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Top things to do in Cairns

Green Island Snorkelling & Glass Bottom Boat Day Tour
Tours • From Cairns

Green Island Snorkelling & Glass Bottom Boat Day Tour

English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (137) • 5K+ booked
From RM 352.75
Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage Class Ticket
Parks & gardens • Cairns

Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage Class Ticket

Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (173) • 6K+ booked
From RM 159.29
Great Barrier Reef Day Tours
Cruises • From Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Day Tours

Book now for today
Hotel pick-up
Small group
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (170) • 4K+ booked
From RM 303.05
Grand Kuranda Full Day Tour from Cairns
Tours • From Cairns

Grand Kuranda Full Day Tour from Cairns

Book now for tomorrow
Hotel pick-up
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (121) • 1K+ booked
RM 875.69
Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour from Cairns
Cruises • From Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour from Cairns

Book now for tomorrow
Hotel pick-up
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (225) • 5K+ booked
From RM 748.65
Great Barrier Reef Snorkel, Dive & Helicopter Full Day Tour
Cruises • From Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Snorkel, Dive & Helicopter Full Day Tour

Book now for tomorrow
Hotel pick-up
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (167) • 3K+ booked
From RM 1,042.49
Cairns Aquarium Ticket
Zoos & aquariums • Cairns

Cairns Aquarium Ticket

Book now for today
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (160) • 8K+ booked
From RM 161.25
Half Day Green Island Reef Cruise from Cairns
Cruises • From Cairns

Half Day Green Island Reef Cruise from Cairns

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.3 (29) • 2K+ booked
From RM 303.05
Klook Pass Australia Tours
Attraction passes • Northern Territory

Klook Pass Australia Tours

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (258) • 5K+ booked
From RM 761.70
RM 1,289.90
Klook exclusive
Cairns Skydive Experience
Outdoor & sports activities • Cairns

Cairns Skydive Experience

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Up to 3 hrs
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (141) • 2K+ booked
RM 970.20
Green Island Reef Cruise Full Day Guided Tour from Cairns
Cruises • From Cairns

Green Island Reef Cruise Full Day Guided Tour from Cairns

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (124) • 6K+ booked
From RM 442.00
Fitzroy Island Day Trip from Cairns
Cruises • From Cairns

Fitzroy Island Day Trip from Cairns

English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.3 (27) • 1K+ booked
From RM 291.89
16 off
Sale
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 (402) • 5K+ booked
From RM 63.95
Green Island Ferry Transfer Ticket from Cairns
Ferries • Cairns

Green Island Ferry Transfer Ticket from Cairns

Book now for tomorrow
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (5) • 400+ booked
RM 303.05
Cairns car rentals | Rent a car for Great Barrier Reef, Green Island, Kuranda
Car rentals • Cairns

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

Instant confirmation
5K+ booked
From RM 168
RM 186.29
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
★ 4.1 (16) • 500+ booked
From RM 63.95
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
RM 269.65
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 RM 168.19
Cairns Private Car Charter
Car charters • Cairns

Cairns Private Car Charter

Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
100+ booked
From RM 1,334.39

Hotels in Cairns

Shangri-La Hotel The Marina, Cairns
Hotels • Cairns

Shangri-La Hotel The Marina, Cairns

Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (926)
From RM 547.71
Crystalbrook Riley
Hotels • Cairns

Crystalbrook Riley

Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (944)
From RM 539.33
Palm Royale Cairns
Hotels • Cairns

Palm Royale Cairns

Instant confirmation
★ 4.1 (985)
From RM 321.39
Crystalbrook Bailey
Hotels • Cairns

Crystalbrook Bailey

Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (725)
From RM 424.77
Cairns Queens Court
Hotels • Cairns

Cairns Queens Court

Instant confirmation
★ 3.8 (971)
From RM 253.92
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort
Hotels • Cairns

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

Instant confirmation
★ 3.9 (396)
From RM 539.74
The Espy Hostel
Hotels • Cairns

The Espy Hostel

Instant confirmation
★ 3.8 (78)
From RM 308.24
Hilton Cairns
Hotels • Cairns

Hilton Cairns

Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (942)
From RM 589.47
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Hotels • Cairns

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (972)
From RM 504.07
The Abbott Boutique Hotel
Hotels • Cairns

The Abbott Boutique Hotel

Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (944)
From RM 421.30
Motel Nomad Cairns
Hotels • Cairns

Motel Nomad Cairns

Instant confirmation
★ 3.5 (138)
From RM 299.28
Park Regis City Quays
Hotels • Cairns

Park Regis City Quays

Instant confirmation
★ 4.1 (973)
From RM 374.65

Cairns travel guide

Things to do Transport Places to stay Travel essentials
Klook Team

Reviews of Cairns activities

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
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!
CHU *****
2026-02-10 01:06:26
Fantastic 5.0
All the crew along the way were very friendly and professional, with staff of different nationalities, and even a very kind Hong Kong crew. Although it was raining inland, it was clear and sunny when we got to the center of the sea. We went to two reefs along the way, and an introductory dive was arranged. There was a detailed explanation first, and then an instructor took three guests, ensuring safety throughout the whole process. A photographer was underwater capturing everyone's photos all the time. I recommend adding the helicopter experience, which is definitely an unforgettable view. The facilities on the boat were cleaner than expected. I also strongly suggest buying seasickness pills for three Australian dollars per person in advance.
Yen ********
2025-11-14 02:41:27
Fantastic 5.0
Purchased 2 activity tour for puffing billy train, heasville and Yarra choloaterie as well as Phillip island, moonlit sanctuary, nobbies and Brighton beach boxes day tours. The tours were guided by 2 different company. Both guides were knowledgeable and multi tasked as a driver and photographer too. Redemption was fuss free. Sufficient time was provided at each stop to allow us to take photos or have meals. There were some cost savings compared to booking them individually. Recommend to purchase the pass depending whether the activities listed are places you planned to go.
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.
Judy **
2026-02-16 04:59:09
Fantastic 5.0
It was an enjoyable experience, and spending a day at the Barrier Reef is truly worthwhile. The staff were very helpful and polite, and all equipment was provided. Lunch was served midday, followed by wine and snacks at tea time.
Monica *
2025-10-24 10:39:42
Fantastic 5.0
We took the Scenic Railway up to Kuranda Village and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway back down to Smithfield—it was the perfect way to experience the region's beauty!
Lai *******
2025-12-26 04:03:10
Fantastic 5.0
Good scenery and nice weather. The tour guides Jimmy and Agatha for glass boat is professional and nice. The lunch box from Foxy's bar was tasty.
Klook User
2025-10-24 01:35:53
Fantastic 5.0
Thisntour was amazing! The staff onboard the boat provided excellent service, educational presentations and wonderful buffet food. The snorkeling was absolutely beautiful and suitable for all levels of experience. If we travel back to Cairns, we’d definitely book this same tour again.

Quick facts about Cairns

Local weather

  • JAN - DEC
    31°18°

General info
  • Time zone

    No time difference

  • Currency

    1MYR = 0.36AUD

  • Official languages

  • Best time to visit

    Pohoda Music Festival

    Christmas Markets in Bratislava

    Cairns Festival

  • Recommended trip duration

  • Flight time

    When departing from Kuala Lumpur

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

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