Cairns is a small city located in the heart of Queensland, Australia. It was founded in the year 1876, which makes it 148 years old in 2024. It is spread over about 1,688 square kilometres. Cairns is believed to be the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. However, it is much more than that; it is a vibrant place that is filled with breathtaking natural beauties that give peace and tranquillity to all the people who visit here. There are many places to visit, like the rainforest, where you can go for hikes, or you can lay back and have a relaxing time at the beaches.
Other than that, there are plenty of restaurants you can visit and have a delicious meal to kill your hunger and satisfy your taste buds. There are numerous different kinds of activities that can be so much fun to get involved in and make great memories of. The activities are sure to give you an adrenaline rush and the best time of your life. This city can promise you one thing for sure: you, your friends, and your family will have an unforgettable experience here.
So, if you are tired of your routine life and want to go on an adventurous journey, then this is the city to visit. However, this city has a huge list of activities, and choosing which activity to participate in can be an overwhelming task. But do not worry, because here we will inform you about the 10 most amazing things that you can do with your friends and family. So, start packing your bags, book your tickets, and get ready to make some of the most memorable moments of your life.
1. Explore The Marine Life Cairns Aquarium
Everybody likes aquariums, and many people love to install mini aquariums in their homes as well. If you are one of the people who loves to see different kinds of fish and wants to explore marine life and learn about them without even getting wet, then this place is perfect for you. Cairns Aquarium is a highly popular place in Cairns and has lots of amazing things, including so many different kinds of fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. This aquarium gives you a great chance to see a wide range of marine species.
Lots of fish are native to the Great Barrier Reef and the areas nearby. They have a collection of fascinating sea creatures, from colourful fish to corals. They even have dangerous predatory fish like sharks and rays. Taking your kids to this place can be a great idea, as it will give them a wonderful opportunity to learn about them. They have interactive exhibits and give you guided tours with lots of information about each and everything present there. So, make sure you check out this place while you have a visit to Cairns.
| Name | Cairns Aquarium |
|---|---|
| Website | www.cairnsaquarium.com.au/ |
| Address | 5 Florence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia |
| Directions | Google Map |
| Distance From Cairns | 900.0 m |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 am–3:30 pm Tuesday: 9:30 am–3:30 pm Wednesday: 9:30 am–3:30 pm Thursday: 9:30 am–3:30 pm Friday: 9:30 am–3:30 pm Saturday: 9:30 am–3:30 pm Sunday: 9:30 am–3:30 pm |
| Phone Number | +61740447300 |
| Nearby Attractions | Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, Rusty's Markets, Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom - Cairns Premier Great Barrier Reef & Island Tours |
| Nearby Accommodation | Shangri-La The Marina, Hilton Cairns, Cairns Harbourside Hotel |
2. Adventure At Muddy’s Playground
The next destination is Muddy’s Playground which is the perfect place for little kids to have fun. There are a variety of things made especially for kids, like swimming pools, slides, swings, climbing structures, and various kinds of sculptures. Other than these, Muddy’s playground has plenty of other facilities that adults can enjoy too. There are picnic areas with tables and chairs, along with a barbeque facility, cafe to get snacks, coffee, and other drinks. However, there are also a few rules that need to be followed by everyone so that everyone at the park can have a peaceful time in the playground.
Any kind of alcohol is strictly forbidden. They also prohibit any sports micro-mobility vehicles such as skateboards, bikes, rollerblades, or roller skates. Muddy’s Playground has always been a popular destination in Cairns because the atmosphere in the playground has always been family-friendly, and every visitor tends to enjoy their time here. One of the best things about this playground is that it is completely free of charge. All these qualities make this place a fantastic destination for the whole family to enjoy and spend a great quality time.
