30 incredible things to do in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Adventure

1. Don a snorkel and a pair of fins to explore the iconic Great Barrier Reef, a World Heritage-listed wonder. Whether you choose to explore from the sky, from the surface or underneath the water, unforgettable adventures await. Here are 30 unforgettable things to do on the Great Barrier Reef.

2. Greet the sunrise from Mount Cook summit, where your three-kilometre hike uphill is rewarded with sweeping views of the Great Barrier Reef.

3. Take to the skies, floating by Hot Air Balloon Cairns over the lush green of the Atherton Tablelands.

4. Four-wheel-drive your way across the famed Cape York Peninsula, the 1200km stretch of road that connects Cairns with the northernmost tip of Australia.

5. Horse ride along the beach at Cape Tribulation, where two World Heritage Areas meet.

6. Tighten your hiking boots and clamber up the top of Mount Bartle Frere, the highest mountain in the state.

7. Head for the outback, winding along the Savannah Way in the heart of the Savannah Gulf. Take a break from driving at desert oasis Cobbold Gorge, where you can wind your way through the towering gorge's waters by boat or SUP.

Beaches and islands

8. Beach-hop your way up the coastline, stopping at the most beautiful beaches along the way.

9. Treat yourself to a luxury getaway in idyllic Palm Cove, where crystal waters and white sands lined with palm trees await you.

10. Head south to quiet Mission Beach where you can ride bikes along the sand and explore life under the sea with a visit to the popular Beaver Reef Dive Site. 

11. Discover Green Island - a rare rainforest-clad sand cay in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. Although it's a national park, you can even stay here overnight.

12. Jump on the Fitzroy Flyer to Fitzroy Island National Park, where you can spend the day exploring its impressive collection of rainforest, mangroves, and coral beaches. There's a resort here if you want to extend your stay

13. Treat yourself to the ultimate indulgence at Haggerstone Island, a wild, remote spot 600km north of Cairns. 

Nature and wildlife

14. The leafy Wet Tropics rainforests of the Atherton Tablelands (the oldest living rainforests on Earth) are home to some of Australia’s most stunning waterfalls and natural swimming holes. Here are 17 awe-inspiring waterfalls near Cairns when you want to cool off.

15. .Head to Tully, the home of the Golden Gumboot, impressive Tully Gorge, and dip into geological wonder, the striking blue Cardwell Spa Pools.

16. Wander through Paronella Park, the ethereal ruined castle and surrounding gardens built by Spaniard Jose Paronella at Mena Creek Falls for his beloved

17. Keep an eye out for the endangered southern cassowary at Djiru National Park, protecting some of the last remaining lowland rainforest in the Wet Tropics.

18. Wander the trails within the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest living rainforest in the world at 180 million years. Walk amongst its ancient treetops at the Daintree Discovery Centre, perusing the canopy from a 23m high tower.

19. Frolic among the natural wonders of Barron Gorge National Park, inhabited by a collection of ravines, rugged mountains and rainforests and famed Barron Falls. The best way to arrive is to take a bird's eye view of the Skyrail. 

20. Swim with the local population of the dwarf minke whales off Cairns thanks to Mike Ball Dive Expeditions. Queensland is the only place in the world where you can do so.

21. Splash about in the serene blue waters of Lake Eacham, a 65m deep crater lake formed by volcanic explosions.

22. Delve underground, traversing the oldest and best-preserved lava tube systems in the world at Undara Experience.

23. Wander through the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, dubbed the country’s largest butterfly aviary and exhibit, gazing at its 1,500 tropical butterflies. Or pop in next door to Birdworld Kuranda and wander through the tropically landscaped aviary, home to the largest single collection of free-flying birds in Australia.

Cultural experiences

24. Immerse yourself in Indigenous culture, by taking a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk at Mossman Gorge Centre.

25. Make your way to the remote Torres Strait Islands, where Melanesian and Indigenous cultures intermingle alongside opportunities to island-hop, learn history, and discover local art.

26. Make the drive from Cairns to Cooktown, then spend a day or two exploring the area's history, and Indigenous culture and throw a line in the Endeavour River for the chance to catch coral trout, mackerel, jacks and trevally.

27. Get a history lesson at Quinkan Reserves Ancient Rock Art in Laura, where the prehistoric rock paintings have been listed by UNESCO as one of the top ten rock art sites in the world. For a fully immersive experience, head out with Jarramali Rock Art Tours. 

28. Gaze at the spectacular limestone caves in Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park, which began forming 400 million years ago - it's home to small galleries of Aboriginal rock art too. 

Food and drink

29. Taste your way through the farm stands, distilleries and makers in Atherton Tablelands.

30. Whether you’re after seafood, degustations, authentic ramen, or a good old-fashioned burger and fries, this pocket of tropical paradise has it all. Tuck into Cairns' best restaurants and cafes.