Just off the coast of Cairns lies the one and only Great Barrier Reef. Spanning over 2,000 kilometres, this Unesco-listed coral reef system encompasses hundreds of pristine tropical islands and coral cays while sheltering more than 9,000 marine species. There are many ways to immerse yourself in the aquatic wonderland, whether by snorkelling, island-hopping, scuba diving or even skydiving. For a truly immersive outing, consider staying overnight on a reef pontoon and waking up to the deep blue.

A palm-fringed seaside boardwalk, the Esplanade boasts iconic Cairns attractions like Muddy’s Playground, a beloved children’s splash park, and the Lagoon, a sprawling public pool overlooking the Coral Sea. With shaded green spaces, majestic seaside views, market vendors, buskers, and fitness facilities, including beach volleyball courts and a skate park, this lively 2.5-kilometre-long promenade creates a fun community-focused atmosphere that’s quintessentially Cairns.

Enjoying fresh seafood is a must on any Cairns holiday. The city’s proximity to the ocean means daily catches include everything from reef fish, wild-caught prawns, barramundi, scallops, and the unique Moreton Bay Bugs, a local lobster species. Savour exceptional marine cuisine at a scenic restaurant on the waterfront, or enjoy takeaway from one of the fresh seafood markets. Pair your meal with tropical salsa made from local mangoes and sun-ripened pineapples for the full experience.

For those wondering what to do in Cairns when it rains, a little art goes a long way. Housed in a grand heritage building, the Cairns Art Gallery invites visitors to explore historical and contemporary works by local artists, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Far North Queensland. The gallery also has a well-curated shop showcasing local makers and designers. Best of all, it’s open daily and free to visit.

Growing for more than 180 million years, the Daintree is the world’s oldest tropical rainforest by far. Nestled in this impossibly lush environment, you’ll have your choice of many unforgettable adventures. Stroll along the aerial walkways above the canopy, dip into swimming holes and spellbinding waterfall lagoons, spear mud crabs while learning about traditional Aboriginal practices or visit the sacred Mossman Gorge, where the Kuku Yalanji people (the area’s traditional custodians) perform ancient ceremonies.

Ask any local for the best things to do in Cairns, and they’ll point you straight to the sand. Popular beach spots include trendy Palm Cove, family-friendly Trinity Beach, lively Mission Beach, and the expansive Four Mile Beach. For more coastal bliss, take a quick ferry to Fitzroy Island or Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef. Relax on the silky white sands, snorkel in turquoise waters and cool down with a cocktail over lunch.

While the idyllic beaches are tempting, an easy day trip from Cairns to the mountain village of Kuranda offers a refreshing change of scenery. Chug past waterfalls and valleys with a thrilling train ride along the picturesque 37-kilometre Kuranda Railway or glide over Barron Gorge National Park on a 7.5-kilometre cable car. Once you’re there, explore markets, galleries, cafes and local attractions like the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Rainforestation Nature Park.

It’s not every day you have the chance to see fuzzy koala bears, saltwater crocodiles, tree kangaroos, platypi, wallabies, cassowaries (horned ostrich-like birds with sapphire-blue heads and necks) and humpback whales in real life. But in Far North Queensland, these remarkable animals – and many more – thrive just outside the city. To observe them safely and responsibly, visit a wildlife park or animal sanctuary, which often offer guided walks, conservation talks and feeding experiences.

For an ideal way to spend a morning, visit the city’s spectacular botanical garden. Free to enter, the 38-hectare family-friendly paradise features a rainforest boardwalk, a freshwater lake, a nature playground and over 4,000 plant species across distinct areas. Among the natural treasures, look for kaleidoscopic tropical flowers, an impressive array of orchids and carnivorous insect-eating pitcher plants, plus an abundance of exotic butterflies and birds.

If you can't visit the Great Barrier Reef during your stay, there’s another way to see the region’s rich underwater world. The Cairns Aquarium offers an accessible glimpse into the reef ecosystem – and Queensland’s rivers, estuaries and waterways – with animal talks, shark feedings and a marine touch tank. For an unforgettable day out, dive with sharks, join a turtle conservation tour or check out the after-hours Aquarium By Twilight experience.