About
Cairns - Accommodation
- Tours
and what to do - Transport
and car hire - Photos
- Map
What to do in Cairns
Cairns is surrounded by amazing natural attractions; the
world famous Daintree/Cape Tribulation rainforest (oldest in the world)
to the north, the Great Barrier Reef to the east, Misson Beach to the
south and the Atherton Tablelands and outback to the west, therefore
it is not surprising there is lots to do around Cairns;
Aboriginal culture
Playing a digeridoo at Tjapukai
© Tropical Tourism North Queensland
You don't need to travel far out of Cairns to gain an
understanding of Aboriginal culture and lifestyle, at Tjapukai.
Then, travel above the canopy of the Daintree rainforest to Kuranda
village on the Skyrail, before returning to Cairns via Barron
Falls. More
info on this tour....
Annual events
Festival
Cairns - Runs for most of September each year.
Cairns
Show – The Cairns Show happens around mid July and
is reason for a public holiday that will shut half the city down. Cairns
show is the largest agricultural show in regional Australia and also
has an associated wine show with a special section for “Tropical
Fruit Wines”.
Port
Douglas Carnivalel – Held in May each year.
Ballooning
Australia's Best Hot Air Ballooning
© Hot Air
Combine an early morning hot air balloon ride with a day
trip to an island near the Great Barrier Reef. After floating above
bushlands and spotting wildlife from the air, enjoy a hearty breakfast
before catching the cat to Green Island. Here you can choose to snorkel,
ride a glass bottom boat, relax on the beach or wander the National
Park.
More info....
Bungy jumping
Psycho Back Dive!!
© AJ Hackett Bungy Cairns
The 50 metre high Cairns Bungy Tower is situated 15 km
north of Cairns and is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest with panoramic
views out to The Great Barrier Reef. For over 10 years this tower of
power has been the ultimate altar on which to sacrifice one's fear.
Hundreds of thousands of people from just about every nation on earth
have made the pilgrimage to this Bungy Mecca.
People jump for all sorts of reasons, to be able to say I DID IT, to
wear the shirt or to impress the babes. All noble reasons, but the best
reason to jump is still to face your FEARS, to do BATTLE with your MIND.
To push yourself past the sweaty palms and the pit in your stomach to
accomplish something you never dreamed you could do. So come on out,
show us where your PERSONAL FEAR BARRIER is and we will help you break
through to the other side… Click
here for more info on this adrenaline rush....
If one bungy jump is not enough try their BIGGEST
DAY OUT deal! This package allows UNLIMITED JUMPING between
10:00am and 3:30pm, on the same day. It has been designed specifically
for the more adventurous thrill seeker. Lunch at AJ'S Rainforest Café
is included. For your UNLIMITED number of bungy jumps, you may want
to select from the following menu:
Cane toad races
Now unfortunately no longer in action, the World famous
Cane Toad Races used to be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday
at Johno's Blues Bar with crazy Toad Master for the evening Professor
Sarcasm.
More info on how a cane
toad race works....
Cape Tribulation
This is an absolute must-see destination if you
are holidaying in Cairns. Though you can see it on a daytour you
will gain much more appreciation of the area if you stay for at
least one night, or preferably more, in Cape Tribulation itself.
There are lots of things to do and explore in Cape Trib; guided
rainforest walks, reef trips, crocodile cruises, boardwalks, sea
kayaking, hikes, stunning beaches etc. Useful links for Cape Tribulation:
Rainforest
Hideaway for in-the-rainforest accommodation, for
more in-depth info on this amazing place see our Cape
Tribulation pages.
If your time is very limited and you can only go on a
daytour ask if they really take you to Cape Tribulation, there has been
a growing tendency to take people to Mossman Gorge while giving the
impression that this is the Daintree. To see the Daintree rainforest
you have to cross the Daintree river, also Daintree Village (despite
its name) is not in the Daintree rainforest.
