Cairns is a city in the Queensland State of Australia and a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier reef. Its beautiful landscapes, fantastic skylines, great mountains, and waterfalls makes it a great place to visit.
Nature enthusiasts can visit Cairns Botanic Gardens, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or even Barron Gorge National Park allowing themselves to see and learn about wildlife. Plan your trip to other prominent attractions of the city like Cairns Esplanade or Fitzroy Island and get lost in the resplendent beauty of the city. The city is also known for its adventure sports because of the presence of the opulence water sources where one can enjoy activities like snorkelling, river rafting and more. Thrill seekers have a good time while trying other adrenaline pumping activities such as ziplining, bungy jumping and skydiving.
Cairns has a tropical climate, with the weather being usually hot and humid during summers and mild dry during winters. The best time to visit and explore the city is during the winter season, between the months of June to August, when the city has pleasant weather with mild temperatures.
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People Also Ask About Cairns
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What are the best places to visit in Cairns?
1. Cairns Esplanade -- Located in Tropical North Queensland, the Cairns Esplanade is the most visited place by locals and tourists alike.
- Muddy’s Playground, Skatepark, Beach Volleyball, Healing Garden playground and Funship Playground are some of the areas in the Esplanade where visitors can have a fun time.
- Apart from recreational activities such as swimming, one can enjoy the panoramic views of mountains at the horizon of Cairns city.
- Being surrounded by lots of restaurants and coffee shops it makes a good picnic spot.
- Along the 5km strip of the Cairns Esplanade you will find the most vibrant food palate including dishes from Japan, China, Vietnam, etc.
2. Barron Gorge National Park-- A protected area, Barron Gorge National Park stretches from the coastal lowlands to the Atherton tableland’s elevated region.
- Flooded with beautiful mountain scenery, various wildlife, and tropical rainforests, the park is one of the must visit places to visit.
- The large Barren river passes through the hard rocks of the park, forming the magnificent gorges and lamb ranges.
- You may meet some of the aboriginal people as it’s their traditional land of habitation and enjoy the cultural encounters.
- A walk through the rugged terrains and steep gorges of the park would lead you to the tumbling waterfalls and pleasant views of lush rainforests.
3. Green Island-- It’s a significant protected marine island where you can discover coral reefs and marine life allowing you to witness its natural treasure and surrounding waters.
- One of the most popular tourist attractions, the island is stretched at 12 hectares of area and is a true coral cay formed over thousands of years.
- In addition to exploring the coral repository of the island, spot colourful thousands of species of fishes and perform other adventurous activities.
- Other fascinating activities to do at the island include a sea voyage over a catamaran and a ride on the glass-bottom boat.
4. Cairns Aquarium-- Australia’s most spectacular and first public aquarium, the Cairns Aquarium is home to more than 16,000 marine animals and ten ecosystems.
- The spectacular aquarium has Australia's only 10-metre large deep reef tank and an Oceanarium with 360 degree views.
- Here, you can also take a surreal walk in the 20- metre long underwater tunnel and along the mangrove boardwalk.
- Under the watch of the curatorial team, you can feed the cownose stingrays with your hands.
- You will have the chance to closely observe tropical rainforest marine animals like fish, pythons, colourful reef fish, turtles, etc.
- The breathtaking sight of thousands of butterflies belonging to several native Australian species in the eminent sanctuary will make your day.
- The beautiful ambiance and poised atmosphere at the sanctuary would give you a cathartic feeling.
- You will discover fascinating information about the colourfully-diverse insects and listen to several myths, folk stories and legends around them.
- Don’t hesitate to click lots of insta-worthy pictures of the vibrant tropical butterflies in the sanctuary.
- Visit the lab of the sanctuary which has bred more than thirty thousand caterpillars that then turn into beautiful, glorious butterflies.
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What are the top best beaches to visit in Cairns?
1. Ellis Beach: This is one of the best beaches in Cairns Tourism. It is well known for its incredible views, crystal-clear water and lovely white sand. Visitors can find plenty of things to do in the area, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing and kayaking. There are a few restaurants and cafes located nearby, making it the perfect spot to spend a day in the sun.
2. Machans Beach: Machans Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Cairns. The beach is located just minutes from the city center and offers stunning views of the Great Barrier Reef. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the many coral reefs.
3. Holloways Beach: Holloways Beach is one of the northern beaches of Cairns in Far North Queensland. It is located 10 kilometres north of the city centre. The beach is a popular for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. There is also a large number of restaurants and cafes in the area.
4. Trinity Beach: Trinity Beach is a beautiful spot in Cairns. The water is crystal clear and the sand is white and powdery. The beach is flanked by palm trees and there are plenty of beach umbrellas and sun loungers for visitors to use. There are also a few restaurants and bars in the area, so you can enjoy a bite or a refreshing drink while you soak up the sun.
