Cairns is a beautiful tropical paradise city in Far North Queensland.

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cairns esplanade

Cairns is known for being Australia’s getaway. With spectacular views, scenic views, and all around a beautiful place, you won’t want to go home!

If you’re planning a trip to Cairns, or if you’re already here, check out these top five attractions you can do in the tropical city.

1. Great Barrier Reef

Cairns is the gateway to the ever so beautiful Great Barrier Reef. You won’t want to miss your chance of seeing the Great Barrier Reef while in Cairns.

Many tours leave from Cairns and take you out to one of the many individual reefs where you can snorkel, dive, or go on a glass-bottomed boat. Ensure you book a tour early to avoid missing out on your chance to see this natural wonder.

Great Barrier Reef

2. Cairns Esplanade

Cairns Esplanade is a vibrant area in the city with a lot to do. Cairns Esplanade has a Lagoon which is a swimming area, the best place to cool off on a hot day.

The Esplanade has BBQs to cook up a delicious lunch, playgrounds for the kids, and public art to check out. There are also fine dining restaurants, bars, hotels with a beautiful view, and plenty of shops.

3. Kuranda National Park

About a 30-minute drive from Cairns takes you to a scenic mountain that’s surrounded by the rainforest. Here you go hiking, see the scenic lookout points, go cycling, and even experience the Scenic Railway. The Kuranda Scenic Railway is an incredible two-hour experience as you travel in a vintage train carriage. You can book your scenic railway experience here.

kuranda national park

4. Cairns Botanic Gardens

Visit a tropical paradise botanic garden with individual gardens and perfect picnic spots.

You’ll want to spend around an hour to two hours walking through the Botanic Gardens. There is also the Visitor Information Centre and the Botanic Gardens Library.

5. Cairns Museum

Learn about Cairns’ history and the people at the Cairns Museum. The museum has all kinds of displays and even some are interactive. There are limited exhibitions that run throughout the year, so ensure you check out online to see if any are happening!

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Cameron Ward
Cameron Ward
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward began with a passion for travel and turned it into a thriving tourism business. He co-founded Sightseeing Tours Australia after starting out as a tour guide in Melbourne. Cameron delights in helping visitors get the most from their trip to Australia. Whether he's leading tours or writing about his favourite places, Cameron loves sharing his local insight with fellow travellers.

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