Explore the Best of Cairns
Known as Australia’s adventure capital, Cairns is a hub of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and vibrant city life. As one of the country’s top travel destinations, Cairns thrives on tourism, with local businesses dedicated to providing visitors with memorable sightseeing and adventure opportunities. The city’s wide range of activities makes it a must-visit for those seeking both relaxation and adventure in one trip.
Surrounded by diverse landscapes, including stunning beaches and lush rainforests, Cairns is home to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. With so many reef tours to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but the city also offers a variety of other attractions. A sunset dinner cruise is a memorable way to enjoy the beautiful waterfront. Cairns is truly a paradise, ready to be explored.
With so many options to fit into a limited itinerary, what are the must-have experiences in Cairns?
Top Attractions and Activities in Cairns
From snorkeling or diving in the vibrant Great Barrier Reef to exploring the rich biodiversity of the Wet Tropics Rainforest, Cairns offers something for every kind of traveler. Spend time relaxing on the tranquil Frankland Islands with varieties of activities to do, or indulge in waterfront dining with breathtaking views. Whether it’s your first time in Cairns or you’re returning for more, there’s always something new to discover. Our guide will help you uncover Cairns hidden gems and top experiences that locals cherish, ensuring you make the most of your visit to Tropical North Queensland.
Unforgettable Things to Do in Queensland's Tropical Gem
Sail into the Sunset with Spirit of Cairns
Wind down after a day of tropical adventures with a delectable dinner on the water. Spirit of Cairns offers a luxurious dinner cruise sailing experience aboard their spacious catamaran. Sip at your welcome drink as you take in the views of the Trinity Inlet and Cairns waterfront, and tuck into a delicious buffet filled with fresh local seafood and delicious produce from the Tropical North Queensland region.
Experience the Outer Reef in Style with Tusa Reef Tours
Tusa Reef Tours are the Great Barrier Reef experts, providing snorkel and dive day tours to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for the past 35 years. If you would like to experience the thrill of scuba diving, you can opt for an Introductory Scuba Dive and be guided by a highly experienced instructor who will be with you every step of the way. No previous diving experience is required although you will need to be a confident swimmer and be able to meet medical requirements.
Tusa Reef Tours day trips visit two exclusive outer reef sites per day. The all-inclusive tour contains all equipment and instruction, morning and afternoon tea, a fresh and healthy buffet lunch, exclusive waterproof bone-conducting headsets with educational reef commentary, and an educational reef presentation given by the onboard marine guides.
Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard Diving
For the experienced scuba diver, a Great Barrier Reef liveaboard trip is the ultimate adventure! Spirit of Freedom offers premium liveaboard dive experiences from Cairns to the remote regions of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea.
Explore the beautiful and rarely visited Ribbon Reefs, or venture out into the Coral Sea to Osprey Reef, where ancient volcanic atolls have created 1,000-metre walls and natural amphitheatres for sharks and large schooling fish to gather. From the tinest macro life to the grandeur of manta rays, sharks and minke whales, there’s so much to see on a Spirit of Freedom liveaboard.
Trips depart regularly from Cairns, with 3, 4 or 7-night itineraries available. And after an unforgettable dive trip, what better way to reminisce and farewell new friends than with a Spirit of Cairns dinner cruise?
Learn to Scuba Dive with Divers Den
Want to do more than just snorkel along the surface? A PADI Open Water certification is the key to unlocking your next underwater adventure and the most recognised scuba qualification worldwide. If you are interested in learning to scuba dive, Divers Den is the number one choice for scuba diving courses in Cairns and their team of diving professionals can take you from beginner all the way through to professional instructor.
You can complete your PADI Open Water Course in four days including classroom study at the Divers Den school here in Cairns as well as enhancing your dive skills on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Options to complete your study aboard the floating reef hotel ‘OceanQuest’ are also available and can also include night dives with additional training.
Explore the Great Barrier Reef
Cairns: Your Gateway to the Magnificent Great Barrier Reef
Cairns is the gateway to the extraordinary Great Barrier Reef. There are many ways to experience the Reef from Cairns, whether you’re a swimmer or non-swimmer, diver or beginner snorkeller, travelling with family or looking for that perfect romantic escape, Frankland Island Reef Cruise offer hassle-free adventures and memories that will last a lifetime.
Relax and explore with no crowds and plenty of space and time to maximise your Great Barrier Reef experience where you’ll enjoy stunning coral gardens and a picture-perfect island beach.