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Which are the best things to do in Cairns?
1. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef-- The Great Barrier Reef is a renowned habitation where the world’s most extensive coral reef system, which breeds thousands of varieties of fishes can be found.
- Snorkelling in such a rich surrounding would let you explore the rich collection of more than 3000 reefs. You can perform the activity at any of the 900 islands present at the reef that stretch over 350,000 square kilometres.
- You can also perform the adventurous activity under the guidance of an experienced guide where you’ll be equipped with safety devices, including a breathing tube.
- Under the waters you will explore a blend of colours of beautiful corals, different species of fish, and other marine creatures.
- Mark your presence at the Kuranda's rainforest which were added to the international World Heritage list in 1988.
- On going around the rainforest, you can explore several attractions like Kuranda Koala Gardens and the Birdworld Kuranda. While the former houses tropical animals like Koalas, wombats, wallabys, etc, the latter is home to more than hundreds of colourful birds.
- There is a railway line with 15 tunnels, 93 curves, and several bridges which pass through the rainforest allowing one to witness the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforests on earth.
- While coming down, you may use the Skyrail rainforest cableway, an eco-construction which provides eagle-eye views of the rainforest.
- Get a little wild, and pump the adrenaline rush at Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome, where you get to tackle a high ropes course with a zipline.
- You will gain knowledge about Aussie animals, such as cockatoos, koalas, snakes and more through a digital presentation displaying the animals inside the park .
- Perform a thrilling free fall from a tall tower with a height of 13m and for a spine-tingling experience go over Goliath, the 4.5-meter Estuarine Crocodile through a zipline.
- Inside the facility, one can also take a rope walk course over the large dome of the building that will send chills down your spine.
4. Go Whitewater Rafting -- Whitewater Rafting is the most iconic adventure which is apt for adrenaline junkies to choose in Cairns, Queensland’s Tropical North.
- The two, three grade rapids and the rooster trail will surely fill you up with an adrenaline rush.
- Raft in white colour water in the Tully River and the Barron Gorge National Park where the rapids are of grades three and four.
- Don’t forget to pack some dry clothes as you will need them after the activity, where you almost dive in the water while passing through rapids.
- Take a thrilling bungy jump from a 50 metre tower into the World Heritage Rainforest of Daintree.
- One can choose from any of the 16 bungy jumping options like BMX, Blindfolded jump, forward flip, etc.
- At the height of fifty metres on the tower, you get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful stretches of beaches before the Great Barrier reef.
- Enjoy the adrenaline rush of jumping from the cliff, while being equipped with the necessary equipment that ensures your safety.
- Furnished with all the requisite safety equipment one can try tandem jump for a skydive in Cairns with a professional guide.
- Relish the panoramic and unparalleled view of the city in addition to witnessing beautiful landscapes while being in the fantastic skyline of the city.
- Gear up to take the plunge and enjoy sixty seconds of free fall from a height of approx 15,000 feet all over the ground.
- Get out of your comfort zone, push yourself to cross boundaries, and experience the best skydiving. Don’t forget to take your skydive memoirs with you and have them documented on mission beach.
- Horse ride through the rainforest, mangrove wetlands, and bushland at the Daintree National Park along the Cape Tribulation beach.
- Taking the ultimate ride along the ocean and enjoying a dip on horseback is undoubtedly a fantastic escape.
- You can find a range of different itineraries for the adventure, hop on a horseback and go on an easy mountain hike or take the challenging course through tropical rainforests.
- It’s a minimum two hours long excursion that can be extended to half day or full day tours covering different kinds of trails.
- The most amazing way to explore the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef is by taking a helicopter tour and enjoying its large stretch from an eagle eye view.
- You can choose the length of tours, which vary from 10 minutes to an hour, taking you over the city, rainforests, reefs and more.
- Take the once in a lifetime opportunity and enjoy the breathtaking scenic flights from Cairns.
- Some of the areas you can choose to fly over during your helicopter tour are Green Island, Outer Barrier Reef, the Low Isles, Mossman Gorge and the Barron Gorge.
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What are the things to do for children in Cairns?
- Visit the Great Barrier Reef
- Take a dip in the Esplanade Lagoon
- Climb to the top of the Cairns lookout
- Watch the sunset from the pier
- Visit the Cairns Zoo
- Take a walk through the rainforest
- Visit the Daintree National Park
- Take a trip to Kuranda on the Skyrail
- Visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
- See the butterfly house at the Cairns Botanic Gardens
- Have a picnic at one of the many parks in Cairns
- Visit the Cairns Aquarium
- Go tubing at the Cairns Water Park
- See a movie at the Cairns Civic Theatre
- Check out the Cairns Night Markets
- Ride the Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome
- Visit the Cairns Regional Gallery
- Try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding
- Go for a swim at one of Cairns’ many beaches
- Take a day trip to Port Douglas
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Why is Cairns famous?
