-see attractions in Cairns?

In addition to the Great Barrier Reef, there are plenty of other attractions to check out in Cairns. You can visit the Cairns Esplanade, which is a beautiful parkland area that features a swimming lagoon, a boardwalk, and plenty of places to relax. You can also check out the Cairns Botanic Gardens, the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, and the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

What are some good places to eat in Cairns?

Cairns has a diverse food scene, and there are plenty of great restaurants to choose from. Some local favorites include Ochre Restaurant, which offers a modern take on Australian cuisine, and Barnacle Bill's Seafood Inn, which serves up fresh seafood in a casual atmosphere. For something sweet, be sure to stop by Nitrolato, which offers delicious nitrogen ice cream.

What are some family-friendly activities in Cairns?

Cairns is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities that kids will love. You can take a trip to the Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome, which offers zip lining, a ropes course, and plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with local wildlife. You can also visit the Cairns Aquarium, which features a wide variety of marine life, or take a trip to the Crystal Cascades, which offers swimming and hiking in a beautiful natural setting.

What are some good outdoor activities in Cairns?

Cairns is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area. In addition to snorkeling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef, you can also take a trip to the Daintree Rainforest, which is the oldest rainforest in the world. You can also go hiking in the Atherton Tablelands, or take a scenic drive along the Captain Cook Highway.

What are some must-visit beaches near Cairns?

While there are no beaches in Cairns itself, there are plenty of beautiful beaches within a short drive of the city. Palm Cove is a popular destination, with its palm-lined beach and plenty of restaurants and shops. Trinity Beach is another great option, with its calm waters and beautiful views. If you're willing to drive a bit farther, you can also visit the stunning beaches of Port Douglas.

What is the best time of year to visit Cairns?

The best time to visit Cairns is from June to October, which is the dry season. During this time, you can expect warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, making it the perfect time to explore the natural beauty of the area. Keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so be sure to book your accommodations and activities in advance.

What are some good accommodations in Cairns?

Cairns has a wide variety of accommodations to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts. Some popular options include the Pullman Cairns International, which offers stunning views of the harbor and city, and the Shangri-La Hotel, which boasts a beautiful pool and spa. If you're on a budget, be sure to check out the Cairns Central YHA, which offers affordable accommodations in a convenient location.

What are some good day trips from Cairns?

There are plenty of great day trips to take from Cairns, allowing you to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding area. You can take a trip to the Daintree Rainforest, where you can see crocodiles, birds, and other wildlife. You can also visit the Kuranda Scenic Railway, which takes you through the rainforest and offers stunning views of the area. Another great option is the Atherton Tablelands, where you can see waterfalls, lakes, and other natural wonders.

What are some good shopping destinations in Cairns?

Cairns has a variety of shopping options, from markets to malls. Some popular destinations include the Cairns Night Markets, which offer a variety of souvenirs, clothing, and food, and the Cairns Central Shopping Centre, which features a wide variety of stores and restaurants. If you're looking for something unique, be sure to visit the Rusty's Market, which offers fresh produce, crafts, and other goods.