| Name | Muddy‘s Playground |
|---|---|
| Website | www.cairns.qld.gov.au/muddys-playground |
| Address | 3QMF+V8 Cairns City, Queensland, Australia |
| Directions | Google Map |
| Distance From Cairns | 1.3 km |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9 am–7 pm Tuesday: 9 am–7 pm Wednesday: 9 am–7 pm Thursday: 9 am–7 pm Friday: 9 am–7 pm Saturday: 9 am–7 pm Sunday: 9 am–7 pm |
| Phone Number | 1300 69 22 47 |
| Nearby Attractions | Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland, Cairns Esplanade, Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours |
| Nearby Accommodation | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns, Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns, Acacia Court Hotel |
3. Wander The Cairns Botanic Gardens
If you are the type of person who loves nature and likes to see different varieties of plants and flowers, then this is the place for you. Cairns Botanic Gardens is considered a tropical paradise and is highly well-known for having one of the best exhibitions of tropical plants in Australia. Wandering in this epic garden with a relaxing environment completely surrounded by greenery will have a relaxing and calming effect on your mind. If you have a fanatic mind and are extremely passionate and devoted to gathering interesting knowledge about plants and botany, then this is a must-visit destination for you.
Here, you will get the opportunity to explore the beauty of tropical plants, as they have a wide collection of them imported from all over the world. Cairns Botanic Gardens also offers guided tours and educational programmes where they give a comprehensive explanation of every kind of plant they have in their possession. This tour can become a great chance for you and your kids to learn about botany. The atmosphere in the garden is so peaceful that it gives you a time out from the hustle and bustle of life.
| Name | Cairns Botanic Gardens |
|---|---|
| Website | www.cairns.qld.gov.au/botanic-gardens |
| Address | 78-96 Collins Ave, Edge Hill QLD 4870, Australia |
| Directions | Google map |
| Distance From Cairns | 3.7 km |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 am–5:30 pm Tuesday: 7:30 am–5:30 pm Wednesday: 7:30 am–5:30 pm Thursday: 7:30 am–5:30 pm Friday: 7:30 am–5:30 pm Saturday: 7:30 am–5:30 pm Sunday: 7:30 am–5:30 pm |
| Phone Number | +61740326650 |
| Nearby Attractions | Tanks Arts Centre, Centenary Lakes Nature Play Space, Watkins Munro Martin Conservatory |
| Nearby Accommodation | Lakes Cairns Resort, Cairns Colonial Club Resort, Crystal Garden Resort |
4. Chilling On The Palm Cove Beach
Cairns is an amazing city that has 15 beautiful beaches. Palm Cove Beach is one of the most popular beaches in this city. This beach is so popular and outstanding that it is considered a tropical paradise. It has pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters, along with lots of palm trees planted in a straight line on both sides of a walking track. The perfect views and calm atmosphere of this beach make it a great place for visitors to chill and have a fun time.
The water is both shallow and tranquil, which is perfect for getting involved in water activities such as swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. Kids can have an amazing time playing various beach games and making sand castles. The beach also has a high reputation for hosting memorable occasions. Many people plan to have parties and special events in their lives, like weddings, on this beach. At the time of sunrise and sunset, you will notice lots of couples spending romantic quality time by either sitting or taking a stroll on a beach.
| Name | Palm Cove Beach |
|---|---|
| Website | tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au/palm-cove/ |
| Address | 111 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove QLD 4879 |
| Directions | Google Map |
| Distance From Cairns | 26.0 km |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Phone Number | N/A |
| Nearby Attractions | Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, Crystal Cascades |
| Nearby Accommodation | Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove, The Reef House Adults Retreat Palm Cove, Coral Sands Beachfront Resort |
5. Discover The Past At Cairns Museum
For people who love to dig deep into history and know about the past. The next location is specially built for them. The Cairns Museum has lots of things that tell the story of the past of Cairns. Museums have always been known to be fun and exciting ways to learn about history. This museum has five different types of galleries, which provide the visitor with a fascinating journey through the history and cultural heritage of the region. It tells you about the rich history of Cairns, starting from the beginning to the developments it made throughout time.
