Table of Contents
Cairns Australia
The tropical city of Cairns is ever-popular with travelers to Australia of all ages, and it is easy to see why. Basking in year-round hot temperatures, the city has a laid-back lifestyle, with all the amenities you could ever wish for in a holiday.
Cairns Australia is a great place to book a hotel and base yourself for a week or two, but the best attractions of the city are in its surroundings. In fact, some of your favorite days in Tropical North Queensland will be day trips from Cairns Australia, whether that be in its rainforest, out on the Great Barrier Reef or on breathtaking tropical islands.
Cairns Attractions are many. So while in Cairns Australia, be sure to rent a car or book some Cairns tours to some of these amazing day trip destinations.
Best Day Trips from Cairns Australia
Atherton Tablelands
Spanning a vast region over the hinterland of Cairns, there’s so much to do in a day in the Atherton Tablelands. The area is mainly pastoral; and subsequently has plenty of farmer’s markets, for visitors to peruse at their own leisure. Food tours of the Atherton Tablelands are popular, where tourists can sample some of the best cheese and chocolate made in the region.
Once you’ve eaten to your heart’s content, take part in a guided or self-guided tour around the waterfalls and natural attractions of the tablelands. They include the famous Millaa Millaa waterfall – which has been featured in adverts and music videos – Josephine Falls, featuring a somewhat infamous rock slide, and Zillie and Ellinjaa Falls, which are located on the waterfall circuit.
Also in the Atherton Tablelands region is the impossibly blue Lake Eacham, which boasts a very pleasant rainforest walk around its diameter, and is a popular swimming spot. Beware though, the lake has a resident crocodile; it is a freshwater and has never attacked anyone, but this breed of croc can be aggressive if provoked.
Port Douglas
On the brink of the Daintree Rainforest is the bustling town of Port Douglas. It’s known as a somewhat luxury place to visit, but the town boasts a range of fantastic attractions making it a great day trip for a budget traveler too.
Port Douglas has a buzzing atmosphere, with a range of restaurants, bars, and cafes. In recent years there has been a boom in the amount of younger travelers to Port Douglas, meaning it today has a more hipster, alternative vibe, which makes just walking around the town and absorbing the atmosphere one of its best things to do!
Try to time your visit to a Sunday so you can browse the famous Port Douglas markets. They sell all sorts, from produce to clothing, and are set against the beautiful backdrop of the tropical blue sea. There are plenty of food stalls there for those who wish to grab some lunch and watch the scenic blue vista behind.
If you’re feeling energetic, hike up to Flagstaff Hill for an unmissable view of 4-mile beach, the rainforest backdrop of the town and the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. If you’re not feeling up to the hike, you can drive up there too.
Daintree Rainforest
Further on from Port Douglas is the Daintree Rainforest; the oldest of its kind in the world. It is around 165 million years old, and the forest is easily accessible on a day trip from Cairns. It contains an intriguing density of flora and fauna, including the endangered Cassowary bird.
While it’s often recommended to spend 2 days or longer exploring the Daintree Rainforest National Park, it is possible to visit on a day trip from Cairns. The national park starts about an hour and a half north of Cairns, and a tarmac road spans the majority of it; it peters out and turns into gravel at the beginning of the Bloomfield Track, which leads to Cooktown.
Attractions in the main part of the park (the area with the tarmac road) include various walking trails through the rainforest, cruising on the Daintree River, lookouts over the spectacular scenery and appreciating the unique atmosphere of jungle settlements like Daintree Village and Cape Tribulation.
Mission Beach
Heading south of Cairns, Mission Beach is a spectacular part of Tropical North Queensland that many people miss. The area is a 14 kilometer stretch of coastal villages, with scenic beaches, fantastic lookouts and great dining and drinking opportunities.
The bays of Mission Beach look like they should be straight from a postcard; they boast spectacular water and white sands that you can’t fail to be gobsmacked at. Although be sure not to get in the water from October to June – that’s when the stingers are around. There are safe-for-swimming stinger nets in South Mission.
If you’re after delicious grub and great coffee, look no further than Bingil Bay Café; which is also open and serves alcohol at night. There are various walking trails around the Mission Beach area, but one that is certainly not to be missed is the summit of Bicton Hill, a challenging but oh-so-rewarding uphill hike.
You could also take a water taxi over to Dunk Island, a paradise-like setting on the edge of Mission Beach. Various hikes are accessible on Dunk Island, including Mount Kootaloo, a 5-kilometer return which traverses through fern forests and tropical shrubbery to reach the highest point of the island.
Other fantastic things to do in Mission Beach include kayak tours, visiting the reef and skydiving onto the beach – fantastic reasons to head to this little Queensland gem for a day!
The Great Barrier Reef
Of course, I couldn’t write a post about day trips from Cairns without including the Great Barrier Reef since the best place to snorkel great barrier reef is when you do a day trip from Crains. The world’s largest coral reef system and indeed, the largest living thing on the planet, the Great Barrier Reef is simply one of a kind.
