Cairns: A vibrant hub nestled in Tropical North Queensland, famed as the gateway to not one, but two UNESCO World Heritage-listed natural wonders – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. If you’re dreaming of azure waters, ancient jungles, and a relaxed tropical vibe, Cairns is your ideal Aussie escape!

But beyond the iconic Reef and Rainforest, Cairns itself and its surrounding areas offer a truly diverse range of experiences that cater to every kind of traveller. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, a family with little ones, or someone simply seeking a bit of R&R by the Esplanade Lagoon, Cairns delivers.

In this ultimate guide, you’ll discover the best of Tropical North Queensland, broken down into easy-to-digest sections. We’ll dive into thrilling reef adventures, immersive rainforest explorations, the delightful attractions within Cairns city, and fantastic day trips just a short drive away. Get ready to plan your perfect tropical getaway, starting with a stress-free journey from home – perhaps by sorting your Gold Coast Airport parking in advance!

Alright, let’s elaborate on the “What to Do in Cairns” blog post, expanding on the city delights, nearby day trips, and adding a section for cultural experiences and dining, while keeping that Aussie flavour and spelling!

The Crown Jewels: Great Barrier Reef Experiences

No visit to Cairns is complete without immersing yourself in the breathtaking wonder of the Great Barrier Reef. This colossal living organism is a kaleidoscope of colour and life, offering unforgettable aquatic adventures.

• Snorkelling & Diving the Outer Reef: This is truly the iconic Cairns experience and a must-do for any visitor. Day tours depart regularly from the Cairns Marina, offering full-day or half-day options. Operators cater to all levels, from complete beginners wanting to try snorkelling for the first time to certified divers eager to explore deeper. What can you expect to see? Vibrant coral gardens teeming with countless fish species like the famous Clownfish and Parrotfish, majestic sea turtles, graceful reef sharks, and impressive giant clams. Keep an eye out for the “Great Eight” marine creatures – an underwater safari list that includes clownfish, giant clams, manta rays, Maori wrasse, potato cod, reef sharks, turtles, and whales (in season). Tours vary, with options ranging from speedy catamarans to stable pontoon tours (some, like Sunlover Reef Cruises, even boast a waterslide!). For the ultimate immersion, consider a liveaboard for extended multi-day experiences, allowing you to wake up on the reef and enjoy multiple dives or snorkels.
• Tip: These tours are incredibly popular, especially during peak season, so book well in advance to secure your spot. Often, combined tour packages (e.g., reef and rainforest in one) can offer better value.
• Visiting Inner Reef Islands (Day Trips): For a slightly different reef experience, consider a day trip to one of the beautiful inner reef islands, each offering its unique charm and accessible via a shorter ferry ride.
  • 1. Fitzroy Island: Why Fitzroy? This larger continental island offers a fantastic blend of rainforest and reef, perfect for a diverse day out. You can enjoy invigorating rainforest hikes, including the challenging Summit Walk to the historic Lighthouse, or simply relax on the stunning Nudey Beach (once voted Australia’s best beach!). Snorkelling directly from the beach is excellent, particularly around the jetty and fringing reefs, and glass-bottom boat tours and sea kayaking are also popular ways to explore the marine life. The island also hosts a Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, offering educational tours.
    • How: It’s a convenient and scenic 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns.
  • 2. Green Island: Why Green Island? This smaller, picturesque coral cay is a popular choice, especially for families and those looking for easy accessibility. It boasts good facilities, including a resort, shops, and restaurants. Activities include glass-bottom boat tours, semi-submersible tours for those who prefer to stay dry, and even helmet diving (Seawalker) for an unforgettable underwater walk. You can also visit Marineland Melanesia, a small park home to a large saltwater crocodile.
    • How: Also a quick 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns.
  • 3. Frankland Islands: Why Frankland Islands? If you’re seeking a more pristine, less crowded, and truly untouched experience, the Frankland Islands are a fantastic choice. These five unpopulated national park islands (only one, Normanby Island, is regularly visited) offer an intimate connection with nature. Expect guided island walks through native vegetation, superb snorkelling directly from the beach into vibrant coral gardens, and guided sea kayaking. With limited daily visitor numbers, you’ll feel like you have a slice of paradise all to yourself.
    • How: The journey involves a scenic river cruise down the Mulgrave River, followed by a short, sheltered open-water transfer directly to the island, making it a smoother ride for those prone to seasickness.
• Scenic Flights Over the Reef: For a truly breathtaking perspective and to grasp the sheer vastness of the Great Barrier Reef, a scenic flight is an unforgettable experience. From above, you’ll witness the intricate patterns of coral formations, shifting sand cays, and the vibrant blues and greens of the Coral Sea, providing an unparalleled appreciation for this natural wonder. While the famous Heart Reef is located closer to the Whitsundays, aerial views over the Cairns section of the reef are equally stunning. Options include both helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft tours, often departing directly from Cairns or combining with a reef tour for a unique “fly/cruise” experience.