It has various exhibitions and artefacts that display the whole process in a more specific way. The Cairns Museum also provides you with information about the natural wonders that Cairns City is surrounded by, like the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Whether you are a local or a tourist, this place is sure to give you the experience of a lifetime, along with the opportunity to educate yourself with more knowledge. There is no age restriction; visitors of all age groups can be involved in the activities and exhibitions. This makes it a family-friendly place.
| Name | Cairns Museum |
|---|---|
| Website | www.cairnsmuseum.org.au/ |
| Address | Cairns School of Arts building, Cnr Lake and Shields St, 93/105 Lake St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia |
| Directions | Google Map |
| Distance From Cairns | 600.0 m |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10 am–4 pm Tuesday: 10 am–4 pm Wednesday: 10 am–4 pm Thursday: 10 am–4 pm Friday: 10 am–4 pm Saturday: 10 am–4 pm Sunday: Closed |
| Phone Number | +61740515582 |
| Nearby Attractions | Cairns Art Gallery, Munro Martin Parklands, Saint Monica's Cathedral |
| Nearby Accommodation | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns, Mantra Trilogy Cairns, Oaks Cairns Hotel |
6. Explore The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum
The next location on our list is another museum. However, this place is built to provide you with knowledge about the history of the military. A person who has an interest in the army or has a passion for joining the military should visit the Australian Armour and Artillery Museum. This museum was built on September 6, 2014, and has been one of the most popular destinations to visit in Cairns. There are multiple reasons why a person should visit this place. This museum provides you with a complete history of Australia’s military.
They also focus on armoured vehicles, artillery, and other army-related artefacts. Any person who visits here gets to learn about the significant battle campaigns and how the Australian army fought various wars and conflicts. They have a remarkable collection of military equipment, artillery pieces, and armoured vehicles from different eras, such as World War I, World War II, and beyond. Most of these items are quite unique and are rarely seen in the world. For students, visiting this place is a golden opportunity, as they will gain valuable knowledge that will eventually be helpful in their studies.
| Name | The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum |
|---|---|
| Website | www.ausarmour.com/ |
| Address | 2 Skyrail Dr, Smithfield QLD 4878, Australia |
| Directions | Googel Map |
| Distance From Cairns | 14 km |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 am–4:30 pm Tuesday: 9:30 am–4:30 pm Wednesday: 9:30 am–4:30 pm Thursday: 9:30 am–4:30 pm Friday: 9:30 am–4:30 pm Saturday: 9:30 am–4:30 pm Sunday: 9:30 am–4:30 pm |
| Phone Number | +61740381665 |
| Nearby Attractions | Henry Ross Lookout, Holloways Beach, Yorkeys Knob |
| Nearby Accommodation | Bellbry Lodge, Palm Whispers Luxury Bed and Breakfast, Virtual Restaurant |
7. Meet The Warriors At Samurai Gallery Australia
Samurais were the elite members of the Japanese warrior caste. Even though these warriors are no longer with us, their cultural impact and legacy still live in the hearts and minds of people. You must have seen samurais in various movies, anime, and cartoons. If you love the concept of samurai and want to know what real-life samurai used to look like, what kind of armour they used to wear, and what their principles were for living a life, then you should check out the Samurai Gallery in Australia. This is the only gallery in Australia that is based on the samurais and displays their art, armour, and weaponry.
These legendary warriors used to live by the code called ‘Bushido’, which is considered similar to the European code of chivalry. However, chivalry’s foremost virtue is bravery, while loyalty is the top virtue of Bushido. Samurais were loyal to their masters and used to honour them till their master’s death. In this gallery, you will get to see some of the most amazing artefacts of Samurai culture. There are hundreds of years old antiques such as Katana, Wakizashi, Tanto, Tsuba, Menpo, Japanese art, sword fittings, and armour. And the best part is that you can even buy some of these items and add them to your personal collection.
