10 Best Things to Do in Cairns Queensland Australia | Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest & more

Hello and welcome to Cairns. In this video we'll take you through our top 10 best things to do in Cairns. Hi we're Chris and Lydia and welcome to the Roving Valleys. We're up in the tropical northeast corner of Queensland, region famous as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. But there's a lot more to discover up here, from ancient rainforests to pristine beaches, spectacular waterfalls and unbelievable wildlife, there is something here for everyone. Let's dive in. Number 10 on our list is the town of Cairns itself. Most visitors to far north Queensland fly into Cairns International Airport, the region's main airport and the only one with international connections. Cairns offers a wide range of accommodation, from high-end hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels. With its tropical climate, Cairns feels like summer all year round, however the best time to visit is during the dry season from May to October, when humidity is lower and there's less risk of crocodiles and dangerous jellyfish at the beach. Cairns is a laid-back city with a fantastic waterfront esplanade, perfect for a stroll along the boardwalk. While there's no beach in the city itself, the massive saltwater lagoon pool on the waterfront is a great place to cool down on a hot day. For those interested in marine life, the Cairns Aquarium offers an up-close look at the creatures of the reef and rainforest. Or for a more immersive experience, hop on one of the many reef cruises departing from Cairns Marina for a day out on the Great Barrier Reef. Food lovers will find plenty of excellent restaurants, cafes and bars, including unique spots like Prawn Star, a seafood restaurant set on real fishing trawlers. With so much to see and do, Cairns is the perfect base for exploring the incredible natural wonders of far north Queensland. Coming in at number nine is the beautiful beaches around Cairns. While the town of Cairns itself doesn't have a beach, just a short drive north you'll find some absolutely stunning ones. Palm Cove is a pretty coastal village, known for its picturesque sandy beach lined with palm trees and laid-back atmosphere. Surf lifesavers patrol the beach, so it's perfect for swimming, sunbathing and watching beautiful sunsets, with plenty of cafes, restaurants and boutique accommodations offering views of the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea. Trinity Beach is a relaxed family-friendly spot, famous for its calm waters and white sandy shoreline. It's also a fantastic place to watch the sunset over the mountains in the distance. Ellis Beach is a peaceful, less crowded stretch of sand, just 20 minutes north of Cairns. With stunning views of the Coral Sea and surrounding mountains, it's the perfect place to relax and maybe enjoy a picnic away from the crowds. If you love beach hopping, this stretch of coast north of Cairns is pure paradise. Number eight is all about the local markets. Cairns is home to some amazing markets. Rusty's Market is a vibrant, colourful market in the heart of Cairns, best known for its tropical produce. Alongside an incredible selection of exotic fruits and vegetables, you'll also find freshly baked bread, international street food and locally roasted coffee. It's open Friday to Sunday from 5am and it's a must visit for food lovers. Cairns Night Market, located just off the Esplanade in the city centre, are a great spot to pick up Australian souvenirs, clothing or jewellery, grab a budget-friendly meal or even enjoy a relaxing massage after a day of sightseeing. If you're in the area on Sunday, don't miss Support Douglas Markets where you'll find locally made arts, crafts and fresh produce, set against a stunning waterfront backdrop overlooking the Coral Sea. This market features everything from handmade jewellery and clothing to tropical fruits and unique souvenirs. Number seven, we're driving an hour north of Cairns to the charming town of Port Douglas. Port Douglas is a stylish coastal town located north of Cairns, just a short drive along the scenic Captain Cook Highway, one of the most beautiful drives in Australia. Known for its laid-back yet luxurious atmosphere, the town is home to several high-end resorts, making it the perfect destination for relaxation and indulgence. Even if you're not staying here, it's well worth a visit to explore the boutique shops and experience its lively weekly Sunday markets. Four Mile Beach, with its expansive stretch of golden sand, is often considered one of Australia's most beautiful beaches and it's perfect for a leisurely stroll or a swim in the crystal clear waters. Whether you're looking to unwind or explore, Port Douglas offers a perfect blend of luxury, nature and local culture in a truly unique way. Number six on the list is the rainforest paradise of Mossman Gorge. Just 20 minutes north of Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge is a stunning natural wonder located in the southern part of the Daintree Rainforest, making it one of the most accessible areas of the rainforest. The gorge is known for its crystal clear waters, lush tropical rainforest and dramatic granite boulders, making it a popular spot for both walking and swimming. Visitors can stroll along an elevated boardwalk beside the beautiful Mossman River or take a longer hiking trail through the rainforest. For an additional charge you can join a local indigenous guided tour to learn about traditional bush foods and dreamtime stories. Whether you're hiking, swimming or simply soaking in the beauty, Mossman Gorge offers a truly immersive rainforest experience for those who prefer not to venture to the more remote northern areas of the Daintree. Halfway through our list at number five is the stunning Atherton Tablelands. The Atherton Tablelands is a lush highland plateau west of Cairns, known for its cooler climate, stunning landscapes and natural beauty. The waterfall circuit is a must-do, featuring breathtaking waterfalls such as Millamilla Falls, Zilli Falls and Alindya Falls, where you can swim in the