Some of the Cape Tribulation
day tours;
Cape Tribulation
© Billy Tea Bush Safaris
Cape Tribulation is 150 km. north of Cairns so a daytrip
is a long day, it includes the scenic route to Mossman, lush farmland
contrasting with seascape and the majestic Daintree River. Time for
a short morning tea break then its 'all aboard' for an informative river
cruise. Relax and enjoy the splendour only the Daintree can offer as
you learn of Estuarine Crocodiles, mangrove forests and wildlife, this
is nature at its best! We then ascend the Alexandra range, stop for
a delicious BBQ with home made salads, tropical fruit and Australian
wine is prepared whilst you take the opportunity to swim in a tranquil
freshwater stream. Fish and Turtles in the creek, butterflies and exotic
birds in the trees and often Goannas on the forest floor, all at our
luncheon site. Enjoy walks through the Cape Tribulation National Park
with experienced guides who allow ample time for questions and photographs.
This tour does a little more. It takes you beyond Cape Tribulation along
the 4WD only 'Bloomfield Track', allows time for a swim in the Coral
Sea at Cape Tribulation (seasonal) where the "Rainforest meets
the Reef". A short afternoon refreshment stop where you can pat
a Kangaroo, scratch a Cockatoo, have a cold beer or sip a cup of the
local tea, we then begin our homeward journey somewhat wiser for our
'Rainforest Experience". More
info...
There are also other tours that pass through Cape Tribulation,
head up the famous Bloomfield track and include the Palmer River
goldfields, Cooktown, the Lions Den pub and Aboriginal rock art
at Laura. More
info....
Cruising
Lazing in the sun!
© Captain Cook Cruises
The Ultimate Cruise - The Reef Endeavour
does a seven day cruise out of Cairns. You will wake each day to a new
adventure - on the Ultimate Great Barrier Reef Cruise. The Reef Endeavour
will carry you beyond the reach of holiday crowds to wonders few have
seen or experienced - exotic island hideaways, soft sandy beaches, balmy
bays and remote outer reefs. A Marine Naturalist will introduce you
to the beauty of the Reef as well as the intricate ecology that created
it. You will come to know the countless varieties of flora and fauna,
both land and marine on a cruise where they are ever respectful of the
environment. More
info....
There are also shorter cruises available of five
days/four nights or four
days/three nights .
Daintree
See Cape Tribulation above.
Day Tours from Cairns
TROPICAL
FOOD AND WINE TOUR
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Explore the food,
wine and sights of the Cairns Highlands, a short
drive inland from Cairns. Interact with local people,
as you get behind the scenes on plantation tours
and taste local foods. Visit tropical fruit wineries,
a macadamia plantation, a coffee plantation, the
world heritage, wet tropics rainforest and dry tropical
savannah. More
info.... |
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Phone
07 - 4032 0322 |
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Dive course
Cairns is one of the best places in Australia to learn
to dive, you can join Deep Sea Divers Den for the adventure of a lifetime
learning to dive on the magnificent Great Barrier Reef. Deep Sea Divers
Den's friendly, personalized service, combined with the warm tropical
waters of the Great Barrier Reef, are the perfect combination for one
of the very best PADI 5 Day Openwater courses available. No pre-dive
experience is necessary, however being a comfortable swimmer will be
a definite advantage.
There are many different options on how to become a PADI certified diver.
For your safety, a Diving Medical to Australian standard 4005.1 is a
prerequisite to the PADI Openwater Certification course. It is a good
idea to complete this medical prior to commencement of the course to
avoid disappointment if a medical condition inhibits diving. Alternatively,
a Dive medical can be arranged at the Deep Sea Divers Den Dive Centre
on day one of the course.
The first two days of the course are taken up by pool and theory training.
After the pool and theory training, you spend three days at sea on OceanQuest,
a liveaboard dive boat, to complete your four training dives. Finish
off the course with four pleasure dives and a guided night dive.
OceanQuest is 28 meters (30.6 yards) in length, fully air-conditioned
with a cruising speed of 10 knots and carries 40 live aboard passengers.
The OceanQuest is a dedicated liveaboard dive boat with the majority
of passengers being scuba divers, with a few snorkelers. More
info on this dive course or see
their full range of scuba diving courses and trips here.
The
Cairns Dive Centre has a great range of scuba diving
courses and trips too.
