Is Cairns A Walkable City?
Cairns is a walkable city with lots of amazing local attractions that can be explored on foot! If you want to explore beyond the Cairns city centre, there is a huge range of tours and transport options that will help you see more as well.
Whether you're hoping to snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, swim in rainforest waterfalls, visit a wildlife park, tour jungle villages, or all of the above, everything is easily accessible in Cairns. It is the tourist hub of Tropical North Queensland, so transport and tours are plentiful. Here is a breakdown of walking around Cairns, what you can see and do, and how to travel beyond the city centre!
Is Cairns A Walkable City?
Yes, Cairns is a walkable city that is safe and easy to get around. The city centre is manageable on foot, whether you want to check out shops, cafes, markets, museums, walking trails, or swimming pools. Highlights of the Cairns city centre are all within walking distance of most local accommodations. Plus, walking is free, it's great exercise, and it's the best way to sightsee in Cairns! You can admire all the local street murals and art displays scattered around town.
Can you walk around Cairns?
You can easily walk around Cairns, and there are lots of transport options for those who can't or don't want to walk. Walking around Cairns is an enjoyable and entertaining way to pass the time. But taxis, Ubers, public buses, and hire cars are also available if needed! If you book tours around Cairns, accommodation pick-up and drop-off may be available as well.
Check out our full guide to getting around Cairns for more info!
Check out some of our most popular Cairns tours!
Things to do in Cairns on foot
If you are hoping to explore Cairns on foot, there are lots of fun things to see and do! Your first stop should be the Cairns Esplanade, a sunny and free walking path that trails along the ocean. Feel free to stop for a picnic, a workout, or a swim in the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon.
From the Esplanade, you can continue south to the Cairns Marlin Marina, where most Great Barrier Reef and island tours depart from. Some reef tours offer transfers to the marina for an extra cost, or you can choose to walk here and enjoy the view on the way!
You can also walk towards the city centre of Cairns and check out Rusty's Market, the Cairns Night Markets, or various local museums, shops, and cafes. There are lots of amazing places to eat and drink in Cairns, so there is no shortage of things to do while strolling around the city!
Where To Stay In Cairns
The best places to stay in Cairns are all within walking distance of the CBD! If you're hoping to stay somewhere that's convenient and right amidst the action, there are many hostels, hotels, and resorts around the town centre of Cairns. If you're a backpacker, you can find lots of cheap accommodation right in the heart of Cairns. If you're a family or anyone looking for a more upscale stay, there are luxury resorts, affordable hotels, and holiday rentals in Cairns. While searching for your accommodation, it's worth booking somewhere in the CBD so all the best attractions are within reach!
Beyond Cairns: How To Get Around
Though it's easy to walk around downtown Cairns, further transport may be required to explore beyond the city! Luckily, it's straightforward to travel beyond Cairns, between taxis, rental cars, guided tours, and public buses. From the lakes and waterfalls of the Atherton Tablelands, to the unique attractions in Kuranda, to the ancient forests and beaches of the Daintree Rainforest, to the islands and reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, it's well worth heading outside of Cairns! Here are the different ways you can reach these exquisite destinations.
Guided Tour
The easiest way to travel beyond Cairns is with a guided tour. Not only is your transport covered, but your activities and food are often included as well. Plus, you don't have to plan an itinerary or research what to do. Your expert tour guides will share their knowledge and lead you on an amazing itinerary of Queensland's most beautiful places.
Most land-based tours to the rainforest and waterfalls include all transport to and from your accommodation. Some Great Barrier Reef tours charge an extra fee for hotel pick-up, but they depart from the Cairns Marlin Marina which is walking distance from the town centre anyway. Just read your tour page in-depth to see if hotel pick-up is included or not!
Rental Car or Campervan
For a bit more freedom and flexibility to explore around Cairns, hire your own vehicle! You can find cheap hire cars right in the city centre of Cairns which are perfect for day trips. If you're looking for a longer and more adventurous trip outside Cairns, consider a campervan! You can hire a well-equipped, sturdy van which includes accommodation and cooking materials. Vans are ideal for epic East Coast road trips and multiday adventures into the rainforest.
Taxi
Taxis and Ubers are also available for travelling around Cairns! These are perfect for short trips in and around the city, such as the Northern Beaches or Cairns Botanic Gardens. Or if you're hopping around on a night out, taxis are super handy. You can call a taxi or use the Uber app, or just flag one down in popular tourist areas like Cairns Central. Taxis are a more expensive form of transport though, so you probably wouldn't choose a taxi or Uber for a long day trip outside the city.
Bus
Buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around Cairns and beyond via public transport. Whether you're travelling along the coast to destinations like Airlie Beach, Port Douglas, or Cape Tribulation, buses are the cheapest way to get around. Local buses are also handy for getting to hotspots within Cairns on a budget.
