10 Best Things to Do in Cairns: The Ultimate 2026 Travel Guide

Cairns is the adventure capital of Tropical North Queensland and one of Australia’s most spectacular holiday destinations. Home to the Great Barrier Reef, ancient rainforests, tropical islands and adrenaline-filled adventures, it’s the perfect base for unforgettable day trips and outdoor experiences.

Whether you’re a backpacker, first-time visitor or travelling with friends, Cairns offers something for every type of traveller. From snorkelling among colourful coral reefs to exploring the world’s oldest rainforest, every day brings a new adventure.

If you’re planning your trip and wondering what to do in Cairns, here are the 10 best things to do in Cairns that deserve a place on your itinerary.

Why Visit Cairns?

Cairns is one of the few places in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites meet — the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Add tropical islands, waterfalls, Indigenous culture and year-round warm weather, and it’s easy to see why millions of travellers visit every year.

Cairns is perfect for:

• First-time visitors to Australia
• Backpackers
• Adventure lovers
• Nature enthusiasts
• Couples
• Families
• Solo travellers

Best Time to Visit Cairns

Cairns is a year-round destination, but the dry season (May to October) is widely considered the best time to visit. Expect sunny days, lower humidity and ideal conditions for reef cruises, rainforest tours and outdoor adventures.

The wet season (November to April) transforms the region into a lush tropical paradise with flowing waterfalls and vibrant rainforest scenery.

1. Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling & Diving Cruise

Book here: https://www.backpackerdeals.com/australia/cairns/passions-of-paradise-outer-great-barrier-reef-day-trip

No trip to Cairns is complete without visiting the Great Barrier Reef. As the world’s largest coral reef system, it’s home to thousands of marine species, colourful coral gardens and crystal-clear waters.

Whether you’re an experienced diver or trying snorkelling for the first time, an outer reef cruise offers one of Australia’s most unforgettable experiences.

Highlights

• Snorkel vibrant coral reefs
• Optional scuba diving
• Spot turtles, reef fish and giant clams
• Visit multiple reef locations

Best for: Everyone

2. Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge & Daintree Rainforest Day Tour

Book here: https://www.backpackerdeals.com/australia/cairns/active-day-cape-tribulation-tour

Travel north to discover the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. The Daintree Rainforest is estimated to be over 180 million years old and is packed with unique wildlife, ancient plants and breathtaking scenery.

This full-day adventure combines Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation and scenic rainforest drives into one unforgettable experience.

Highlights

• Walk through ancient rainforest
• Visit Mossman Gorge
• Explore Cape Tribulation Beach
• Wildlife spotting opportunities

Best for: Nature lovers

3. Skyrail & Kuranda Scenic Railway

Book here: https://www.backpackerdeals.com/australia/cairns/kuranda-skyrail-day-tour-from-cairns

Experience two of Cairns’ most iconic attractions in one incredible day.

Glide above the rainforest aboard the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway before boarding the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway, passing waterfalls, deep gorges and spectacular mountain scenery.

Don’t forget to spend time exploring Kuranda Village, known for its markets, cafés and local artisans.

Highlights

• Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
• Kuranda Scenic Railway
• Barron Falls lookout
• Free time in Kuranda Village

Best for: First-time visitors

4. Fitzroy Island Day Trip

Book here: https://www.backpackerdeals.com/australia/cairns/fitzroy-island-full-day-tour-from-cairns

Just a short ferry ride from Cairns, Fitzroy Island is the perfect tropical escape.

Spend your day relaxing on white sandy beaches, snorkelling straight from the shore or hiking to the island’s scenic lookouts.

Highlights

• Tropical beaches
• Snorkelling
• Walking trails
• Glass-bottom boat options

Best for: Couples and families

5. Waterfalls & Rainforest Tour

Book here: https://www.backpackerdeals.com/australia/cairns/cairns-waterfalls-and-rainforest-tour

Escape the city and discover some of Tropical North Queensland’s most beautiful waterfalls.

Depending on the tour, you’ll visit spectacular swimming holes, lush rainforest and iconic locations such as Josephine Falls and Babinda Boulders.

