Cairns is the kind of place that pulls you in with big adventure energy. It is the jumping-off point for the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. You can enjoy countless day trips that deliver tropical waterfalls, fresh air, and seriously good food.
We spent a few days here at the start of our East Coast road trip. It set the tone perfectly. Cairns is tropical and lively. It’s surprisingly easy to navigate. You can hike in the morning, snorkel by lunch, and clink cocktails at sunset beside the lagoon.
Here’s how to make the most of a few days in Cairns. You can be reef-bound, chase waterfalls, or just soak up the laid-back northern Queensland vibe.
This post is part of our Ultimate 3-Week East Coast Australia Itinerary. It features a route from Cairns to Brisbane. The route is full of reefs, rainforest, and relaxed coastal towns.
Exploring Cairns & finding your rhythm
Start your first morning early with a walk around the Cairns Esplanade. It’s flat, scenic and dotted with cafes that open before the heat sets in.
If you’ve got energy to spare, try the Red Arrow Circuit. This is a short but rewarding hike. It winds up through lush rainforest to a viewpoint over the city and coastline. It’s only about 1.5 km but expect to work up a sweat — tropical humidity does the rest.
Just beside it, the Cairns Botanical Gardens are worth wandering through. They’re free to enter and give a great intro to the plant life you’ll see across Far North Queensland.
When the day heats up, head to the Cairns Lagoon. It’s a huge, lifeguarded saltwater pool right on the waterfront. You can swim there year-round. No need to worry about stingers or crocs. It’s also the perfect spot for sunset drinks later. Locals bring a cooler. You’re a short walk from several bars if you prefer a cold pint on tap.
Exploring the Daintree Rainforest with Uncle Brian’s Tours
A day trip to the Daintree Rainforest with Uncle Brian’s Tours was perfect. We booked through Uncle Brian’s tours. It allowed us to experience Queensland’s lush wilderness without the stress of driving yourself. The itinerary packs in some of the region’s best sights — all in one relaxed day from Cairns.
We started with the breathtaking Rex Lookout, taking in panoramic views of the coastline. We made a brief stop in Port Douglas. Then we headed north to the iconic Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef.
Lunch was a highlight. We enjoyed fresh, locally inspired dishes served in the heart of the rainforest. The meal gave us the energy for the afternoon’s adventures. We cooled off with a refreshing rainforest swim. We wandered along 4 Mile Beach. We enjoyed a peaceful rainforest walk, spotting unique flora and wildlife along the way.
The day finished with a wildlife cruise. We saw crocodiles up close in their natural habitat. It was a thrilling reminder of the region’s untamed beauty. It’s a full, immersive experience that blends adventure, relaxation, and nature, all within easy reach of Cairns.
Reef day — snorkels, sails & sea turtles
No trip to Cairns is complete without heading out to the Great Barrier Reef. The options can be overwhelming, so here’s what we found helpful:
- Day trips range from budget-friendly snorkel tours to small-group luxury sails. If you want a more relaxed vibe, find an operator that limits numbers. Choose one that visits two or more reef sites. This gives you time to explore without the crowds.
- Visibility tends to be best between June and November when the water is calm and clear.
- Outer Reef tours (such as Norman or Saxon Reef) are further out but offer better coral and marine life.
- For comfort and value, consider a smaller boat or semi-luxury catamaran that includes lunch, snorkel gear and marine biologist briefings.
We joined a day trip to the Outer Great Barrier Reef with Evolution Tours via Down Under Cruises. We snorkeled among parrot fish and reef sharks. Then, we relaxed on deck as the boat cruised back to shore. It’s a long day, but completely worth it. This was one of our favourite days on the trip, we loved it and would highly reccomend it. Top tip: hire an underwater camera for excellent quality pictures. You can book the trip here.
If diving is your passion, Cairns is an affordable place in the world to get certified. It is also a great spot to try a beginner dive.
Chasing waterfalls & viewpoints — a day trip to Kuranda
A day up to Kuranda makes for the perfect change of pace. The drive from Cairns takes around 40 minutes, climbing through rainforest-clad hills with a few worthwhile stops along the way.
Make sure to pull in at Barron Gorge National Park. There’s a short boardwalk that takes you to a viewing platform. It overlooks Barron Falls, which are particularly impressive in the wet season (December–April).
Kuranda itself is a charming mountain village with local art stalls, cafes and walking tracks. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is another option if you prefer a more scenic route. You’ll float above the treetops and stop at rainforest lookouts along the way.
We booked our Kuranda Scenic Railway tickets through GetYourGuide — it was simple to check times and book ahead. Book your tickets here.
If you’re after something quieter, stop off at a roadside café for a coffee before winding back down to Cairns. The drive alone — with its tight bends, sudden vistas and dripping ferns — feels like a mini rainforest adventure.
Dinner & drinks on the water
After a day in the sun, sunset by the water is Cairns at its best.
Start at the Cairns Lagoon for a casual golden-hour drink. It’s the kind of place where everyone gathers before dinner. You’ll find small pop-up bars or bring-your-own picnic set-ups along the esplanade.
We took a stroll to the Hemingway’s Brewing Company. It is a local favourite. We enjoyed a pre-dinner drink with a view of the waterfront. It’s a relaxed, social spot. It pairs local craft beers with ocean breeze. There’s live music when the timing’s right.
Dinner that evening was at Ochre, which absolutely deserves its reputation. It’s one of Cairns’ most consistent restaurants. They serve Australian ingredients like crocodile, kangaroo, and native bush spices. The dishes are creative but unfussy. If you’re only eating out once in Cairns, make it here — book ahead for a table on the terrace.
Practical travel tips for Cairns
- When to visit: April–October is dry season — blue skies, calm seas and good reef visibility. November–March brings humidity and the odd tropical storm, but also lusher rainforest.
- Getting around: Cairns is compact — walking, cycling or short rideshare trips will cover most of it. For Kuranda or day trips, a rental car gives you flexibility.
- Reef protection: Choose reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching coral — it’s fragile and easily damaged.
- Pro Snorkelling tip: Hire an underwater camera for good quality pictures. We were so grateful we did this so we could look back at the incredible pictures.
- Stinger season: From November–May, stinger suits are essential for ocean swimming — most tour operators include them.
- Where to stay: You’ll find boutique hotels and modern apartments close to the Esplanade. The area offers affordable luxury. Prices are more reasonable compared to Sydney or Melbourne.
Summary: a laid-back base for big adventures
Cairns is one of those rare places that can balance adventure with ease. You can dive the reef. You can hike to a waterfall. Sip cocktails at sunset and still be back in your hotel before 9 p.m.
For us, it was the ideal start to our East Coast road trip. It was equal parts tropical escape and adventure launchpad. Whether you’re here for a few days or staying for a full week, Cairns delivers the best of Queensland’s north. It never feels rushed.
Next stop: From here, we drove south towards Townsville and Magnetic Island. We enjoyed a slower pace and coastal hikes. This was the first of many encounters with Queensland’s incredible wildlife.
Read More: Next stop – Magnetic Island.
Or start from the beginning with our Ultimate 3-Week East Coast Australia Itinerary
Wander with Orla 