Kate’s guidebook
Our favourite things to do in Cairns
We have lived in Cairns for the past 12 years and here is a list of all our favourite things to do in and around Cairns.
This is one of the best restaurants in Australia. Nick Holloway is an amazing chef and this relaxed barefoot luxury dining is a must do when in the region. Nu Nu is in Palm Cove, about 20 minutes north of Cairns. If you love high quality food, you wont find anything that compares to Nu Nu Restaurant.
86 yerel halk öneriyor
Nu Nu Restaurant
1 Veivers RdThis is one of the best restaurants in Australia. Nick Holloway is an amazing chef and this relaxed barefoot luxury dining is a must do when in the region. Nu Nu is in Palm Cove, about 20 minutes north of Cairns. If you love high quality food, you wont find anything that compares to Nu Nu Restaurant.
The Mossman Gorge Centre and Mossman Gorge is a great day trip from Cairns. Run in support of the local Mossman Gorge Aboriginal Community, this Centre has social purpose at its core. Employing local Yalanji staff, the Centre is a great way to visit the Daintree World Heritage rainforest. If you have time, take one of the Dreamtime walks with a local guide, you will look at the rainforest with a totally different perspective after walking in the shoes of the local Yalanji guides.
100 yerel halk öneriyor
Mossman Gorge Merkezi
212r Mossman Gorge RdThe Mossman Gorge Centre and Mossman Gorge is a great day trip from Cairns. Run in support of the local Mossman Gorge Aboriginal Community, this Centre has social purpose at its core. Employing local Yalanji staff, the Centre is a great way to visit the Daintree World Heritage rainforest. If you have time, take one of the Dreamtime walks with a local guide, you will look at the rainforest with a totally different perspective after walking in the shoes of the local Yalanji guides.
Totally free and quintessentially Cairns. The Esplanade and lagoon is great way to immerse yourself in the tropical lifestyle.
281 yerel halk öneriyor
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
54 EsplanadeTotally free and quintessentially Cairns. The Esplanade and lagoon is great way to immerse yourself in the tropical lifestyle.
A great way to see the Barron Gorge Falls and National Park. The cable car over the rainforest is relaxing and easy way to take it all in. Kuranda Village is worth taking your time to explore, there are lots of things to see and do when you arrive in Kuranda.
284 yerel halk öneriyor
Skyrail Yağmur Ormanı Teleferiği
6 Skyrail DrA great way to see the Barron Gorge Falls and National Park. The cable car over the rainforest is relaxing and easy way to take it all in. Kuranda Village is worth taking your time to explore, there are lots of things to see and do when you arrive in Kuranda.
If you are looking for a rainforest walk only 15 minutes from Cairns this is just the place. Totally free and a great way to spend a few hours walking and relaxing in the rainforest.
7 yerel halk öneriyor
Stoney Creek Car Park
Stoney Creek RoadIf you are looking for a rainforest walk only 15 minutes from Cairns this is just the place. Totally free and a great way to spend a few hours walking and relaxing in the rainforest.
Fitzroy Island is an hours boat ride from Cairns but a world away. There is a great walk and views up at the light house but be warned, its a steep climb but the views are worth the effort. The reefs just off Nudie Beach are great for snorkeling.
149 yerel halk öneriyor
Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island is an hours boat ride from Cairns but a world away. There is a great walk and views up at the light house but be warned, its a steep climb but the views are worth the effort. The reefs just off Nudie Beach are great for snorkeling.
If you love hitting the trails on a mountain bike, this is the place to go. Mountain Bikes are available for hire from Cairns Mountain Bike Tours and Hire. The shop is right next to the park so you can ride over and hit the trails. Smithfield Mountain Bike Park is host to World Championships every year and has trails for all levels of riders.
10 yerel halk öneriyor
Smithfield Mountain Bike Park
88 McGregor RdIf you love hitting the trails on a mountain bike, this is the place to go. Mountain Bikes are available for hire from Cairns Mountain Bike Tours and Hire. The shop is right next to the park so you can ride over and hit the trails. Smithfield Mountain Bike Park is host to World Championships every year and has trails for all levels of riders.
Leaving either from Cairns Central or the Freshwater Station this scenic railway is a great way to visit the Barron Gorge falls and Kuranda. Why not take the train up to Kuranda and Skyrail down to get the best of both worlds...
