For a list of awesome things to do in Cairns for 2026, I’ve rounded up all my favourite activities. This tropical city offers a bit of everything- from adventures in the rainforest and reef, to relaxing beach retreats, cultural activities and world-class gin! 

If you enjoy getting out in nature, then you’ll love visiting Far North Queensland. There are so many incredible places to explore in the region, like the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, the idyllic beach towns of Port Douglas and Mission Beach, and impressive waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands. The possibilities are endless.

While most can be done as a day trip from the city, personally I’d recommend spending just a few days in Cairns before hiring a car and travelling around for the majority of your stay. There really is so much to do in FNQ that a few odd days here and there won’t be doing it justice.

What can I expect?

Locally pronounced ‘Cans’, is probably the most chilled-out city you’ll visit in Australia. But calling it a city gives the impression of a bustling, busy place, yet it’s neither of those things.

It is, in fact, more chilled out than a hog on a roast, and it often feels like one too thanks to its year-round tropical climate.

This is why many people who first visit Cairns, particularly those unfamiliar with remote Queensland towns (like I was, when I first arrived fresh off the boat from Europe in 2013), may think it’s got a slightly “weird” vibe, for want of a better word. The only rush hour you’ll find here are people waiting to board reef trips.

However, when you start getting on Cairns time and spend more time here, you’ll discover that it’s actually quite charming, wonderfully unpretentious and in perpetual holiday mode.

We lived in Port Douglas for three years, so spent a lot of time in Cairns. The city itself offers an ever-growing list of cool things to do, and visiting is a good way to mix up your trip.

I used to love taking a scenic walk along the esplanade to watch the pelicans, or hitting the hiking trails to a waterfall— there’s an endless supply of goodies within a half-hour drive. You can also enjoy the day here by taking a relatively cheap and speedy ferry to drop-dead gorgeous islands for the day to snorkel. And at the end of the day, grab a seat and sundowner at Hemingway’s Brewery or Salt House as you watch the boats come in.

For those who haven’t been back in a while, Cairns has changed quite a lot over the past decade. If it were an age, I’d say it was 16 and beginning to discover who it is. While at heart it’s still a tourist town, it’s ditched many of the cheesy tourist shops of late in favour of awesome restaurants and bars, suave hotels, cultural offerings, and it’s growing into more of a hipster hangout.

Greater Cairns includes the city centre, outer suburbs and the 10 Northern beaches (which include the tourists’ favourite, Palm Cove).

This post highlights the best things to do in Greater Cairns, as well as its neighbouring reefs and islands. If you want to know more about what to do outside of Cairns, then check out my other articles below.

Okay, let’s get cracking. Here are my top 17 things to do in Cairns! ✣

17 Best Things to do in Cairns for 2026

You can get virtually anywhere in Cairns within a half-hour drive. If you’re without a car, then Uber operates here, and there’s a local bus service.

1. Scenic Marina & Esplanade Walk

Whenever I head somewhere new, I love to walk around first and get my bearings. I’ve mapped out one of my favourite city walks in Cairns, which is really chilled-out and scenic, and a great starting place to soak up the local vibes. Sometimes there’s also an event or markets to check out by the lagoon, and often you’ll see pelicans by the esplanade. The birdlife here is pretty awesome.

To begin the 1.7k trail, start at Hemingway’s Brewery (who do amazing craft beer— you should stop for a pint!) and walk along the Marina & Esplanade. If you’re here during the day, then Muddy’s Cafe is a good spot for brunch or coffee before heading back.

At sunset, we like Riley’s rooftop bar Roccos for a sundowner and panoramic views of the city. Or for a more casual option (and if you forget your shoes…it’s no thongs allowed), then their ground floor bar at Paper Crane is a great alternative.

(Tip: If you’re a local, you can also apply for a local’s card, which gives you 10% off food, drinks & stays).

@travel_mermaidRiley’s Resort in ##Cairns♬ original sound – travel_mermaid

2. Get Local at Rusty’s Market

Rusty’s is a bit of an institution in Cairns. It’s quite hard to imagine it now, but it started from “a cloud of marijuana” (or so the story goes) during the town’s hippy days. When a group of flower people approached local car-lover Rusty Rees and asked if they could use his garage to set up a Saturday market, it marked the humble beginning of Rusty’s.

