The only Cairns family holiday itinerary you need

Take a deep dive into Tropical North Queensland with your family in tow. As a buffet of adventures for all budgets, and all in the one place, Cairns and the surrounding Great Barrier Reef is one of Queensland’s most popular destinations for families. Seek out new experiences with your brood, inspiring and educating all the while as you take in this region’s melting pot of rainforest, reef and culture.

It’s easy enough to keep your holiday fun-packed but fuss-free while up north, with this Cairns family holiday itinerary.

Day One

Morning

Welcome to Cairns, the unofficial capital of Tropical North Queensland. A hefty array of history, outdoors escapes, and diverse dining will greet you in this thriving city - the hardest part will be choosing where to stay. Base yourself in Cairns for convenience, a place swamped by accommodation for all budgets. Save your pennies with a stay at the Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort. Or splurge at the latest luxury addition to town - the suavely dressed Riley on the Cairns Esplanade. Or stick to in-between at one of the handful of many family-friendly hotels you’ll find in the city centre. Mantra Trilogy is much-loved by those with teens thanks to the ample amenities available to enjoy, as is the Pullman Cairns International, an abode boasting plenty of all-inclusive family packages.

Afternoon 

After a morning making yourself at home, spend your afternoon getting better acquainted with Cairns and its delights. Cool off from the ever-present humidity a dip in the Cairns Lagoon, a 4800 square-metre saltwater swimming lagoon for year-round swimming safe from stingers and crocodiles. Or take a trip to the Cairns Aquarium, the only in the world devoted exclusively to the habitats and species of tropical North Queensland. 

Get out of town today with a trip to the rainforest town of Kuranda. The best way to get there is by scenic train - hop aboard the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway, a historic train which winds through dense rainforest, steep ravines and picturesque waterfalls along a line built by hand back in the late 1800s. Keep an eye out for the 15 hand-made tunnels and 37 bridges that line the path to your final destination of Kuranda, a town recognised as an arts and crafts mecca, and in possession of a daily market ideal for gathering souvenirs from your trip.

Afternoon

While in Kuranda, spend some time visiting one of the neighbouring natural landmarks. The most beloved of these is arguably Barron Gorge and its mighty 250-metre-high waterfall - take a shuttle bus through the foliage to see the landmark for yourself. But before making your way back to town, learn about the original inhabitants of these parts with a visit to the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park. Sitting on 100 acres in the middle of the World Heritage rainforest, the park is not only home to tours that voyage through land and water, but the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience which merges traditional dance performance, with didgeridoo, and a traditional weapons display.

Day Three

Morning

Take in the sights and sounds of the rainforest with a scenic drive through to the beautiful Daintree. It would be a sin not to include a visit to the Daintree Discovery Centre as a part of this Cairns family holiday itinerary. The award-winning establishment will see you connect with the culture of the region’s Kuku Yalanji people, who have called this area home for over 50,000 years. Spend your time here on a tour with a local Indigenous guide to discover their connection to the land. You’ll also have a chance to catch a better view of the rainforest, via the venue’s 23-metre-high viewing platform tucked into the canopy.

Afternoon

You’ll find Cairns has no shortage of food options, no matter how fussy your family members. But aside from the growing population of cafes and restaurants that call the region home, one of its most beloved edible offerings is the Daintree Ice Cream Company. This proudly sustainable specialty venue sits in a tropical fruit orchard in the forest, with trees irrigated naturally by rainfall, and ice cream made on site. But it’s not the typical flavours of chocolate and vanilla you’ll find here, but sorbet, gelato and ice-cream made from local exotic fruit. Tuck into a scoop of durian, soursop or macadamia, or local favourite, chocolate pudding fruit. Grab your family and follow your sweet treat with a self-guided tour around the property.

Day Four

Morning

It’s time to spend some time on the Great Barrier Reef - a non-negotiable when it comes to any Cairns family holiday itinerary. You’re time is particularly well spent on Fitzroy Island, a neighbour of Cairns with an army of outdoor adventures to enjoy. Fringed by coral reef, and covered in walking trails and rainforest, you can spend your time here snorkelling, swimming, sunbathing and exploring the idyllic destination.

If you have the time, embarking on a Turtle Rehabilitation Tour while you’re there is worthwhile - the volunteer operated, non-profit organisation is devoted to the rehabilitation of the reef’s sick and injured turtles, and continues to assist in the restoration of the reef for the benefit of generations to come.

Afternoon

Or forgo the effort of a self-guided trip to the reef, and instead join Sunlover Reef Cruises on their pontoon to while away the afternoon. Departing from Cairns, you’ll make your way to the company’s state-of-the-art Moore Reef Marine Base, your new home for the next four hours. A dream for the young (and young at heart) the pontoon is designed with all ages in mind - spend your time snorkeling, trawling the reef by glass bottom boat, and discovering the deep courtesy of the underwater observatory. Though the kids will no doubt be most impressed with the Sunlover Sunslide - the only theme park you’ll find among the rainbow coral of the Great Barrier Reef.