19 yerel halk öneriyor
Kuranda Scenic Railway Freshwater Station
Leaving either from Cairns Central or the Freshwater Station this scenic railway is a great way to visit the Barron Gorge falls and Kuranda. Why not take the train up to Kuranda and Skyrail down to get the best of both worlds...
Tamarind Restaurant is a family favourite for every celebration or if we just want to spoil ourselves. If you like fish, try the whole baby barramundi - awesome!
22 yerel halk öneriyor
Tamarind Restaurant
6-8 Wharf StTamarind Restaurant is a family favourite for every celebration or if we just want to spoil ourselves. If you like fish, try the whole baby barramundi - awesome!
Another great swimming spot and rainforest walk. Popular with the locals, its a great spot for a picnic or to immerse yourself in the rainforest.
184 yerel halk öneriyor
Kristal Kaskadları
Redlynch Intake RoadAnother great swimming spot and rainforest walk. Popular with the locals, its a great spot for a picnic or to immerse yourself in the rainforest.
Feeling energetic, this is where the locals head for challenging loop. The lookout rewards you with great views over Cairns.
103 yerel halk öneriyor
Red Arrow Circuit Lookout
46-62 Collins AveFeeling energetic, this is where the locals head for challenging loop. The lookout rewards you with great views over Cairns.
Open Friday through to Sunday's, Rusty's Markets has amazing local tropical produce. This is a must do local farmers market where you get to try the best from local farmers.
225 yerel halk öneriyor
Rusty's Market
89 Grafton StOpen Friday through to Sunday's, Rusty's Markets has amazing local tropical produce. This is a must do local farmers market where you get to try the best from local farmers.
Port Douglas is the perfect day trip from Cairns. Travelling along one of the most spectacular coastal drives, stop off at Rex Lookout to take in the views and the launch pad for the local Hang gliding scene. When in Port Douglas our hot tips are
1. Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail
2. Sunday Markets
3. The best Rueben Sandwich at the Little Larder
4. Sparrow Coffee for a local brew
5. A walk along Four Mile Beach
6. Whileaway Bookshop
7. You must go to Grant Street Bakery!
And end your day with Tapa's and a cocktail at Seabean Tapas Bar and Restaurant
239 yerel halk öneriyor
Port Douglas
Port Douglas is the perfect day trip from Cairns. Travelling along one of the most spectacular coastal drives, stop off at Rex Lookout to take in the views and the launch pad for the local Hang gliding scene. When in Port Douglas our hot tips are
1. Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail
2. Sunday Markets
3. The best Rueben Sandwich at the Little Larder
4. Sparrow Coffee for a local brew
5. A walk along Four Mile Beach
6. Whileaway Bookshop
7. You must go to Grant Street Bakery!
And end your day with Tapa's and a cocktail at Seabean Tapas Bar and Restaurant
A gold coin donation gets you into this great little regional gallery. Immerse yourself in local and touring exhibitions.
145 yerel halk öneriyor
Cairns Sanat Galerisi
40 Abbott StA gold coin donation gets you into this great little regional gallery. Immerse yourself in local and touring exhibitions.
World class theatre in the heart of Cairns. Visit their website to see whats on while you are visiting Cairns.
13 yerel halk öneriyor
Cairns Performing Arts Centre
9-11 Florence StWorld class theatre in the heart of Cairns. Visit their website to see whats on while you are visiting Cairns.
This is an amazing space next to the Cairns botanical gardens. Live performance and art exhibitions set in historic ex World War 2 fuel tanks. An amazing venue and a great spot to visit. There is a monthly market held on the last Sunday of every month from April to November.
190 yerel halk öneriyor
Tanks Arts Centre
46 Collins AveThis is an amazing space next to the Cairns botanical gardens. Live performance and art exhibitions set in historic ex World War 2 fuel tanks. An amazing venue and a great spot to visit. There is a monthly market held on the last Sunday of every month from April to November.
Wander through stunning rainforest gardens featuring a notable tropical plant collection. This is a great place to visit.
235 yerel halk öneriyor
Cairns Botanik Bahçeleri
78-96 Collins AveWander through stunning rainforest gardens featuring a notable tropical plant collection. This is a great place to visit.