Ancient Wonders: Wet Tropics Rainforest Adventures

Beyond the azure waters, the lush green of the Wet Tropics Rainforest awaits. This ancient ecosystem, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a profound connection to nature and Indigenous culture. Prepare to be mesmerised by its towering trees, cascading waterfalls, and unique wildlife.

• Kuranda Village & Scenic Journeys: A trip to Kuranda is a classic Cairns experience, offering a delightful blend of natural beauty and quirky charm, often involving two iconic journeys that are attractions in themselves.
  • 1. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway:
    • Why: Glide silently above the rainforest canopy, a truly unique way to experience the scale and beauty of the Wet Tropics. The Skyrail journey provides breathtaking panoramic views that stretch from the coast to the mountainous interior. The trip includes two stops: Red Peak, where you can disembark for a ranger-guided boardwalk tour through the ancient forest, learning about its flora and fauna, and Barron Falls, providing spectacular lookouts over the powerful Barron Gorge and its impressive waterfalls (especially majestic during the wet season).
    • Tip: For an even more immersive and thrilling experience, upgrade to a Diamond View cabin, which features a glass floor, allowing you to peer straight down into the rainforest below.
  • 2. Kuranda Scenic Railway:
    • Why: Embark on a historic and picturesque railway journey that winds its way up the mountain range. This engineering marvel passes through hand-hewn tunnels, crosses impressive bridges, and glides past cascading waterfalls, all while surrounded by World Heritage-listed rainforest. It’s a journey steeped in history, offering stunning vistas and a sense of stepping back in time.
    • Experiences in Kuranda: Once in the charming “Village in the Rainforest,” explore the vibrant Kuranda Heritage Markets and Original Markets, renowned for their local arts, crafts, souvenirs, and delicious food stalls. Visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary to walk among thousands of colourful, free-flying tropical butterflies, or get up close with native Australian wildlife at Birdworld Kuranda (an aviary where birds fly freely) and the Kuranda Koala Gardens (where you can cuddle a koala!).
    • Popular Combo: Many visitors choose to combine these two experiences for a full day of rainforest wonder – taking the Skyrail up for aerial views and the Scenic Railway down for a historic journey (or vice versa).
• Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation: North of Cairns lies the majestic Daintree Rainforest, the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest in the world. It’s a place where the rainforest dramatically meets the fringing reefs of the Coral Sea at Cape Tribulation, creating a truly unique landscape.
  • 1. Mossman Gorge:
    • Why: An easily accessible and culturally significant section of the Daintree National Park, Mossman Gorge offers beautiful boardwalks through lush rainforest leading to crystal-clear freshwater swimming holes (always swim with caution and observe local signage, as conditions can change). Don’t miss the Indigenous-led Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks, which provide a deep cultural immersion into the traditional lands of the Kuku Yalanji people, sharing stories, traditions, and bush tucker knowledge.
    • How: Best visited on a guided tour from Cairns or Port Douglas, or by self-driving to the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, where a shuttle takes you into the gorge.
  • 2. Daintree River Cruise:
    • Why: A tranquil and educational cruise along the Daintree River is a fantastic opportunity to spot estuarine crocodiles basking on the muddy banks, along with a myriad of unique bird species, snakes, and other fascinating wildlife in their natural habitat. Knowledgeable guides offer insights into the ecosystem.
    • How: Numerous operators offer cruises from various points along the Daintree River, often included as part of a larger Daintree tour.
  • 3. Cape Tribulation:
    • Why: This iconic location is where the ancient rainforest dramatically meets the fringing reefs of the Coral Sea, creating a truly spectacular landscape. It offers pristine, quiet beaches, fascinating boardwalks, and a real sense of being deep in the jungle.
    • Activities: For the adventurous, try Jungle Surfing (zip-lining through the canopy for an exhilarating rainforest perspective). Enjoy guided walks along the pristine beaches and through the rainforest on elevated boardwalks, or simply explore the quiet, unspoiled coastline.
    • Tips: Reaching Cape Tribulation requires crossing the Daintree River by a short car ferry. While you can self-drive (ensure your rental agreement allows for Daintree travel), many prefer a guided 4WD tour, especially if you’re not comfortable driving on potentially unsealed roads beyond the ferry or want the benefit of local expert commentary.
• Freshwater Swimming & Waterfalls: Cairns and its surrounds are blessed with stunning freshwater swimming holes and magnificent waterfalls, perfect for cooling off in the tropical heat after a day of exploration.
  • Josephine Falls: A highly popular and picturesque swimming hole located just south of Cairns, famous for its smooth, natural rock slide and clear, refreshing water. It’s a fantastic spot for a picnic and a swim.
  • Crystal Cascades: A local favourite, this series of beautiful freshwater swimming holes offers refreshing dips amidst a tranquil rainforest setting. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
  • Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls Circuit: (Further afield, often a full-day trip) For dedicated waterfall chasers, the Atherton Tablelands offers a renowned circuit allowing you to explore multiple stunning cascades in one go. Highlights include the iconic Millaa Millaa Falls (often considered Australia’s most photographed waterfall), Zillie Falls, and Elinjaa Falls, all offering picturesque swimming opportunities and lush rainforest backdrops.
• Wildlife Encounters (Beyond the Wild): For guaranteed encounters with Australia’s unique and fascinating wildlife, Cairns offers several excellent, ethical facilities.
  • Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures: Located just north of Cairns, this highly-rated eco-tourism park provides fantastic opportunities to see crocodiles in natural habitats through boat cruises, along with interactive presentations, and encounters with cassowaries, kangaroos, koalas, and other iconic Australian wildlife.
  • Cairns ZOOM & Wildlife Dome: Conveniently located in the heart of Cairns city, on top of The Reef Hotel Casino, this unique indoor wildlife park allows you to get up close with native animals like koalas, birds, and reptiles. For thrill-seekers, it also features a high ropes course and even a zipline directly over a resident saltwater crocodile!
  • Cairns Aquarium: Explore the incredible marine life from both the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest without getting wet. This state-of-the-art aquarium is a fantastic all-weather attraction to learn about the diverse ecosystems of Tropical North Queensland, featuring sharks, rays, turtles, and thousands of tropical fish.

