Raincheck: things to do in Cairns when it rains
List
By Danielle Reckless
Whether you're diving the reef or diving into a freshwater swimming hole, packing a towel is essential on any Cairns holiday. And while the warm tropical temps feel like endless summer up here, the summer season brings its own kind of magic.
Don't let a little shower rain on your parade. More often than not, when it's sprinkling in Cairns it's clear out on the reef: in fact, summer is one of the best times to take a snorkel or dive trip thanks to better water clarity. Add an abundance of freshly-picked tropical fruit, waterfalls at their peak, and a cool, glisten to our rainforests and there's plenty to get excited about.
Check out this list of things to do in Cairns when it rains.
Fuel your inspiration
Get to know Cairns’ rich culture through art with a visit to the Cairns Art Gallery, a free public gallery tucked inside one of the few remaining heritage buildings.
With the reef and rainforest as local artists' muse, it goes without saying the art here is colourful. And the take-home canvases, ceramics, sculptures and photography in the gift store are as vibrant as the World Heritage-listed wonders you’ll see in Queensland.
There are fantastic Indigenous art galleries all around Cairns that are worth a visit. And if you’re looking to pick up the paintbrush yourself, make your way to Janbal Gallery in Mossman for a workshop with gallery owner and resident artist Brian (Binna) Swindley.
Hide out - and cool off - in the hinterland
Of all the things to do in Cairns when it rains, this is the most delicious.
Pack your appetite and your poncho to discover the food bowl of Tropical North Queensland with a guided tour of the Atherton Tablelands. Outback Tasting Tours will introduce you to the produce and smallgoods that make this region famous on a very indulgent day tour. With taste-testing stops at Gallo Dairy, Mount Uncle Distillery and Jaques Coffee Plantation, every important food group (booze, coffee and cheese) will be covered.
While you're here, cool off with a journey on the Waterfall Circuit. This little road trip will take you to Millaa Milla Falls, Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls, which are some of Cairns best. And they're even more enchanting with a little rain to cool off the jungle around you.
Meet the fishes
Come face to face with creatures of the deep – no snorkel required – at Cairns Aquarium.
Replicating the waterways of our tropical north, this aquarium takes you on a journey through 10 different ecosystems from mangroves, shoreline to the outer reef. There’s over 15,000 animals representative of 71 habitats to discover. If you’re looking not just to see animals but help save them, you can also take a guided tour to the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.
Feeling adventurous? Sign up to dive with the sharks! The fun continues after dark, with twilight tours offering guests a fascinating Night at the Museum peek at what the animals get up to at night.
See rain in the rainforest
Don’t rule out a rainforest discovery just yet. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway doesn’t let a bit of rain get in the way of its journey from Smithfield Terminal to Kuranda.
The rainforest here existed long before dinosaurs roamed the earth. And the views just get all the more Jurrasic as you glide over the canopy and through the mist. The cableway stops at Red Peak Station and Barron Gorge Station to get amongst the foliage and see the impressive Barron Falls in all its glory.
Walk through the pages of history
If you’re only familiar with Cairns’ natural history, it’s time to get schooled in the stories of Australian exploration, Aboriginal history and early Australians toiling away in the heat and humidity of the tropics at Cairns Museum.
This is one museum that doesn’t dance around the tough stuff – toads, mould and mozzies all make an appearance in this playful look at life in the tropics. You’ll find it two blocks from the Cairns Esplanade.
Go rafting
If you’re gonna get wet, do it properly – and with a few thrills. A little rain just adds to the excitement of tackling the rapids of Barron River.
With grade 3-4 rapids and front row seats to the beauty of Barron Gorge National Park, this is an experience you’ll remember forever. Head out with Foaming Fury on a half day or full day rafting advemture, plus there's a family rafting tour too.
Try the fruits of your storm-watching labour
Summer is tropical fruit season in Cairns. The farm stands are abundant, you'll find fruit stalls dotted along the highway, and you can sample the best of everything at Rusty’s Market.
This undercover market on Grafton Street won’t have you running from stall to stall trying to stay dry. Held on Friday, Saturday (5am-6pm) and Sunday (5am-3pm), you can load your basket with exotic fruit, vegetables and fresh bread. It’s a health foodie’s paradise, with over 180 stalls.
Don’t skip the queue for the Vietnamese coffee either: it’s sweetened to perfection with condensed milk.
Take the little ones to Inflatable Kingdom
Kids and rain go together like cats and the car, so keep this one up your sleeve if Cairns is being particularly tropical. Inflatable Kingdom in the inner-west suburb of Manoora is just as it sounds – a world of jumping castles, inflatable slides and obstacle courses.
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