Discover the top things to do in Cairns. These are the activities and adventure tours you need to add to your bucket list.

We enjoyed an incredible trip to Cairns in 2023 and, while we mainly used it as a base, we got to see SO much of Queensland. Most exciting of all, we toured Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef – don’t worry, we’ll be sharing the details in this article.

Ready to create a thrilling itinerary for your next trip to Cairns? Read on to discover the tours and activities we recommend.

Best Things to Do in Cairns

Explore the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world.

Visiting Cairns without taking a tour of the Great Barrier Reef would be criminal. It truly is a paradise for keen snorkelers and divers. 

The tour we went on was incredible. We registered at the harbour in the morning and were given wristbands to correlate with our boat. On board, the staff were both hilarious and informative.

There are tours for snorkelling or scuba diving, and you can even opt for an afternoon helicopter flight over the water. We decided to book the snorkelling option, where you get two sessions.

Chris opted to do both, while Loz headed off on a partially-submerged submarine tour in the afternoon. This was an extra charge of around $20 but was so worth it as the marine biologist was SO passionate.

A word of warning: take sea-sickness tables with you (or you can buy them on the boat for a couple of dollars.) We don’t usually suffer with it, but we both felt incredibly nauseous throughout the boat ride.

Head Out on a Fitzroy Island Adventure Tour

Fitzroy Island is one of our favourite places in Australia – and so easy to get to on a Cairns day trip!

Looking for a stunning day trip from Cairns? Fitzroy Island should be on every itinerary. This adventure includes lush rainforest trails and breathtaking scenery – all within a day’s reach.

Your journey begins with a scenic 45-minute ferry ride aboard a fast catamaran. Then you’ll step onto pristine shores where rainforest covers 94% of the island. We recommend you take the time to check out some of the walking trails – there are paths suitable for all fitness levels.

For the adventurous: Hike to the summit of Mt. Warning, the island’s highest point. Your reward? Panoramic views of the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding islands. 

Snorkelling enthusiasts can dive into the vibrant underwater world of the coral reef. Snorkel among colourful fish, turtles, and vibrant coral formations. Or, if you prefer a more leisurely approach, opt for a glass-bottom boat tour and let the marine life parade before your eyes.

Ride the Kuranda Train and Skyrail

The Kuranda Scenic Railway first opened in 1891.

Get ready to delve into the heart of a World Heritage-listed wonder: Kuranda. This charming village is nestled in the Wet Tropics of Queensland. Better yet, you can explore on a day trip from Cairns. 

You’ll be picked up from your hotel and whisked to Cairns Railway Station. There you’ll board the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a historic journey that winds through lush mountains and majestic gorges. 

The magic doesn’t end there – soar above the canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Glide over the Barron Gorge, a natural wonder carved by the Barron River over millions of years. Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife, including the elusive cassowary. We saw one of these prehistoric-looking birds on our Daintree day trip and it was incredible.

When you arrive in Kuranda, you’ll spend some time exploring the bustling markets, brimming with hand-crafted souvenirs, indigenous artwork, and local delicacies. 

Visit Daintree, Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation on a Day Tour

We urge you to take a Daintree day trip when in Cairns – this tour is one we highly recommend.

It features Rex Lookout’s breathtaking mountain and ocean views, the stunning Mossman Gorge in Daintree National Park, and a visit to Port Douglas. What’s not to love?

Indulge in a restaurant lunch and tropical fruit tasting, before heading out to cruise the Daintree River, spotting crocodiles and diverse wildlife. This epic tour concludes at Alexandra Lookout, where you’re treated to sweeping views of the Great Dividing Range.

Head to Barron Gorge For White Water Rafting

Image credit: Get Your Guide

Looking for exhilarating things to do in Cairns? This white-water rafting adventure in the heart of Barron Gorge National Park is perfect. 

Opt for convenient pickups from Cairns or Port Douglas and set off for an adrenaline-pumping journey. Meet your experienced guide at Lake Placid, where the river awaits.

As you zip down the waterways, marvel at rainforest-clad mountains and waterfalls shaped by the Barron River. Spend two thrilling hours navigating rapids up to grade three, catering to both novices and seasoned rafters alike. 

Go River Drift Snorkelling

Looking to blend swimming, snorkelling, floating, and an epic rainforest walk? This incredible tour might just be the best rainforest adventure in the region.

Step into the crystal-clear water, drifting with the gentle current. Navigate down a flowing rainforest river with your trusty river sled. Not only is it a cool way to beat the tropical heat; it’s also the perfect introduction to snorkelling before you set out for the reef.

Keep your eyes peeled for playful fish zipping in and around the river stones. And, who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of a laid-back turtle chilling in its natural habitat.

Dare to Skydive Over the Great Barrier Reef

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We’re not quite sure you’re ready for this next epic Cairns adventure. Add a heart-pounding tandem skydive from 15,000 feet above the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree to your itinerary.

After a thorough 10-minute briefing and training session, you’re strapped to your experienced instructor to ascend in the plane. As the door lurches open, take a deep breath and let gravity become your guide. 