Now it’s the heart of the town every weekend, offering a range of locally sourced fruit and veg— including every Queensland banana you can imagine. You’ll also find a range of Asian staples, local coffee, deli goods, fresh coconuts and Cairns’ best Thai som tum (papaya salad), plus much more. Try to come on an empty stomach to sample some food!

As well as the offerings, I love the vibe here. If you want to see the real heart and soul of the city and mingle with the locals, then it’s the place to be. Check the market website for more deets.

3. Snorkel or Dive The Great Barrier Reef

Visiting the Great Barrier Reef is undoubtedly at the top of the list for tourists in Cairns, and it should be. Whilst the reef has experienced its fair share of stress from climate change (like most coral reefs globally), there are still many awe-inspiring sites to discover that will make you fall in love with it, as it did with us.

To see the best of Down Under, I’d recommend heading to the Outer Reef, which houses a greater diversity of marine life. We visited one of these spots near Port Douglas and saw everything from turtles to rays and awesome coral gardens— tap here to find out more.

As it’s a slightly longer ride to the Outer Reef (around 90 mins) and you’ll be snorkelling/diving off the boat all day, you’ll need a relatively adventurous spirit! If you’re not great on water or have a young family, then you may prefer an Outer Reef Pontoon. They’re stable, spacey platforms that some operators moor at. They offer easier access to the water and a few more bells and whistles (like an underwater observatory, a sun deck, etc.), however, expect them to be busier too. Otherwise, a sandy coral cay may also be preferred.

Here are three eco-certified operators I’d recommend.

◇ Reef Magic Cruises ~ snorkel & dive

If you’d prefer spending the day on a reef pontoon, then Reef Magic receive great reviews. They pitch up at Marine World pontoon, located on Moore Reef on the Outer GBR, and tours come with a marine biologist ~ check out their full-day tour.

◇ Passions of Paradise ~ sail, snorkel & dive

For tours to the outer GBR where you’re based on the boat, I’d go with these guys. They’re one of the few remaining small, family-run reef operators in Cairns, who have been running tours here since 1987. Passions is involved in several conservation projects and is committed to sustainability. They have permission to moor at a number of outer reef spots, and they visit two chosen on the day by the skipper. Sites are suitable for both snorkellers—who can enjoy the shallow reef, and for Scuba Divers— who can descend to access reef walls, the ocean bed, and deeper bommies. Check out their full-day tour and reviews, or see their diving options here.

◇ Ocean Spirit ~ sail, snorkel & dive

Eco-certified Ocean Spirit Cruises are a part of the long-established Quicksilver Group. They’ll take you to a stunning coral cay called Michaelmas, where you can enjoy snorkelling around its fringing reef. Their sailing catamaran is primarily powered by wind, which is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. See this experience.

Remember to pack...

reef safe sunscreen! 🙌🏼 Most commercial brands have harmful chemicals that can induce a bleaching response in coral. Try to go for a natural or mineral-based sunscreen where zinc or titanium dioxide is the active ingredient. Avoid aerosols and those containing oxybenzone (which also goes by about 30 other names!). I usually go for the Surf Life Saving range, which you can find in town.

4. Take a Gin Distillery Tour & Tasting at Wolf Lane

Brought to you by The Three Wolves – aka, the pack behind Cairns’ first distillery, award-winning gins and four awesome local bars. We’re usually here for a cocktail or two at ‘Distillery Bar’, which is open in the evenings from Tuesday to Saturday (I highly recommend their Davidson Plum sour!). It’s quite small and intimate, and getting popular, so you may need to wait for a seat on weekends. Or you can cross the alley to check out their flagship bar, The Three Wolves.

During the day, from Tuesday to Fri-yay, they hold daily tastings and tours at Wolf Lane Distillery—find out more on their website.

5. Visit Crystal Cascades Waterfall

Crystal Cascades is the locals’ favourite swimming hole and one of the closest waterfalls to central Cairns. I like coming here in the late afternoon to cool off when it’s a bit quieter, and it’s nice to see the locals coming together for a splash after a long day.

