What comes to mind when you think of Cairns, Australia? It is a big city with a population of 276,091 people, located on the East Coast of Queensland, Australia. There are a lot of activities that you can partake in, regardless of whether you are a beach babe or you are a flea market kind of girl. The dizzying array of activities are as diverse as the people who reside in Cairns. However, with many things to do in Cairns, it is difficult to pick.
READ MORE: Check out our Australia travel guide to get to know the country
To help out our readers, we’ve shortlisted the top 5 things to do in Cairns, Australia according to our community.
Soaking in the sights at the Great Barrier Reef
As the world’s largest reef, and a UNESCO world heritage site, the Great Barrier Reef is home to many marine and sea animals. These include over 400 varieties of corals, more than 200 species of birds and 1500 types of tropical fish.
It is composed of 3000 individual reefs and stretches across 900 islands comprising a total of 350,000 square kilometres. Book a cruise trip and watch dolphins as they leap out of the water with their acrobatic finesse.
Marvel at the beautiful and thriving coral reefs teeming with marine life as you dive into the breathtaking, cerulean blue ocean. If you are unable to scuba dive or snorkel, the glass bottom boat will let you get up close and personal with the fish.
Explore Kuranda’s culture
Take the 37m long Kuranda Railway and enjoy views of the picturesque scenery as it snakes across the 100 acres of Kuranda Rainforest which is a World Heritage site as well. Alternatively, you can take the Kuranda cable car and admire the scenic views of Barron Falls from a height of 327 metres above sea level.
When you disembark, you will pass by the Kuranda market, which sells handmade jewellery and souvenirs. Just a stone’s throw away from the Kuranda market, the Kuranda village is inhabited by Pamagirri aboriginals. Listen to the low droning sounds and pulsating beats produced by the Didgeridoo and drums as you dance rhythmically to the music.
Lastly, don’t forget to check out your furry animal companions at the Kuranda Koala Gardens, and get your camera ready for a nice keepsake!
Chasing waterfalls at the Barron River
For adrenaline junkies, white water rafting on the Barron River or the Tully River would be a very exciting experience. The Barron River which was formerly known as the Bibhoora, spans an expansive course of 165km, with a steep drop of 260m. It is classified as a river with a grade 2-3 rapid. As for the Tully river, it is 133km long, with a sharp incline of 800m, with a grade 3-4 rapid for more experienced white water rafters.
If you are less adventurous, why not explore the swimming hole at Babinda Boulders and dip your feet in the pristine and sparkling waters? You could also dive in with your diving suit for a quick swim. Devil’s pool is just a short 700m away, and despite its namesake, visitors are not allowed to swim there.
Experience local Cairns cuisine
Wine connoisseurs, it’s time to rejoice. Atherton Tablelands’ has many wine distilleries in the region, made from fresh tropical fruit. Enjoy a buffet lunch set with copious amounts of wine, set against the backdrop of the Sunset Ridge Farm with Brett’s Outback Tasting Adventure.
Their package includes complimentary admission to The Australian Platypus Park at Tarzali Lakes. Mt Uncle Distillery is located in the heart of a banana plantation, famous for its award-winning whiskey, vodka and rum. Hemingway’s brewery boasts a huge assortment of craft beers, founded by two sailors who were craving a good beer pint.
For seafood lovers, indulge in the ocean’s salty and briny flavour with a trip to Ocean World Seafood, with a plethora of gastronomic delights such as fresh fish, seafood platters, oysters and crabs. For those who are looking for fresh and seasonal produce, Rusty’s Market offers a great assortment of fruits and vegetables.
Discover the local natural beauty
The Cairns Botanic Gardens has a rich culture and history comprising several smaller gardens, with a focus on biodiversity and eco-conservation. The history of the Aboriginal Plant Use Garden can be traced back to over 40,000 years ago, where the aboriginal people lived in harmony with nature and acquired a vast amount of knowledge of the medicinal properties of the rainforest plants.
Some of our top suggestions include:
- The Fitzalan gardens provide visitors with a relaxing and tranquil environment for resting tired feet, and the adjacent Flecker Garden has a wide variety of fauna and flora.
- Take a stroll through the Rainforest Boardwalk, and discover the nearby Saltwater creek, where crabs scurry across the muddy ground and birds display their beautiful plumage.
- The Gondwanan Garden is a treasure trove of information about the evolution of plants for science geeks.
- If you are an avid gardener, you can visit the Library and Friends’ House to learn more about gardening, and pick up a guidebook or two.
- The Watkins Munro Martin Conservatory was modelled after the image of the Licuala Palm, with an enormous collection of delicate herbaceous and tuberous plants, as well as butterflies.
- The Freshwater Lake is an ideal place for avian lovers, with geese, ducks and storks roaming around the lake, depending on the season. It is a perfect picnic location as well, with BBQ pits and various amenities.
From the Cairns Botanical Gardens to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a tropical paradise for nature lovers who love the sun, surf and sea as well as all sorts of flora and fauna.
Have you added our list of things to do in Cairns to your bucket list already? Leave a comment in the comments section below and let us know.
