Cairns
Tourism Sites
Atherton Tablelands Tour
🧠Fact: A highland region known for waterfalls, crater lakes, and food trails.
💡Tip: Don’t miss Millaa. Millaa Falls for iconic photos
Info - The Atherton Tablelands Tour is a popular day trip option from Cairns, showcasing lush highlands dotted with waterfalls, volcanic crater lakes, and rolling farmland. Highlights often include Millaa Millaa Falls, Lake Barrine, and visits to coffee plantations or tropical fruit farms. It’s a scenic escape offering cooler temperatures and diverse landscapes.
Cairns Aquarium
🧠Fact: Showcases marine life from the Great Barrier Reef and beyond.
💡 Tip: Go during feeding time for interactive fun
Info - For nature lovers, the Cairns Aquarium offers an up-close look at the diverse marine life found in the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding ecosystems. With over 16,000 aquatic creatures, the aquarium highlights everything from reef sharks and rays to rare freshwater species from the Daintree Rainforest. It’s a family-friendly spot perfect for a rainy day or an introduction to the region’s unique wildlife.
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
🧠 Fact: A public saltwater swimming lagoon with ocean views.
💡 Tip: It’s free and perfect for hot afternoons.
Info - Back in Cairns, the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. This open-air, man-made saltwater swimming lagoon sits on the waterfront, offering a safe, scenic place to cool off with views of the Coral Sea. Surrounded by grassy areas, public BBQs, and walking paths, it’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Fitzroy Island Adventures
🧠Fact: Just 45 mins from Cairns, perfect for day trips.
💡 Tip: Bring water shoes for rocky beaches.
Info - For island adventures, Fitzroy Island is just a short ferry ride from Cairns. Known for its clear waters, coral beaches, and hiking trails, the island offers snorkeling, kayaking, and the chance to visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. Its laid-back vibe and natural beauty make it an ideal day trip for those wanting to escape the mainland and dive into the tropical paradise.
Green Island Excursion
🧠Fact: A coral cay with lush rainforest and marine life.
💡 Tip: Visit the Marineland Melanesia for a crocodile show.
Info - Another island escape, Green Island is a coral cay just 45 minutes from Cairns. Known for its snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, and sandy beaches, it’s an easy day trip with beautiful reefs just offshore.
Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail
🧠Fact: This heritage railway passes through ancient rainforest and waterfalls.
💡Tip: Combine the railway and skyrail for the ultimate round-trip journey.
Info - A visit to the region isn’t complete without a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and a return trip on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The historic railway winds its way through dense rainforest, past waterfalls, and over deep gorges, offering incredible views of the Barron Gorge National Park. At the mountain village of Kuranda, travelers can explore markets, wildlife parks, and walking trails. The return via Skyrail glides above the treetops, providing a unique bird’s-eye view of the World Heritage rainforest.
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
🧠Fact: Learn Aboriginal traditions through performances and workshops.
💡Tip: Book a night tour for an immersive experience.
Info - A standout cultural experience is the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. This interactive attraction celebrates over 40,000 years of Indigenous culture through traditional dance performances, didgeridoo demonstrations, bush tucker experiences, and storytelling. Visitors can learn about Aboriginal customs and history in a welcoming and engaging environment. While the park has recently transitioned away from daily operations, cultural tours and experiences continue in the region, making it a must for those interested in Australia’s rich First Nations history.