7 Days In Cairns
Are you wondering how to spend your 7-day holiday in Cairns?! You're in the right place! Our local experts have listed all the best ways to spend a week in Cairns. Whether you’re chasing a thrill or are in need of a tropical getaway, we have selected a few different activities, tours and adventures you can dive into, to make your week in Cairns the most memorable. Cairns really does have something for every kind of traveller, whether you’re a couple looking for a luxury stay, a family looking for an adventure-filled week or a group of friends excited for a thrill-seeking escape. With plenty of activities and fun ways to fill your week, you may be spoilt for choice, our friendly local staff are ready to help you make your unique itinerary for an unforgettable week in Cairns.
Must-do activities and places to go in Cairns:
- Take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef!
- Visit the oldest living rainforest in the world, the Daintree Rainforest
- Travel in style to the amazing Kuranda rainforest village
- Venture into the Atherton Tablelands and explore the amazing waterfalls that await
- Get close to Australian wildlife at Hartleys Wildlife Park
- Relax on Green Island, a unique reef and rainforest Coral Cay
- Take a thrilling jump, skydiving over two world heritage-listed sites
- Experience the reef at night on our liveaboard overnight tours
- Enjoy unbeatable views over the Great Barrier Reef, with our scenic flights
- Learn to scuba dive and get up close to the wonderful marine life
What to do in Cairns for 7 days?
With our expert local knowledge, we have put together a 7-day itinerary in Cairns. Cairns is best seen within 7 days, you’ll have plenty of time to discover Cairns and all it has to offer.
With 7 days in Cairns, expect to snorkel along the corals of the Great Barrier Reef, explore the world heritage listed Daintree Rainforest (the oldest living rainforest) and visit the scenic village of Kuranda, home to the butterfly sanctuary, Birdworld and Kuranda Koala Gardens and so much more.
Day 1 - Kuranda
Start your trip in Cairns by taking in aerial views from the Skyrail rainforest cableway to the Kuranda rainforest village. Discover ancient, heritage-listed rainforests and waterfalls, as you relax and take a seat on the remarkable railway journey from Cairns to Kuranda! Relax and enjoy the surpassing views of beautiful nature and surrounding flora and fauna. Once in Kuranda, you can browse the village markets, cafes and shops, a perfect place to pick up gifts for family and friends. Kuranda is also home to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, where you can catch sight of the stunning array of local butterfly species. And if you are looking for an authentic indigenous cultural experience, head over to the Rainforestation Nature Park, there you’ll have the opportunity to throw a boomerang and learn all about one of the oldest surviving cultures in the world.
Enjoy the rainforest from all angles in Kuranda, alongside quirky market stalls and shops!
Day 2 - Croc Tour
Discover the wondrous worlds of Aussie native wildlife at this sustainable nature park! North Queensland is known for its large crocodile population, so why not take a closer look at these incredible reptiles? Hartley’s Wildlife Park is the first place to breed crocs in captivity and one of the oldest-running tourist attractions in the Cairns region. The biggest highlight of the park in the croc feed, an event not to be missed when visiting Hartley’s Wildlife Park. Not only does Hartley’s Wildlife Park have a croc enclosure but is your chance to see Cassowarys, Koalas, snakes, bats and an abundance of other Aussie animals and insects.
Day 3 - Reef
Uncover this unmissable natural world wonder; the Great Barrier Reef. Swim and navigate the underwater wonder and catch sight of vibrant corals, giant clams and underwater creatures. This is your opportunity to swim alongside tropical fish, turtles, reef sharks and so much more.
Several reefs that you may visit during the day or overnight trips from Cairns are Michaelmas Reef, Oyster Reef, Upolu Reef, and Arlington, Saxons and Hastings Reef, to name a few. Each of these reefs is made up of unique coral formations, which are bordered by sand, seagrass and open ocean. With an extraordinary array of marine life, this is not to be missed!
Day 4 - Rainforest
Cairns is famous for having not only one, but two heritage-listed sites. Located north of Cairns is the Daintree rainforest; the oldest living rainforest on Earth, thriving for an estimated 135 million years! Walk beneath the canopies and discover tropical species of birds, bats, snakes, frogs, lizards, tree kangaroos, and so much more. There are so many different ways you can explore the Daintree rainforest and Cape Tribulation. We might recommend Uncle Brian’s tour, operated by the most knowledgeable local guides. Spend an adventure-packed day in the ancient rainforest, relax at the famous 4 Mile beach, see saltwater crocodiles in the wild, experience scenic lookouts and revel in unforgettable moments.
Day 5 - Atherton Tablelands
Visit the Atherton Tablelands, with its breathtaking waterfalls, and scenic views at every turn, between bushy rainforests and tranquil Lakes like Lake Eacham, be sure to take a plunge into the calm waters and enjoy this lake of volcanic origin. This corner of the world has some of the best national parks, waterfalls and hikes in Far North Queensland, as well as some of the best activities and experiences! Visit the Australian East Coast’s most famous waterfall, Milla Milla Falls, standing at 18.3 metres tall, you’ll want a picture at this beautiful site!
Day 6 - Visit an Island
There are two best islands off Cairns to visit, Fitzroy island and Green island. Fitzroy island is a coral beach island and a dreamy holiday destination only a short 45-minute ferry from Cairns, Marlin Marina. You can kayak, stand-up paddle board, snorkel, dive, or go on a reef safari or glass-bottom boat tour. Some of the best views of the island are enjoyed via a hike toward the island’s lighthouse. This island has direct access to the reef from its coral beaches, known to be a reef that attracts various species of turtles. Green Island is also home to the largest crocodile in captivity in Australia.
Day 7 - Rusty’s Market, Palm Cove
After an adventure-filled week in Cairns, we recommend spending your final day soaking in the rays and taking a picnic to the local beaches of Palm Cove. For the freshest local produce for your picnic, you must stop by Rustys Market, Cairns’ most extensive farmers market. If you’re looking to stay in the City, BBQs are also available along the Cairns Esplanade, and why not take a dip in the Cairns Lagoon to cool off? Day 7 of our itinerary can be an opportunity to check out Cairns City and all the things to do in town. If you have dinner in Cairns City, mosey through the night Markets afterwards and check out all the fun and interesting stalls!