To get here, you’ll need to drive or get an Uber (there’s no public transport) and follow the signs from Redlynch. To access the waterfall, it’s an easy 1.2k walk along a well-maintained path where you’ll pass a series of freshwater swimming holes. Stop anywhere for a dip or wait for the main cascade and pool at the end. It’s pretty deep—one dude who was jumping off the rocks told me that he held his breath for 8 seconds in the water and still couldn’t reach the bottom! I didn’t brave the jump though. 😄

(Insider Tip: Shh, Fairy Falls is just a short bushwalk away from the car park at Crystal Cascades for a quieter waterfall alternative!)

6. Detour! Hike from Crystal Cascades to Copperlode Dam

6k return/2.5-3 hours/strenuous

If you’re a bit of an adventurer and want something a little extra, then doing the return hike from Crystal Cascades to Copperlode Dam is a great workout. The first half is a pretty steep uphill slog through the rainforest, but you’ll be prized with awesome views of the dam at the summit.

To access, walk just past the first BBQ pit at Crystal Cascades, and there’s a sign in front of the trail to your left. The path is really well marked and undulated, so you won’t get lost. The first few hundred meters are the steepest and hardest, but stick with it! Gradually, it opens up and becomes a little easier.

About halfway up, you’ll reach a power pole & viewpoint of Yorkeys Knob (what an epic name, btw). Then at the road by the summit, take a right towards the kiosk which overlooks the scenic Copperlode Dam. The dam is also known as Lake Morris and is the main water supply for Cairns. We were the only ones up here that day and it was really peaceful.

7. Cairns Urban Walking Tour

According to a survey by MoveHub, Cairns was voted the second most hipster city in Australia after the Gold Coast! A surprising and unlikely candidate, you may think, particularly for anyone who visited Cairns 10 or 20 years ago.

But recently the city’s seen a peppering of cool new places pop up, from vintage clothing boutiques and artisanal coffee stores, to vegan eateries, graffiti-lined laneways and record stores. Many heritage buildings have also been beautifully restored.

Taking a self-guided wander to find some of these places is a great way to spend a couple of hours. Or you could head out with Georgia, who holds Cairns’ first and only guided walking tour. They run on Fridays at 10 am— see her website for more details, or check here to book. 

Good to know

I walked past the inconspicuous walkway, Oceana Walk, for a good year until I realised it’s a small hidden gem. Check it out!

8. Island Time

From Cairns, it doesn’t take long to reach some local tropical islands. Fitzroy and Green Island are the nearest two, and both can be reached within 45 minutes for some chill time.

We personally prefer Fitzroy for a day trip because it’s bigger, so it feels less busy, and it’s great for both snorkelling and hiking— check out my article to find where the best snorkelling spots are, and for details about the hike.

Like Green Island, Fitzroy has one resort. We wished we stayed over on our second visit as we were enjoying the island so much, but I’d probably only book one night, as similarly to Green Island, the place is said to need some TLC (and the restaurant is average at best). Unlike Greenie however, you can also camp on Fitzroy, which we did once.

Green Island Vs Fitzroy 

Green Island is also stunning. It’s lined with powder-soft white sand, and it’s slightly closer to the outer reef so the snorkelling is marginally better.

However, as it’s flat and much smaller than Fitzroy (just 12 hectares compared to Fitzroy’s 339), it can quickly fill up with day trippers and doesn’t offer the same epic hikes. I remember it being really busy when we came last, mainly with large groups of Chinese tourists. However that was 10 years ago, and the region has seen an ease in mass visitors post-Covid. Daily ferry trips to Greenie are slightly pricier at $107 per adult.

Green Island Resort receives marginally better reviews than Fitzroy, though my Melburnian buddy who came here a few years ago said it’s in need of an update and was disappointed with the food offerings (I’m not sure if there have been any upgrades since then). Staying here is also four times the price of Fitzroy Island, although transfers are included. 

9. Explore Cairns Botanic Gardens

The Cairns Botanic Gardens really surprised me. For some reason I was expecting it to be dull and boring, but it was actually one of the nicest days out I’ve had in Cairns!

Because of the tropical climate here, it’s extremely well-suited to house lots of beautifully weird and interesting plants (see below for the crazy array of tree tunks). Even though Cairns isn’t exactly a monster urban jungle, it was nice to escape the concrete and hit the green. It really feels like you’re in the rainforest, and it’s only 10 minutes up the road!