Freefall for up to 60 exhilarating seconds, reaching speeds of 200 kph. Glide peacefully over the emerald canopy of the Daintree Rainforest and marvel at the intricate tapestry of coral reefs below. The ultimate thrill, we think.

Brave Canyoning in the Rainforest

There are so many thrilling things to do in Cairns, including this knee-wobbling canyoning experience.

Feeling adventurous? One of the best things to do in Cairns is to go canyoning. Committed to eco-friendliness, the guides take you through Behana Gorge or offer an option for Crystal Canyons, a renowned waterfall in Cairns. 

Learn rappelling techniques, abseil, and traverse rocky gorges amidst the tropical rainforest. For even more fun, Crystal Canyons is home to a thrilling 30-metre zipline, waterfall abseiling, jumps, slides, and more. Take in the natural beauty and enjoy free time in this pristine area before returning to Cairns.

See the Chillagoe Caves on an Outback Day Tour

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One of the top Cairns tours is this one to the Chillagoe Caves and the Outback. Your naturalist guide will pick you up in a comfortable air-conditioned 4WD vehicle, leading you through the McAllister Ranges and Mareeba. 

First up: enjoy morning tea at Skybury Coffee Plantation, with serene views. Then you’ll head through historical towns to reach Chillagoe, surrounded by limestone karsts. 

Explore Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park, marvel at Balancing Rock, and discover ancient Aboriginal rock art. Chow down on lunch at a 100-year-old pub before visiting Granite Gorge, home to wild rock wallabies.

Go Snorkelling on Green Island

Green Island is a stunning snorkelling spot in the GBR.

Can’t get enough of snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef? You have to spend some time in the water at Green Island. This coral cay is a jewel in the vibrant Great Barrier Reef, and a tour promises hours of sun-kissed exploration.

The moment you step onto Green Island, prepare to be enchanted. Turquoise waters lap against pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs teem with life just offshore. Climb aboard a glass-bottom boat and let the wonders of the reef unfold beneath you. 

But this island escape isn’t just about underwater spectacles. Green Island offers lush rainforests to explore, charming shops to browse, and picturesque walking trails that wind through the heart of this tropical paradise.

Take a Day Tour of the Atherton Tablelands Waterfall & Rainforest

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You’re not short of natural beauty in and around Cairns, but the Atherton Tablelands might just be the best. A day tour will whisk you away from the city’s hum, plunging you into North Queensland’s beauty.

Prepare to be dazzled by the Tablelands’ crown jewels: its diverse flora and fauna. Weave through ancient rainforests, older than the Amazon itself, and keep an eye out for shy tree-kangaroos swinging through the branches.

No Tablelands adventure is complete without a visit to Mount Hypipamee National Park. Embark on a scenic hike, traversing trails that wind through mystical forests until you reach the park’s pièce de résistance – the majestic Hypipamee Crater. Follow hidden pathways to Dinner Falls, a secluded gem tucked away amidst the lush greenery, where you can cool off in its refreshing waters.

And speaking of cooling off, brace yourself for some seriously epic waterfall encounters. Pack your swimsuit for a dip in the crystal-clear Lake Eacham, a natural swimming hole surrounded by rainforest, perfect for a refreshing escape. Then, chase rainbows at Josephine Falls and Millaa Millaa Falls, two icons of the Tablelands.

Visit the Sky Park

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Wondering what to do in Cairns? We’ve got you. Just a quick 20-minute jaunt north of the city, Skypark Cairns is a heartstopping attraction for only the bravest of thrill seekers.

Much like its brother attraction in Singapore, this fun-packed destination offers Australia’s ONLY bungy, a Giant Swing, Cairns’ highest viewing platform, and the new Walk the Plank experience. 

Skypark Cairns isn’t only about heart-pounding adventures; it’s also a place to kick back and enjoy the show. Whether you’re up in the treetops taking the plunge or lounging on the sidelines, the rainforest serves as a stunning backdrop to all the action.

Go Rainforest River Tubing

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Craving an escape from the tourist trail and a taste of authentic Aussie adventure? Look no further than an exhilarating river tubing trip when in Cairns. 

Ditch the crowds and join the locals as you plunge into gentle rapids or pristine streams, all amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Wet Tropics. Spend a couple of hours floating, surrounded by greenery and ancient trees. 

See why this is one of the most fun things to do in Cairns?

Cairns Tours and Activities: What to Know Before You Go

When’s the Best Time to Visit Cairns

The best time to book a trip to Cairns is during the shoulder months of April, May, September, and October. This is when the weather is at its most pleasant and, during September and October, the jellyfish numbers are lower. Phew.

What is Cairns Best Known For?

Cairns is best known for being the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. We highly recommend using Cairns as a starting point, as numerous dive and snorkelling tours depart from the city.

How Long Should You Spend in Cairns?

Ideally, you should spend around 3-5 days in Cairns. While you’re there, we recommend spending one day in the city and the rest of the time seeing the likes of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree National Park.