The city feels unpretentiously relaxed, a slow-paced haven where locals greet you with easy smiles beneath the humid canopy. It is now a vibrant base camp for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, offering travelers authentic access to nature’s wonders without the rush of larger hubs.
Do Cairns the way locals do: start slow at Emerald Creek Falls, eat where the regulars do at Dundees on the Waterfront, let the evening run long at Rattle n Hum Cairns.
Top things to do in Cairns
Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Enclosed gondolas riding 7.5 km over rainforest canopy, with walks at 2 stations along the way.
Check tours & tickets2
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
Animal attraction featuring crocodile & reptile shows, guided tours & views of koalas & kangaroos.
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Cairns Aquarium
More than 16,000 specimens in 9 ecosystems, along with an eatery featuring aquarium views.
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Cairns Botanic Gardens
Guided & audio tours are offered at this botanical garden with a notable tropical plant collection.
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Barron Falls
A scenic trail leads to lookout points for this 250-m. cascade of water from the Barron River.
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Palm Cove Beach
Beach backed by an esplanade with palm trees & cafes, popular for swimming & fishing on a jetty.
Check tours & tickets7
The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum
Museum with armored & artillery vehicles dating back to the 1800s, including many WWII exhibits.
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Cairns Night Markets
Bustling indoor market with many vendors, open evenings for shopping & casual dining.
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Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom - Cairns Premier Great Barrier Reef & Island Tours
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Crystal Cascades
Group of small rainforest waterfalls flowing into natural swimming pools, reached by a short hike.
Check tours & ticketsWhere to eat
Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Dundees on the Waterfront
Steak, seafood and Australian sampler plates with crocodile and kangaroo, served by the waterfront.
Website12
Yaya’s Hellenic Kitchen and Bar
Website13
Salt House
Chic seafront Modern Australian menu with seafood and grill and a lantern-lit bar.
Website14
Rusty's Markets
Vibrant enclosed marketplace open weekends since 1975 for produce, apparel, gifts & flowers.
Website15
Muddy's Cafe
Laid-back destination with sea views serving breakfast, tacos & burgers, plus juices & smoothies.
Website16
Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse
Spacious venue with smart modern decor using wood and stone, plus outdoor seating on a timber deck.
Website17
Hello Harry (The Burger Joint) Cairns
Website18
Vitalia's Italian Restaurant
WebsiteHungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Cairns
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Tours worth booking ahead
These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
Cairns Adventure Group
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Down Under Cruise & Dive - Evolution Outer Reef Cruise
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Rusty's Markets
Vibrant enclosed marketplace open weekends since 1975 for produce, apparel, gifts & flowers.
Check tours & tickets22
Cairns Night Markets
Bustling indoor market with many vendors, open evenings for shopping & casual dining.
Check tours & tickets23
Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom - Cairns Premier Great Barrier Reef & Island Tours
Check tours & tickets24
Passions of Paradise - Great Barrier Reef Tours Cairns
Check tours & ticketsGet outside
25
Emerald Creek Falls
A rainforest trail leads to a series of swimming holes & cascades tumbling over granite boulders.
26
Holloways Beach Esplanade Reserve
Website27
Stoney Creek
28
Centenary Lakes Nature Play Space
29
Earl Hill Summit Track
After dark
30
Rattle n Hum Cairns
Steaks, burgers and pizza in an easygoing, wood-lined pub with long tables and big-screen sports.
Website31
Three Wolves
Sophisticated bar offering tapas & build-your-own charcuterie boards, plus a robust beverage menu.
Website32
The Pier Bar
Pub meals, wood-fired pizza and cocktails in a vast, modern space with a terrace and a relaxed vibe.
Website33
Code Cairns
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