Cairns Botanic Gardens is positioned in the leafy and trendy Edge Hill neighbourhood, which houses a few cool restaurants you could sneak off to (check out Guerrilla, Noa or Ozmosis).

The gardens are split into several sections—highlights were the Aboriginal Plant Use Garden, the historic Flecker Garden, the Rainforest Boardwalk and the Watkins Conservatory. We didn’t have enough time to see everything, as it’s huge. Probably best to spare a good 3-4 hours.

If you’re more keen to spot local fauna than flora, you could also come here for a special night walk. Much of the wildlife in Far North Queensland is nocturnal, so heading out with a guide after dark is a great way to spot them. (Otherwise, check out my post on places to find them yourself in the Atherton Tablelands).

10. Hit the Northern Beaches

When it’s time for beach therapy, you should check out one (or more) of Cairns’ 10 Northern Beaches. Palm Cove is the most popular (and my favourite) as it’s pretty and palm-lined, with the widest range of hotels, great restaurants and boutiques, though it still has a really chilled vibe. Many of the others are generally pretty local and quiet—I like Trinity, Clifton, and Holloway’s Beach as alternatives. There’s also a nudist beach in the mix (Buchans Point), so whatever rocks your boat eh!

Personally I think the further up the coast you go (to Palm Cove & Ellis Beach), the more beautiful the beaches get .. but maybe I’m just being spoilt, most are pretty hot. During stinger season (November to May), you’ll probably want to head to one that has a swimming enclosure so you can enter the water safely. Ellis Beach is also a nice place to camp (beachfront cabins are available too), and if you’re without camping gear, you can rent it here at a pretty good rate.

To reach the beaches, it’s easiest to drive. Otherwise, take an Uber, or the local bus service goes to Palm Cove.

11. Visit the Cairns Museum

On holiday, I’m not usually much of a museum person, but I always think you should leave knowing something new about where you’ve visited. Since checking out the Cairns Museum, it really piqued my curiosity about Far North Queensland’s short but colourful, and at times, dark history.

You’ll find out about the region’s Traditional Owners, local characters like Rusty Rees and how Cairns transformed from humble origins into a thriving international city. This place is really well curated and makes for a great rainy-day activity or a way to escape the heat.

12. Go Kiteboarding!

There’s quite a big following of kiteboarders and foilers in Cairns, so the Northern Beaches are a popular hangout. If you have your own gear then just rig up solo at Yorkeys Knob, or if you’re a beginner then get in touch with Andy and Luke at Pacific Watersports. The Sailor and I had a few lessons with these cool Kiwis and they’re really good. Depending on the tide, they’ll either take you to Yorkeys which has a nice flat lagoon further down the beach (their main spot) or at Double Island opposite Palm Cove.

Fore more spot details or for a list of others nearby, check out Kiterr.com.

13. Immerse yourself in Aboriginal Culture

Cairns and Far North Queensland have one of the largest Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander populations in Australia (17%). One thing I love about living here is learning about their culture and connection to country. We did a tour with local legend Juan Walker, who’s based an hour up the coast near Port Douglas—read more about the experience here.

When you walk around Cairns, you’ll notice many sculptures by local Aboriginal artists, galleries and information boards by the esplanade. Australia’s leading Indigenous Arts Fair (CIAF) is also held in Cairns every year (August 18-22 for 2021). Here are two more experiences I’d recommend:

Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel

Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel offers tours to the Great Barrier Reef from a unique perspective with indigenous storytelling. This eco-certified tour incorporates Aboriginal culture with a full day of snorkelling or diving at two sites. Currently, this is the only experience of its kind in Australia. Check out more details here.

Mandingalbay

This three-hour eco-cultural tour is led by Mandingalbay Yidinji Indigenous Rangers who’ll take you to their lesser-known land around Cairns for an immersive cultural experience. It begins with a boat ride across Trinity Inlet, where you’ll be welcomed to country with a cleansing smoke ceremony. After you’ll be led on a guided walk through the rainforest, learning more about bush medicine, tucker and their connection to the land. Check their reviews and book here, or visit their website. 

14. Visit Cairns Gallery

Cairns Gallery is really well curated with some great exhibitions on offer— and it’s free! The Archibald Prize even made it here in 2021 (the first time it’s entered QLD soil!), and I’ve seen some other insightful Aboriginal artwork and local contemporary pieces too. To find out more about current exhibitions, visit the gallery’s website.