City Delights & Urban Explorations

Cairns itself offers plenty to see and do, blending tropical relaxation with urban convenience.

• Cairns Esplanade & Lagoon: The heart of Cairns city, the Esplanade is a vibrant waterfront precinct perfect for strolling, cycling, and enjoying the tropical atmosphere. The star attraction is the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, a massive, saltwater swimming pool that provides a safe and popular swimming spot for all ages, overlooking Trinity Inlet. It’s a fantastic free alternative to ocean swimming (as city beaches aren’t suitable for swimming). Along the Esplanade, you’ll find playgrounds like Muddy’s Playground (a huge, shaded adventure playground perfect for kids), free public BBQ facilities, exercise equipment, and a buzzing array of cafes and restaurants.
• Cairns Botanic Gardens: Escape the heat and immerse yourself in the lush tranquility of the Cairns Botanic Gardens, renowned as one of Australia’s best tropical plant collections. Wander through themed gardens, including the magnificent Flecker Garden (showcasing plants from tropical environments worldwide), the Aboriginal Plant Use Garden, and the Freshwater and Conservatory. It’s a peaceful oasis perfect for a stroll and a spot of birdwatching.
• Rusty’s Markets: For a true taste of local Cairns life, head to Rusty’s Markets (open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). This bustling, vibrant market is an institution, famous for its incredible array of fresh, exotic local produce, delicious street food, and unique artisan crafts. It’s a sensory feast and a great place to pick up some tropical fruits you might never have seen before.
• Trinity Inlet & Marina: The Trinity Inlet is the working heart of Cairns’ harbour. Take a stroll along the marina, admire the luxury yachts, watch the reef tour boats depart, and perhaps enjoy a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants. You can also embark on a calm water cruise of the inlet itself, offering a different perspective of the city and its mangrove ecosystems.

Cultural Immersion & Indigenous Experiences

Tropical North Queensland is unique in Australia for being home to two distinct Indigenous cultures: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Connecting with these ancient cultures, which have thrived here for over 60,000 years, offers profound insights into the land and its history.

• Aboriginal Cultural Experiences:
  • Dreamtime Walks at Mossman Gorge: As mentioned, the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks at Mossman Gorge are a fantastic way to learn directly from the Kuku Yalanji people about their deep connection to the Daintree Rainforest, traditional bush foods, and medicinal plants.
  • Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience (Kuranda): Located within the Rainforestation Nature Park in Kuranda, the Pamagirri experience offers engaging dance performances, didgeridoo playing, spear throwing demonstrations, and a walk through a traditional rainforest setting, providing insights into Aboriginal customs and traditions.
  • Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel: This unique reef tour incorporates Indigenous rangers who share Dreamtime stories and traditional knowledge of the Great Barrier Reef, offering a cultural layer to your reef exploration.
  • Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours: Just a short boat ride from Cairns city, these tours offer an eco-cultural experience where you can learn about bush tucker, traditional uses of plants, and the Mandingalbay Yidinji people’s deep connection to their country.
• Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF): If your visit aligns (usually in July), don’t miss the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair. This vibrant annual event showcases the incredible talent of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, with exhibitions, performances, workshops, and market stalls. It’s a powerful and moving celebration of culture.