| Name | Samurai Gallery Australia |
|---|---|
| Website | samuraigalleryaustralia.com/ |
| Address | 1/22 Shields St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia |
| Directions | Google Map |
| Distance From Cairns | 750.0 m |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9 am–5 pm Tuesday: 11 am–4 pm Wednesday: 11 am–4 pm Thursday: 11 am–4 pm Friday: 11 am–4 pm Saturday: 10 am–3:30 pm Sunday: Closed |
| Phone Number | +61417642921 |
| Nearby Attractions | Jacob's Tree, Great Adventure, Cairns Waterfalls |
| Nearby Accommodation | Crystalbrook Riley, Hotel Tropiq, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort |
8. Tour Of Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
The next activity on our list is an adventurous tour of the rainforest through the sky. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway can take you on a fascinating journey through Australia’s Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, which has survived in every circumstance and now has become the home of the world’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest. This Skyrail is located just 15 to 18 minutes north of Cairns City and 60 to 70 minutes south of Port Douglas in Cairns. You can begin this epic journey along with your friends and family to have an enjoyable experience and a unique perspective on this ancient landscape.
The Skyrail will provide you with a stunning panoramic view of the coral sea, the Cairns coastline, and the ancient rainforest from the cable cars. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is dedicated to sustainability and the protection of the environment, which is why the cableway has won many awards for supporting the local communities and preserving the rainforest. One of the best features of this is the accessibility option, as they have no restrictions on age limits, and individuals with wheelchairs can also get on these cable cars without having any trouble.
| Name | Skyrail Rainforest Cableway |
|---|---|
| Website | www.skyrail.com.au/ |
| Address | 6 Skyrail Dr, Smithfield QLD 4878, Australia |
| Directions | Google Map |
| Distance From Cairns | 12.6 km |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 am–4:45 pm Tuesday: 8:30 am–4:45 pm Wednesday: 8:30 am–4:45 pm Thursday: 8:30 am–4:45 pm Friday: 8:30 am–4:45 pm Saturday: 8:30 am–4:45 pm Sunday: 8:30 am–4:45 pm |
| Phone Number | +61740385555 |
| Nearby Attractions | Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett, Cairns Cattana Wetlands, Smithfield Mountain Bike Park Trail head |
| Nearby Accommodation | Blue Lagoon Resort, Sea Change Beachfront Apartments, UniLodge John Grey Hall - Cairns Student Accommodation |
9. Freefall Adventure Skydive Cairns
Are you a daredevil and looking for something extreme to do? Then make sure you check out this place. Skydive Cairns offers you a thrilling skydiving experience that you will never forget in your life. Skydiving in Cairns will give you the chance to see the stunning beauty of the city from the sky. Along with the breathtaking view of the Great Barrier Reef, tropical rainforests, and pristine coastline, skydiving here will surely give you an adrenaline rush. You will feel a sense of excitement and thrill that you have never experienced before in your life.
If you have done skydiving before, this is your sign to try it out. There is no reason to be afraid, as the skydiving centres in Cairns will provide you with proper instructions as they have certified instructors who prioritise your safety and will give you training before the jump. With proper knowledge and training, you will be fearless, comfortable, and confident enough to fly. After your jump, when you set foot on the land, you will have a wonderful sense of achievement. So, make sure to add this to your to-do list.
| Name | Skydive Cairns |
|---|---|
| Website | www.skydive.com.au/cairns/ |
| Address | 11 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia |
| Directions | Googel Map |
| Distance From Cairns | 1.9 km |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7 am–6 pm Tuesday: 7 am–6 pm Wednesday: 7 am–6 pm Thursday: 7 am–6 pm Friday: 7 am–6 pm Saturday: 7 am–6 pm Sunday: 7 am–6 pm |
| Phone Number | +61 1300 663 634 |
| Nearby Attractions | Cairns Beach Lookout, Cairns Self-Guided Heritage Walk, Michiko Memorial Garden |
| Nearby Accommodation | Cairns Plaza Hotel, The Reef Hotel Casino, Pullman Reef Hotel Casino |
10. Journey At Sunlover Reef Cruises
Sunlover Reef Cruises takes you on an extraordinary journey on the Great Barrier Reef Tour. This cruise will let you, your friends, and your family experience the beauty and wonder of the marine life and underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. It is a unique way that is sure to create some unforgettable memories. There are plenty of things you can do on this iconic journey. You can get involved in scuba diving, snorkelling, or simply have a relaxing time on the pontoon.