If you are looking to explore for a day trip why not try the Atherton Tablelands. A short hours drive from Cairns, here are a few of our favourite things;
1. Do the waterfall trail including Malanda Falls, Milaa Milaa Falls and Mungalli Falls
2. Feed the Rock Wallabies at Granite Gorge
3. Find platypus while visiting the historic Yungaburra village
4. Have lunch at Mungalli Creek Biodynamic Dairy for an amazing cheese platter followed by awesome homemade cheesecake.
5. Go for a swim at Lake Eacham
6. Visit the Herberton Historic Village
7. See Mount Hypipamee Crater
30 yerel halk öneriyor
Tablelands Regional
If you are looking to explore for a day trip why not try the Atherton Tablelands. A short hours drive from Cairns, here are a few of our favourite things;
1. Do the waterfall trail including Malanda Falls, Milaa Milaa Falls and Mungalli Falls
2. Feed the Rock Wallabies at Granite Gorge
3. Find platypus while visiting the historic Yungaburra village
4. Have lunch at Mungalli Creek Biodynamic Dairy for an amazing cheese platter followed by awesome homemade cheesecake.
5. Go for a swim at Lake Eacham
6. Visit the Herberton Historic Village
7. See Mount Hypipamee Crater
A beautiful park in the heart of Cairns the also hosts live performances. Check out their website to see what's on while you are in Cairns.
24 yerel halk öneriyor
Munro Martin Parklands
123 Sheridan StA beautiful park in the heart of Cairns the also hosts live performances. Check out their website to see what's on while you are in Cairns.
A great place to walk to go for a stroll and where all the reef trips depart from.
9 yerel halk öneriyor
Cairns Marlin Marina
1 Spence StA great place to walk to go for a stroll and where all the reef trips depart from.
Salt House
2 Pier Point RdA great place to watch the sunset and have and afternoon drink.
The best ramen at the best price in Cairns. A great budget eat and a must do.
19 yerel halk öneriyor
Ganbaranba Noodle Collosseum
12-20 Spence StThe best ramen at the best price in Cairns. A great budget eat and a must do.
If you have little ones in tow, they'll love Muddy's water park located on the Esplanade. Interactive, fun and there's a cafe too.
19 yerel halk öneriyor
Muddy's Playground
If you have little ones in tow, they'll love Muddy's water park located on the Esplanade. Interactive, fun and there's a cafe too.
Green Island has gorgeous sandy beaches, and you're sure to spot some amazing fish and maybe even a turtle when snorkling. Lovely and protected for the perfect day trip.
109 yerel halk öneriyor
Green Island Resort
Green Island has gorgeous sandy beaches, and you're sure to spot some amazing fish and maybe even a turtle when snorkling. Lovely and protected for the perfect day trip.
A brilliant way to see the reef from the sky, and maybe stop at a sand cay for a truly unique experience.
GBR Helicopters - Cairns Heliport
2 Pier Point RdA brilliant way to see the reef from the sky, and maybe stop at a sand cay for a truly unique experience.
A must do if you want to check out some of the local wildlife. The crocodile feedings are not to be missed!
197 yerel halk öneriyor
Hartley'nin Timsah Maceraları
Captain Cook HighwayA must do if you want to check out some of the local wildlife. The crocodile feedings are not to be missed!
Where the rainforest meets the reef...literally. The Daintree is truly spectacular and worth the day trip to see one of the oldest rainforests in the world. If you're lucky you'll spot a cassowary.
257 yerel halk öneriyor
Daintree Yağmur Ormanı
2333 Cape Tribulation RdWhere the rainforest meets the reef...literally. The Daintree is truly spectacular and worth the day trip to see one of the oldest rainforests in the world. If you're lucky you'll spot a cassowary.
Our family love this activity and it's nice and easy for all ages and skill levels. Fun and relaxing!
10 yerel halk öneriyor
Babinda Kayak Hire
330 Stager RdOur family love this activity and it's nice and easy for all ages and skill levels. Fun and relaxing!
If you visit Babinda for the kayaking and the boulders, make sure you pop into this iconic old school bakery. Famous for their cream buns, you'll find lots of tasty treats and delicious pies (try the roast beef and chutney pie - yum!).
