Cairns Travel Guide
Cairns is Australia’s gateway to northern Queensland. Whether you are backpacking around the region, looking to dive, or want to visit this state’s dense forests, Cairns is a worthwhile stop on everyone’s itinerary. From here you can visit the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree rainforest, the Atherton Tablelands, and Cape Tribulation.
While you don’t need a lot of time to visit the city of Cairns itself, it does make for a good base of operations for day trips to the interior or further north. I suggest staying for around four days. This gives you enough time to explore the city as well as do some tours and excursions from the city.
Be sure to spend at least a few nights traveling up north if you can. There are fewer crowds, tons of beaches, more jungle, and it’s just really an under-appreciated – and visited – part of the country. The closer you go to the tip, the more raw it gets.
This travel guide to Cairns can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time.
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in Cairns
1. See the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the best places to dive in the world. It’s the largest living organism on Earth, spanning some 344,000 square kilometers (133,000 square miles) (you can actually see the reef from space). Naturally, the reef is brimming with wildlife, including giant clams, manta rays, sharks, turtles, and clownfish. I was blown away by the abundant wildlife and coral. It did not disappoint! Cairns is the most popular jumping-off point for dive trips to the reef. Snorkel and dive trips start around 220 AUD.
2. Explore the Daintree Rainforest
While Australia is known for its arid Outback, the continent is also home to rainforests. Daintree stretches over 1,200 square kilometers (460 square miles) and is part of the largest tropical rainforest in Australia. It’s also the oldest rainforest on the planet, dating back over 120 million years. I was really blown away by how pristine everything was. There are all kinds of day and multi-day trips available here. Two-day guided trips start around 395 AUD per person.
3. Visit Cape Tribulation
Cross the Daintree and continue up into Cape Tribulation, Cooktown, and Cape York. Few tourists make it up this way for more than a day trip. There isn’t anything to do here except relax, enjoy nature, and swim. Skip doing a day trip and spend at least one night here instead. There are a series of boardwalks that allow you to walk under the canopies of rainforest trees and connect to different beaches along the way, like Myall Beach and Crocodile Beach. You can take a dip in Mason’s Swimming Hole or go horseback riding on the beach. The stunning landscapes are worth your time, and it’s just 140 kilometers (87 miles) north of Cairns.
4. Try some extreme sports
If hiking, diving, and swimming are too mundane for you, there’s always bungee jumping or sky diving. AJ Hackett, the man who created modern-day bungee jumping, has a canyon swing here too. It’s the only place in the world where you can choose from sixteen different styles of bungee jumping. The tower is set up to give you incredible views of the forest and the beach. A 50-meter (164-foot) bungee jump costs 169 AUD while a tandem skydive from 4,500 meters (15,000 feet) over the Great Barrier Reef is around 369 AUD.
5. See the Atherton Tablelands
The Atherton Tablelands are a mix of rainforest, wetlands, and savanna. Home to wallabies and tree kangaroos, day tours here are long, (you’ll leave early and get back late), but you’ll see a ton of stunning waterfalls, including the famous Millaa Millaa Falls (which is crazy beautiful!). If you go, use Uncle Brian’s Tours. Their tour packs a lot in and the drivers are funny and engaging. Day tours cost 149 AUD.
Other Things to See and Do in Cairns
1. Hang out by the city lagoon
Spend a few hours relaxing by Cairns’ Lagoon (read: really big pool) when the weather is nice. You can’t go swimming in the water near the city because of jellyfish, so the town built a giant pool. Many hostels have pools too, but if you want to chill at a bigger place, the lagoon is pretty amazing — and you’ll find more locals around. It’s a good place to soak up the sun with a book. Admission is free.
2. Go white water rafting
There are two main rafting rivers that are all popular among adrenaline junkies in Cairns. In a tropical region that gets plenty of rain, the rivers always overflow, and rafting is a popular activity here. Day trips start at around 120 AUD and go up to 250 AUD, depending on what river you want. There are also tubing trips down the rivers too if you want something more laid back. Those start around 90 AUD.
3. Participate in an Aboriginal culture walk
There are many Aboriginals in the area (they’ve inhabited the region for over 5,000 years) and they have done a great job of setting up an ecotourism area to highlight their culture to visitors. You can walk with them and learn about their culture, history, plant life, herbal medicine, and even go traditional Aboriginal spearfishing. Tours last 3 hours and cost 140 AUD.
4. Try wake boarding
When you get tired of sightseeing, head to the Cairns Wake Park to try wakeboarding. Various jumps and challenges are set up to keep you entertained for a few hours. There are different setups for beginner to advanced skill levels. All the equipment is provided for you, including a helmet and life jacket. It’s 45 AUD for a one-hour pass and 59 AUD for a two-hour pass. There’s also a section where kids can play in the water on trampolines and inflatable slides (15 AUD).
