Cairns Travel Guide - Visiting The Barrier Reef and Tropical North

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Cairns, Queensland by Tom Donders on Unsplash.

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Travel Guide For Visitors to Cairns

Cairns guide to The Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest and unforgettable adventures in Queensland’s lush Far North. Travel tips, where to go and what to do. Share on Facebook

Warm Welcome to Cairns

Cairns is hot, it's humid, and it's absolutely teeming with life.

Cairns and The Tropical North

Whether you're into barefoot island escapes, crocodile spotting, or eating seafood with your toes in the sand, you're in the right place.

Cairns, the sun-soaked city in Far North Queensland, is far more than a base for snorkelling trips. It's the beating heart of the Tropical North, where rainforest meets reef and adventure never clocks off.

Why Travel to Cairns?

Set on a narrow strip between the Coral Sea and the Atherton Tablelands, Cairns is a tropical hub with world-class natural attractions on its doorstep.

It's one of the few places on Earth where two World Heritage Sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, sit side by side.

You don't even need to hire a car to start exploring.

Cairns is also known for its friendly vibe, great food scene, and relaxed pace.

The Esplanade Lagoon, buzzing night markets, and reef terminals make the city easy to navigate for first-timers, families, and solo adventurers alike.

Things to Do in Cairns and the Tropical North

Explore the Atherton Tablelands

Just a short drive inland, the Tablelands are a cooler, greener contrast to the coast.

Think rolling farmland, crater lakes, and waterfalls you can swim beneath.

Highlights Include

Millaa Millaa Falls, Lake Eacham, and tasting local produce from cheese-makers and coffee roasters.

Island-Hop to Fitzroy or Green Island

Looking for that castaway feeling?

These tropical islands are a quick ferry ride from Cairns and ideal for a day trip.

Expect white sandy beaches, coral gardens, and hiking trails with views to die for.

Which One is Best

Green Island - For swimming and snorkelling,

Fitzroy Island - For hiking and adventure.

Ride the Skyrail or Scenic Railway to Kuranda

Travel over the rainforest canopy by gondola or ride the historic train through hand-cut tunnels and waterfalls.

Kuranda is a colourful rainforest village with markets, wildlife parks, and local crafts.

Pro Tip: Go up one way and return the other, for the best of both views.

Snorkel or Dive the Great Barrier Reef

This is the main event.

Cairns is the gateway to some of the most accessible and spectacular parts of the reef.

Whether you're a certified diver or a nervous snorkeller, there are trips to suit every comfort level.

Top Barrier Reef Tip

Look for reef tours heading to outer reef pontoons or liveaboard diving experiences for more time in the water.

Wander Through the Daintree Rainforest

Step into a world where ancient trees tower overhead and cassowaries wander the undergrowth.

The Daintree Rainforest is thought to be over 180 million years old; that's older than the Amazon.

Don't Miss

A guided night walk to see the forest come alive after dark, or a croc-spotting cruise on the Daintree River.

When to Visit Cairns

Cairns is a tropical destination with two main seasons.

The dry season is generally considered the best time to visit, especially if you're keen on snorkelling and rainforest walks.

Dry Season (May to October)

Cooler, less humid, and perfect for outdoor activities.

Wet Season (November to April)

Expect heavy rains, higher humidity, and the chance to see waterfalls at their most dramatic.

Where to Stay in Cairns

From backpacker hostels with rooftop pools to luxury resorts with ocean views, Cairns caters to every budget and travel style.

Many visitors also base themselves in nearby Port Douglas or Palm Cove for a quieter beach vibe.

Popular Areas

Central Business District - Great for access.

Esplanade - Close to restaurants.

Northern Beaches - For a laid-back, local feel.

Popular Hotels in Cairns

Getting Around

Cairns is compact and walkable, with plenty of tours offering hotel pick-up.

For exploring further afield; the Daintree, Tablelands, or Cape Tribulation, hiring a car gives the most freedom.

Coolong Off

There's no beach in central Cairns, but the public lagoon is a brilliant (and free) spot to cool off.

Food and Drink in Cairns

Fresh, tropical, and locally inspired, dining in Cairns reflects its surroundings.

Expect lots of seafood, locally grown produce, and laid-back eateries where shoes are optional.

Must Try

Mud crab, barramundi, tropical fruit platters, and a local brew from one of the city's craft breweries.

Picture This

Cairns and the Tropical North offer more than photo ops and postcards.

This is where you come to dive deep; into the reef, the rainforest, and take home the kind of travel memories that last longer than a tan.

Whether you're chasing waterfalls, lounging on an island, or tucking into seafood with a Coral Sea sunset, the Tropical North turns every traveller into a content creator.

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