Things to do in Cairns

“Cairns is the kind of place that changes your plans — in the best possible way.”

From Rainforest to Reef: The Many Faces of Cairns

Cairns is unlike anywhere else in Australia. Positioned between the ancient rainforests of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and the living wonder of the Great Barrier Reef, it is a city built for exploration, for adventure, and for those moments when the natural world simply takes your breath away. There is no single way to experience Cairns — only the way that is right for you.

Day Tours to the Outer Reef

The most iconic Cairns experience is a day tour to the outer reef. High-speed catamarans depart the Reef Fleet Terminal each morning, carrying snorkellers and divers to sites like Flynn Reef, Moore Reef, and Norman Reef. Reef pontoons offer a relaxed base with underwater observatories, glass bottom boat rides, and introductory scuba sessions. The water is warm, the visibility extraordinary, and the marine life abundant.

Rainforest Adventures in the Daintree and Kuranda

Just a short drive north, the Daintree Rainforest is the oldest surviving tropical rainforest on Earth — older than the Amazon. Guided walks, river cruises, and wildlife encounters bring this ancient landscape to life. Closer to town, Kuranda is reached by scenic railway or Skyrail gondola, gliding above the rainforest canopy to a village known for its markets, wildlife parks, and that irresistible sense of stepping away from the everyday.

Scuba Diving and Learn to Dive Courses

Cairns is Australia’s premier scuba diving destination. Day trips include introductory dives for beginners with no experience required. Certified divers can choose from dozens of reef sites, while those who want to go further can complete an internationally recognised Open Water course. Several reputable dive schools operate in Cairns, offering courses that blend classroom learning with open-water sessions on the reef itself.

Indigenous Culture and Sea Country

The lands and waters around Cairns are home to some of Australia’s oldest living cultures. Cultural experiences in the region include guided tours with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guides, visits to cultural centres, and interpretive walks that share knowledge of country that has been accumulated over tens of thousands of years. These experiences add depth and meaning to any time spent in far north Queensland.

Types of Coral on the Great Barrier ReefHard coral, soft coral and bommies: the coral types of the reef.Read more →Marine Life of the Great Barrier ReefThe animals of the reef, from turtles and sharks to tiny reef fish.Read more →Where is the Great Barrier ReefWhere the reef starts and ends along the Queensland coast.Read more →What is the Great Barrier Reef?What the reef is, how it formed, and where it is.Read more →

Getting to the Great Barrier Reef

Cairns is the most connected gateway to the northern Great Barrier Reef. Reef tours depart daily from the Reef Fleet Terminal in the city centre. A wide range of operators offer half-day and full-day options, liveaboard adventures, scenic flights, and specialist dive expeditions. The city itself offers excellent accommodation, dining, and services, making it a comfortable base for several days of exploration.

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