5. Meander through the Botanical Gardens
Just 5 minutes from the airport, this is a lovely stop to make on your way out of Cairns. There are several paths to walk along, and the garden is rich in trees, ferns, plants, and a lake. Be sure to check out the Aboriginal Plant Use Garden, where you can see how the indigenous people of Australia used the various plants for food, shelter, medicine, clothing, and more. The Gondwanan Heritage Garden shows the evolution of plant life from the first bacteria to modern flowers. Take the rainforest boardwalk to see what the area around Cairns looked like before human settlers. There are 50 different kinds of birds here too. Admission is free, and they also offer free 60-90-minute tours on weekdays.
6. Relax at Palm Cove
This suburb of the city is around 27 kilometers (16 miles) north of Cairns and is home to a lovely stretch of beach. Come here to relax, swim, and escape the city. There’s a nice path along the water where you can stroll and lots of upscale places to eat. The beachfront walkway is lined with Melaluca trees that are hundreds of years old, and many of the locals still use the Palm Cove Jetty as a fishing spot. It makes for a good place to spend half a day when you want to relax and take in the feel of the city.
7. Go for a hike
Cairns has a lot of great trails nearby. Earl Hill has incredible beach views and is located in the northern suburb of Trinity Park. It’s only 1 km to reach the top at 197 meters (647 feet). Behana Gorge is a thirty-minute drive south of the city, and you’ll find waterfalls and places where you can swim in the crystal clear water. The Mount Whitfield Conservation Park has a number of trails winding through the rainforest in the suburbs. Experienced hikers may want to check out Queenlsand’s highest peak, Mount Bartle Frere, which is a full day or an overnight trek that takes you to the 1,622-meter (5,321-foot) summit.
8. Swim in the rainforest
There are a number of places you can swim in the natural waters in the tropical paradise. These natural pools are usually coupled with majestic waterfalls, and the waters are warm. Fairy Falls and Crystal Cascades are near to one another, just a twenty-minute drive west of the city and into the dense rainforest. The paved trail to Crystal Cascades passes multiple swimming holes, so you can take your pick, but the waterfall is at the top.
9. Check out the art scene
If you want to get a sense of the local culture, Cairns has incredible art all around the city. You can find everything from modern art to traditional Indigenous pieces in the local galleries. The Cairns Art Gallery has three stories of artworks on display and has continually rotating exhibitions. NorthSite is the spot to check out fashion, jewelry, and home decor You can see fascinating street art by simply walking down Grafton Street and larger-than-life installations with a stroll along the Cairns Esplanade, many of which are inspired by the region’s natural wonders.
How to Stay Safe in Cairns
Cairns is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel. Violent attacks as well as petty crime are really rare and people are friendly and helpful here.
Most incidents in Cairns tend to occur because visitors are not used to the region’s unique climate and wilderness. Be sure you have plenty of sunscreen and stay as hydrated as possible. Carry mosquito spray as there is a risk of Dengue Fever.
If you’re swimming in the ocean between November to May, only swim where there is a beach stinger net otherwise you risk getting stung by jellyfish. Always check the weather before you go out hiking as well and make sure to bring water and sunscreen. If you’re venturing out of the city, be mindful of wildlife, especially snakes and spiders. If you’re bitten, seek immediate care.
Solo female travelers are generally safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night intoxicated, etc.). Consult the many solo female travel blogs on the city for specific advice.
If you experience an emergency, dial 000 for assistance.
Always trust your gut instinct and be sure to make copies of all your important documents.
The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:
Where to Stay in Cairns
Cairns has plenty of hostels and hotels to help you visit on a budget. Here are my favorite places to stay:
Cairns Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – 35-55 AUD per night
- Hostel private rooms – 90-150 AUD per night
- Budget hotels – 150-200 AUD per night
- Luxury hotels – 300+ AUD per night
- Airbnb private rooms – 40-150 AUD per night
- Airbnb apartments – 100-150 AUD per night
- Campsite – 25-40 AUD per night
Food
- Pre-made sandwiches – 12-15 AUD
- Pub food – 15-30 AUD
- Takeaway spots – 15-20 AUD
- Casual restaurants – 25-55 AUD per meal
- Midrange restaurant – 55-75 AUD per meal
- Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 15 AUD
- Beer – 12-15 AUD
- Glass of wine – 12-15 AUD
- Cappuccino/latte- 5-6 AUD
- Bottled water – 2-3 AUD
- Groceries for a week – 90-150 AUD
Cairns Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – 150 AUD Per Day
On a backpacker budget, you’ll be staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all your meals, and taking the bus to get around. You’ll need to limit your drinking and stick to mostly free activities like hiking and enjoying the pool. If you plan on drinking, add 10-20 AUD to your daily budget.
Midrange – 255 AUD Per Day
On a mid-range budget, you’ll be able to stay in a private room, eat out at cheaper restaurants for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do a couple of paid activities like visiting the Great Barrier Reef or going bungee jumping.
Upscale – 390+ AUD Per Day
On this luxury budget, you can stay in an upscale hotel, eat out anywhere you want, rent a car to get around, and do as many activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!
