7 Unmissable Things To Do In Cairns

Putting a destination on your bucketlist and then actually visiting it can be one of the most fulfilling and joyful things to do.

When we heard about Cairns in Australia, we didn’t know what to expect or had no clue on what to do there apart from snorkeling at the famous Great Barrier Reef.

Little did we know that we would spend 6 entire months here working, making friends and even buy a boat for leisure. Therefore, you could somewhat say we are locals.

During this time, we did so many amazing activities and are now ready to share our curated list of 7 Unmissable Things To Do In Cairns.

There is an activity for everyone whether you are a solo traveler, family or a couple. So without further ado, let’s get started!

1. Great Barrier Reef Tours

One of the many Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling tours – Reef Magic

Starting our list of the 7 Unmissable Things To Do In Cairns with the most obvious option when visiting Cairns : Snorkeling The Great Barrier Reef.

When we first arrived in Cairns, it was a top priority for us to witness the magical reef colors with our own eyes. We were so hyped about this activity but immediately talked down by the amount of people who didn’t like it at all.

After then actually visiting the reef we identified why some people did not like it: it all comes down to the company you choose and which reef they go to! The Great Barrier Reef is made up of hundreds of individual reefs that are all in different conditons.

We got to work on the Great Barrier Reef which had the benefit of trying every single Great Barrier Reef company for free.

So here is a list of the best Great Barrier Reef tours and tour providers on GetYourGuide.

Note: we also included the Silversonic Reef Tour which departs from Port Douglas. This is because these reefs are far less visited and are absolutely amazing. It is worth the drive up there if you have a car.

2. Visit Fitzroy Island

Visiting Fitzroy Island should be very high on your Cairns bucketlist because where else do you get to chill on a tropical island for just 50 AUD for the day including one of the top rated beaches in the world, a beautiful bar + an opportunity to snorkel the inner Great Barrier Reef?

There are so many amazing things to do on Fitzroy island like visiting Nudey Beach and snorkeling there, hike to the top of Fitzroy island or have a beer at the waterfront bar on Fitzroy.

Fun fact: we sometimes came here with our own boat just to have an ice cold beer at the bar.

Make sure to bring sunsceen, a hat, shoes for Nudey Beach (made out of dead coral) and your own snorkeling gear or rent it there for a fee.

We recommend to book your tickets here:

3. Explore The World-Heritage Daintree Rainforest

Cairns is the only area in the world where two world heritage sites border each other: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

Luckily, we were able to experience the Daintree Rainforest with our own 4WD but that doesn’t mean that you cannot experience it in the same way. We recommend to take a guided tour and the experienced staff will show you all the best spots in the oldest rainforest in the world!

This place truly feels like Jurassic world and is so fascinating. You will see crystal clear rivers, saltwater crocodiles, palmtree fields, exotic animals and dense rainforest. A once in a lifetime experience if you ask us!

4. Visit The Atherton Tablelands

On our list of the 7 Unmissable Things To Do In Cairns, visiting the Atherton Tablelands is defintely one of the most underrated activities.

Our friends took us along the waterfall curcuit in the Atherton Tablelands and we were blown away by how many waterfalls there are in this region.

Funnily enough, we were also enjoying the mild climate of this region compared to Cairns town as it is situated in the rolling hills of Cairns.

Definitely do not forget your bathers and sunscreen because you will be jumping in waterfalls all day.

The best time to visit the Atherton Tablelands is just after the wet season so April – June. All waterfalls are still flowing at this time of the year.

5. Day Trip To Green Island

This has to be one of the best experiences on our list of the 7 unmissable things to do in Cairns and is one of the best choices when it comes to enjoing the crystal clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

Take the early ferry from Cairns to this piece of paradise and enjoy the turquoise tranquil waters all by yourself.

We usually went here with our own boat until we started working on this island. Yes, we liked it that much!

Green island features a restaurant and some of the best iced coffee on the Great Barrier Reef (probably the only iced coffee to be fair :D).

There is some incredible snorkeling to be done under the jetty of Green island, particularly in the early morning when the tourist crowds are still sleeping.

Just make sure to stay on the left side of the jetty away from the ferry boats and local tour operators and you will see stingrays, sharks, turtles and many species of fish.

6. Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

We launched our drone on a daily basis when snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, however, only a few people can claim that they took a scenic flight over one of the natural wonders of the world. It is 100% a totally different experience than seeing it from the drone and one of the true gems of the 7 Unmissable Things To Do In Cairns.

The landscapes of the sorrounding hills, islands and the shapes of the Great Barrier Reef are something every human should experience at least once in their life. We were smiling the whole 40 minutes of the flight.

7. Mackay Reef Sand Cay

Saving the best for the end: Visiting Mackay Reef Sand cay near Cape Tribulation.

We went here with our own boat and there is only one tour company who visits this spot: Ocean Safari Cape Tribulation.

If you want to feel like you are in the Maldives but in Australia, then definitely visit this spot. The water is even clearer than in the Maldives and the coral is better too! The snorkeling here was actually amazing right of the beach which is very rare.

This sand cay is one of the remotest sand cays in Australia catered by a charter company so only a handful of people only ever went here. The views along the way are amazing and the color of the water is this intense blue that you do not get anywhere else in the world. Worth every single penny!

This wraps up our list of the 7 unmissable things to do in Cairns.

7 Unmissable Things To Do In Cairns – Cairns Hotel

Before coming to Cairns, it is crucial to plan ahead and book your accommodation beforehand.

Hotels in Cairns can be booked out months in advance when the holiday season from April – August is in full swing, so please secure your place to stay in Cairns early enough.

We use booking.com to book our accommodation beforehand:

Hilton Cairns

Famous all over the world and known for its quality of service, Hilton Cairns is a prime spot to stay in town due to its location right ath the harbour.

We had many customers who stayed at this hotel and only ever heard positive feedback.

Double Tree Cairns

The DoubleTree by Hilton in Cairns is a relaxing place to stay by the water. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel welcome—especially with their warm chocolate chip cookie at check-in.

The hotel has a beautiful indoor garden, a pool, and rooms with amazing views of the sea or mountains. It’s a great spot to explore the Great Barrier Reef or simply enjoy some downtime in a tropical setting. Simple, comfortable, and friendly—it’s a place where you can feel at home.

Pullman Cairns International

Pullman Cairns International is a luxury hotel in the heart of Cairns, perfect for relaxing or exploring the Great Barrier Reef. With spacious rooms, a tropical pool, and a full-service spa, it’s an ideal spot to unwind.

Enjoy stunning views of the city or harbor, delicious dining options, and a location close to top attractions like the Esplanade and Cairns Convention Centre.

Whether you’re here for business or leisure, Pullman Cairns International offers comfort, style, and convenience in a tropical setting.

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is a fun and relaxing tropical getaway in the heart of Cairns. The lagoon-style pool is a dream—there’s even a swim-up bar (yes, cocktails in the pool are a thing!).

The rooms are comfy and modern, and the resort vibe makes it perfect for families, couples, or anyone who just needs a break. It’s close to the Esplanade and all the action, but honestly, you might never want to leave the pool. If paradise had a postcode, this place would be it!

7 Unmissable Things To Do In Cairns – FAQ

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Read our more in-depth guide about visiting Cairns here.