crystal clear waters surrounded by lush rainforest. Lake Bureen, a volcanic crater lake, offers peaceful walks and boat tours with plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife. Another highlight is the Curtin Fig Tree, an ancient and massive fig tree draped in vines which creates a dramatic and unique sight. With its mix of waterfalls, lakes and rainforests, the Atherton Tablelands is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Coming in at number four is Fitzroy Island, a tropical haven, just a short ferry ride from Cairns. Fitzroy Island is a beautiful tropical island located just 45 minutes by ferry from Cairns. Part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, it's renowned for its stunning coral reefs, crystal clear waters and lush rainforest. The island's most famous beach is Nudie Beach, but don't worry, it's not a nudist beach, it's just the name. Nudie Beach was ranked the number one best beach in Australia in 2018, and it's easy to see why. With its white coral shoreline and crystal clear turquoise water, it's a must visit. Visitors can enjoy activities like snorkeling and swimming, with a chance to spot tropical marine life, including turtles and colourful fish. If you're not lucky enough to spot a turtle, you can visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, where sick or injured turtles are cared for before being released back into the wild. For a more adventurous experience, you can hike to the Fitzroy Island Summit, which offers panoramic views of the island and surrounding coral reefs. The island also offers a resort with accommodation options for all budgets, including affordable camping sites. With its natural beauty and a range of activities, Fitzroy Island is a must visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Quick interruption, if you're enjoying the video, we've got a whole series on Cairns. Check out the links in the description. And don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss out on one of our adventures. Now let's get back to the video so you don't miss out on our top three. Coming in at number three is the iconic Coranda Skyrail and Scenic Railway. The Coranda Skyrail and Scenic Railway offer two unforgettable ways to explore the lush rainforests and breathtaking landscapes near Cairns. The Skyrail takes you on a thrilling cable car ride above the treetops, providing spectacular aerial views of the Barren Gorge National Park and the surrounding rainforest below. Along the way, you'll stop at a rainforest station where you can take a short walk through the forest and learn about the area's flora and fauna. You'll then make a second stop at a station with viewing platforms, offering stunning views of the Barren Gorge waterfall. The scenic railway offers a more historic experience, travelling through lush jungle and past beautiful waterfalls on a century-old train route. You'll stop again at Barren Falls, where the views of the waterfall are even more stunning. You can take the Skyrail one way and the Railway the other. The turnaround point of your journey is the rainforest mountain village of Coranda, where you'll find markets, a butterfly sanctuary, an Australian wildlife park and bird world. Together, these two experiences provide the perfect way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region, all just a short distance from Cairns. Coming in at number two is the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, where the world's oldest rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. The Daintree Rainforest is about 180 million years old, making it even older than the Amazon. On your way to the Daintree, you'll cross the Daintree River, where you can join one of the thrilling saltwater crocodile cruisers, offering a chance to see these incredible reptiles in their natural habitat, along with birds and other wildlife. After crossing the river, you'll journey deeper into the rainforest, home to unique flora and fauna that have remained relatively unchanged for millions of years, including the cassowary, a massive bird with razor-sharp claws. Upon reaching Cape Tribulation, you'll be standing at the unique intersection of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. The area is known for its stunning beaches, where you can walk along the shoreline, surrounded by untouched natural beauty. Whether you're exploring the rainforest, spotting crocodiles, or relaxing on the beach, this day trip offers an unforgettable experience in one of the world's most biodiverse regions. Number one on our list is none other than the Great Barrier Reef itself. Of course, the Great Barrier Reef is number one on our list. After all, it's one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the largest living structure on earth, so big you can even see it from space. A Great Barrier Reef snorkeling trip is an unforgettable experience that everyone should do at least once in their lives. Cairns Marina is home to a variety of reef tour operators who can take you snorkeling or scuba diving at the reef. The best snorkeling is found at the outer reefs, a one and a half to two hour boat ride from Cairns, where you'll find crystal clear waters teeming with marine life. The reef is home to an incredible range of corals, tropical fish, and wildlife, including sea turtles, rays, and even sharks. Once you reach the reef, you'll have the chance to snorkel and explore, with guides available to ensure a safe and informative experience. Many tours offer additional activities like guided reef tours, glass bottom boat rides, scuba diving experiences, or even scenic helicopter flights. Whether you're a seasoned snorkeler or a first-timer, a trip to the Great Barrier Reef is a highlight of any visit to Cairns. That's our list of the top 10 things to do in Cairns. Have you visited any of these destinations? Or is there something else you'd like to add to the list? If so, please leave it in the comments below. And if you enjoyed this video, don't forget to hit like and subscribe, and ring the little bell so that you don't miss out on our next adventure. We hope to see you roving with us again soon. Bye for now.