How to Spend Father's Day in Cairns
Celebrated on the first Sunday of September in Australia, Father's Day is a special occasion to show appreciation for the dads in our lives. If you’re in Cairns, a city surrounded by the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforests, you have a wealth of options to create a day your dad will remember for years to come.
Whether he's an adventure enthusiast, a foodie, or someone who enjoys relaxing, Cairns offers something for every type of dad. Here's our guide on how to spend Father's Day in Cairns!
How to Spend Father's Day in Cairns
Start with a Scenic Sunrise Breakfast
Kick off Father's Day bright and early with a scenic sunrise walk along the Cairns Esplanade and a delicious breakfast at one of Cairns’ many brekkie spots. Head to a waterfront café like Muddy’s or Bang & Grind, or if you’re in the Northern Beaches, head to Nu Nu Restaurant in Palm Cove, where you can enjoy a meal with stunning views of the Coral Sea. For a more laid-back atmosphere, consider Blackbird Espresso, known for its artisanal coffee and fresh pastries, or The Lillipad Cafe is a local favourite for wholesome meals everyone will enjoy.
Carnival On Collins Sunday Markets
Celebrate Father's Day this year at Carnival on Collins Sunday Markets, held at the Cairns Botanic Gardens. This vibrant event is part of the Cairns Festival and features live music, market and food stalls, and family-friendly activities in a lush tropical setting. Arrive early to beat the crowds and secure a car park as it will be buzzing with energy. It's a great way to enjoy a relaxed day with dad, surrounded by nature and the festive atmosphere of one of Cairns’ favourite community events.
Explore the Great Barrier Reef
For those dads that love the ocean, then a trip to the Great Barrier Reef is a must. If you don’t have a private boat or you’re just visiting Cairns, definitely book a day tour with a reputable company like Quicksilver Cruises or Passions of Paradise. These tours offer snorkelling, diving, and glass-bottom boat experiences, allowing Pops the chance to soak up the sun and sea. It’s a value-packed day of adventure, relaxation and family-time dad will be grateful for.
Chill out on a Tropical Island
If a whole day out on a boat is not for your dad, then the next best thing is vegging out on a tropical island like Fitzroy or Green Island. Pack your beach gear and catch the ferry over for a full day or half day of spending quality time with the Old Man. There’s plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy, from snorkelling and glass bottom boat tours, to renting kayaks and stand up paddleboards. Keep an eye out for sea turtles cruising the shorelines!
Enjoy a Rainforest Adventure
Visiting one of the many nearby rainforests offers up a fun family day out in some of the oldest rainforests in the world. Consider taking a guided tour to the Daintree Rainforest, Kuranda or the Atherton Tablelands. Or if you have your own car, pack a picnic lunch and opt for a scenic road trip. Walking through the lush rainforest, swimming in crystal-clear freshwater creeks and spotting unique wildlife will make for a chill and cruisey Father’s Day out.
Treat dad to a special fathers day outing on one of these tours from Cairns!
Visit a Local Brewery
For the beer-loving dad, a visit to one of Cairns’ local breweries for a pub lunch could be the perfect way to spend Father’s Day. Hemingway’s Brewery at the Cairns Wharf offers a relaxed atmosphere, with a range of craft beers brewed on-site. Or check out one of the many other boutique breweries located within the Cairns region. Take a brewery tour, sample some ales and enjoy the laid-back North Queensland vibes as you toast to your dad.
Savour a Seafood Lunch or Dinner
Why not indulge dad in a seafood lunch or dinner at one of Cairns’ renowned seafood restaurants for Father’s Day? Ochre and Dundee’s Restaurant on the marina’s waterfront are both known for their use of native Australian ingredients and offer up a unique dining experience that blends modern cuisine with traditional flavours. Alternatively, Splash on the Esplanade serves up fresh seafood with a side of ocean views of Trinity Bay.
Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight
For an extra memorable gift, consider booking your dad on a scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef or the Atherton Tablelands. Companies like Zoom Helicopters and Nautilus Aviation offer a range of tours that showcase the breathtaking beauty of the region from above. This exciting experience is sure to make this Father’s Day stand out as one of the best!
Photo: Nautilus Aviation
Go Fishing
If your dad enjoys fishing, then Cairns offers some of the best fishing spots in Australia. Head down to the Esplanade or the Barron River for some easy local estuary fishing. Alternatively, hire a boat and book a full or half day fishing charter for a day out on the water. Whether you’re deep-sea fishing for Red Emperor and Spanish Mackerel or casting a line in the calm waters of Trinity Inlet in hopes of hooking a Barramundi or Mangrove Jack, it’s a great way to bond with dad.
Photo: Cairns Boat Hire
Do a Sunset Cruise
As the day winds down, consider taking your dad on a dinner cruise or a sunset river cruise along the Cairns Trinity Inlet. Companies like Spirit of Cairns offer evening cruises that include dinner and drinks around Trinity Bay. Watch the sunset over the mountains while enjoying a meal on the water or charter a river cruise with drinks and nibbles for a serene way to wrap up the day.
No matter what your dad’s into, spending Father's Day in Cairns offers so many options to show Paps how much he means to you. Whether you spend the day exploring the natural wonders of the region or enjoying a relaxing meal together, the most important thing is to make memories that will last a lifetime. This year, give your dad the gift of quality time in one of the most beautiful places in Australia, if not the world.
