Cairns Travel Guide, Hotels & Things to Do

Where to stay

Hotels in Cairns

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Savannah House

6 Collinson Street | Cairns, 4870, AU

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Tropical Paradise Cairns - 9 Pools Gym BBQ

12 Gregory Street | Cairns, 4870, AU

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Coastal Bliss - Cairns 9 Pools BBQ & Gym

Gregory Street | Cairns, 4870, AU

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Linaria Lakes - Resort Style living

2-10 Greenslopes St Cairns North Qld 4870 Australia | Cairns, 4870, AU

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Belle Escapes 710 Elevated CBD getaway with magical views

710/58-62 Mcleod St | Cairns, 4870, AU

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Belle Escapes Rydges Plaza Esplanade Luxury 2-Bedroom Apartment

82/219-225 Abbott St | Cairns, 4870, AU

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The Condo at Northshore Tower

205 Abbott St Cairns North Qld 4870 Australia | Cairns, 4870, AU

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At a glance

Climate

Tropical

Languages

English

Local currency

AUD (AUD)

Local time

09:30 (GMT+10)

Ideal trip length

4–7 days

Cost level

3 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

Cairns Esplanade

Tap water

Generally described as safe to drink

Tipping

Not expected, but appreciated for good service.

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 88 · Very good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Barramundi Kangaroo steak Tropical fruits Seafood platter

When to visit Cairns

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: July, August Busiest: Jun-Oct

Jan

50

Hot, wet, humid
Feb

45

Hot, wet, humid
Mar

55

Wet season ending
Apr

70

Warm, less rain
May

80

Pleasant, dry
Jun

90

Dry, sunny, warm
Jul

95

Dry, sunny, warm
Aug

95

Dry, sunny, warm
Sept

90

Dry, sunny, warm
Oct

85

Warm, dry, increasing humidity
Nov

70

Hot, humid, build-up
Dec

60

Hot, humid, increasing rain

50

Jan Hot, wet, humid

45

Feb Hot, wet, humid

55

Mar Wet season ending

70

Apr Warm, less rain

80

May Pleasant, dry

90

Jun Dry, sunny, warm

95

Jul Dry, sunny, warm

95

Aug Dry, sunny, warm

90

Sept Dry, sunny, warm

85

Oct Warm, dry, increasing humidity

70

Nov Hot, humid, build-up

60

Dec Hot, humid, increasing rain

Things to do in Cairns

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

2 places

Great Barrier Reef Tour

Offshore 8 hrs

Snorkel or dive the world's largest coral reef system, teeming with marine life.

Outdoors Good for children

Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation

North of Cairns 10 hrs

Explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest, where the rainforest meets the reef.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

2 places

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

Cairns City 3 hrs

Swim and relax at the iconic saltwater swimming lagoon overlooking the Coral Sea.

Outdoors Good for children

White Water Rafting Barron River

Barron Gorge 4 hrs

Experience thrilling rapids on the Barron River, suitable for beginners.

Outdoors

Best in the evening

1 place

Cairns Night Markets

Cairns City 2 hrs

Browse souvenirs, local crafts, and enjoy diverse street food at this bustling market.

Indoors Good for children

Any time of day

2 places

Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail

Kuranda 6 hrs

Journey through ancient rainforests by train and cable car to a charming village.

Outdoors Good for children

Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls

Atherton Tablelands 8 hrs

Discover stunning waterfalls, crater lakes, and lush landscapes inland from Cairns.

Outdoors Good for children

Cairns itineraries

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First-timer highlights

3 Days in Cairns — First-Timer Highlights

Dive into the reef, explore the rainforest, and soak up the tropical city charm.

This 3-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors to Cairns, offering a comprehensive taste of its most iconic attractions. From the vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef to the ancient wonders of the Wet Tropics Rainforest, and the relaxed atmosphere of the city itself, this trip is designed for those seeking adventure and natural beauty. It balances thrilling excursions with opportunities to unwind and enjoy the unique local culture.

3 Days 11 Stops

See the full plan