Explore Cairns
Things to do
Transport
Hotels

Top things to do in Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour from Cairns
Cruises • From Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour from Cairns

Hotel pick-up
Book now for today
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (221) • 5K+ booked
From US$ 176.05
Green Island Snorkelling & Glass Bottom Boat Day Tour
Klook's choice
Tours • From Cairns

Green Island Snorkelling & Glass Bottom Boat Day Tour

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (124) • 4K+ booked
From US$ 86.69
Great Barrier Reef Snorkel, Dive & Helicopter Full Day Tour
Cruises • From Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Snorkel, Dive & Helicopter Full Day Tour

Hotel pick-up
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (154) • 2K+ booked
From US$ 249.05
Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage Class Ticket
Parks & gardens • Cairns

Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage Class Ticket

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (167) • 5K+ booked
From US$ 39.59
Kuranda, Skyrail and Scenic Rail Day Tour with Transfers
Tours • From Cairns

Kuranda, Skyrail and Scenic Rail Day Tour with Transfers

Book now for today
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.3 (16) • 500+ booked
From US$ 148.50
Great Barrier Reef Day Tours
Cruises • From Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Day Tours

Hotel pick-up
Small group
Book now for today
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (163) • 3K+ booked
From US$ 69.75
Green Island Reef Cruise Full Day Tour from Cairns
Klook's choice
Cruises • From Cairns

Green Island Reef Cruise Full Day Tour from Cairns

Book now for today
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (115) • 5K+ booked
From US$ 105.59
Klook Pass Australia Tours
Attraction passes • Northern Territory

Klook Pass Australia Tours

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (251) • 5K+ booked
From US$ 189.29
US$ 308.15
Klook exclusive
Great Barrier Reef Classic Scenic Flight from Cairns
Tours • Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Classic Scenic Flight from Cairns

Book now for today
English guided
Up to 3 hrs
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (24) • 700+ booked
US$ 178.65
Cairns Aquarium Ticket
Zoos & aquariums • Cairns

Cairns Aquarium Ticket

Book now for today
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (156) • 8K+ booked
From US$ 38.55
Moore Reef Full Day Tour by Sunlover Reef Cruises
Cruises • From Cairns

Moore Reef Full Day Tour by Sunlover Reef Cruises

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (25) • 1K+ booked
US$ 195.89
Half or Full Day Fitzroy Island Transfers & Optional Activities
Water activities • Cairns

Half or Full Day Fitzroy Island Transfers & Optional Activities

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Morning departure
7+ hrs
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (123) • 3K+ booked
From US$ 64.45
Shared Airport Transfer between Cairns, Port Douglas, Palm Cove
Airport trains & buses • From Cairns

Shared Airport Transfer between Cairns, Port Douglas, Palm Cove

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (391) • 5K+ booked
From US$ 15.75
Green Island Ferry Transfer Ticket from Cairns
Ferries • Cairns

Green Island Ferry Transfer Ticket from Cairns

Book now for today
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (5) • 400+ booked
US$ 72.39
Cairns car rentals | Rent a car for Great Barrier Reef, Green Island, Kuranda
Year End Sale
Car rentals • Cairns

Cairns car rentals | Rent a car for Great Barrier Reef, Green Island, Kuranda

Instant confirmation
5K+ booked
From US$ 21
US$ 23.35
10 off
Shared Cairns Airport Transfer (CNS) for Cairns
Airport trains & buses • Cairns

Shared Cairns Airport Transfer (CNS) for Cairns

Book now for tomorrow
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (12) • 400+ booked
From US$ 15.75
Fitzroy Island Ferry Transfer Ticket from Cairns
Ferries • Cairns

Fitzroy Island Ferry Transfer Ticket from Cairns

Book now for tomorrow
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (33) • 1K+ booked
US$ 66.35
Airport Transfers from Cairns Airport (CNS) to Port Douglas
Private airport transfers • Cairns

Airport Transfers from Cairns Airport (CNS) to Port Douglas

Book now for tomorrow
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
50+ booked
From US$ 37.19
Private Cairns Airport (CNS) Transfers for Cairns CBD
Private airport transfers • Cairns