Highlights

• Swim beneath waterfalls
• Scenic rainforest walks
• Tropical landscapes
• Local wildlife

Best for: Nature lovers

6. Moore Reef Great Barrier Reef Day Tour

Book here: https://www.backpackerdeals.com/australia/cairns/moore-reef-full-day-tour

Moore Reef offers an action-packed reef experience with something for every traveller.

Enjoy snorkelling, underwater observatories, semi-submersible tours and family-friendly reef activities from a floating pontoon.

Highlights

• Floating reef pontoon
• Snorkelling
• Underwater observatory
• Marine life encounters

Best for: Families

7. Scenic Flight over the Great Barrier Reef

Book here: https://www.backpackerdeals.com/australia/cairns/40-minute-scenic-flight

Take your Cairns adventure to new heights with a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef.

From above, you’ll witness breathtaking coral formations, turquoise waters and tropical islands that simply can’t be appreciated from sea level.

It’s also one of the best ways to capture incredible aerial photographs.

Highlights

• Incredible aerial views
• Great Barrier Reef
• Tropical islands
• Perfect photo opportunities

Best for: Bucket-list travellers

8. Cairns Rainforest Tubing

Book here: https://www.backpackerdeals.com/australia/cairns/river-tubing

Float down gentle rainforest rivers surrounded by lush tropical scenery.

Rainforest tubing is one of Cairns’ most fun and unique adventures, offering excitement without requiring previous experience.

Highlights

• Tropical rainforest
• Gentle rapids
• Fun for beginners
• Scenic river adventure

Best for: Backpackers

9. Tandem Skydive over Cairns

Book here: https://www.backpackerdeals.com/australia/cairns/skydive-the-reef-cairns-half-day-tour-skydiving

If you’re looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush, nothing beats skydiving over Cairns.

Experience an unforgettable freefall before floating beneath your parachute with panoramic views of the coastline, rainforest and Great Barrier Reef.

Highlights

• Tandem skydive
• Incredible coastal views
• Professional instructors
• Bucket-list experience

Best for: Adventure seekers

10. Kuranda Riverboat Cruise

Book here: https://www.backpackerdeals.com/australia/cairns/kuranda-riverboat-tour

Slow the pace with a relaxing cruise along the Barron River.

This peaceful experience offers the chance to spot freshwater crocodiles, turtles and native birdlife while learning about the local ecosystem.

Highlights

• Wildlife spotting
• Peaceful river cruise
• Local history
• Great photography

Best for: Wildlife lovers

Suggested 4-Day Cairns Itinerary

Day 1

• Explore Cairns Esplanade
• Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Day 2

• Skyrail & Kuranda Scenic Railway
• Kuranda Village

Day 3

• Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation

Day 4

• Fitzroy Island or Waterfalls Tour

Tips for Visiting Cairns

• Visit during the dry season for the best weather.
• Book reef tours in advance, especially during school holidays.
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen, swimmers, a hat and comfortable walking shoes.
• Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Bring a waterproof phone case for island and reef adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days should I spend in Cairns?

A stay of 4–6 days gives you enough time to experience the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Kuranda and at least one island day trip.

What is Cairns famous for?

Cairns is famous for being the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, as well as its tropical climate and outdoor adventures.

Is Cairns worth visiting?

Absolutely. Cairns offers some of Australia’s best nature experiences, from coral reefs and rainforest to waterfalls, islands and wildlife.

What’s the best Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns?

There are several excellent options depending on your interests. Outer reef cruises are ideal for snorkelling and diving, while pontoon experiences like Moore Reef are popular with families.

Can you visit the Great Barrier Reef without diving?

Yes. Most reef tours include snorkelling, and many also offer glass-bottom boats, semi-submersible tours or underwater observatories for non-divers.

Ready to Explore Cairns?

From snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef to exploring ancient rainforests and relaxing on tropical islands, Cairns is packed with unforgettable experiences.

Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends or planning your first Australian adventure, you’ll find incredible tours to suit every style and budget.

Book your next adventure with BackpackerDeals.com and use FLASH to save 5% on eligible tours, activities and campervan bookings.