Top 10 Things to do in Cairns
1. Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms. It is composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometres along the North-East coast of Australia. It was labelled one of the seven natural wonders of the world and is a major bucket list item for many travellers. In contrary to popular belief, you can’t just snorkel to the reef from the beach as it takes a minimum of 1.5 hours by boat to get there. That’s why Cairns and Port Douglas are popular among divers: this is where the reef is closest to mainland Australia. The further south you go, the longer the boat ride to the reef will be (up to 3 hours).
2. Daintree River Cruise
Along the Daintree River some of the most pristine and diverse mangrove forests in the world can be found. There a total of 69 species of mangroves worldwide, 34 of which can be found in Queensland. Mangroves are a bizarre world where fresh water and salt water meet. Tides shape the landscape which changes on a daily basis. Mangrove forests are known to be nursery grounds for a large number of fish species as they offer many hiding places for baby fish. They are also home to the worlds largest living reptile: the salt water crocodile. Males can reach up to 6 meters in length and weigh up to 1.2 tons. A river cruise is the perfect way to experience this extraordinary wildlife habitat. It will take you around 1:30h to get there from Cairns.
3. Daintree National Park
The Daintree Rainforest is said to be the oldest rainforest on earth having existed continuously for more than 110 million years. It is valued because of its exceptional biodiversity. 40% of Australias bird species, 43% of its mammal species, 42% of Australias fresh water fish species and 60% of its butterfly species can be found in Daintree. There is a range of boardwalks and untouched beaches you can enjoy for free. If you want to learn more about the rainforest and its inhabitants, the Daintree Discovery Center is highly recommended where you will explore every level of the rainforest. Consider combining it with a Daintree river cruise which lies in the same direction coming from Cairns.
4. Visit Kuranda
Kuranda is a small town located on the Atherton Tableland. It is a nice village with markets, hiking trails and attractions such as the Butterfly Sanctuary or Birdworld (coming up at number 6 and 7 of this list).
5. Skyrail and Scenic Railway
You can either drive to Kuranda yourself or use the Skyrail and Scenic Railway. You will go up to Kuranda with the Skyrail enjoying a bird’s eye view of the rainforest and go back down using the Scenic Railway where you will sit in historic carriages. Both trips include stops to see Barron Falls. Book your ticket online and in advance as you need to reserve your seat going up and down. This package is very popular and timeslots do book out.
6. Butterfly Sanctuary
In Kuranda you will find the largest butterfly aviary in the southern hemisphere home to around 2000 butterflies. You can watch them in all stages of their lives, witness one of the two daily releases and get really, really close to these beatiful animals. If you hold still, they will even land on you. In case you are planning to visit other places in Kuranda (like Birdworld) ask for a combi ticket which will be cheaper than purchasing each ticket separately.
7. Birdworld
Also located in Kuranda, just a short walk from the Butterfly Sanctuary, is Birdworld where you can meet a wide range of tropical birds. You will enter a big aviary and walk among them. Upon entering you will be warned to hide everything you don’t want the birds to tamper with. Take this warning siriously – they are very curious and cheeky and will inspect things you didn’t think possible. One Blue-and-yellow macaw landed on my backpack and started pecking at my hairclip. If you are ok with birds getting close to you this is a unique opportunity to encounter them.
8. Platypus Park
Australia is known to have a very unique wildlife with many species found nowhere else in the world. The platypus is no exception. It is one of only two egg-laying mammal species in the world and can only be found in eastern Australia. At the Australian Platypus Park you can watch these unique animals in ther natural habitat. Here they don’t live in captivity but are wild and free as they should be. The park is part of the Atherton Tableland and the 1:30h drive up from Cairns is very scenic and has some beautiful views.
9. Tjapukai
If you are interested in the culture of Australias native people – the Aborigines – you should visit Tjapukai. There you will get to know real Aboriginal people. They will explain their history, dance, make fire, play the didgeridoo and show you how to throw a spear and a boomerang. There are various packages available. Which ever you take, you should book online as this will save you 10% of the ticket price.
10. Esplanade
The Esplanade is a beautiful promenade along the seaside of Cairns. There are many restaurants, bars, a free public swimming pool and a public barbecue area. It’s a good place to relax, have lunch or just a beer, swim or go for a walk and enjoy the view.