Cairns Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips
The best way to save money in Carins is to avoid taking lots of expensive tours and trips. If you do that, you’ll save a ton. But that’s part of the draw of visiting so I doubt you’ll do that (I wouldn’t) so here are some other ways to save money in Cairns:
Bring a water bottle – The tap water in Cairns is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and lower your plastic use. Lifestraw makes durable water bottles with built-in filters to ensure your water is always safe and clean.
Redeem hotel points – Sign up for hotel credit cards so you can use those points to pay for accommodations on your trip. Most cards will give you 1-2 nights free just for signing up, which can really help to lower your costs. This post will help you learn the basics so you can start earning points now. Then, you’ll have plenty by the time you travel.
Buy a package deal – There is a lot to see and do in the area — at the expense of your budget. Consider booking tours and excursions together with one company as that can often get you a slight discount. Many hostels also have deals so ask them too!
Get a sightseeing pass – Klook offers sightseeing passes for Cairns attractions that can save you money over paying for each one separately. You can choose from two to five attraction passes that include entrance to places like the Cairns Aquarium, the Kuranda Scenic Railway, the Rainforestation Nature Park, and others. Prices range from 109-239 AUD.
Eat cheap – Eating out can be very expensive, however, there are a lot of sandwich shops around that can keep your costs down. Avoid the sit-down restaurants, and instead, grab a sandwich or pack a lunch for a picnic.
Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find a Couchsurfing host to host you during your visit. This way, you not only have a free place to stay, but you’ll also have a local host that can share their insider tips and advice.
Drink goon (box wine) – Goon is infamous on the Australian backpacker hostel trail. This cheap box of wine is the best way to drink, get a buzz, and save a lot of money at the same time.
Cook your own meals – Eating out is not cheap so the best way to reduce your costs is to cook as many meals as possible. It’s not glamorous, but it’s cheap!
Work for your room – Many hostels offer travelers the chance to work for their accommodation. In exchange for a few hours a day of cleaning, you get a free bed. Commitments vary but most hostels ask you to stay for at least a week.
Get a transit pass – there’s an extensive bus system that runs through the city of Cairns and connects everything from Palm Cove north of Cairns to Gordonvale in the south. A daily pass is only 1 AUD, and a weekly pass is 5 AUD. The savings can add up over paying the 0.50 AUD for a single ride.
Save money on rideshares – Uber is cheaper than taxis and is the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi.
How to Get Around in Cairns
Public transportation – Cairns has a reliable public bus system run by Translink that can take you just about anywhere you need to go. A single-ride fare starts at 0.50 AUD and goes up from there. A daily pass starts at 1 AUD, and a weekly pass is 5 AUD.
Bike rental – Cairns has an excellent network of cycling paths, with some of the most popular routes being the Esplanade, Centenary Lakes, and the Botanic Gardens. Some of the hostels rent out bicycles, or you can rent from bike shops around the city. Rentals start from 25 AUD per day.
Taxis – Taxis are expensive, so I would avoid them. Prices start at 3.40 AUD and go up by 2.58 AUD per kilometer. Skip them if you can!
Ridesharing – Ridesharing apps are available here and are a bit cheaper than taxis.
Car rental – You don’t need a car to navigate Cairns, but if you want to get off the tourist trail or travel north, having a car rental is ideal. You can find rentals for around 30 AUD per day for a week-long rental. For the best rental car prices, use Discover Cars. You can get a free quote using this widget:
When to Go to Cairns
Cairns’ location in North Queensland makes for hot, humid summers and dry, mild winters. The average daily high in the summer is 26°C (88°F) and 31°C (79°F) in the winter, making Queensland a great place to visit year-round. No matter when you visit, there’s a decent chance that you’ll encounter rain, so make sure you pack a rain jacket, at least.
Summer (December-February) is the wettest time of year, and average temperatures are between 25-31°C (75-89°F). You can expect between twelve and eighteen days of rain during these months. Since it’s also very warm, an umbrella or rain jacket is all you should need for waterproof gear. This is also the busiest time of the year since Australian summer is when most people visit the country.
It’s still nice and warm in autumn (March-May), and the rain lets up in April, making this a lovely time to visit as well. During autumn, you’ll still get ten to seventeen days with some rain. Even the low temperatures during these times of year only drop to about 21°C (70°F), so you won’t need many warm layers, only waterproof gear.
If your primary goal is to visit the Great Barrier Reef, spring (September-November) is the best time to visit. The reef really comes to life in November during the annual coral spawning. The weather is perfect with average highs between 27-30°C (82-86°F) and lows between 19-23°C (67-73°F). It’s one of the drier seasons, with only four to nine days having rain, so just bring some waterproof layers, and you’ll be set.
To beat the crowds, aim for the shoulder season (April-May or September-October). There will be fewer people and lower prices.
Cairns Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
- Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. Just enter your departure and arrival destinations and it will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost. It’s one of the best transportation websites out there!
- SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
- LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
- Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
- Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
Cairns Travel Guide: Related Articles
Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Cairns travel and continue planning your trip:
Photo credits: 1 – Tourism Australia, 5 – AJ Hackett
