Cairns Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Cairns, Far North Queensland - QLD, Australia)

Although Cairns is a popular departure point for trips to the Great Barrier Reef, there are many further tourist attractions in this area. Also within easy reach of Cairns are the top attractions of the Atherton Tableland and the Mossman Gorge, as well as the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.

Many visitors enjoy taking a cruise along the Daintree River, where crocodiles and wildlife attractions can be viewed in comfort and safety. Tourists who enjoy outdoor attractions will be able to choose between walking trails, cycling, white water rafting, hot-air ballooning and even skydiving. A stroll along the Cairns Foreshore Promenade comes highly recommended, with the lagoon and its sandy beach often beckoning on a sunny day, while the shops along the Pier and the historical buildings of Trinity Wharf provide further interest. Both the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the Kuranda Scenic Railway and not to be missed.

Lagoon and Esplanade / Foreshore Promenade

Although the city does not have a notable swimming beach as such, most visitors and locals favour the centrally located artificial lagoon. Located just off the Foreshore Promenade and close to the pier, this 4,000 square-metre / 43,050 square-foot saltwater swimming lagoon has become extremely popular, particularly during the 'Stinger Season' (November to May), when deadly jellyfish frequent the waters of local beaches not protected by netting. The lagoon features a sandy beach area, barbecue areas and picnic tables, and is the perfect place to cool down on a sunny afternoon. Of note, topless sunbathing is allowed here.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Address: Corner of Cairns Western Arterial Road and Captain Cook Highway, Smithfield, Queensland (QLD), 4878, Australia, AU
Tel: +61 07 4038 1555
Not to be missed, the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is just a 15-minute drive north of the city and is located just off the Captain Cook Highway. For those without their own transport, Skyrail will happily arrange transfers, collecting travellers from their hotel. This cableway runs from Caravonica to Kuranda and glides just a matter of metres above the lush World Heritage Tropical Rainforest, boasting breathtaking views of the forest canopy, various waterfalls, the gorge and even the Coral Sea. Lasting around one hour and 30 minutes in total, this journey includes two 20-minute stops at both the Red Peak Station - home to a rainforest boardwalk, and the Barron Falls Station - where visitors may like to check out the Rainforest Interpretation Centre.
Open hours: daily - departing at 09:15 and 11:00, returning at 13:15 and 15:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and families (two adults and two children)

Kuranda Scenic Railway (KSR)

Address: Bunda Street, Cairns, Queensland (QLD), 4870, Australia, AU
Tel: +61 07 4036 9333
Stretching between Cairns and the nearby town of Kuranda, the Kuranda Scenic Railway transports passengers through the magnificent Barron Gorge National Park and Macalister Range. Departing each morning at 08:30 and again at 09:30, this journey lasts approximately one hour and 45 minutes, stopping at the Freshwater and Redlynch stations en route. The Kuranda Scenic Railway is surprisingly historic and dates as far back as 1891, although the first tourists trains arrived in the 1930s. Carriages come with modern flat-screen televisions, which screen a short documentary about the history of the railway, whilst there is also informative commentary along the journey. Particular highlights include views of the Stoney Creek Falls, the Barron Gorge and the Barron Falls Weir.
Open hours: daily - departing at 08:30 and 09:30, returning at 14:00 and 15:30
Admission: charge

Cairns Tropical Zoo

Address: Captain Cook Highway, Palm Cove, Cairns, Queensland (QLD), Australia, AU
Tel: +61 07 4055 3669
Cairns Tropical Zoo is located within the Palm Cove suburb and contains a collection of both native Australian and exotic species, spread over some 15 acres / 6 hectares. A member of the Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (ARAZPA), the zoo is the perfect attraction for families. Children will always enjoy having their picture taken cuddling a southern hairy nosed wombat, a koala, a huge snake or a young crocodile, while other significant highlights include hand-feeding brightly coloured Rainbow lorikeets, wildlife shows and presentations, and flying demonstrations with birds of prey. There is also a souvenir shop, walk-through rainforest aviary and even a wedding chapel. Regular 'Cairns Night Zoo' evenings take place between Monday and Thursday evening, and again on Saturday evening, with guides, a typical Aussie barbecue and beer, and some very friendly kangaroos. Do note, however, that the Night Zoo evenings have limited places and therefore need to be booked in advance.
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children, children four years old and under are free

