What to see in Australia

Cairns

The gateway to the tropical north of Australia, Cairns is a major city in Queensland. Originally founded in 1876 as a gold mining town, today it is one of the top destinations for exploring the rainforests of the north and the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Prior to British settlement, the Yirrganydji and Yidinji peoples inhabited the land here. 

Cairns is a tourist-centric city but is proud of its international appeal. You can organise all kinds of excursions, day trips and adventures from here. Although Cairns doesn’t have a city beach, be sure to visit the Esplanade Lagoon or the Pier Marina when you travel to Cairns for a taste of the city’s salt-water culture.

Cairns is notoriously laid back. With its humid, tropical climate, life moves at a slower pace here. People are more interested in exploring the beautiful natural environment than fancy fashions or business pursuits. This atmosphere is infectious, making Cairns eternally popular with backpackers.

With a thriving cafe culture and vibrant nightlife, the best time to visit Cairns is between May and November, outside of the wet season. 

Things to see in Cairns

Most of the things to do in Cairns revolve around the beautiful natural surroundings. Whether your delving into rainforests of the north or heading out to sea to experience the splendour of the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is an amazing travel destination for nature lovers.

Cairns is blessed by its location on the Great Barrier Reef, one of the most diverse marine habitats on earth. Whether you’re a snorkelling enthusiast or prefer to keep your feet dry, there are countless ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. Take a reef cruise, book a scuba diving excursion or take a submarine tour to discover this wonder of nature. However you choose to visit the Great Barrier Reef, be sure to look out for the reefs most famous inhabitants such as clownfish, humphead wrasse, sharks, turtles and manta rays. One of the best things to do in Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef is a must-see sight.

Back at the shore, the rainforest that surrounds the city holds a certain kind of allure. With all the tropical promise of verdant canopies and wildlife, if you travel to Cairns the best thing to do is to explore the surrounding natural parks. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is the pride of Cairns, making the magic of the rainforest accessible to all. Stretching across the canopy of the Wet Tropics heritage area and the Barron Gorge National Park, this 7.5-kilometre cableway allows visitors to enjoy spectacular views of the oldest rainforest in the world from a birds-eye perspective. Furthermore, two rainforest stations allow you to disembark the cable car and explore the rainforest floor. Undoubtedly, one of the best things to do in Cairns, a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway allows you to discover the depths of the rainforest in comfort.

Fitzroy Island is located 29 kilometres southeast of the city of Cairns, nestled in the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea. This island is a paradise of white sand beaches and a rainforests interior. Day trips and overnight stays on the island allow visitors to escape the crowds of the city and immerse themselves in a tropical paradise. The island is also home to a turtle rehabilitation centre. A trip to Fitzroy Island is one of the best things to do in Cairns.

Finally, to appreciate the wonderful food culture of the Cairns region, be sure to visit Rusty’s Market, in the city centre. Tropical fruits and vegetables are grown in abundance in Cairns and this farmers market is awash with rainbow coloured fresh produce.