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Pacific Hotel Cairns

100 things to do

in Cairns

Planning a trip to Cairns, Tropical North Queensland? From the Great Barrier Reef to lush rainforests, waterfalls, and unique wildlife experiences, Cairns offers a lifetime of adventures. Whether you’re a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or foodie, this ultimate Cairns bucket list has something for everyone.

Here’s your guide to 100 must-do activities, attractions, and experiences in Cairns to help you make the most of your trip.

Explore Cairns’ Natural Wonders

  1. Visit the Great Barrier Reef

  2. Cool off at the Esplanade Lagoon

  3. Explore the Daintree Rainforest

  4. See where the rainforest meets the reef at Cape Tribulation

  5. Visit Kuranda – the village in the mountains

  6. Explore the Atherton Tablelands

  7. Shop at the Kuranda Heritage Markets

  8. Hop on the Kuranda Scenic Railway

  9. Explore Mossman Gorge

  10. Discover waterfalls with a guided tour

  11. Get a unique view of the Tablelands on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

  12. Stroll along the Cairns Esplanade

 

Wildlife and Adventure Experiences

  1. Get amongst crocodiles at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

  2. Watch the sunrise in a hot air balloon

  3. Go on a fishing tour

  4. Depart Cairns Harbour on a sunset cruise

  5. Go on a jet ski tour

  6. Experience Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome

  7. Go on a horse riding tour

  8. Connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures on a culture tour

  9. Visit the Tolga Bat Hospital

  10. Go on a zip-lining adventure

  11. Go skydiving

  12. Explore rock art on a guided tour

  13. Bathe in the Talaroo Hot Springs

  14. Experience adrenaline at Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett

Beaches, Islands, and Coastal Activities

  1. Visit Palm Cove

  2. Take a day trip to Green Island

  3. Take a trip to Fitzroy Island

  4. Go whale-watching

  5. Take a scenic drive to Mission Beach

  6. Check out the palm trees at Mission Beach

  7. Go jet boating on the Trinity Inlet

  8. Enjoy the Great Barrier Reef from a glass-bottom boat

  9. Take a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef

Cultural and Historical Experiences

  1. Browse the Cairns Art Gallery

  2. Check out the Cairns Museum

  3. Visit the Samurai Gallery Australia

  4. Reflect at the Avenue of Honour in Yungaburra

  5. Take a step back in time at Herberton Historical Village

  6. Visit the Cairns Art Society

Food, Markets, and Dining Experiences

  1. Try world-famous Brazilian churrasco at Bushfire Flame Grill

  2. Enjoy fresh tropical produce at Rusty’s Markets

  3. Nab a deal at the Cairns Night Markets

  4. Be entertained by live Brazilian dancers at Bushfire Flame Grill

  5. Fire up the day with all-you-can-eat brekky at Bushfire Flame Grill

  6. Try flame-grilled pineapple at Bushfire Flame Grill

  7. Enjoy a cuppa at the Lake Barrine Teahouse

  8. Fuel up for the day at Cruze Coffee

 

Adventure Sports and Outdoor Fun

  1. Go on a mountain biking tour

  2. Visit the Mossman Sugar Mill

  3. Go on a mountain climbing tour

  4. Take a guided bird-watching tour

  5. Go on a guided rainforest walk

  6. Drive the Bloomfield Track

  7. Go white water rafting

  8. Take a guided rock-climbing tour

  9. Go on a guided abseiling tour

  10. Learn wakeboarding at the Cairns Wake Park

Scenic Drives and Lookouts

  1. Take a scenic drive to Port Douglas

  2. Take a scenic drive to Cooktown

  3. Visit the Barron Gorge Lookout

  4. Get the best coastal view at Rex’s Lookout

  5. Explore Yungaburra Village

  6. Marvel at the beauty of Nadroya Falls

  7. Take a scenic drive through Atherton Tablelands

Waterfalls, Lakes, and Natural Pools

  1. Visit the Millaa Millaa Falls

  2. Chill out at Josephine Falls

  3. Swim in Lake Eacham

  4. Swim in Lake Barrine

  5. Hike to the top of Windin Falls

  6. Explore Crystal Cascades

  7. Visit the Babinda Boulders

 

National Parks, Caves, and Wildlife

  1. Explore Mount Hypipamee National Park

  2. Venture underground at the Chillagoe Caves

  3. Visit the Undara Lava Tubes

  4. Meet rock wallabies at Granite Gorge

  5. Explore the Tully River

  6. Check out Curtain and Cathedral Fig Trees

  7. Enjoy canopy views at Mamu Skywalk

  8. Visit Cape York

  9. Take a trip to Birdworld

 

Unique Experiences

  1. Experience the Cairns Aquarium

  2. Experience the Cairns Aquarium at night

  3. Go kayaking

  4. Go on a stand-up paddleboarding tour

  5. Take a scenic hot air balloon ride

  6. Pan for gold

  7. Explore Paronella Park

  8. Take a guided wildlife spotting tour

  9. Enjoy canopy views on the Mamu Skywalk

  10. Watch stars on an astronomy tour

  11. Explore ancient Japanese antiques at the Samurai Gallery Australia

  12. Chill out poolside at Pacific Hotel Cairns

  13. Watch the sun go down from your balcony at Pacific Hotel Cairns

  14. Take the little ones to Muddy’s Playground

  15. Browse stalls at the Tanks Markets

  16. Try a guided abseiling tour

  17. Visit Davies Creek National Park

  18. Explore Tropical North Queensland

 

Tips for Exploring Cairns

  • Start with the must-see attractions like the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
  • Mix adventure activities with relaxing experiences like hot springs, botanical gardens, and local markets.
  • Use Cairns as a base to explore nearby islands, waterfalls, and national parks.
  • Always bring sun protection, mosquito repellent, and a reusable water bottle for tropical adventures.