Some people call it the Bali of Australia (except for the price point), but if you are after a genuine experience full of natural history and preserved culture, visiting Cairns should be noticed in your travel diaries!
Below are the places that we recommend you visit and explore.
Barron Gorge National Park
Nestled within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Barron Gorge National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural significance. This Queensland gem offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a landscape where rugged rainforest-clad mountains and gorges meet tumbling waterfalls and diverse wildlife.
One of the park's most breathtaking sights is the mighty Barron Falls/Din Din, especially during the wet season when the water roars and plummets into the gorge below. The best spot to witness this natural spectacle is from the Barron Falls lookout, where an elevated walkway provides a stunning vantage point and an opportunity to soak in the panoramic views.
The park is also rich in cultural history, being part of the traditional lands of the Djabugandji Bama people. Their historic walking trails now form part of an extensive network of tracks, allowing visitors to follow in the footsteps of the original custodians of this land. Whether you opt for a short stroll or a more challenging hike, the trails lead to secluded rainforest spots, tranquil pools, and rapids, each offering a unique perspective of the park's diverse ecosystem.
Accessibility is thoughtfully considered, with facilities such as carparks, picnic areas, and public toilets ensuring a comfortable visit for all. For those keen on wildlife, the park is a haven for birdwatching, with the lush canopy home to a variety of bird species.
Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest, a majestic and ancient wilderness, is a treasure trove of natural beauty and unique experiences. As the world's oldest tropical rainforest (about 180 million years old), it offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in the wonders of a living ecosystem that has thrived for millions of years.
This tropical rainforest ecosystem is one of the most complex on Earth, with many natural and unique features to be explored, from the forest floor to the very top of the rainforest canopy. The plant diversity and structural complexity are unrivaled anywhere else in the world, which includes 12 of the 19 primitive flowering plant families and represents the origins of many of Australia’s most familiar flora. The Wet Tropics represents a major stage of the Earth’s evolutionary history – almost a complete record of the evolution of plant life.
Begin your experience at the award-winning Daintree Discovery Centre. Opened in June 1989 to fill a void in environmental tourism. Built off the ground, the 11-metre high Aerial Walkway and 23-metre high Canopy Tower provide easy access to every level of the rainforest while reducing any impact on the fragile ecosystem.
Adventurous souls can embark on a guided tour to delve deeper into the heart of the rainforest, learning about the unique flora and fauna as well as the rich history and culture of the local Indigenous people.
PRO TIP: Bring your own sunscreen lotion and insect repellent for extra protection. Although the rainforest walkways are wheelchair accessible, pets are not allowed in this attraction.
Take the crocodile cruise river tour
Nothing can beat the real Australian experience than having a close encounter with crocodiles. Take the crocodile cruise river tour with an experienced tour guide where you can learn more about the local crocodile wildlife, its local environment, and everything you need to know about the majestic beast.
Visit the Birdword for friendly cockatoos.
Discover the friendliest and cutest Australian wildlife at Kuranda Village.
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Birdworld Kuranda is a free-flight walk-through attraction allowing visitors to interact with a spectacular collection of birds from Australia and around the world. It also boasts a large and colorful collection of native and exotic parrot species. There are brilliant Amazonian macaws, the endangered cassowary, cheeky rainbow lorikeets, galahs, cockatoos, and others. Naturally landscaped with waterfalls, ponds, and exotic and native plants, the Birdworld replicates the natural habitats of almost 60 species that roam the unique rainforest immersive exhibit.
Don’t be surprised to find a gorgeous, feathered friend taking a ride on your shoulder (they are human-friendly!). Take a selfie and enjoy the whole experience! There are bags of feed available for purchase at the front desk to give you an even greater opportunity to interact with various birds.
Right next door is the Kuranda Koala Gardens, and the Butterfly Gardens for more wildlife experience.
PRO TIP: Avoid wearing accessories and other trinkets that might attract the birds’ attention. Removed any jewelry and necklaces. Free wi-fi is available.
Myall Beach and Cape Tribulation
Myall Beach is on the southern side of the Cape Tribulation headland; the place where two World Heritage areas meet, the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. It is at this magnificent location that the end of the Great Barrier Reef Drive journey is achieved. To reach Myall Beach, park in the Kulki Boardwalk Carpark and begin the walk over the ridge of the Cape Tribulation headland and down through the coastal forest. An exquisite sight awaits, the stunning Myall Beach. The Myall Beach walk joins the Kulki Boardwalk to the north and the Dubuki Boardwalk to the south, a distance of about 1.5km. Look out for horses on a guided rainforest and beach horse ride.
