Cairns

This tropical city is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and serves as a base for reef tours, rainforest adventures, and adventure activities like skydiving. The Cairns Esplanade offers stunning lagoon swimming, dining and vibrant nightlife.

Things to do

• Great Barrier Reef Tours — Day trips depart from Cairns Harbour to experience the world's largest coral reef system with snorkeling and diving opportunities.
• Daintree Rainforest Exploration — Visit one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests just north of Cairns to spot unique wildlife and walk through ancient vegetation.
• Cairns Esplanade Lagoon Swimming — Enjoy a natural saltwater lagoon with lifeguard supervision, offering safe swimming and waterfront dining with views of Trinity Inlet.
• Skydiving at Mission Beach — Take a tandem skydive from 15,000 feet with panoramic views of the reef, rainforest, and coastline about an hour south of Cairns.
• Kuranda Scenic Railway — Travel through rainforest on this historic railway with stops at stations and access to village attractions, wildlife parks, and markets.
• Hartley's Crocodile Adventures — Get up close with saltwater crocodiles and native Australian wildlife at this wildlife park located between Cairns and Port Douglas.

Food to try

• Barramundi — This local Australian fish is a staple in Cairns restaurants, typically grilled or pan-seared and served fresh from local waters.
• Tropical Fruit Platter — Cairns serves exotic local fruits like mangoes, papayas, dragon fruit, and rambutan that reflect the region's rich agricultural heritage.
• Queensland Mud Crab — A local delicacy featuring sweet, tender crab meat best enjoyed chilled or lightly grilled at waterfront restaurants along the Esplanade.
• Native Australian Bush Tucker — Some restaurants offer dishes incorporating native ingredients like wattleseed, finger limes, and bush tomatoes in modern Australian cuisine.
• Fresh Seafood at Rusty's Markets — Visit the weekend farmers market to sample fresh tropical seafood, produce, and ready-to-eat dishes from local vendors.

Local customs & good to know

• Reef Safety and Certification — Most reef tours require basic swimming ability or certification for diving; always check conditions and follow operator guidelines as the reef environment can be unpredictable.
• Respect for Indigenous Culture — Cairns and surrounding areas are traditional lands of the Yolngu and Kuku Yalanji peoples; seek out Aboriginal-guided tours and cultural experiences to learn their perspectives.
• Tropical Weather Preparedness — The region experiences intense sun, high humidity, and a wet season (November-April) with cyclone risk; always carry sunscreen, stay hydrated, and check seasonal warnings.