How Can I Spend 4 Days in Cairns?
You have a couple of days to yourself and you booked your trip to Cairns. Now you’re wondering how can you maximise and spend your 4 days with all that the place has to offer!
There’s something for everyone in Cairns! Whether you’re an avid wildlife seeker, a keen scuba diver, looking to learn about the rich Indigenous history or after a family-friendly holiday, Cairns is bound to impress!
Cairns is home to abundant tropical wonders such as the ancient Daintree Rainforest, the lush Atherton Tablelands, plentiful cascading waterfalls, the mesmerising Great Barrier Reef, rich culture and the stunning Cape Tribulation! Spend your days walking, swimming, snorkelling, diving and soaring through the sands, skies and seas of this biodiverse region... it really is a natural cornucopia!
So, whether you’re a beach person out to get that sun-kissed glow, a daredevil, or one who loves eco-tours, we’re here to help you capture your best holiday memories!
Your 4 Days in Cairns Itinerary
Day 1 - Go on a Reef Tour!
It’s not a Cairns experience if there is no reef tour on your itinerary! The 2-Day Oceanquest Liveaboard trip takes you to the Outer Reef locations so you can snorkel and scuba dive to your heart’s content! Complete with flavourful food, a bar to fill you up with refreshing drinks and a lounging area onboard for that stellar view, it’s a destination that most people can only dream of! And the best part is, you don’t even have to worry about the equipment because all your diving gear and wetsuits are provided onboard!
Day 2 - Visit the Rainforest and Waterfalls
Our Rainforest and Waterfall Wanderers tour takes you to the most pristine falls, lakes, lagoons and rivers such as the Milla Milla Falls, Babinda Boulders, Josephine Falls, Curtain Fig Tree, and Lake Eacham where you can spot a platypus! The trip has an all-inclusive country lunch at Malander Pub plus beverages like morning and afternoon tea, coffee and hot chocolate just for you!
Day 3 & 4 - Swim in Freshwater Creeks or Go on an Eco-adventure!
The Uncle Brians 1-Day Cape Tribbin lets you experience the North of Queensland to discover and explore Cape Tribulation, swim at 4 Mile Beach, spot crocodiles and go on a walk to the world’s oldest forest - the Daintree Rainforest! It’s definitely a rejuvenating, action-packed experience worth capturing and showing friends on your return home!
You will equally enjoy the Great Adventures Green Islands eco-adventure that takes you on a 7-hour exploration of Green Islands where you can swim, snorkel, dive and rub shoulders with colourful marine life underwater by riding on a glass-bottom boat! Or you can slow down your pace by going on a relaxing, self-guided eco-walk! Just as we say, there’s something for every traveller in Cairns!
Or Choose to View Cairns from Above!
If you’re more of a thrill seeker, our AJ Hackett Bungy Jumping is Australia's first Bungy tower ever that lets you swing and jump 164 ft. in 16 different jump styles! If you book the early sunrise schedule from 5:54 AM to 8:40 AM, you treat yourself to a buffet breakfast!
You could also start your early morning by soaring above the skies of the Atherton Tablelands on a 30-minute Balloon Ride just before your adventurous dive to the reefs! It’s the perfect way to start your day, soaking in the panoramic views and wildlife in Atherton Tablelands. Just don’t forget to take pictures!
What to Pack for 4 Days in Cairns, Australia?
There’s quite a lot to do on your visit to Cairns in just 4 Days! Our tours offer wetsuits, underwater equipment and gear, stinger suit and paddleboards so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own! So, below is a list of some of the essentials that you should bring.
1. Clothes
If you’re spending 4 days in Cairns which has a tropical climate, it’s best to bring lightweight clothes like tank tops, shorts, rubber shoes and slippers as your trip will be jam-packed with adventures underwater and on land! Because Cairns tends to be a lot more humid, your clothes should be thin or comfortable enough to wear and move around in. Make sure to bring your swimwear, sunglasses and accessories for that fashionable photoshoot everyone will love on Instagram!
2. Sunscreen and Lotion
Since you’re going to be spending most of your time outdoors, protecting your skin is so important! To get that healthy sun tan shade, you need to use sunscreen that has at least an SPF30 or higher. The last thing you want is to get a red painful sunburn on your dream holiday! Of course, bringing your lotion, moisturiser, topical creams and insect repellent with you is just as crucial!
