Destination: Cairns, Queensland, Australia

However you are travelling and whoever you are travelling with, Cairns is a destination which really delivers. There is so much variety – rainforests, beaches, tropical islands, green tablelands and of course The Great Barrier Reef – your biggest dilemma will be trying to fit everything in. Here are our five “must do’s” for visiting Cairns.
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1. Hang Out Downtown – just wander around this tropical city and take in the relaxed vibe. Visit Rusty’s Market and pick up some tasty local produce or a unique souvenir, take a stroll along the Cairns Esplanade and stop off for something to eat at one of the many bars or restaurants, or explore the boutique shopping on offer – everything is close and easy to get to. ​

2. Skyrail to Kuranda – Take a Skyrail gondola over World Heritage listed tropical rainforest to Kuranda Village. Whilst there, take some time to visit Birdworld Kuranda, the Butterfly Sanctuary and Koala Gardens. Return on the historic Kuranda train along a scenic railway past the Barron Gorge National Park.

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​3. Drive to Atherton Tablelands – An easy day trip from Cairns, jump in the car and head out to the Atherton Tablelands. Sitting at over 700m above sea level the landscape changes dramatically from the tropical beaches of Cairns. Visit cascading waterfalls, volcanic craters, and a variety of produce farms. Plenty of beautiful places to visit for a day, or for an extended trip.

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4. Port Douglas – Need we say more! A beautiful destination in itself, Port Douglas is only an hour or so north of Cairns and offers beautiful beaches and a relaxed tropical resort town vibe. Drive yourself and stop off at the many amazing beaches along the way including Palm Cove, Trinity Beach and Ellis Beach. Fantastic scenery and a wonderful place to beach/bar hop!​

5. The Great Barrier Reef – You can’t come this close to the Great Barrier Reef and not visit Australia’s own natural wonder of the world. There are a multitude of options here, whether you want to snorkel, scuba dive, sail, hot air balloon, helicopter or take a glass bottom boat there is a tour and price point for everyone. Make sure you choose a high standard tourism operator and explore this amazing area – you will not be disappointed. 

Have a “must do” recommendation for visiting Cairns? Share it via the comments section and don’t forget to like and share our Facebook and Instagram pages – links below