Some people debate whether the Great Barrier Reef Islands is still worth diving or snorkeling; it has been declared dead due to global warming and over-tourism. However, after visiting it myself, I can confirm that it is still a breathtaking natural phenomenon and is well worth a day trip from Cairns Australia.
While the reef probably doesn’t have the most colorful coral in the world, there is still an impressive amount of underwater flora and an unbelievable array of marine wildlife. Snorkelers and divers alike can marvel at tropical fish, turtles, sea cucumbers and even reef sharks! So Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling is by far considered the best things to do in Cairns.
Doing a Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns Australia is also a great opportunity for those who are trying scuba diving for the first time, as there are many companies who will do ‘fun dives’ for uncertified divers. They will receive all the training necessary on the day and will go down linked to an instructor.
Of course, when visiting the Great Barrier Reef, it’s important to remember that human destruction is one reason why the reef is dying – so it’s vital to not touch or interfere with any coral, or distress any animals by picking them up. The Great Barrier Reef is suffering from bleaching at the moment, but the natural cycles mean that it is able to repair itself so, with human help, it could return to its former colorful glory.
| Click to know more about best Great Barrier Reef tour. |
|---|
Fitzroy Island
A tropical island paradise situated a 45-minute boat ride from Cairns, Fitzroy Island is a dreamy day trip destination. There are so many amazing activities to enjoy on the island, including rainforest and coastal walks, snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving and organized day tours.
One of Fitzroy’s most loved walks is its renowned lighthouse. The 3.6-kilometer walk traverses through the rainforests and spans around the island, reaching the (now inactive) lighthouse and a spectacular view. More experienced hikers can take to the Summit Track which ascends further and offers a quieter, even more, impressive vista of the island. If you prefer to keep your walks at sea level, try the moderately difficult walk to Nudey Beach; which is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
There are amazing snorkeling opportunities all over the shore, as the island is part of the Great Barrier Reef. Be sure to hire out stinger suits during October-May, grab a snorkel and see what you can find! Or if you’d like to try scuba diving on Fitzroy Island, there are plenty of opportunities.
Tours from Fitzroy Island include Glass Bottom Boat Tours, Guided Eco Walks, and Night Coral Viewing. There’s plenty to enjoy on paradise-like Fitzroy for a day or longer!
How to get to Cairns, Australia
Check airfares to Cairns. Book cheap flights, hotels, and cars on rental through Skyscanner You can alternatively download free Skyscanner Mobile app to book cheap flights, hotels, and cars on rental on your mobile.
Where to stay in Cairns
If you are looking for best accommodation in Cairns, Australia, we recommend HotelsCombined or Agoda or Booking.com to save huge and get best deals on booking your stay. Choose any of the boxes below to book your stay at some of the best hotels in Cairns:
Tours/Activities available in Cairns
Choose either of the two to book tours and activities in Cairns.
http://bit.ly/2F1LIrT
http://bit.ly/2FFuOAA
As you can see, there are many attractions in Cairns Australia. Things to do in Cairns Australia are many for the adventure lovers. Have you been to Cairns? Did you find this post useful?
Check out some of our Australia posts:
- Brisbane – A Wishlist Of Things To Do
- A Road Trip From Sydney To Brisbane
- 14 Awesome Places Along The Great Ocean Road
- Budget Friendly Travel Guide To Sydney
Thanks for visiting our site Voyager – imvoyager.com and taking the time to read our post!
We’d love if you’d comment and share this post.
[shareaholic app=”share_buttons” id=”27413782″]
I’d love to spend the day at Mission Beach or at the national park. It’s all so beautiful and I’d love to visit Cairns, Australia some day. I do hope the Great Barrier Reef repairs itself and returns to her former glory.
Australia is on our list of countries to visit. We have friends who live there and they love it. Beautiful country.
I’m gonna enjoy the nature and the outdoors at Cairns. Of course, the Great Barrier Reef is also a definitely a must not miss.
I would love to go here and relax. I always love checking out waterfalls, so that would be a fun trek. I’d also want to try a glass bottom boat tour!
Australia is the country I want to visit. My boss went there one year and he is a big traveler. He said that was his fav place to go. What an interesting bird.
I’ve always wanted to travel to visit the Great Barrier Reef but I had no idea there were so many other interesting places nearby. Looks like I may need to add a few of these neighboring places on my travel bucket list.
Cairns is the first place I visited when I went to Australia. It’s magnificent but I have to say I certainly didn’t make it to all the beautiful places you have on this list! I 100% agree that the reef is still worth diving or snorkelling. It’s still an astounding environment to experience.
Thanks for the great post. I think if/when I go back the Atherton Tablelands are a must!
Oh wow, these day trips are about a million times more beautiful than any day trips that are available for us Chicagoans. I would definitely drive far and wide to take in that gorgeous waterfall in person!
Traveling to Australia is probably number one on my list of places that I want to go. I have been wanting to go to Australia since I was a little kid. One day I know we will get there and I will definitely check out a lot of places in Cairns.
