Is Cairns Worth Visiting?

Thanks to its vibrant city center and iconic landscapes and wildlife that surround it, Cairns is definitely worth visiting! Cairns itself is a lively city that doesn't feel as big and hectic as a metropolis like Sydney or Melbourne. It feels laid-back and accessible, with plenty to see and do on foot. Just outside Cairns, you have some of Australia's most unique natural wonders, from the world's oldest rainforest to the magnificent Great Barrier Reef.

Let our local travel experts explain why Cairns is 100% worth a visit!

Is Cairns Worth Visiting?

Cairns has World-Heritage-Listed natural beauty, diverse cultural attractions, and year-round tropical warmth, making it one of the best places to visit in Australia. As the unofficial hub of Tropical North Queensland, Cairns is an often underrated and underexplored city. While the nature surrounding the city is what lures travellers from far and wide, Cairns itself is well worth the stay. From authentic street food to bustling markets and waterfront views, here are our favourite reasons why you should visit Cairns.

Cairns has incredible food options

The streets of Cairns are cocooned with the type of cafe culture that could (almost) give Melbourne a run for its money. From cozy cafes and brunch joints to breezy esplanade coffee shops and no-frills canteens, the city is bound to leave your tastebuds tantalised. One of the most striking parts of Cairns’ food scene is the authentic street fare of Rusty’s Market and the Night Markets. Encompassing all of the flavours of East and South-East Asia, you’ll go on a trip through time with every bite of your banh mi or bento box. The city is also filled with upscale restaurants, seafood eateries, and adorable breakfast joints. 

Cairns has bustling markets to check out

While the natural wonders of the Far North is the central reason people come to Cairns and stay here, there’s a lot to be said for the market scene in the city. The world-famous Rusty’s Market is a bustling and vibrant day market that is open from Friday to Sunday. Featuring the freshest fruit and vegetables, incredible street food, nibbles, beverages and artisan bric-a-brac, Rusty’s could keep one occupied for hours. One of the best parts of the market is its atmosphere - handfuls of buskers line the surrounding streets and the market itself, making for an incredible overall vibe that will leave you grinning.

Open every night from 4.30pm to 11pm for casual, authentic dining and intriguing shopping, Cairns Night Markets are another great place to visit in Cairns. The bustle even lures locals in regularly, thanks to the delicious Asian street food available and its eclectic spread of stalls. From freshly farmed pearls to glass blowing, and for the daring, fish spas, there’s something to keep everyone perusing the maze until closing time.

The nightlife in Cairns is unbeatable

From the lively night markets to Vietnamese street food and unbeatable happy hours, there’s something special about the nightlife in Cairns. It's more mellow than big cities like Sydney or Melbourne, but the nightlife in Cairns has a laid-back, inclusive, welcoming atmosphere. 

Head to marina for a lively and upbeat atmosphere: filled to the brim with cocktail bars, snazzy tapas restaurants and beer gardens. As the creamy sunset hues descend over the marina, there’s something to be said about the atmosphere: it’s like nowhere else! 

If you’re more in the mood for an eclectic experience, stay in the CBD and tuck into one of the many low-light bars or nightclubs for an extravagant cocktail or two. Looking for something more chill? The Northern suburbs have got your back, with classy, laidback vibes to boot.

The Great Barrier Reef is right offshore

One of the main reasons why people visit Cairns is for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. There are countless boats that depart Cairns every single day for the reef. You can spend the day snorkelling, scuba diving, and sailing amongst the world's longest coral reef system. You can even spend multiple days on the reef with an immersive liveaboard! Mingle with colourful sea creatures and admire these precious coral reefs up close. Cairns is the perfect place to tick off this bucket list item - no visit to Australia is complete without seeing the Great Barrier Reef!

Cairns is surrounded by rainforests and waterfalls

Not only can you visit the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, you can explore some of Australia's most gorgeous rainforests and waterfalls. Just an hour outside of Cairns lies the Atherton Tablelands, a lush region of highlands, mountains, wetlands, and forests. From volcanic crater lakes, to charming country towns, to powerful waterfalls and gorges, the rainforest is one of the main reasons to visit Cairns. Adrenaline seekers can have a blast whitewater rafting or canyoning, or you can just road trip to the waterfalls or try a rainforest hike. There is so much to do in the beautiful area near Cairns!

You can visit the world's oldest rainforest on a day trip from Cairns

Just north of Cairns lies the world's oldest rainforest: The Daintree. Visiting this magical natural world is one of the best reasons to visit Cairns! Walk along deserted beaches, spot crocodiles on a river cruise, taste homemade exotic fruit ice cream, and stroll through dense forest trails. If you're lucky you may even spot a cassowary, one of Australia's most fascinating giant birds! If you’re short on time you can visit the Daintree Rainforest on a day trip from Cairns, though you can also rent a car and spend a few days up there. The Daintree has limited cell reception, few facilities, and a whole lot of mesmerising, untouched nature. 

Cairns has enticing tropical temperatures

Another reason why Cairns is worth visiting is the glorious weather! Located in Australia's Tropical North, you can find year-round sunshine and hot temperatures. Though there is a rainy season, you can still find some sun during the summer months and it's never too hot or too cold for exploring outside. You'll only need to pack a carry on for Cairns because you'll only need light, summer clothing year-round. 

Now you can see why Cairns is worth visiting! There is so much culture and natural beauty to explore here. 

Live chat with our team of travel experts if you need any help planning your trip to Cairns!