Devil’s Pool at Babinda
The Devil's Pool walk is a 1.3-kilometre return walk along the Babinda Creek downstream from the Babinda Boulders picnic area. Slightly undulating along a rough bitumen track, the walk leads through the rainforest to two viewing platforms where the creek cascades down a series of spectacular waterfalls, granite boulders, and washpools.
This little piece of paradise in North Queensland is now known as one of the haunted and dangerous destinations for locals and tourists alike. It was reported that 21 people died from drowning and carelessness in a notorious section of dangerous water.
But don't let that put you off! It is a beautiful place and with common sense it is very safe. Stick to the designated swimming pools, and you'll be able to enjoy the Babinda Boulders just like the locals have been for years. If you have been driving for many hours along the highway, or are just in need of a refreshing swim, the Babinda Boulders are a wonderful treat.
Take a Day Tour at Frankland Island
Nestled in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Frankland Island is a tropical paradise waiting to be explored. This secluded island offers a unique blend of serene beauty and adventurous activities, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Cairns.
The island's untouched natural beauty is a haven for snorkelers and divers who can immerse themselves in the breathtaking coral gardens. For those who prefer to stay dry, semi-submersible tours offer a glimpse into the underwater world without getting wet. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also available for the more adventurous souls, providing a unique perspective of the island's stunning surroundings.
A guided island walk led by a knowledgeable and accredited tour guide is an educational journey through the island's ecosystem. Visitors can learn about the diverse flora and fauna that make the island their home. The beachside buffet lunch is a perfect way to refuel after a morning of exploration, offering fresh local produce and a variety of delicious options.
For a truly tailored experience, guests can opt for an adventure snorkel safari or explore at their own pace with a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. With a number of guests limited each day, the tour ensures a personal and intimate experience, allowing more time to interact with the crew and learn about the vibrant marine ecosystem.
Frankland Island is not just a destination; it's an experience that combines the river, reef, and rainforest in one day. It's a place where you can relax on pristine beaches, explore vibrant coral reefs, and connect with nature in its purest form.
Book your Frankland Islands Reef Cruise now and discover this Cairns hidden gem for yourself. As the only commercial operator with a permit to visit these pristine, uninhabited islands, Frankland Islands Reef Cruises provides an exclusive experience that starts with a delightful rainforest river cruise, followed by a short open-water crossing to the island. Once there, visitors are greeted with crystal-clear waters, vibrant fringing reefs, and an abundance of marine life including turtles, octopuses, and the charming anemone clownfish, famously known as Nemo.
The Great Barrier Reef, of course!
The UNESCO World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef is Australia’s largest and most valuable natural asset with one of the world’s most unique collections of biodiversity.
It extends for over 2,300 kilometers (1429 miles) along the northeastern coast of Australia, is home to over 9,000 known species. There are likely many more—new discoveries are frequently being made, including a new species of branching coral discovered in 2017. It also consists of about 3,000 individual reefs of coral, and the biodiversity they contain is remarkable. There are animals you would probably recognize, such as dolphins, turtles, crocodiles, and sharks. There are also venomous sea snakes, brightly colored worms, and large algae. These species interact to form a complex and delicate ecosystem dependent on the coral reef for survival.
The Great Barrier Reef offers diverse activities and experiences. Visitors can dive it, snorkel it, sail it, sleep on it, kayak it, learn about it, and fly above it. They can experience the wonder of swimming with shoals of fish, ancient turtles, minke whales, and majestic manta rays, and witness nesting and hatching turtles, giant clams, or migrating humpback whales. Visitors can also participate in localized intervention and reef care initiatives aligned to tourism experiences.
There are seven regions and five precincts that make up the Great Barrier Reef, and it is easily accessible year-round from a number of locations along the Queensland coast.
Cairns is not just a destination; it's an experience that connects you with the essence of Australia's natural heritage. It's a place where every turn on the trail promises a new discovery, and every glance offers a scene worthy of a postcard. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and prepare for an adventure that will leave you enthralled by the many wonders of Australia.
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