Known as the adventure capital of Australia, Cairns is the jumping point from where you can experience the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. Popular with Australians and backpackers alike, the tropical destination has lots of attractions and experiences for everyone to enjoy.

Photo by: ocean_alliance

Must-see places in Cairns include;

1. The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the number one reason why many people choose to come to Cairns. The world’s largest coral reef is home to a massive number of reef systems and marine life. It’s even listed as one of the seven wonders of the natural world and is the only living thing visible from space.

Many of the Great Barrier Reef tours depart at the Cairns Reef terminal. From dive boats, a dive and snorkel tour, a scenic helicopter flight, or a fishing tour, you have a wide selection of great experiences to choose from. If you love the water, scuba diving or snorkelling is a must to view the colourful coral and an impressive number of sea creatures swimming in and around them.

Photo by: silverswiftcruise 

2. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway + Kuranda Scenic Railway

One of the most spectacular things in Cairns is to experience the world-renowned gondola cableway that spans 7.5 kilometers over World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest. The six-person gondola glides above the treetops, where visitors can take in from up high the beautiful sight of the world’s oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest. The Daintree Rainforest is over 180 million years old and is even older than the Amazon Rainforest!

In addition to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, you could ride on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway. The 90-minute historical train journey passes through stunning tropical scenery, where you can check out cascading waterfalls and deep gorges. Learn about the fascinating story of how the Kuranda Scenic railway tracks and tunnels were built by hand.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway| Photo by: where_to_guide

Kuranda Scenic Railway| Photo by: the_memorist

3. Mossman Gorge

Mossman Gorge is a breathtaking part of the Daintree National Park. Covering 56,000 hectares, the gorgeous scenery consists of crystal-clear water that flows over ancient granite boulders that are set among the oldest rainforest in the world.

For thousands of years, the Indigenous Kuku Yalanji people have lived in the Mossman Gorge area, so it is a place of strong cultural significance. You can join a guided Dreamtime walk where you can learn about bush food sources, traditional plant use, and stories and traditions about the local Indigenous people.

Photo by: jesslssej 

4. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

As you probably would have guessed, Cairns can get pretty hot! What better way to cool down than at one of Cairns' best-known landmarks, the Esplanade Lagoon? Located on the Cairns foreshore, the 4800 sq meter saltwater swimming lagoon provides a safe place for people to swim and relax.

Entry is free, and there are electric BBQs, lockers, public toilets, and showers available for the public. Events are held there occasionally, as well as entertainment, including live music. It’s the perfect place to put your feet up and relax.

Photo by: nuno.alex.photo

5. Fitzroy Island

One of the best islands to visit from Cairns is Fitzroy Island. The mostly unspoiled island is situated 29 kilometers off the coast of Cairns and is only 45 minutes by boat. Fitzroy Island comprises 95% National Park, tropical rainforest, fabulous beaches, and fantastic walking trails.

Activities that you can experience include snorkeling, swimming, sea kayaking, and viewing the reef by glass-bottom boat. Take the 4km walk up to the island’s summit, which takes two hours to return, and check out the lighthouse along the way.

Photo by: seeshots