Cairns Photo Credit: Google Maps
Photo Credit: Cairns-GreatBarrierReef.org.au
The city of Cairns is the main port city for excursions to the northern end of The Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is location along the eastern coast of Queensland and is a wonderful host city for your holiday. The reason why we recommend Cairns is because there are so many things to do both in the city of Cairns and Surrounds, as well as off the coast in the beautiful turquoise waters of the Coral Sea.
The Great Barrier Reef is just off the coast to the east of Cairns and the city is bordered on the west by rain forests and mountains. This diverse landscape lends itself towards an excellent variety of things to do on your holiday here between exploring the reef, celebrating city life, hiking in the mountains, or getting a chance to see the amazing rainforest. The best way to get around town and see all the sights is to get a budget car hire so that you can get to the places you want, when you want, and stay as long as you want.
Cairns Car Hire Map Courtesy Google Maps
Top 5 Things to do in The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the 7 wonders of the natural world. It is the world’s largest living structure. The reef is 2,300 kilometres long and covers an area of 344,400 square kilometres. A total of 900 islands and 2,900 individual reefs make up the entirety of The Great Barrier Reef.
Photo Credit: ThingsToDoinCairns.com
1. Snorkeling or SCUBA Diving
Photo Credit: ThingsToDoinCairns.com
Getting in the water and seeing the marine life and coral up close, is of course, the most intimate way to see The Great Barrier Reef. This is the best way to see the immense diversity of fish, mammals, marine life, and birds that call the reef home. Dive boats are a regular staple out on the reef and many different tours are available out of Cairns.
2. Boating, Yachting, or Cruising
Photo Credit: great-barrier-reef.com
Just as there is a variety in the marine life in the Great Barrier Reef, there are also a wide variety of different boat trips that you can hire if you do not wish to get in the water and swim, snorkel or SCUBA. Whether you want to paddle yourself on a kayak or be pampered on a yacht, it’s available for hire in Cairns. Choose from sail boats, fishing charters, glass bottom boat rides, and more.
3. Live Aboard Excursions
Photo Credit: ThingsToDoinCairns.com
Visiting the reef is a once in a lifetime experience for many. If you feel like you want to fully immerse yourself in nature and be one with the reef, you can choose from a variety of live-aboard boating charters. Different experiences are available from a few days up to 12 days.
4. Aerial Tours
Photo Credit: ThingsToDoinCairns.com
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Of course, not all aerial tours require you to jump out of the plane, but a variety of different scenic flights are available in planes, helicopters, and even hot air balloons. The Great Barrier Reef is clearly visible from the air. Actually, it is so large that it is even visible from outer space.
5. Island Excursions
Photo Credit: ThingsToDoinCairns.com
Many of the islands in the Great Barrier Reef are accessible. Some are great for day trips and picnics on the beach while others have full accommodations with different hotels or resorts to choose from. Double Island, Fitzroy Island, and Green Island are all close to Cairns.
Top 5 Things to Do in Cairns and Surrounds
Photo Credit: ThingsToDoinCairns.com
If you are visiting Cairns and don’t want to spend the entire trip exploring the Great Barrier Reef, there are plenty of things to see and do on the mainland. In fact, if you skip seeing the sights around Carins, you would certainly miss out on what can end up being some of the highlights of your trip.
1. Kuranda Rainforest
Photo Credit: ThingsToDoinCairns.com
Just 25 kilometres west of Cairns is the Kuranda Rainforest. It is quite magical and you can spend at least a day here, if not longer, experiencing the magnificent sights of nature. The tropical green rainforest is quite a contrast to the blue waters of the Coral Sea and provide an excellent variety in your vacation. While at the Kuranda Rainforest here are just some of the things you can do:
- Kuranda Scenic Railway: Take the train ride through the rainforest on a narrated tour through the lush tropical vegetation, waterfalls, and the round trip train ride takes you through the Kuranda Rainforest and Barron Gorge National Park.
- Kuranda Skyrail: The train takes you through the rainforest and the famous Skyrail takes you over the rainforest. See the canopy from a different perspective.
- Australian Butterfly Sanctuary: The largest butterfly aviary exhibit in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Bird World Kuranda: A chance to see and learn about the birds of the Kuranda Rainforest.
- Kuranda Koala Gardens: Hug a koala and get the chance to interact with many other animals. Even though this is named for the koala, hundreds of other animals are also here at the gardens.
- Kuranda Village: Learn about the history and culture of this land through the eyes and stories of the Djabugay people who have lived in the rainforest for more than 10,000 years.
2. Waterfalls and Paronella Park
Talk about variety in a holiday. Few vacationers can get to say they saw The Great Barrier Reef, a rainforest, and a Spanish castle all in one trip. However, that is very possible in Cairns. This Spanish castle dates back to the early in the 20th century. In addition to the historic castle, the 5 hectare park has waterfalls, gardens, a rainforest, and a romantic tunnel of love.
Photo Credit: ParonellsPark.com.au
3. White Water River Rafting
There are 3 rivers just outside of Cairns, the Barron River, the Johnstone River, and the Russel River all boast some of the most exciting white water rafting in all of Australia. Don’t worry, if you don’t have rafting experience, different levels are available from beginner to advanced levels.
Photo Credit: ThingsToDoinCairns.com
4. Hartleys Creek Crocodile Adventure Park
If crocodiles are on your ‘must see’ list for Australia, Cairns won’t let you down. Hartley’s Creek Crocodile Adventure Park lets you see and learn all about one of Australia’s most feared and famous creatures at a safe distance. The park is located between Palm Creek and Port Douglas just 40 km north of Cairns. In addition to crocs, they also have other wildlife on exhibit that represents other creatures native to northern Queensland. Sit back and relax on a crocodile viewing cruises; this gives you a glimpse of the crocodiles’ native habitat from a safe distance on a river boat cruise. .
Photo Credit: ThingsToDoinCairns.com
5. Chillagoe Caves
Another day trip from Cairns gives you yet another drastically different holiday experience. Just a short 3 hour drive out of Cairns is the Chillagoe Caves. You can book a day tour of this magnificent system of limestone Karst caves and the outback terrain.
Photo Credit: CairnsAttractions.com.au