3. Phone and Camera
Your 4 days in Cairns won’t be complete without the photographs! To capture some of the most unforgettable memories you’ll ever experience, you’ll need your phone, camera, selfie stick and waterproof cases. Of course, you should bring your charger, power bank, portable outlet and adapter just to be sure that you don’t miss out on recording special moments and scenic views!
4. Cash
It’s never a bad idea to bring extra cash when you’re travelling especially when there are lots of adventurous places you’ll be visiting. And your trip is not complete without souvenirs that you can take home with you from the night markets where you can shop for artsy crafts, souvenirs, sweets, and eat good food!
5. Medicine
For that convenient trip, especially if you’re going on a full-day boat and sailing tour at the reef, don’t forget to bring things like your medicine, antihistamines, inhaler and snacks if you have food allergies - just so you don’t have to think about where the next bus stop is to the local pharmacy! Save yourself from the hassle!
Is 4 Days in Cairns Enough?
Honestly, 4 days in Cairns is simply not enough! For you to complete your experience, we recommend staying at least 7 days so you can relax, enjoy and discover all that is waiting for you in Cairns!
If you’re backpacking with friends or going solo, you should check out What Backpackers Do in Cairns and Where Backpackers Hang Out to know about the best bars and hottest spots to socialise and meet new people!
If you're a backpacker on a budget, we’ve got affordable backpacker deals like the Cairns Express tour just for you! You get to cruise on an air-conditioned catamaran to the hidden gems of Atherton Tablelands, Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest. Treat yourself to a delicious buffet, an afternoon tea with some cheese nibbles and tropical fruits onboard!
Similarly, the Reef Magic Pontoon is designed for you to have that private quality time that everyone of all ages can join! Whether you're an avid wildlife seeker, a keen scuba diver, or looking to learn about the rich history of the Outer Reef, the family-friendly holiday is bound to impress your loved ones!
For other 4 Day 3 Nights Packages you'll love in Cairns, check out:
1. Spirit of Freedom at the Coral Sea
It’s a favourite among advanced divers. The trip takes you on a diving experience to Osprey Reef, Cod Hole and Steve's Bommie where you can snorkel or scuba dive up to 15 times! It’s a rare chance to immerse yourself in a seascape of corals, caves, whales and colourful fish. Delicious meals and drinks are delicately prepared by the chef just for you!
2. Reef Encounter 4-Day & 3-Night
You will also enjoy one tour of the reef site to another where you can either dive or snorkel! Of course, you have full access to fine dining, a luxurious service if you join the Top Deck Club, a spa and recreational activities all onboard!
3. Oceanquest 4-Day 3-Night in Cairns
The Oceanquest gives you the option to stay 1 to 3 nights to watch the sunrise and sunset against the backdrop of the ocean! Dive and snorkel on the Outer Great Barrier Reef in Norman, Saxon, and Hastings Reef at your pace!
What’s more? There are different types of rooms you can choose from for that luxurious comfort suited to your style, aside from carefully prepared meals onboard!
4. Mike Ball 4-Night Fly & Dive - Coral Sea
The fly and dive package lets you explore the underwater world and spot the Great 8 like clownfish, manta rays, sharks, clams, turtle and whales! You have the option to dive at night too! And on your way back to Cairns, you get to treat yourself to a mouthwatering breakfast just before the aviation team takes you on a scenic flight!
5. Divers Den 4-Day 1-Night Open Water and Divers Den 4-Day Budget Open Water
If you’re up to a diving course, the Divers Den lets you learn in a 2-day instruction class (in a heated pool), and 2 days out in the open sea! Then you spend one night in the ocean for that ultimate diving experience in the Outer Great Barrier Reef! Of course, there’s appetizing food onboard and diving gear is all provided just for you!
Alternatively, if you’re on a budget, you can still learn how to dive with the Divers Den 4-Day Budget Open Water course. It’s the budget-friendly version of the 2-day instruction class in a pool, and 2 days of open water diving to test your skills just before you get your PADI certification! In other words, you get to learn from the best and top-quality instructors without breaking the bank!
