What Is So Special About Cairns?
Cairns is special for many reasons, most notably the reef, rainforest, waterfalls, and local attractions. As the main tourist hub of Tropical North Queensland, Cairns is the perfect place to begin any exploration of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. With flourishing coral reefs, dazzling islands, ancient jungles, and cascading waterfalls, the natural beauty around Cairns is immeasurable. Throw in the culture, entertainment, and laid-back atmosphere of the city itself and you’ve got one of the best destinations in Australia!
Where Is Cairns?
Cairns is located in the northeast of Australia in the state of Queensland. Though Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland, Cairns is the unofficial capital of the state’s tropical north. It's the biggest city north of Townsville and the 5th largest city in Queensland. Due to its size and population, Cairns is well-equipped with an international airport, plenty of accommodations, rental car companies, tourism agencies, and attractions. So it's super easy to access Cairns and plan your trip here.
What Is So Special About Cairns?
The main reasons why Cairns is special are its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, the surrounding tropical rainforests and waterfalls, and its enticing local culture. Nature and adventure enthusiasts can snorkel, scuba dive, sail, island-hop, river-raft, bungy jump, skydive, hike, and swim around Cairns. Art and culture lovers can join indigenous tours, browse markets, attend local festivals, and visit the city's attractions and museums. Cairns honestly has so much to offer for all types of travellers! Let's dive into more detail about why Cairns is so special.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef covers the northeast coast of Australia, and Cairns is one of the closest cities to the reef! By boat, it only takes about an hour to reach the Outer Reef from Cairns. So it's super easy to access the world's largest coral reef system from Cairns, and the variety of reef tours and activities are a huge draw for travellers in Cairns.
Here are some of the most popular Great Barrier Reef day tours from Cairns!
Snorkelling and Scuba Diving Tours
Cairns has every type of reef tour imaginable from day trips to dive courses to multiday liveaboards! There are budget tours, luxury tours, family-friendly tours, advanced diving tours, learn-to-dive tours, and snorkelling tours. So if you've ever wanted to snorkel or dive in the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is the perfect place to do so.
Tropical Islands
Another option for visiting the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns is an island tour! Instead of venturing to the Outer Reef on a dive boat, combine your underwater exploration with a bit of tropical island exploring. Green Island, Fitzroy Island, Michaelmas Cay, and the Frankland Islands are idyllic islands surrounded by fringing coral reefs that make a stunning day trip from Cairns.
Scenic Flights
You can also explore the Great Barrier Reef from above when you visit Cairns! Book a scenic helicopter flight that takes you up and over the vast landscapes of the reef. Or join a boat tour that includes a helicopter flight add-on. Either way, seeing the reef from the sky is an unforgettable experience.
The Rainforest
Aside from the Great Barrier Reef, the rainforest around Cairns is also a natural wonder. As part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, there is an abundance of heritage-listed forests, walking trails, swimming holes, waterfalls, gorges, lakes, and quaint jungle towns near Cairns.
The Atherton Tablelands
Located just southwest of Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands is a lush area of natural beauty. With charming small towns like Kuranda and Yungaburra, and magnificent waterfalls like Millaa Millaa Falls, Josephine Falls, Windin Falls, and Zillie Falls, there is lots to see and do out here. Travellers can also go platypus-spotting, hiking, and paddleboarding on volcanic crater lakes in the Atherton Tablelands.
The Daintree Rainforest
Another heritage-listed rainforest near Cairns is the Daintree, located about 3 hours north of the city. As the oldest tropical rainforest on the planet, the Daintree Rainforest is home to fascinating wildlife, hiking trails, and beaches. The best things to do here include crocodile river cruises, horseback riding, ziplining, hiking, fishing, and swimming in the magical creeks.
Adventure Sports
With so much vast wilderness surrounding Cairns, the opportunities for adventure sports are endless. Adrenaline seekers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to fun activities in Cairns! Skydiving, bungy jumping, white water rafting, tubing, canyoning, swimming with crocodiles, and hot air ballooning are all popular outdoor adventures to have in Cairns.
Local Culture
Cairns is also special because of its local and indigenous culture. The city itself has lots of cool landmarks, markets, museums, street art, and festivals for locals and tourists to enjoy. There are also lots of opportunities for learning about Aboriginal culture and history outside the city!
Indigenous Tours
Like most places in Australia, there is a rich indigenous history around Cairns. You can participate in traditional fishing tours, Aboriginal art tours, Aboriginal country tours, and immersive cultural tours in places like Mossman Gorge. There are lots of opportunities to learn about and participate in the ancient traditions that have thrived around Cairns for many years!
Wildlife Centers
With its abundance of natural beauty, there is also a healthy population of wildlife that inhabits the oceans, rivers, and forests around Cairns. Animal lovers can admire and interact with wildlife around Cairns at the various wildlife santcuaries and national parks. From the giant cassowary, to the ancient saltwater crocodile, to cuddly koalas and kangaroos, there are lots of amazing Aussie creatures to see in the Tropical North!
Cairns Attractions and Festivals
Another reason why Cairns is special is all the attractions in the city itself! From holiday festivals, to night markets, to pub crawls and more, there is always something going on in Cairns. The city is also full of shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, and amenities. Whether you're a backpacker looking to party, a family looking for some laid-back holiday fun, or a couple on a romantic getaway, Cairns has something for everyone.
