Travel Highlights

• The outstanding attraction of the Cairns area is undoubtedly the Great Barrier Reef. You can organise diving, snorkelling or even tropical island escapes from your Cairns base to see one of the planet’s most spectacular natural wonders.
• Cairns has been voted the adventure capital of Australia with some thrilling activities on offer that include skydiving, bungee jumping, white water rafting and more!
• Another stunning natural attraction close to Cairns is the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest existing rainforest in the world. Find pre-historic plants and giant dinosaur-like birds called cassowaries on several Cairns Eco Tours.
•  The Atherton Tablelands offers a magical mix of ancient rainforest, crystal clear crater lakes, rolling green hills and wowing waterfalls. It is also the best area for wildlife spotting especially around dusk. Platypus and the Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo can be seen here.
• Humpback Whales migrate from Antarctic waters to give birth within the safety of the Great Barrier Reef. Sightings are frequent of Green Island, Fitzroy Island and on-route to the outer reef  between July and August.
• Wildlife in the City: Head over to the Cairns Library to see the largest bats in the world, Spectacled Flying Foxes. 
• There are good hiking trails around Cairns, and hiking enthusiasts should check out the trails in the forested mountains that surround the town. A popular starting point is the Cairns Botanical Gardens.
• After a day of thrilling experiences take a dip in the famous ‘lagoon’, a large public swimming pool enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, free of charge. For families also visit Muddy’s adventure playground, all located on the Cairns Esplanade.

Travel Tips

• Peak season runs May to November so make sure you book popular Cairns eco tours and reef trips in advance.
• Cairns town centre is relatively small and can be covered quite comfortably on foot.
• The beautiful Northern Beaches including Palm Cove are just a short car or bus ride away.
• Wet Season: Cairns’ wettest months are January through to March where tropical showers are frequent most evenings and overnight. The reef is not usually affected by these rains and is actually the calmest time of year, great for those who suffer with seasickness.
• Responsible Snorkelling: Practice your buoyancy, never touch or stand on the reef, avoid disturbing the sand.
• Beach Safe: Jellyfish or Stingers may be present in coastal waters November to May but very rarely frequented on the Outer Reef. Swim only in netted enclosures areas or use lycra suits. More information here.