13 yerel halk öneriyor
Babinda Independent Bakery
35 Munro StIf you visit Babinda for the kayaking and the boulders, make sure you pop into this iconic old school bakery. Famous for their cream buns, you'll find lots of tasty treats and delicious pies (try the roast beef and chutney pie - yum!).
Babinda Boulders, located around an hour south of Cairns, features an incredible open swimming hole, picnic area and barbecues and a short scenic walk on the Devil’s Pool trail, where crystal-clear waters tumble over massive smooth granite boulders creating a picturesque chute waterfall and rapids viewable from the lookout point and along the track.
This is an area of significance to the local Yidinji Traditional Custodians, where you can read the tragic love story of Dyga and young Aboriginal woman Oolana where it is said her spirit remains to this day. Please ensure you only swim in the designated swimming hole at Babinda Boulders and remain behind the fence at all times along the Devil’s Pool walk.
69 yerel halk öneriyor
Babinda Boulders
1 Munro StBabinda Boulders, located around an hour south of Cairns, features an incredible open swimming hole, picnic area and barbecues and a short scenic walk on the Devil’s Pool trail, where crystal-clear waters tumble over massive smooth granite boulders creating a picturesque chute waterfall and rapids viewable from the lookout point and along the track.
This is an area of significance to the local Yidinji Traditional Custodians, where you can read the tragic love story of Dyga and young Aboriginal woman Oolana where it is said her spirit remains to this day. Please ensure you only swim in the designated swimming hole at Babinda Boulders and remain behind the fence at all times along the Devil’s Pool walk.
One of our favourite restaurants for delicious Korean and Japanese food. Highly recommend a visit!
Goong Restaurant
16 Aplin StOne of our favourite restaurants for delicious Korean and Japanese food. Highly recommend a visit!
Australia's original Vietnamese iced coffee bar. Perfect coffee for the tropics.
Annee's Caphê Sua Da ®
89 Grafton StAustralia's original Vietnamese iced coffee bar. Perfect coffee for the tropics.
Just an hour south of Cairns, a tropical haven awaits. Nestled in the foothills of Queensland’s highest mountain range, Bartle Frere, Josephine Falls is often referred to as “nature’s playground” with a natural rockslide being the main attraction of the beautiful cascades. It’s an easy 600m walk to the bottom swimming hole with wheelchair access available to the viewing platform at the top pool. While it looks tempting, swimming in the top pool is prohibited but there’s plenty of space at the bottom pool to spread out.
43 yerel halk öneriyor
Josephine Şelaleleri
LOT 1 Josephine Falls WalkJust an hour south of Cairns, a tropical haven awaits. Nestled in the foothills of Queensland’s highest mountain range, Bartle Frere, Josephine Falls is often referred to as “nature’s playground” with a natural rockslide being the main attraction of the beautiful cascades. It’s an easy 600m walk to the bottom swimming hole with wheelchair access available to the viewing platform at the top pool. While it looks tempting, swimming in the top pool is prohibited but there’s plenty of space at the bottom pool to spread out.
The clear blue and green waters of Lake Eacham make it a go-to-place on a sweltering summer’s day and with motored craft banned, it’s a serene and pristine beauty spot on the Atherton Tablelands all year round.
Tranquil Lake Eacham is a former volcanic crater. Surrounded by dense rainforest, it has an average depth of 65 metres.
It’s an enclosed catchment, isolated from any other waterways. The lake only fills with rain, making the lake crystal clear and water quality good enough to snorkel and dive in. It’s also popular with kayakers.
Lake Eacham, QLD 4884, Avustralya
The clear blue and green waters of Lake Eacham make it a go-to-place on a sweltering summer’s day and with motored craft banned, it’s a serene and pristine beauty spot on the Atherton Tablelands all year round.
Tranquil Lake Eacham is a former volcanic crater. Surrounded by dense rainforest, it has an average depth of 65 metres.
It’s an enclosed catchment, isolated from any other waterways. The lake only fills with rain, making the lake crystal clear and water quality good enough to snorkel and dive in. It’s also popular with kayakers.
Sight Seeing
A fabulous day trip to Moore Reef. The snorkeling is amazing and hopefully you’ll get to swim with a turtle!
SunLover Pontoon Moore Reef
A fabulous day trip to Moore Reef. The snorkeling is amazing and hopefully you’ll get to swim with a turtle!