The best things to do with kids in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Cairns has an abundance of waterfalls to explore, as well as equally amazing waterholes and stream beds, that will keep the kids in adventure-mode all day long.

Two great family-friendly options include Crystal Cascades and Stoney Creek Falls.

Crystal Cascades, 25 minutes west of Cairns city, is a secluded freshwater swimming hole nested in a tropical rainforest. Small waterfalls flow into large pools that are bordered with incredible granite boulders—making it a magical spot to relax. With public toilets in the car park and a paved walking track to the main waterfall (approximately 1.2 kilometres) this destination is easily accessible for all ages. (The rock pools closer to the car park are better swimming areas for small swimmers). Pack a picnic and set up at one of the council-managed tables and BBQs for a feast in the rainforest.

Stoney Creek Falls, slightly further north than Crystal Cascades, is another great spot to take a dip or go for an easy-to-moderate trail walk. The trail gets trickier the further you go, so stick to the waterholes closest to the car park so the little ones’ legs don’t burn out.

If you’ve visited these locations already and want a new one to explore, have a look at our top 10 waterfalls post for more falls inspiration.

2. Visit Atherton Tablelands

For a dose of serenity, head to Atherton Tablelands. Take a scenic country drive, go wildlife spotting (keep a close eye out for the tree kangaroo), indulge in local food and learn about the geological history of the area. Make sure to visit the over 500-year-old curtain fig tree, where the kids will be wowed by the enormous aerial roots that hang down from its branches. At the base of the tree is a short boardwalk that’s stroller and wheelchair accessible.

3. Stay cool at the Cairns Lagoon

For a day of water and sunshine, head to Cairns Lagoon—located right on the town esplanade. The salt water lagoon is surrounded by sandy shores, timber decking and shady palm trees, so there’s plenty of space to spread out and spend the day lounging around.

The kids will be pulling your arm to take them to the splash park, Muddy’s Playground, which is equipped with interactive facilities and a plethora of play equipment. One of the great activities to do with kids in Tropical North Queensland.

4. Sightsee along the Great Tropical Drive

If your crew enjoys a road trip, a cruise along Great Tropical Drive is a must-do. Departing from Cairns, this journey will take you to Palm Cove then Cape Tribulation. Expect breathtaking views of the rainforest-dotted coastline, as you wind your way between two World Heritage-listed sites—the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics.

To capture this memory, stop at the Rex Lookout for a family photo, with the stunning seas in the background. Plus, be sure to pack a picnic and stop at one of the many beaches on the way.

5. Go cassowary spotting

If you want to see a cassowary in the wild, your best bet is around Mission Beach—otherwise known as the Cassowary Coast.

Djiru National Park, traditionally owned by the Djiru Aboriginal people, has a dedicated children’s cassowary walk and an information shelter where you can learn all about these endangered birds. If you’re not fortunate enough to find one in the wild, you can always visit the Big Cassowary statue in town—it makes for an epic photo opportunity!

Bring your wallet

6. Adventure around Kuranda

Kuranda is a marvellous location that’s well worth dedicating a whole day to. Only 25 kilometres from Cairns, this thriving rainforest village is elevated 380 metres above sea level. The most popular way to travel to Kuranda is via the Scenic Railway, where you get the novelty of riding in a vintage steam train. On return, step onboard the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, where you’ll experience the unique bird’s-eye view of the rainforest and get stunning views of the coastline.

There’s a tonne of activities to enjoy while at the village. Take a casual wander through the heritage markets, art galleries and other shops, or have an animal encounter at the Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld and Koala Gardens. A must-do activity with kids in Tropical North Queensland!

7. Dine with wildlife

If you’re staying in Port Douglas, take the family out for breakfast or lunch with the lorikeets at Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat. This award-winning sanctuary, dedicated to conserving australian wildlife, has been offering guests a buffet breakfast with the company of resident birds for over two decades. When you lunch with the lorikeets, you’ll also be able to meet other birds such as curlews and cockatoos. You can even take a selfie with your new feathery friends to look back on!

When you’re not dining with the wildlife, spend the day enjoying the rest of the sanctuary’s interactive environments, such as the wetlands, rainforest and grasslands, where you’ll find native creatures of all shapes and sizes.

8. Learn about Crocodiles

If getting up close to crocodiles is on your Tropical North Queensland bucket list, make a visit to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, which is about as close as you can safely get to a croc’s natural habitat. Here, you’ll spend the day learning about the evolution and conservation of these prehistoric giants, and cruise through a lagoon with crocodiles up to five metres in length.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, sign up for the Big Croc Experience where you can pole-feed a crocodile (this is only for the big kids—children under 16 aren’t permitted).

