Rating: 🌟 Highly Recommend

Cairns is a laid-back tropical city in Far North Queensland, known as the launchpad for reef dives, rainforest hikes, waterfalls, and Indigenous cultural experiences. It’s not about beaches — it’s about the epic adventures all around it.

How Many Days to Spend

• Minimum: 2–3 full days – Great for a reef trip and a rainforest day tour.

• Ideal: 4–5 days – Add waterfalls, Indigenous culture, and a day in Kuranda.

• Extra time? Base yourself here for a full Far North Queensland road trip (e.g. Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation, Atherton Tablelands).
  Tip: Cairns is hot and humid — wear light clothing, sunscreen, and drink water constantly!

Top Things to Do

• Great Barrier Reef tours – Snorkelling, scuba diving, or scenic flights from Cairns Marina.

• Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation – Take a day trip to the world’s oldest rainforest.

• Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Circuit – Swim under Millaa Millaa Falls, Josephine Falls & more.

• Skyrail & Kuranda Scenic Railway – Ride over the rainforest canopy and return by vintage train.

• Croc spotting & Indigenous tours – Cultural walks, river cruises, and wildlife encounters.

• Rusty’s Markets (Fri–Sun) – Local produce, tropical fruit, and great coffee.

• Fitzroy Island or Green Island – Day trips to snorkel, hike, and relax on island beaches.
  

Best Time to Visit

• May–October (Dry Season): Warm, sunny, and low humidity — ideal for outdoor adventures.

• November–April (Wet Season): Hot, humid, and tropical downpours. It’s stinger (jellyfish) season — stinger suits required for ocean swims.
  

Where to Stay

• Budget: Mad Monkey Hostel, Gilligan’s (party hostel), YHA Cairns Central

• Mid-range: The Abbott Boutique Hotel, Crystalbrook Flynn

• Luxury: Shangri-La The Marina, Riley by Crystalbrook

• Unique: Eco stays in the Tablelands, or a treehouse near Kuranda
  

Where to Eat & Drink

• Hemingway’s Brewery: Waterfront beer and tropical vibes

• Ganbaranba Ramen: Local favourite for Japanese comfort food

• Salt House: Stylish drinks and seafood with marina views

• The Chambers: Trendy café in a heritage bank building

• Rusty’s Market (Fri–Sun): Grab exotic fruit, dumplings, and coffee

• Piato or Ochre Restaurant: Great for modern Aussie cuisine
  

Top Photo Spots

• Great Barrier Reef (above or below!)

• Millaa Millaa Falls – The iconic “Herbal Essences” waterfall

• Skyrail views over the rainforest

• Cape Tribulation Beach – Where reef meets rainforest

• Cairns Esplanade Lagoon at sunset

• Crystal Cascades – A local-favourite waterfall

• Kuranda markets & butterfly sanctuary
  

Getting Around

• Cairns CBD: Walkable

• Tours: Most reef/rainforest/island tours include pickup

• Rental car: Best for waterfalls, Tablelands, and Daintree (self-drive freedom)

• Public buses: Serve the city and suburbs, but limited for adventure spots
  

Budget Breakdown (per day)

• Accommodation: $30–$250 AUD

• Food: $20–$60 AUD

• Tours:

  • Reef trip: $150–$300

  • Daintree day trip: ~$180

  • Waterfall circuit (self-drive): ~$40 fuel + snacks

• Transport: Free lagoon, $5–$15 public bus, or rental from $60/day
  Tip: Book reef and rainforest tours in advance — they fill fast in peak season.

How to Get There

• By Air: Fly into Cairns Airport (CNS) — well connected to most major Australian cities.

• From Townsville: 4.5–5 hr drive

From Port Douglas: 1 hr drive north (makes a great next stop!)