I’ve never been to Australia and have always wanted to go, it’s on my travel bucket list. It sounds like you found lots of interesting things to see.
Super wonderful post! It makes me want to hop on a plane to Cairns right now! I’ve not yet been to Australia, but would love to visit this region as they are growing some great tasting cocoa in Daintree.
Wow, it all is stunning! What a gorgeous place to visit. Those waterfalls are calling to me, this would be an amazing adventure.
That is some really beautiful wildlife. I sure would love to make it there some day!
I would love to visit Australia. All these pictures of beautiful, blue waters are making me want to take a vacation here with the family. I bet we would all enjoy the scenery.
This looks like the most amazing destination. I’m a sucker for a waterfall but the Rainforest is always breath taking.
Australia is high on my list of places I NEED to visit and soon! You just made me want to visit more!
That waterfall and the Barrier Reef both look like my idea of the perfect spot to visit. Australia has to be just amazing.
What a beautiful place to visit. I can only ;image it is even nicer in person. I wish our budget allowed us to travel more often and to places like this.
Cairns looks amazing! Like every travel enthusiast, I would love to head down to the Great Barrier Reef and Fitzroy Island which offers such picturesque natural landscapes and an opportunity to get up close with marine life 🙂
Great and insightful post! Visiting the Great Barrier Reef is definitely on my bucket list and would really love to visit it someday! 🙂
Oh I absolutely love those stunning photos! I wish we can also see the Great Barrier Reef.
I never thought that there are this so many beautiful places that are still to discover there. Thanks for a very informative post. I hope I can add this to my must visit this 2018.
I’ve wanted to visit the Great Barrier reef for the longest time. Now, thanks to your post, I know that there are other things to do in and around Cairns other than visit the reef. This will come in very handy when I do manage to make my way there.
When My Little One was younger, she wanted to go to Australia. After seeing these picks, Babushka wants to go too. BB2U
So many great spots!! Port Douglas is definitely on my list, and the Daintree Rainforest looks fun to explore. I visited the Great Barrier Reef last time I was in Australia and it was spectacular!
Visiting the beaches of Cairns Australia is definitely a bucket list destination for me. However, I had no idea of its surroundings. I love the beauty of Atherton Tablelands. That waterfall alone makes me wish I could just pop into your picture and swim. What a great adventure. So glad you saw that exotic and almost extinct bird!
Would love to visit Australia, so many things on the bucketlist. From the Red center to the great ocean drive… the great barrier reef and of course Port Douglas and the Daintree Rainforest area.
We love Cairns, mainly for access to it’s surrounds – Daintree Rainforest is our favorite place in Australia (we’re wildlife and nature enthusiasts)! Great photo of the Cassowary bird – gotta watch out for them though, they can be feisty!! Mission beach definitely looks like you’ve stepped into a postcard, and then of course you cant miss the GBR. Took me right back there, thanks for the memories!!
I was in Australia last year. After seeing your blog, I realize I should have planned Cairns. I love visiting places like Daintree Rainforest. So exciting to know it is 165 million years old. Cassowary is one of the fiercest birds. I saw one few years ago! By the way, Fitzroy Island indeed looks dreamy.
I love Australia and have visited several times, but still haven’t made it to Cairns yet. After the Great Barrier Reef, Atherton Tablelands would be my first choice for a day trip. That waterfall looks amazing
I can’t wait to visit Australia one day and your pictures and post make me want to go even more. I think my favorite would be laying at mission beach to enjoy the sand and the view, but I would also love to see the Great Barrier Reef. I’m not a diver, still a bit scared to try it but I’d be happy with snorkeling and taking pictures of the underwater world. 🙂
The Millaa Millaa Waterfall and the rainforest look amazing! And oh my! I would love to go snorkeling at the Barrier Reef — those fish are beautiful, and I know the snorkeling is supposed to be the best in the world!
Ooh man, I want to visit this place for its amazing fauna. The Great Barrier Reef is a dream – forget the corals, it’s the marine life below. And the thrill of scuba with that. I want to even see the Cassowary bird and capture a pic myself. Cairns sounds like my dream destination
It’s always great to have day trips out from a city that allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. The Atherton Tablelands look beautiful, I love rural areas with farmers markets and the mere mention of locally made cheese always wins me over. Port Douglas looks like a great place to visit for a long and lingering lunch and browse around. The Daintree forest is particularly appealing, especially where you can spot unusual wildlife there. And of course, the most famous of all, the Great Barrier Reef, a bucketlist attraction if ever there was one! Fitzroy island looks very peaceful, is there any accommodation there for overnighting?
Wow! What a lovely post! Cairns looks absolutely stunning with its beautiful flora and fauna. The green forests, the surreal blue lake, the mesmerising waterfall, the vast sea and the rich marine life – everything is magical about this place. The Cassowary bird is so fascinating. It looks like a dinosaur descendant.
This is one part of Australia I would love to visit but now you given me a few more ideas. The waterfall looks amazing and would love to see that for real. Fantastic post and have bookmarked this for my research when I hope to do a road trip down under very soon.