Private Cairns Airport (CNS) Transfers for Cairns CBD

Book now for tomorrow
Free cancellation
100+ booked
From US$ 49.80
Cairns Private Car Charter
Car charters • Cairns

Cairns Private Car Charter

Book now for tomorrow
Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
100+ booked
From US$ 318.75

Hotels in Cairns

Shangri-La Hotel The Marina, Cairns
Hotels • Cairns

Shangri-La Hotel The Marina, Cairns

Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (926)
From US$ 130.96
Crystalbrook Bailey
Hotels • Cairns

Crystalbrook Bailey

Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (667)
From US$ 108.39
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Hotels • Cairns

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (972)
From US$ 122.33
Cairns Queens Court
Hotels • Cairns

Cairns Queens Court

Instant confirmation
★ 3.8 (971)
From US$ 57.24
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Hotels • Cairns

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Instant confirmation
★ 4.0 (930)
From US$ 84.50
Hilton Cairns
Hotels • Cairns

Hilton Cairns

Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (942)
From US$ 130.83
Palm Royale Cairns
Hotels • Cairns

Palm Royale Cairns

Instant confirmation
★ 4.1 (985)
From US$ 77.85
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Hotels • Cairns

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (619)
From US$ 134.39
The Benson Hotel
Hotels • Cairns

The Benson Hotel

Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (371)
From US$ 86.67
Cairns Sunland Leisure Park
Hotels • Cairns

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

Instant confirmation
★ 3.7 (942)
From US$ 46.49
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Hotels • Cairns

Pacific Hotel Cairns

Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (919)
From US$ 117.32
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Hotels • Cairns

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Instant confirmation
★ 4.3 (893)
From US$ 99.22

Reviews of Cairns activities

Klook会員
2025-11-30 11:08:01
Fantastic 5.0
After exiting at the arrival gate, inform the Exemplar company at the reception desk on the far left that you have arrived. My name was on the whiteboard at the reception. The reception time determined at the time of booking is just a guide, and it doesn't seem like they leave at that exact time. My flight arrived at 4:30, and that's the time I was assigned, so I was a little worried, but they waited for everyone who had a reservation to arrive before departing. Once everyone was together, the driver guided us to the car outside, loaded our luggage into the cargo area, and we set off.
Klook User
2025-10-28 02:00:04
Fantastic 5.0
great service by all the staff on board. Good quick ferry that took off and left on time. no complaints.
王 **
2025-08-22 12:42:37
Fantastic 5.0
[Airport to Hotel] Very convenient to use. After entering the airport and before baggage claim, you'll see an Exemplar counter on your left. Check in at the counter with your name, and they will tell you which parking space the driver is at. Then, proceed to collect your luggage. Once you exit the airport, you'll be in the pick-up area. You'll easily spot the driver holding a sign with your name on it. There are many hotels/hostels to choose from for drop-off. The service is very attentive, with assistance in handling luggage, and the driver will chat with passengers.
Klook 用戶
2025-07-10 12:59:36
Fantastic 5.0
SCUBA diving can be a bit challenging for the first time. First, ensure the following safety measures: 1. Disclose any medications you are taking, aside from birth control or motion sickness medication. (Some chronic medications may require a doctor's authorization for diving.) 2. Allow 18 hours between a dive and flying. Service details: 1. Transportation to the pier is not included. You are responsible for getting to the pier for check-in. 2. We recommend taking motion sickness medication. If you don't have any, it is available for purchase on board. 3. A simple breakfast and lunch are provided on board. 4. Wetsuits are available for rent. 5. We provide personal fins, diving masks, and storage compartments. There are also shared life jackets available for snorkeling. After boarding and before departure, you will need to fill out a safety notice and health questionnaire. Then, our staff will explain how to use the diving equipment. Once the boat is anchored, you can snorkel and free dive from the back of the boat. SCUBA diving is done in groups. This tour includes stops at two dive sites. Before your SCUBA dive, you will practice on the side of the boat. Then, the instructor will guide you, hand-in-hand, to depths of approximately 10 meters or more. However, first-time divers are not allowed to bring photography equipment. A dive photographer will take photos for everyone. The staff are very helpful, and the Great Barrier Reef is well worth the experience.
Alci ********
2025-10-04 08:05:58
Fantastic 5.0
worth the visit , you can do so many things in a single day . good for people who don’t have much time
Harold ******
2025-06-20 10:34:54
Fantastic 5.0
The crew on board was always attentive and very friendly, the food and diving experience were incredible, as was the helicopter flight, giving you one of the best memories of your life.
Alci ********
2025-10-05 22:48:31
Fantastic 5.0
It was an interesting experience to go up to the top of the mountain on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. There are many activities available at the top of the mountain. I wasn't very explorative, so I ended up just going to the shops and a butterfly sanctuary. However, I believe there is much more to do there.
CHENG ******
2025-11-20 14:23:21
Fantastic 5.0
The tour company is very thoughtful and emails again a few days before departure to confirm the time, location, and pickup. Also, they hand out instructions and admission tickets with each person's name when taking attendance on site. This ensures everyone knows where to meet for departure. Very clear.
Klook User
2025-11-29 10:42:06
Fantastic 5.0
We did the full-day tour with snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef and a visit to Fitzroy Island — an amazing experience! Everything was really well organised, the staff were great, and the reef itself was a true bucket list moment. Lunch was delicious and clearly labelled, which was perfect for my gluten-free partner. Fitzroy Island was beautiful. Plenty of freedom to explore the reefs as long as you follow the rules. Highly recommend!

