It wouldn’t be a surprise to many to find out that Cairns is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia. As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns receives its fair share of domestic and international guests who all want to see the magical underwater world that lies just beyond the golden sands. But even if by some chance, you aren’t a beachy person, don’t feel as though you should skip over it in your tour of Australia.
Cairns is a tropical oasis jampacked with activities for the nature lover and adrenaline seekers. There are markets that are waiting to be explored and fresh seafood to taste. I also recommend checking out Hawaii’s 5 Best Walking Trails,
a great article to read for hiking enthusiasts. Enjoy this blog as I take you on a journey through the very best and unmissable sights of the gorgeous city of Cairns.
These are the must-dos, the top attractions that bring millions of tourists to Cairns each year!
IN THIS GUIDE:
Snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef
A visit to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest
Discover Cairns by dark at the Night Markets
Wander through the Cairns Botanic Gardens
Venture to the stunning Green Island
1. GREAT BARRIER REEF
No trip to Cairns is complete without visiting the Great Barrier Reef, which is why it’s got the #1 position on this list. The complex system is home to 3,000 singular reefs and you can explore the very best of them with tours who can take you to popular inner-reef sites for your swimming, snorkelling and diving pleasure.
Experience the magic of the colourful reefs below and the affectionate marine life that will swim along with you. You may even spot Nemo if you’re lucky! 🐠
Recommended Great Barrier Reef Tours: 1 Day Great Barrier Reef Tour
Company: Sightseeing Tours Australia
2. CAPE TRIBULATION AND DAINTREE RAINFOREST
As the sand underneath your feet transports you into greener territory, you’ll find yourself in the gorgeous coastal area of Cape Tribulation; also home to the Daintree Rainforest. There are plenty of short walks to take around Cape Trib, with plenty of tropical native flora and fauna to discover. Secluded beaches line this region, so you’ll feel as though everything on the horizon is yours and yours alone to explore.
Once you’ve made your way into the Daintree Rainforest, the Mossman Gorge is a must-see attraction and an amazing location for those who have an inkling for landscape photography. Granite boulders gently jut out of the water in an area that is extremely sacred to the Indigenous Australian people who have roamed the land for over 4000 years. It’s at the gorge that you can swim in the freshwater of the rock pools for a refreshing dip alongside the locals.
3. NIGHT MARKETS
The night markets in Cairns has reached worldwide fame for their brilliant bargain hunting nights at the Cairns Night Markets. Through nightly trawls and notoriously cheap (and therefore iconic) Chinese massages, it’s easy to see why the markets are a favourite no matter what age you are. Over 2 and a half million people visit the markets every year, exploring the 131 stalls and food outlets house in the location. Did I mention it’s open 7 days a week? From food to beauty, to souvenir shopping, experience the hustle and bustle of the Cairns Night Markets on your next adventure to Cairns.
4. CAIRNS BOTANIC GARDENS
This tropical paradise holds perhaps one of the best exhibitions of tropical plants in the entire country. There are many gardens to explore, some notables ones are the Aboriginal Plant Use, the Bamboo collection and the Flecker Gardens. There are free guided tours you can take to get a more in-depth education of the gardens or even a bird-watching walking tour for the nature enthusiasts.
When travelling to a tropical destination such as Cairns, it’s a great idea to explore the native and vibrant plants and flowers that give the city such a beautiful surrounding. Here at the Cairns Botanic Gardens, you can discover all the flora and fauna in one convenient location!
5. GREEN ISLAND
Just a short 45 minute ride away from Cairns, venture out to the tropical cay of Green Island. With white sandy beaches and over 100 plant species to explore out on the Great Barrier Reef, there are endless opportunities on the 15-hectare island to keep you and the family entertained for the day. Green Island is a great day trip out from Cairns as it’s the most accessible thanks to its proximity to the city itself and its marvellous scenery makes it very popular with tourists.
Recommended Tour: Full Day Green Island Tour
Company: Last Minute Day Tours