Cairns Wildlife Dome

Address: 35 - 41 Wharf Street, Cairns, Queensland (QLD), 4870, Australia, AU
Tel: +61 07 4031 7250
Sited at the very top of the Reef Hotel Casino, close to Abbott Street and the city's Convention Centre, the Cairns Wildlife Dome is a noteworthy all-weather wildlife / zoo attraction, being fully enclosed by a glass dome towering some 20 metres / 66 feet in height. The dome allows visitors to experience a small taster of a rainforest environment and learn about its native wildlife. Many birds fly freely around the dome, such as cockatoos, kookaburras, lorikeets and parrots, while you will also encounter freshwater crocodiles, pythons, turtles and wallabies. Guides tours and daily presentations are available, as well as a gift shop selling Australian animal-related goodies.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Undersea World

Address: Pier Marketplace, Cairns, Queensland (QLD), 4870, Australia, AU
Tel: +61 07 4041 1777
This popular marine park attraction is highly suitable for families and offers an insight into the neighbouring Great Barrier Reef, with realistic recreations of coral reefs in large tanks. In total there are around 20 separate reef habitats at Undersea World, containing a mixture of underwater creatures such as Maori wrasse, moray eels, stingrays, stonefish and seahorses. There are also a large number of sharks, and each day you can watch the sharks being hand-fed by brave divers. Shark-feeding demonstrations take place each day at 10:00, 13:30 and 15:00.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 20:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and families

Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park

Address: Cairns Western Arterial Road, Kamerunga Road, Caravonica, Smithfield, Queensland (QLD), 4878, Australia, AU
Tel: +61 07 4042 9999
The Tjapukai Cultural Park lies within the suburb of Caravonica, on the western side of the city and next to the Barron Gorge National Park. This is very much a tourist attraction for all ages and celebrates the native indigenous and Aboriginal cultures, being based around the 'Creation' legend. Visitors will be able to learn all about this supernatural story, which is explained using large holograms. Part of any visit will likely include a taster of a traditional Aboriginal dance ceremony (corroboree) in the in the Rainforest Amphitheatre, some boomerang and spear throwing, and didgeridoo lessons. Also on offer is bush food demonstrations, a blessing ceremony, Tjapukai Dance performances, camp fires, dinner buffets, a large retail gallery and a general celebration of the ancient Indigenous culture of the of the Tjapukai people.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children, transfers available for an additional charge

Daintree River and Crocodile Cruise

Bruce Belcher Daintree River Cruises
Address: Mossman, Queensland (QLD), 4873, Australia, AU
Tel: +61 07 4098 7717
Website: www.daintreerivercruise.com
Daintree Discovery Tours
Address: Mossman, Queensland (QLD), 4873, Australia, AU
Tel: +61 07 4098 2878
Website: www.daintreediscoverytours.com.au
Tony's Tropical Tours
Address: Port Douglas, Queensland (QLD), 4877, Australia, AU
Tel: +61 07 4099 3230
Website: www.tropicaltours.com.au
The Daintree River is lined with rainforest attractions and is fed each year by the tropical monsoon rains, leading to the Coral Sea and ranking amongst the East Coast's longest rivers. Many visitors come to the Daintree River for a spot of bird watching, or to fish for barramundi, while others enjoy a Crocodile Cruises, with experienced guides pointing out these giant aquatic reptiles along the way, together with further wildlife attractions. Crocodile Cruises depart on a daily basis from nearby Mossman and Port Douglas, although your place should always be reserved in advance.
Open hours: daily - boats depart between 08:15 and 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors and children, children five years old and under are free

