Map of Cairns, Australia

🌴 What to do in Cairns

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and adventure that Cairns has to offer. From exploring the Great Barrier Reef to discovering the lush rainforests, there's a world of experiences waiting for you.

• Best Budget Activity in Cairns:

  Cairns Esplanade Lagoon: Relax by the man-made lagoon, swim, sunbathe, and enjoy picnics with stunning views of the ocean.

• Best Mid-Range Activity in Cairns:

  Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: Journey through the ancient rainforest via a historic train and return via a cable car offering panoramic views.

• Best Luxury Activity in Cairns:

  Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Tour: Soar above the reef for a breathtaking aerial view, with the option to land on a secluded sand cay for a luxurious experience.

🍽️ Where to eat in Cairns

Discover Cairns' diverse culinary scene offering a fusion of local and international flavors. From fresh seafood to tropical fruits, there's a delicious array of must-try foods waiting for you.

• Best Budget Restaurant in Cairns:

  Prawn Star•$ - $$:

  Fresh seafood straight from the trawler

• Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Cairns:

  Ochre Restaurant•$$ - $$$:

  Indigenous Australian-inspired dishes with a modern twist

• Best Luxury Restaurant in Cairns:

  Tamarind Restaurant•$$$$:

  Exquisite Asian fusion cuisine with a focus on local produce

• Best Budget Bar in Cairns:

  The Jack•$:

  Craft beers and tasty pub grub

• Best Mid-Range Bar in Cairns:

  Three Wolves•$$ - $$$:

  Signature cocktails and tapas selection

• Best Luxury Bar in Cairns:

  Hemingway's Brewery•$$$ - $$$$:

  Handcrafted beers overlooking Cairns Marina

🏝️ What to see in Cairns

Cairns is brimming with captivating landmarks that showcase its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Explore these must-visit sites to experience the essence of this tropical paradise.

• The Great Barrier Reef

  Dive or snorkel in the world's largest coral reef system, teeming with colorful marine life and stunning underwater vistas.

• Kuranda Village

  Discover this unique rainforest village nestled in the mountains, offering markets, wildlife experiences, and the scenic Kuranda Scenic Railway.

• Cairns Esplanade Boardwalk

  Stroll along the picturesque waterfront boardwalk, lined with restaurants, parks, and the iconic Cairns Lagoon for a leisurely day out.

• Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park

  Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture through dance performances, art, and interactive activities that share the stories and traditions of the Indigenous people.

• Palm Cove Beach

  Relax on the pristine white sands of Palm Cove, a postcard-perfect beach lined with swaying palm trees and inviting waters ideal for swimming and watersports.

🛍️ Where to go shopping in Cairns

Cairns offers a diverse shopping experience, from vibrant markets to upscale boutiques, catering to every budget and taste. Explore these shopping places to find unique souvenirs, trendy fashion, and local goods.

• Best Budget Shopping Place in Cairns:

  Rusty's Market: Indulge in a vibrant outdoor market experience at Rusty's Market, where you can find fresh produce, local crafts, and multicultural delights at affordable prices.

• Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Cairns:

  Cairns Central Shopping Centre: Dive into a shopping spree at Cairns Central, a bustling mall with a mix of popular Australian retailers, fashion outlets, eateries, and entertainment options.

• Best Luxury Shopping Place in Cairns:

  Pier Shopping Complex: Experience luxury shopping at the Pier, featuring high-end fashion brands, elegant boutiques, art galleries, and waterfront dining overlooking Trinity Inlet.

🚌 Getting Around Cairns

• Public Transport

  Cairns offers a few options for public transportation. The main mode of public transport in the city is the bus service operated by Sunbus. Buses operate throughout the city and connect to nearby suburbs. Fares start at around $2.20 for a single trip, with options for day passes and multi-day passes available for frequent travelers. The bus schedule typically runs from early morning until late evening, with reduced services on weekends and public holidays.

• Main Transportation Hubs

  The main transportation hub in Cairns is the Cairns Central Railway Station, located in the city center. This station serves as the terminus for the Queensland Rail Travel services, connecting Cairns to destinations like Brisbane and Townsville. Additionally, the Cairns City Bus Station is a central hub for local bus services within the city.

• Rental Services

  🚗 Car Rentals: Visitors to Cairns can easily rent a car from providers like Hertz, Avis, and Budget. Prices for car rentals start at around $30 per day for basic compact cars. 🚲 Bicycle Rentals: For those looking to explore Cairns on two wheels, bike rentals are available from companies like Cairns Bicycle Hire and Bike Hire Cairns. Prices for bicycle rentals start at around $15 per day for basic city bikes.