What to do in Cairns Beaches

Activities, attractions and tours
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland

Cairns Tourist Attractions & Activities

The “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef” is as emerald as the fictional land of Oz, with lush tropical ground cover that lights up the landscape with varying hues of green. As any traveller will tell you, this city in North Queensland is a natural wonderland. Breathe deeply of the fresh air and dip your toes into the crystal clear waters. You can truly lose yourself in the unlimited potential of your imagination here. Best of all, there are tons of things to do here, so there is never a dull moment. From hiking and snorkelling to Segway tours, you’ll never be bored in Cairns. Book your holiday with Expedia.com.au today, and you’re one step closer to spending some time in paradise.

Things to Do in Cairns

Cairns is known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef; hop on a boat headed out to this magnificent reef, and within a few hours you’ll be floating above vibrant coral. The reef is also home to a plethora of sea life, and getting face to face with these fish is exhilarating. While Cairns may be a great gateway to the sea, it also has tons to offer on solid ground. Some of the top Cairns attractions for land-lovers include a trek through the Daintree Rainforest, day trips to the waterfalls of Barron Gorge National Park, and a meander through Flecker Botanical Gardens.

If you want to go for a morning jog, head to the Esplanade Boardwalk, where pale golden sand meets turquoise water just off the trail; a saltwater swimming lagoon also lingers nearby. One of the best Cairns tours is a ride aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway. You’ll journey through the rainforest with camera in hand, looking out at panoramas so stunning, they’d fit nicely on a postcard. Order a glass of white wine and count the waterfalls on this blissful journey. Once you return to Cairns, waterfront seafood restaurants serve the freshest catch and French bistros offer the perfect seat for a world-class dessert.

If you’re ready for a getaway that has it all, plan your trip to Cairns today. Booking things to do is easy with Expedia.com.au, plus you can add airfare and hotels in just minutes. With the money you save, you can take even more boat tours of Northern Queensland, and explore all the finest menus in this beachside gem. Don’t delay—get your Cairns holiday started now by booking it all on Expedia.com.au.


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Most fun & popular experiences in Cairns Beaches

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Cairns Beaches

Explore areas of Cairns Beaches

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Palm Cove

Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Palm Cove
Cairns which includes a city

Cairns Central Business District

4.5/5(1,474 area reviews)

Cairns Central Business District is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Cairns Esplanade and Esplanade Lagoon.

Cairns Central Business District
Trinity Beach showing tropical scenes, a sandy beach and surfing

Trinity Beach

Trinity Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Trinity Beach
Cairns Esplanade featuring a luxury hotel or resort, swimming and a pool

Cairns North

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Cairns North. A stop by Cairns Esplanade or Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland might round out your trip.

Cairns North
Clifton Beach which includes mountains, a luxury hotel or resort and golf

Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while in the area.

Clifton Beach
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Yorkeys Knob

Yorkeys Knob is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Half Moon Bay Golf Course.

Yorkeys Knob

Day trip destinations from Cairns Beaches