Quick facts about Cairns

Local weather

  • JAN - DEC
    31°18°

General info
  • Time zone

    No time difference

  • Currency

    1USD = 1.51AUD

  • Official languages

  • Best time to visit

    Pohoda Music Festival

    Christmas Markets in Bratislava

    Cairns Festival

  • Recommended trip duration

  • Flight time

    When departing from London

See popular activities on the map

What to know before visiting Cairns

Best Cairns Attractions

Great Barrier Reef

When you visit Cairns, exploring the Great Barrier Reef is a must. You can join a boat tour to snorkel or dive among bright coral and tropical fish. It’s one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty around Cairns.

Cairns Esplanade & Lagoon

The Cairns Esplanade is a popular waterfront area where you can walk, bike, or relax by the sea. You can cool off at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, a large saltwater pool that’s perfect for swimming year-round. When you’re in Cairns, this is one of the best free spots to enjoy the city’s outdoor lifestyle.

Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail

A trip to the rainforest village of Kuranda is one of the top things to do in Cairns. You can ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway, which takes you through waterfalls and mountains, then return on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, gliding above the treetops. This gives you amazing views of the rainforest near Cairns.

Cairns Botanic Gardens

The Cairns Botanic Gardens is the perfect place to see rare tropical plants and learn about the rainforest environment. When you visit Cairns, you can walk through shaded paths, explore different garden sections, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great spot for nature lovers and anyone looking for a quiet escape.

Cairns Aquarium

The Cairns Aquarium is a fun and educational attraction where you can learn about reef creatures and rainforest wildlife. When you're in Cairns, this is a great place to see sharks, rays, jellyfish, and even freshwater animals up close. It’s perfect for families and a great indoor activity on rainy days

Tips before visiting Cairns

Prepare for the tropical weather

Cairns has a warm and humid climate, so pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. If you visit during the wet season, be ready for sudden rain and higher humidity

Plan your reef and rainforest tours early

Popular activities like Great Barrier Reef trips, Kuranda tours, and Daintree day trips can sell out fast. When you visit Cairns, it’s best to book these experiences ahead of time so you get the dates and times you want

Stay safe while swimming

If you're visiting during stinger season (November to March), always wear a stinger suit when swimming in the ocean. You can still swim safely at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon or on certain islands with protected swimming areas.

Get a convenient Australia eSIM

For easy internet access and navigation in Cairns, consider buying an Australia eSIM on Klook. It’s quick to set up on your phone and helps you stay connected during tours, driving, and exploring around the city

FAQs about Cairns

Where to stay in Cairns?

When is the best time to visit Cairns?

How many days in Cairns is enough?

Where is Cairns in Australia?

What is Cairns most known for?