9. Explore the Great Barrier Reef

A visit to Tropical North Queensland isn’t complete without a visit to the mesmerising Great Barrier Reef. There’s a plethora of ways to experience the reef, but with a young family it can be difficult to know which operators are best to escort you to the wonderful underwater world. This guide has all the answers.

10. Marvel at the Crystal Caves

One hour from Cairns, in the Atherton Tablelands, lies a destination that has to be seen to be believed. The Crystal Caves is a 300-square-metre collection of tunnels and grottos bursting with crystals and fossils, that the kids can touch and feel to their heart's content. You can even crack your own on the Crack a Geode Experience!

The cave was built by René Boissevain in 1987, when he wanted somewhere to display his collection of natural crystals and prehistoric fossils (that he spent his life collecting from all over the world). One of the must-do activities with kids in Tropical North Queensland.

11. Explore Paronella Park

Transport your little tourists to another time and place at Paronella Park—a magical destination where Spanish migrant Jose Paronella fulfilled his dream of building a castle.

At Paronella Park, you can explore 13 acres of fairytale-worthy gardens, fountains, bridges and, of course, the castle.

The onsite eatery, Cafe on the Deck, is the place to refuel throughout the day. Make sure to try the locally sourced tea and banana smoothie made with bananas from a local plantation.

12. Discover the Daintree

Part of the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics, Daintree Rainforest is a 1200-kilometre gem of nature with vast wildlife and history. As one of the most complex ecosystems in the world, this destination is truly special and definitely worth exploring.

Where better to start than the Daintree Discovery Centre in Cape Tribulation, where you can experience every level of the rainforest from the forest floor to the top of the canopy via an aerial walkway and 23-metre tower. The centre includes interactive games and videos, as well as a creek ecology display that has living turtles, frogs and other reptiles.

If you want to stay for an extended period, follow this handy seven-day itinerary.

13. Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture

While you’re in Tropical North Queensland, take the opportunity to learn about the Indigenous people who previously inhabited the land. Two great options are Walkabout Cultural Adventures and the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks.

Walkabout Cultural Adventures is a 100% Aboriginal owned-and-operated tour, based around the Mossman Gorge, coastal habitats and Daintree River. You’ll learn about the Kuku Yalanji people’s environment, food, medicine and hunting practices on either a full-day or half-day tour (the choice is up to you). Pick-up spots include Port Douglas, Mossman and Daintree Village, and are included in the tour price.

For a shorter option, the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks is just 1.5 hours and takes you from the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre through the rainforest to the Mossman River. Experience a traditional smoking ceremony, visit a sacred ceremony site, dig into bush tea and damper, and more. This tour includes free access to the Mossman Gorge shuttle bus.

Note: These tours are probably best for families with kids at least primary school age (so they can understand the information being shared).

14. The Undara Lava Experience

Head to Gulf Savannah to give your kids a history lesson and walk inside giant remnants of prehistoric volcanoes. The Undara Lava Experience will take you through one of the most well-preserved lava tube systems on Earth.

If you want to stay for more than the day, accommodation options include turn-of-the-century railway carriages, pioneer huts, swag tent village and campgrounds.

Note: November to January is ‘green season’ when this area gets almost all their annual rainfall. Some tours and experiences may not be available during this period so plan accordingly.

15. Fitzroy Island

Take a ferry ride to Fitzroy Island (they leave every day from Cairns Marina) and spend the day snorkelling, kayaking, hiking or simply relaxing.

The various operators have options that range from all-inclusive packages (travel, lunch and activities) to just transfers, so choose the boat company that best suits your family. Another one of the excellent activities with kids in Tropical North Queensland.

Almost free

16. Enjoy Hammock Heaven

The charming beach town, Palm Cove, located right off Captain Cook Highway, feels worlds away from reality. Settle into one of the cove’s many family-friendly accommodation options before taking the kids to the water for a swim. Why not have a nap in the hammocks under the palm trees while you’re there!

Spend the afternoon wandering through the village and enjoy an afternoon gelato or ice cream.

17. Indulge at Coffee Works

If you venture to Mareeba in the Atherton Tablelands, stopping here is a must. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the superb selection of chocolate, made in their very own chocolaterie. Chocolatiers handcraft dark, white and milk chocolate infused with the flavours of tropical Australia, so you’ll be in for a real treat!

Entry to the vibrant café is free, but make sure you stock up on some treats for the road (and when you're back home).