Cairns, a city in tropical North Queensland, is world-famous for its natural beauty, with its stunning beaches, rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is also a popular destination for adventure seekers, with its many activities and attractions such as skydiving, bungee jumping and white water rafting. -
Is Cairns worth visiting?
Yes, Cairns is definitely worth visiting. It is a gateway to some of the most stunning natural wonders in Australia. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Daintree Rainforest, there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Cairns is also a great base for exploring the diverse cultures of North Queensland. The city has a vibrant nightlife and is home to many excellent restaurants. -
Which is the best time of the year to visit Cairns?
The best time to enjoy a Cairns Tourism experience is during the winter season, from June to August. The weather is cool and pleasant, and the crowd is less than during the summer. This is the perfect time to explore the Great Barrier Reef, as the water is clear and the visibility is excellent. Winter is also a great time to visit the Daintree Rainforest, as the cooler temperatures make it more comfortable to walk around and explore. -
How many days is enough for Cairns?
A three day trip is enough to get the essence of Cairns and explore the incredible city drenched in its tropical splendor. This duration is enough to visit all the significant attractions, explore fantastic natural wonders of Cairns and spend time around the Great Barrier Reef. -
How to stroll around in Cairns?
- By Taxi: Signposted at tourist areas for convenience, you can easily avail the facility of taxi by ordering it online, or as available on the street.
- By Bike: Hire a pedalling bike and enjoy the amazing climate while exploring the areas on your own.
- Public Transport: The public transports are easy and affordable, buses operate daily and are majorly available for beaches and shopping centres.
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What are the best activities and attractions in Australia that you can book via Thrillophilia?
Here is the list of the best Australian attractions and activities that you can book from Thrillophilia:
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Cairns Top Attractions
Places To Visit 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, AustraliaHighlight: The garden has its theme based on the botanical historical evolution of the new Queensland region.
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.
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 AustraliaBest time to visit: September to November, March to May.
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, AustraliaHighlight: 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.
The Hollow Way Beach is one of the lovely places to visit in Cairns that forms the northern shoreline of the Barron River delta. It is a 2.5 kilometers long beach that is bordered by creeks and mangrove flats associated with the delta. This beach has gained immense popularity after the construction of the waterfront beach resort. It is a family-friendly attraction that offers you a chance to indulge in plenty of fun and exciting activities, like swimming, fishing, boating, and going on a beach walk. Besides this, the beach also provides barbecue facilities and picnic tables, where you can bring your lunch and enjoy the taste of the delicious dishes amidst the waves. Hollow Way Beach is also regarded as a tiny suburb lined with numerous restaurants and coffee shops. It gives you a perfect rustic tiki-style atmosphere with natural woods used as a sitting area for tourists. Visitors can relish the ukulele nights, live music, and full-moon dinners on the beach. Couples can also pay a visit to this beach and go beach walking hand in hand with their beloved while watching the setting sun on the horizon.
The Great Barrier Reef is an individual and most extensive composition of living organisms worldwide. It is one of the most celebrated Cairns tourist attractions that is renowned for its sprawling archipelago, never-ending sea, and authentic coral reefs under the water. This place in Australia is a wonderful place to go on a vacation with your friends and family and cherish the mesmerizing scenery of the attraction. Visitors can cruise through the islands to pay a visit to the Great Barrier Reef or enjoy the tranquility of the atmosphere basking under the sun and watching the world pass by in front of their eyes.The Great Barrier Reef also allows you to take a private tour of the spectacular beauty of the coral reefs, dive underwater to discover the gorgeous marine life, and go bushwalking on Haymans island. It even has the most picturesque diving spot in the entire world, thereby offering the best skydiving experience over the Heart Reef. Besides the fun and adventurous activities, there are plenty of resorts on the island that provide a remarkable opportunity to wake up to the majestic views of the attraction. You can also savor the delicious taste of the local cuisine at the stalls lining the attraction while relishing the sight-gazing experience of the coral reefs.
Situated in the noteworthy Kuranda rainforest village, Kuranda Koala Gardens is a superb attraction for all the wildlife lovers among the places to visit in Cairns. It is well known to house many animals like wallabies, wombats, quokkas, gliders and freshwater crocodiles.The park offers a recreational and educational experience where you can learn more about the native animals of Australia. It is a boutique wildlife attraction where you can pick up and hold a Koala or get a large python in the frame to get yourself clicked and look back upon as a refreshing memory. You can take a self guided tour to observe the cute animals in this wildlife park and talk through the snake house.Highlights: The boutique wildlife place offers a friendly interaction with the Koalas with the ‘Cuddle with a Koala’ experience for a small fee and offering a souvenir photo. Location: 2/4 Rob Veivers Dr, Kuranda QLD 4881, Australia
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