Duyfken

Address: Marlin Wharf, Marlin Marina, Cairns, Queensland (QLD), 4870, Australia, AU
Tel: +61 07 4041 2160
Moored at the Marlin Marina, this beautiful masted ship is a full-size replica of the famous 16th century Dutch sailing vessel, the Duyfken. Completed in 1999 and launched in Freemantle, the Duyfken then sailed to Sydney, Indonesia, Mauritius, South Africa and the Netherlands, before sailing to the Swan River in Perth, where it was an important part of Australia's 400th anniversary celebrations. Soon after, the Duyfken sailed to Cairns and now operates as a museum-type attraction, being full of maritime history and an authentic recreation of 'life below decks'.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and families (two adults and up to four children)

Adventure Sports, White Water Rafting and Recreation

Foaming Fury
Address: 19 - 21 Barry Street, Cairns, Queensland (QLD), 4870, Australia, AU
Tel: +61 07 4031 3460
Website: www.foamingfury.com.au
Raging Thunder
Address: Adventure House, 52 - 54 Fearnley Street, Portsmith, Cairns, Queensland (QLD), 4870, Australia, AU
Tel: +61 07 4030 7900
Website: www.ragingthunder.com.au
Cairns Convention Centre
Address: Corner of Sheridan Street and Wharf Street, Cairns, Queensland (QLD), 4870, Australia, AU
Tel: +61 07 4042 4200
Website: www.cairnsconvention.com.au
Champagne Balloon Flights
Address: Cairns, Queensland (QLD), 4870, Australia, AU
Tel: +61 07 4039 9955
Website: www.champagneballoons.com
Skydive Cairns
Address: 82 Grafton Street, Cairns, Queensland (QLD), 4870, Australia, AU
Tel: +61 07 4031 5466
Website: www.skydivecairns.com.au
Cairns is something of a paradise for those who love adventure sports, with many operators providing tandem skydiving, kite surfing, hang gliding, hot-air ballooning and sailing, amongst other exciting outdoor attractions. Those who enjoy the thrills of white water rafting will be pleased to find a number of rafting companies operating in Cairns, including both Foaming Fury and Raging Thunder. White water rafting tours operating on a daily basis along the Barron River, with further trips tackling the currents of the North Johnstone River, the Russell River and the Tully River. For general sporting and recreational facilities, consider paying a visit to Barlow Park, the Hockey Centre or the Cairns Convention Centre, the latter of which is home to the city's acclaimed Taipans Basketball Team. Cazaly's Stadium may also be of interest to sports fans and is used by both the Queensland Cricket Association and the Queensland Rugby League, along with the Australian Football League (AFL).
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: charge

Walking

Numerous walking trails present themselves throughout the area, with some 200 tracks being scattered around the city and the surrounding rainforest mountains, as well as between nearby Cooktown and Townsville. Just over 20 km / 12 miles from Cairns, the stunning Cascade Falls offer a series of trails and swimming holes, while next to the airport, the Mangrove Boardwalk comes highly recommended. However, most visitors will find themselves inexplicably drawn to the Cairns Foreshore Boulevard, which is the place where locals and tourists alike choose to hang out, particularly around the saltwater lagoon. The Esplanade Walking Trail is of particular note and suits those who also enjoy cycling, rollerblading and jogging.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Coach Tours

There is a huge choice of coach tours, with many departing from the city each day and heading to a host of neighbouring attractions, such as the Atherton Tableland, Babinda Boulders, Cape Tribulation, the Curtain Fig Tree, the Daintree River, Lake Barrine, Mena Creek, the Millaa Millaa Falls, the Mossman Gorge, Paronella Park, the Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary and Walsh's Pyramid. Especially popular are the Food Trail Tours, which include visits to coffee and macadamia plantations, a traditional barramundi lunch and locally produced wine.
Open hours: daily - seasonal variations according to tour operator
Admission: charge, discounts for children