15. Hike The Douglas Track to Glacier Rock

This lush rainforest is nestled in the fringing Wet Tropics World Heritage Area in Kuranda, just a 20-minute drive from Cairns. It houses a network of thousands-of-years-old trails, originally blazed by the Djabugay Aboriginal people, who walked them for trade, to gather seasonal food, and to visit ceremonial sites. There’s a whole heap to explore, which is listed in this brochure – choose your own or take my personal favourite, the Douglas Track.

It starts off in dense rainforest which has some interesting flora, and at the summit you’re treated to a ripper view of Cairns, the Northern Beaches & nearby ranges. This is also cassowary territory, so keep your eyes peeled!

To get here: follow your GPS to ‘Speewah Regional Park Campground’ and park up just before it, opposite the Djina-Wu Track sign. Take this 765m trail, which begins on a boardwalk before leading you to a junction where you’ll begin the Douglas Track. It’s really well signed and undulated, so you won’t get lost.

Then after about 1.5 hours (approx. 4.5k) you’ll come to a crest with a sign to your right saying ‘Glacier Rock’. Take it and walk 250m up to the lookout for incredible views. We completed the return track in 3.5 hours— read the full trail low-down in my article.

Fancy seeing more? If you have time, then stick around in Kuranda and make a stop at the impressive Barron Falls (below). After I’d recommend checking out Kuranda’s Original Rainforest Market in the village before rewarding yourself with some good local food— try Le Petit Cafe for a great savoury (or sweet) crepe, or a good snag and beer at German Tucker.

Apparently, hippies first moved to the region in the 60’s and set up a shanty settlement on Holloways Beach (one of the Northern Beaches) before moving on to Kuranda a decade later.

16. Kayak or SUP to Double Island

If you’ve visited Palm Cove and ever wondered what that saucy double-breasted island is across the water, then that’s Double Island! Kayaking or SUP-ing there is a really fun, low-impact way to journey over, and you can spend some time snorkelling there when you arrive.

This place was once an all-island ‘exclusive’ retreat for the glitterati, with the likes of Brad Pitt, Jenny Aniston and Keanu Reeves coming for a stay (apparently the resort added a gym so he could train for The Matrix). It was even suggested as a possible honeymoon destination for Prince Wills & Kate-  I don’t think I could have made up a better intro myself.

Whilst the resort is sadly in disrepair since cyclone Yasi hit in 2011, the beaches are still very much open to day-trippers. It’s about a 1.7k/half hour kayak over (longer for SUP), and amongst the surrounding reef, you’re likely to spot a range of marine life, including Green & Hawksbill turtles and rays. Check out the tours on offer with Palm Cove Watersports, or the cool Kiwis at Pacific Watersports.

(Insider Tip: Shh, at the northern side of the island there are some secret hidden caves to explore!)

17. Be Entertained at CPAC

Cairns has properly amped up its visual and performing arts offerings over the past few years, and it’s on its way to becoming one of Australia’s leading arts hubs. The Cairns Performing Arts Centre opened its doors in 2018, replacing the old Civic Theatre. Now, this state-of-the-art modern facility hosts a range of local, state and national shows. It’s a really impressive building! Check here to see their schedule.

For other performances in Cairns, see what’s happening at Jute Theatre Company, Elixir Music Bar for music nights and tapas, or check out Ticketlink for a current list of events at a range of venues around town.

Where to stay in Cairns?

There are too many places to choose from in Cairns, but my favourite stays are those just a short walk from the Marlin Marina. Start your arvo with a quick welcome bevy at the Salt House, and if you resist the amazing smell of the wood-fired pizza, then good on you, go explore and check out some of these awesome Cairns eateries. Finish off with a nightcap at the Three Wolves, and then it’s just a few steps before you snuggle in a comfy bed. Happy days.🌈

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Yikes, that was a long one. Well done if you lasted to the end! I hope you found my article on things to do in Cairns useful. Over the years, it’s become one of my favourite Australian cities, and during my last FNQ stint, it’s been nice to experience a more local side to the city.

If you’d like to share your experience in Cairns or have a question, don’t be shy, comment below or send a DM.

Otherwise, stick around for some more Cans juice…