Eating & drinking in Cairns
Cairns Esplanade looking out over Trinity Bay
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In the food court on the Cairns Esplanade you'll find
everything from greasy junkfood to spicy Thai food
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A lot of eating & drinking happens along the
Esplanade in Cairns where you will find several food courts, lots
of restaurants, take-aways and plenty of bars where backpackers
party the night away.
Like to try something different? This restaurant just
around the corner from the Esplanade on Aplin St. has
a good variety
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Cairns also still has a lot of the old timber hotels like
the one below to add a touch of history to the place,
be sure to have a beer in at least one of them. The pub
below is Rusty's, behind it the Rusty's markets are held
every weekend from Friday morning until Sunday afternoon,
fresh fruit and veg and nice Asian takeaway from a couple
of caravans in the corner, especially the Thai caravan
kicks ass and beats any Thai restaurant in the city centre!
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Ocean
Spirit Dinner Cruise |
As the sun sets, the gentle strumming of the guitar
commences - savor this moment…
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What a perfect
way to end a perfect day! Discover the delights
of evening cruising with Ocean Spirit Cruises. Enjoy
dinner on a luxurious purpose-built catamaran -
Ocean Spirit IV, built for entertaining and dining,
while cruising on the beautiful calm waters of Trinity
Inlet, Cairns.
A glass of champagne in hand, strolling on the foredeck,
savoring the sights of the city and the rainforest
clad mountains, a memory to last forever. The setting
sun, the ocean breeze and then the stars appear
- time for dinner!
Enjoy a sumptuous 4 course buffet dinner (including
seafood) featuring the region's best produce - mouth
watering prawns, tender roast, reef fish and exotic
platters of fruit - all freshly prepared on board
by the chefs. More
info.... |
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Flames
Of The Forest |
Flames Dinner
© Flames of the Forest
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This
is not right in Cairns but transfers from Cairns
will take you to this forest where you can experience
the indigenous culture, customs and unique Australian
cuisine. An incomparable evening of event theatre
which brings to light & life the stories and
secrets of this ancient place.
More
info....
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Esplanade
Backpackers having fun on the Cairns Esplanade
On the Cairns Esplanade there is a saltwater lagoon
to cool down and lots of grassed areas hugely popular with travellers
to soak up the sun and play games. The local council has put a
"no wiggle" rule on this area; topless sunbathing is
allowed but no wiggling is allowed, no playing with balls and
frisbees etc. only stationairy sunbathing. There are also free
gas barbeques in this area.
Fishing
Book on a fishing charter and catch one of those
legendary barramundi or marlins !
Flying Doctors
Visit the Flying
Doctors Base and learn about this uniquely Australian
service. Location: Junction Street, Cairns, near the Botanic Gardens,
only a 10 minute drive from Cairns central business district.
Phone: (07) 4053 5687 Cost of Entry: $5.50 adults, $2.75 children,
$16.50 family Opening Hours: 8.30 am to 5.00pm Monday to Saturday.
Closed Sundays and Public Holidays . All proceeds from the Visitors
Centre help to keep the Flying Doctor flying..
Great Barrier Reef
A visit to north Queensland would just not be complete
without at least one day at the Great Barrier Reef. When a survey was
held in the UK in 2003 on people's top 'five things to do before you
die' , snorkeling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef was high on the
list! Many day trips and overnight 'liveaboard' boats operate out of
Cairns; here is a selection of them;
Daycruises;
MV Supercat
© Down Under Dive
The Supercat : If you are looking for
a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef on a high speed catamaran that
is EXCEPTIONAL VALUE, look no further. Offering one of the fastest day
trips, visiting two outer reef locations for an unforgettable day of
fun, discovery and adventure. The MV Supercat provides a superior and
comfortable ride in almost all weather conditions.
More info...
Green Island
© Big Cat Green Island Cruises
The Big Cat : Green Island is a beautiful
coral cay which enjoys world acclaim as a tropical paradise on Australia's
Great Barrier Reef. The island is a protected Marine National Park,
readily identified by its emerald rainforest surrounded by white sandy
beaches and magnificent coral reefs. The marine life includes endless
varieties of colorful fish, turtles, giant clams, shells, starfish,
sea anemones and much more. More
info...
