A local’s guide to things to do in Cairns with kids

There’s accommodation for any and every budget in Cairns, with the town overflowing with luxury resorts and self-contained apartments. Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is ideally located walking distance from Cairns' esplanade and main attractions, topped only by the inviting pool and school holidays programs.However whether you're looking for budget options or something more luxe like Crystalbrook Riley, family-friendly choices abound.

But no local’s guide to things to do in Cairns with kids is complete without mentioning the neighbouring islands. It’s here you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region while keeping the mainland in arm’s reach. Green Island or Fitzroy Island remain popular whether camping or a resort stay is your preference. There’s also Frankland Islands Group, though this is for experienced campers only - it’s BYO everything including water.

Eat & Drink

Family-focused dining is conveniently a specialty of Cairns. A visit to Prawn Star belongs on every local’s guide to things to do in Cairns. The floating fresh seafood trawler perched in the Cairns Marina merges both quality cuisine with entertainment value. Wharf One is another stand-out, boasting a ‘little people’s menu’ that doesn’t sacrifice the venue’s focus on quality, local produce, while grabbing an alfresco table by the water at Ochre is a must for parents keen to sample native ingredients while keeping the kids happy, too.

Or cook up a storm at your accommodation, procuring your ingredients from the famed Rusty’s Markets. Operating Friday to Sunday, this eclectic collection of food and drink stalls with a dusting of bric-a-brac promises to keep the kids entertained. Grab them a fresh sugar cane juice while you pile your basket high with fresh fruit and vegetables from the surrounding district, treating yourself to an authentic Vietnamese coffee.

Caffeine lovers need not fear, for there is a booming coffee scene in Cairns. Bring the kids with you on your daily latte pilgrimage - cafes like Bang & Grind and Caffiend have both a child-friendly breakfast menu and an excellent cup of coffee on offer.

Prefer something stronger? Local beer specialists Hemingway’s Brewery boasts a popular gastro brew pub which sits on Cairns Wharf in a family-friendly setting. While you tuck into one of the brand’s many craft beers on offer, your brood can enjoy a plate from the kids menu and a juice.  

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Don your walking shoes to explore the cluster of natural landmarks within reach of Cairns CBD. There are a number of non-negotiables when it comes to unmissable sites, including the ancient Daintree rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. But the rolling hills of the Atherton Tablelands just a 20 minutes drive away also offer plenty of adventure for the kids. So too do the bounty of waterfalls in the district - Crystal Cascades and Stoney Creek are two of the most popular places to take a dip, just 15 minutes away from the city centre. Pack a picnic and spend the day among nature.

Or connect your family with local culture with one of the many Indigenous tours available. Meander the rainforest on a one-day tour with Walkabout Cultural Adventures led by Kuku Yalanji man Juan Walker learning about bush tucker and coastal habitats. Or visit sacred sites on a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk through Mossman Gorge. Take to the high seas, with a Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel run boat tour to the outer reef, giving you the chance to explore the Great Barrier Reef through the eyes of a Traditional Owner.  

Looking for more things to do? Discover these kid-approved activities across Tropical North Queensland and a four-day itinerary to start planning.