Cairns is the typical tropical holiday so many people crave. With its gorgeous waterfront location, parks and pools, cafes and markets, you could just wander the laidback city centre all day and enjoy yourself.
Take for example the free Cairns Lagoon on the Esplanade. This gorgeous pool has sea views to lap up while you’re in the water, and it’s popular with all ages. When you’ve finished soaking up the atmosphere, try this list of things we’ve compiled to do in and around Cairns. There’s something for everyone on our list:
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway with Kuranda
This experience is often at the top of people’s Cairns recommendations. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway takes you over and through World Heritage Rainforest, allowing you to spend time at two rainforest stations. You can take the Kuranda Scenic Railway back to Cairns, an historic two-hour train journey with views of dramatic mountains and waterfalls.
See the Great Barrier Reef
No visit to Cairns is complete without spending time at the iconic Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system. You can snorkel the reef, take a dive – even enjoy a sea walk. The choice of tours can be overwhelming, so it’s best to see this list from Queensland Tourism.
Experience Aboriginal Culture
Explore the world’s oldest living culture at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, 15 minutes from Cairns. Enjoy live performances of music, dance and storytelling. Walk through the Magic Space to see authentic artefacts once used by the Tjapukai tribe and murals created by Tjapukai artists. Soak up the sounds of the didgeridoo in the Nature’s Voice Theatre, plus much more.
Close encounter with a croc
If you’re the type who’d like to feed a crocodile or even hold a young croc, head to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, just north of Cairns. Their “Big Croc Feed Experience” includes entry to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures where you can pole-feed a huge croc by yourself!
White water rafting
Cairns has been called the rafting capital of Australia, with three world-acclaimed raging rivers nearby. If you relish the adrenalin rush of rafting, check out the many adventurous tour options listed by the people at ExperienceOz.
Market shopping
If strolling a market is more your style, don’t miss Cairn’s Saturday Esplanade market, every Saturday between 8am and 4pm. Browse clothing, jewellery, clothing, homewares and locally-made skincare products. Another option is Rusty’s Market, where you can enjoy sensational coffee and mix with the locals any Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. It’s located in the CBD between Grafton and Sheridan Streets. It’s here where you can stock up on exotic fruit, vegetables, fresh breads and seafood to take back to your caravan or holiday cabin.
Stay with us
Of course, Cairns is also home to one of Australia’s most stunning and popular holiday parks, Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut. This award-winning park is an oasis, with its lush tropical gardens, palms and rainforest. In fact, you can easily write a ‘Top 10’ list for Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut itself, with park facilities including Splash Waterpark, Adventure Playground, walk-in hot spa and more.
Contact Cairns Coconut now to book your place and begin planning your Far North Queensland getaway.
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