Wavedancer
© Quicksilver
Wavedancer : Quicksilver's 30 meter luxury
sailing catamaran, 'Wavedancer', offers the excitement of big ship sailing
combined with the ultimate in comfort. Let the crew pamper you in the
luxurious air-conditioned lounge with its fully licensed bar, or soak
up the sun and sea air under the sails on our expansive deck. 'Wavedancer'
is a memorable experience from the moment you step aboard. They will
take you to Low Isles which is situated 15 kilometers north-east of
Port Douglas. Low Isles is a 4 acre coral cay surrounded by 55 acres
of reef. The corals are very close to the island, which makes snorkeling
an enjoyable experience. The two small islands are separate with one
common reef. The larger of the two, Woody Island, is uninhabited except
for a large bird population. The smaller of the Low Isles is a coral
cay with a lighthouse that has been operating since 1878. More
info....
© Ocean Spirit Cruises
Ocean Spirit Upolu Cay Reef Cruise :
Set sail aboard a luxury catamaran with Ocean Spirit Cruises for
Upolu Cay, an uninhabited coral cay lying about 18 nautical miles
from Cairns, an ideal reef destination for a range of different
age groups. The surrounding coral gardens play host to a myriad
of marine life. Dugongs are often seen raising their calves throughout
the year in the protected waters around the cay. You also have
the opportunity to visit either Arlington Reef or Oyster Reef
as you sail out to beautiful Upolu Cay, both of which are teeming
with marine life and offer some of the best coral viewing on the
Great Barrier Reef. For those interested in exploring the coral
reef by diving on their day out to the Great Barrier Reef, Ocean
Spirit also offers introductory dives for the novice and certified
dives for experienced divers.
More info....
Maori Wrasse
© Deep Sea Divers Den
SeaQuest ADV - Certified Diver Day Trip
: SeaQuest ADV caters superbly for certified divers. With 14 permanent
moorings, Deep Sea Divers Den offer superb diving sites on the
Outer Barrier Reef which will excite divers of all experience
levels. Dive guides are available for those wanting close underwater
supervision and certified divers can explore two dive locations
in one day. The dive locations on the outer edge of the Great
Barrier Reef offer outstanding underwater visibility, superb coral
formations and abundant, colorful marine life including 'Wally',
a friendly 1.5 meter (5 feet) Maori Wrasse at Norman Reef. More
info...
Overnight/liveaboard dive trips:
Diving
© Quicksilver
Cod hole - Two days/two nights. Day One
- is making our way North along the Agincourt and Ribbon Reef systems.
Enjoy 3 day dives and a night dive. The night dive you choose may be
included as part of the optional advanced diving course.
Day Two - Thursdays include diving at the famous Cod Hole and the Northern
Ribbons, as well as another night dive. Awake to breakfast on Friday
morning moored in the calm waters of Snapper Island. It is then a short
journey back to the Marina at Port Douglas. Enjoy a minimum of 8 dives,
including 2 night dives during your Cod Hole Diving Adventure. Snorkelers
are welcome to join and have the opportunity to enjoy a FREE Introductory
dive. More
info....
Helicopter scenic flights
Scenic flights over Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef
You can combine a helicopter flight and a reef cruise
by flying out to the Great Barrier Reef, landing at Hastings reef, and
then after some snorkeling head back to Cairns on the boat.
More info...
Kuranda train
The Kuranda railway was a great achievement at the time,
long before many modern day machinery was invented thousands of labourers
built this railway, including several tunnels, through the mountainous
terrain. Up in the rainforest village Kuranda you can browse the markets
for crafts and souvenirs and then return on the Skyrail. Buses will
take you from the Skyrail base station back to the city again.
More
info....
Minjin Jungle Swing
The mighty Minjin
© AJ Hackett Bungy Cairns
Not for the faint hearted.. The Minjin Jungle Swing is
guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping! More
info....
Nightlife
To find out what live music or other entertainment is
on check out the Barfly
website or their weekly magazine that you will find anywhere around
Cairns.
Outback
Undara Lava Tube
© Australian Pacific Touring
From Cairns it is only a couple of hours travel until
you get to dry outback country where you will find the Undara lava tubes.