There are a wide range of activities that are suitable for all ages. They also have academic programmes and guided tours done by marine experts. This makes sure that your tour is not just entertaining but also educational. Other than that, the cruises have lots of facilities that are made for your comfort and convenience. It has large, spacious vessels with sun decks that look luxurious, underwater observatories, and big dining areas.
| Name | Sunlover Reef Cruises |
|---|---|
| Website | www.sunlover.com.au/ |
| Address | Reef Fleet Terminal (Bottom floor, 1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia |
| Directions | Google Map |
| Distance From Cairns | 1.9 km |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8 am–5 pm Tuesday: 8 am–5 pm Wednesday: 8 am–5 pm Thursday: 8 am–5 pm Friday: 8 am–5 pm Saturday: 8 am–5 pm Sunday: 8 am–5 pm |
| Phone Number | +61740501333 |
| Nearby Attractions | Cairns City Centre, Finger A, # 8 Reef Experience, Baybaru |
| Nearby Accommodation | Heritage Cairns Hotel, Mantra Esplanade Cairns, Pacific Hotel Cairns |
Concluding Thoughts
Cairns offers so many different kinds of opportunities that are a perfect combination of the rich city life and the natural wonders of the world. You, along with your friends and family, can be involved in various kinds of activities that will create some of the best memories that will last a lifetime. Observing the different kinds of marine life in the aquarium, playing in a playground, chilling at a beach, or exploring different kinds of museums and galleries are some of the worthwhile options to consider.
You can also participate in a tour on Sky Rails or experience a freefall while skydiving in Cairns. This epic journey will also give you the chance to explore the natural wonder of the Great Barrier Reef. This city is packed with thrilling adventures that can rush your adrenaline to relaxing moments that can give you peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cairns is located in the tropical region of far North Queensland and serves as the gateway to two of Australia’s most significant World Heritage areas. The Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. This city is not only a great destination for tourists but also has splendid significance for the traditional custodians. They have a deep connection to this beautiful region.
Yes, Cairns is a walkable city that is safe and easy to get around. A person can effortlessly travel in this city centre on foot. You can easily walk around to check out the shops, markets, cafes, museums, and many more. There are plenty of walking trails where you can go for a nice, long walk with your loved ones. Most of the highlights of the Cairns city centre are within walking distance. One of the best things is that the local accommodations are also pretty close to the highlights.
Many people consider that the best months to visit Cairns are the months of transition. This is the time of the year between the wet and dry seasons. They are believed to be the ideal months to visit this city. In Australia, the transition months are April and May, or September and October. Since these months are right in the middle of the changing weather, they are also called “shoulder seasons.” This is typically the peak season, which has milder weather and quite a few crowds. It makes this a popular time for travelling.
Tropical North Queensland is a unique food-producing region because of its diversity and abundance. This region has a great variety of freshly produced foods. This quality sets them apart from other areas. They have juicy and sweet mangoes, nutritious bananas, and sun-ripened pineapples that have a pleasing flavour. Other than the fruits, they also have flavorful reef fish and the delectable freshness of wild-caught prawns.
Some of the interesting facts about Cairns are:
- Six different kinds of turtle species can be found on the Great Barrier Reef.
- In the years between 1882 and 1891, the Cairns-Kuranda Railway was constructed.
- The Cairns-Kuranda Railway project is also considered one of the most impressive accomplishments in the field of engineering due to its significant scale and complexity.
- Hundreds of people were employed to build 15 handmade tunnels and 38 bridges.
Yes. Cairns is one of the busiest regional cities in Australia. Since it has so many amazing things, it attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world. Lots of people fell in love with this city and decided to settle there, making this city their new home.
The national flower of Cairns is the Golden Penda. It is also known by its scientific name, “Xanthostemon chrysanthus.” This flower grows on magnificent flowering trees that are native to the tropical north. It is designated as the official floral emblem for this city. The golden penda is yellow and is well-known to burst into full display several times a year.