Day Trips Beyond Cairns

Cairns serves as an excellent base for exploring further afield into the diverse landscapes of Tropical North Queensland.

• Port Douglas: Just an hour’s scenic drive north of Cairns (along the stunning Great Barrier Reef Drive), Port Douglas is a sophisticated coastal town with a relaxed, upscale vibe. Explore its boutiques, dine at world-class restaurants, relax on the iconic Four Mile Beach, or depart for reef tours to the pristine Agincourt Reefs. It’s a great option for a day trip or even an overnight stay.
• Atherton Tablelands: A short drive inland from Cairns will transport you to the cooler, elevated landscapes of the Atherton Tablelands – a fertile agricultural region dotted with charming towns, lush farmlands, and incredible natural attractions.
  • Waterfall Circuit: As previously mentioned, chase waterfalls like Millaa Millaa, Zillie, and Elinjaa Falls.
  • Curtain Fig Tree: Witness this enormous, ancient fig tree with aerial roots resembling a curtain – a true natural wonder.
  • Malanda Falls: A picturesque waterfall with a large, accessible swimming hole.
  • Paronella Park: Explore the magical, atmospheric ruins of a Spanish castle built in the rainforest – a fascinating and romantic experience.
  • Foodie Trail: The Tablelands are known for their fresh produce. Discover local coffee plantations, dairies (like Malanda Dairy Centre), fruit wineries, and even chocolate factories.
• Chillagoe Caves & Outback: For a taste of the Australian outback and an ancient geological wonder, embark on a day trip (or longer) to the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park. Explore magnificent limestone caves formed over millions of years, complete with stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal formations. This journey also offers a glimpse into Queensland’s mining history and the rugged beauty of the dry tropics.

Dining Scene: A Taste of the Tropics

Cairns’ dining scene has evolved significantly, now offering a fantastic array of culinary experiences that capitalise on the region’s abundant fresh produce and sensational seafood.

• Fresh Seafood Delights: Being on the coast, fresh seafood is a must-try. Head to the Marlin Marina for casual dining at places like Prawn Star Cairns, where you can enjoy massive platters of fresh prawns, bugs, and oysters directly from converted trawler boats – a truly authentic and delicious experience. Many restaurants along the Esplanade also boast excellent seafood menus.
• Modern Australian & International Flavours: Cairns offers a diverse range of modern Australian restaurants, often incorporating native Australian ingredients. Ochre Restaurant is celebrated for its innovative use of bush tucker. You’ll also find a strong presence of Asian cuisine, from authentic Thai and Japanese (like Wawawa for Izakaya) to delicious Balinese (like Bayleaf). The city’s multi-cultural population ensures a wide variety of international flavours are on offer.
• Waterfront Dining & Rooftop Bars: Enjoy spectacular views with your meal. Restaurants along the Esplanade and at the Marina, such as Dundee’s on the Waterfront or Salt House, offer stunning settings overlooking Trinity Inlet. For sophisticated cocktails and Middle Eastern-inspired mezze with panoramic city views, head to Rocco on the rooftop of the Crystalbrook Riley hotel – perfect for a sunset drink.
• Casual Eats & Markets: Beyond fine dining, Cairns has plenty of casual eateries, pubs, and cafes. Don’t forget Rusty’s Markets for incredible street food on weekends, and the Cairns Night Markets (open nightly) for a bustling atmosphere and a wide range of affordable international food stalls, along with souvenir shopping.

Conclusion

While flying with a young baby presents its unique set of challenges, with careful planning, smart packing, and a flexible attitude, it’s entirely doable and can even be the start of wonderful family memories. It’s about empowering yourself with knowledge and embracing the journey, even if it has a few bumps along the way.

Embrace the adventure, pack smart, and remember that almost every parent has been there. Your journey with your young bub can be smoother than you think, opening up a world of travel possibilities for your family.

What’s your top tip for flying with a young baby? Share your wisdom in the comments below!

Convenient & Secure Parking for Gold Coast Airport

Before you even board that flight with your little one, simplify your journey by sorting out your airport parking. For convenient and secure parking at Gold Coast Airport, Alpha is a top choice for Aussie families. With their reliable, complimentary shuttle service to and from the terminal, and options for both open-air and undercover parking, you can depart knowing your vehicle is in safe hands. Experience stress-free travel from the moment you leave home; visit the Alpha Car Hire website to book your spot today!