Queensland is blessed with many natural wonders, but one that stands out above all is the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you stay dry or want to dip your head below the surface to immerse yourself in all the action, explore the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns or Port Douglas.
When you’re visiting a city whose back door opens onto the Wet Tropics and front door opens onto the Great Barrier Reef, you know your day trips from Cairns are going to be amazing. Get ready to experience the best of this region in bite-sized, day trip portions, following this guide to Cairns and its surrounds
Ask anyone, and they’ll tell you that Cairns is the place for adventure activities in Australia. Adrenaline junkies have been lured by Queensland’s Tropical North for decades; its beautiful coastline, ancient rainforests and rich tablelands will make your heart race. And that’s just the views… Hang glide over rainforests, bungy jump into crocodile-infested rivers or BMX in the dark; whatever gets your pulse racing, you’ll find it in Australia’s Tropical North.
In this tropical paradise, the mercury rarely dips below the 20s. Keep your cool at one of the perfectly chilled swimming spots and waterfalls year-round. And while the beaches and the waters of the Great Barrier Reef are sure to lure you in, even the locals up here venture inland to connect with nature and cool off.
If you need an island escape that’s surrounded by world-heritage reef, you’ve come to the right place. From Cairns you’ll have access to a number of islands that offer day trips. If you’d prefer to make a weekend out of it, book yourself in at one of the Great Barrier Reef island resorts.
The Daintree Rainforest is one of the most biologically diverse rainforests on the planet. This truly wild place forms a small part of the much larger Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and is home to rare and unusual animal species that are found nowhere else on the planet.
When dusk rolls around, Cairns nightlife springs alive. Look further than backpacker bars and you’ll find incredible Indigenous experiences, boutique watering holes, enchanting rainforest dining, and ways to connect with nature and wildlife after dark.
Found yourself in Tropical North Queensland with a thirst to quench after a day of adventuring? Thankfully Cairns bars have your back, courtesy of its variety of drinking holes suited for any and every occasion. From suave bars for the cocktail connoisseur to more casual haunts, for when you simply crave a beer on the beach, make your way through the best Cairns bars with this guide.