If you’re looking for a more immersive and adventurous travel experience beyond the usual tours of Sydney and Melbourne, Cairns is an absolute must-visit. This vibrant city, blessed with Australia’s most abundant outdoor resources, offers a plethora of activities such as diving, hot air ballooning, rainforest hikes, and breathtaking helicopter tours, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural wonders of our blue planet.
Location: Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Transportation: Direct flights available from Singapore and Hong Kong
Preparation: Visa, sunscreen, power adapter, and a Visa credit card
Cairns
Nestled between lush rainforests and the sparkling sea, Cairns serves as the perfect base camp for day trips to the Great Barrier Reef. Here, you can explore the tropical rainforests, marvel at stunning waterfalls, and delve into the rich indigenous culture deep inland.
Palm Cove (Palm Cove)
Voted “Best Beach in the World” for 2025 by Condé Nast Traveler, Palm Cove is a paradise of soft sands and clear waters.
Mission Beach
A unique blend of pristine beaches and dense rainforests, Mission Beach is home to the rare Oceania bird, the cassowary.
Port Douglas
Explore Macrossan Street, relax on Four Mile Beach, and browse the charming Port Douglas Market.
Atherton Tablelands
Discover volcanic craters and jungle waterfalls. The sunrise hot air balloon ride is a must, offering breathtaking views of golden mist, rolling fields, and lush forests.
Kuranda
Visit the Kuranda Markets for a taste of local flavor. Don’t miss the scenic railway and rainforest cableway, as well as the enchanting Rainforestation Nature Park and the historic Paronella Park.
Great Barrier Reef
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef boasts 2,300 kilometers of coastline and over 1,000 islands, making it one of the most spectacular island landscapes on Earth. Besides snorkeling and diving, a helicopter tour over the reef is an unforgettable experience.
Fitzroy Island
Famous for its turtle rehabilitation center, Fitzroy Island offers the chance to get up close with these gentle creatures. Explore the tropical rainforest, go snorkeling or diving to see vibrant corals, take a glass-bottom boat tour, or enjoy kayaking.
Lizard Island
Home to the world-renowned Cod Hole, Lizard Island is a diver’s paradise.
With 24 pristine beaches, it provides a stunning view of the Coral Sea and the thrill of arriving by helicopter.
Green Island
Explore the lush tropical rainforest and dive into the Great Barrier Reef with a helmet for an underwater walk. See colorful tropical fish and experience the magic of the underwater world.
Food Recommendations
Indulge in local delicacies like mud crab, barramundi, mangrove jack, coral trout, and striped mullet, which are sure to delight your taste buds.
Other Experiences
For the adrenaline junkies, Cairns offers a range of thrilling activities such as skydiving, bungee jumping, giant swings, rafting, sea fishing, jet boating, canyoning, and even swimming with saltwater crocodiles. These experiences are guaranteed to make your trip incredibly exciting and memorable.
Cairns sounds amazing! I had no idea there were so many unique activities to do there. Definitely adding it to my travel bucket list after reading this.
Cairns sounds amazing! I had no idea there were so many unique activities to try. Definitely adding it to my travel bucket list after reading this.
Glad you loved it! Cairns is indeed a paradise with snorkeling, hiking, and more. It’s a top pick for adventure and nature lovers. Happy to help if you need tips for your trip!