They are the oldest standing and best preserved system anywhere in the
world. The lava flow is the longest from one single Volcano, stretching
over 160 kilometers. Over time, some of the roof collapsed exposing
the tunnels in places and allowing the preservation of rainforest plants
which were once part of Gondwana some 300 million years ago. Within
the tubes themselves are unique ecosystems supporting a variety of unusual
animals and insects. How to see this amazing place; A
half day sky-safari , a
full day sky-safari , or a full
day trip which can be extended to an overnight trip.
Paronella Park
This amazing attraction lies a bit south of Cairns,
click here for more info
Reef Teach
For an interesting and educating experience in the evening
visit Reefteach
on 14 Spence St. in the city, Tel/Fax: (07) 4031 7794 . Reef Teach presents
a highly informative and entertaining presentation about the Great Barrier
Reef. Presented by a Marine Biologist, Dive Instructor & Educationalist,
it is the best way to learn about this complex ecosystem.
Seakayaking
© Palm Cove Watersports
The Double Island Sea Kayaking tour departs twice daily
circumnavigating Double Island. There is time on the island for snorkeling
and relaxing before kayaking back to beautiful Palm Cove Beach. The
single and double kayaks are designed for the open water and are highly
stable. The half-day tour is suitable for all abilities from total beginners
to experienced kayakers. More
info...
Skyrail
Kuranda Skyrail and Rail Tour encompasses the two most
spectacular way to see Queensland's Far North. Firstly, glide over one
of the worlds most beautiful rainforest aboard the Skyrail enroute to
Kuranda; a picturesque mountain-top village. Here, you will enjoy taking
time to explore and enjoy the village and its people. To return to Cairns,
board the Kuranda Scenic Rail; winding around curves, across bridges,
and through hand hewn tunnels. More
info…
Tablelands, Spanish castles and
waterfalls
Spanish
castles etc. |
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Your day begins
with a scenic drive up the Gillies Range, overlooking
the breathtaking beauty of the Mulgrave Valley. Enjoy
a delicious Devonshire Tea at Lake Barrine Teahouse with
the option of enjoying a Wildlife Cruise or a swim in
the now extinct volcano crater lake.
The infamous Giant Curtain Fig Tree will inspire a photo
or two, then on to the Malanda Hotel to enjoy a two course
hot lunch (vegetarians catered for).
After lunch, visit the picturesque Millaa Millaa Falls
for a fantastic photo opportunity, before continuing down
the Platypus Highway, onto inspiring Paronella Park for
a guided tour of the Spanish Castle ruins. Continuing
on for the last stop of the day, you will be taken to
Babinda Boulders for another fantastic photo opportunity
before journeying towards Cairns, arriving back at approx.
6.00pm. Hotel drop offs will then commence.
More
info.... |
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White water rafting
Rafting on the Barron River
© RnR White Water Rafting
BARRON RIVER TRIP (3 1/2 hours duration)
The Barron River Gorge is located just 20 minutes drive north of Cairns
and lies along a traditional pathway used by the original indigenous
Djabugay people. The spectacular Barron Falls, further upstream, are
considered a sacred site. The famous Kuranda Railway and Skyrail Cableway
also traverse sections of the gorge.
This heart thumping ride spears through The Barron Gorge National Park
and the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics. In the calmer sections you
will get to enjoy the ethereal beauty of the worlds oldest rainforest
and waterfalls from a unique waterline perspective. During the day you
will also discover why the Barron's rapids have names such as 'Rooster
Tail', 'Cheese Churn' and 'Hells Gate'.
TULLY RIVER TRIP (12 hours duration)
The drive to Tully, 140 kilometers south of Cairns, is a scenic journey
through cloud-covered coastal mountains, clear rivers and streams, fields
of sugar cane and exotic fruits.
Rapids include the unforgettable 'Alarm Clock', 'Wet & Moisty',
'Stair Case' and the dramatic 'Theatre' - all before a riverside BBQ
lunch opposite 'Ponytail Falls' where time is made to replenish your
batteries before the afternoon's remaining rapids.
More
info and bookings for these awesome rafting trips...
