Cairns walking tour & city guide
The tropical gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
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Cairns, in tropical far north Queensland, is the main gateway to two World Heritage Sites: the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system on Earth, and the Daintree, the oldest tropical rainforest in the world. The city itself is laid-back, with a palm-lined Esplanade and a lively backpacker scene.
The Esplanade
Cairns doesn't have a sandy city beach, as mudflats line the shore, but the Esplanade Lagoon is a large free saltwater swimming pool right on the waterfront. The Esplanade boardwalk is great for birdwatching and evening walks, and night markets sell souvenirs and food.
The Reef Fleet Terminal, at the end of the Esplanade, is where most boats leave for the reef.
Reef and rainforest
Day trips take visitors to outer reef platforms and coral cays like Green Island and Michaelmas Cay for snorkeling and diving among colorful coral, turtles and tropical fish.
The Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail cableway climb into the rainforest to the village of Kuranda. Further north, the Daintree Rainforest meets the reef at Cape Tribulation, and boat trips on the Daintree River spot crocodiles. Port Douglas is an upscale beach town an hour north.
Visiting tips
The dry season from May to October has the best weather. From November to May, it's hot and wet, and box jellyfish are present in coastal waters, so swim only in netted areas or the lagoon. Always use reef-safe sunscreen.
Top sights in Cairns
- 1
Great Barrier Reef
Snorkeling and diving on the world's largest reef.
- 2
Esplanade Lagoon
A free waterfront swimming lagoon.
- 3
Kuranda Scenic Railway
A historic train into the rainforest.
- 4
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
A cable car over the treetops.
- 5
Daintree Rainforest
The oldest tropical rainforest on Earth.
- 6
Green Island
A coral cay with beaches and reef.
Food markets & where to eat in Cairns
Cairns Night Markets
Food court and stalls on the Esplanade.
Rusty's Markets
A weekend market of tropical fruit and snacks.
The Esplanade
Restaurants and bars facing the water.
Marina
Seafood by the reef boats.
Food to try in Cairns
Barramundi
Australia's iconic fish.
Tropical fruit
Mangoes, rambutans and dragon fruit.
Mud crab
A northern Queensland specialty.
Daintree ice cream
Made with exotic local fruit.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Cairns
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