How do I spend a day in Cairns?

Cairns is one of Australia’s most vibrant cities, a tropical wonderland with plenty to do in and around town.

Whether you’re heading out to the Great Barrier Reef to dive amongst the spectacular sea creatures, taking a swim at the Esplanade Lagoon, meandering around the lush botanic gardens or enjoying a stunning sunset, Cairns is a city that really delivers on fun!

So, let’s dive a little deeper into why Cairns is such a fabulous place to visit any time of the year…

• Head out to the Great Barrier Reef

  The Great Barrier Reef is easily Cairns’ main drawcard: a stunning stretch of individual coral reefs housing some of the world’s most beautiful and bizarre sea creatures. Cairns is one of the best jumping points to see the reef, with daily charters heading out to Green Island, Fitzroy Island, the mid reef and outer reef.

  Divers and snorkellers revel in the opportunity to see this most spectacular natural wonder in person, and Cairns is the perfect place to enjoy it in all its surreal splendour.

• Swim in the Esplanade Lagoon

  Cairns is a tropical city, so you can be sure that it gets absolutely toasty! Even in the dry winter months temperatures reach a relatively warm 29°C, making it the ideal temperature for a dip in the city’s Esplanade Lagoon. This simply awesome, free pool complex allows you to enjoy saltwater swimming without the fear of being chomped on by a croc or stung by a jellyfish (which there are plenty of in the summer months!).

• Enjoy tropical food at delightful markets

  Cairns open air markets and eateries are diverse and full of wonderful cuisine options. Whether you’re heading to the Cairns Night Markets for Japanese, Chinese or Vietnamese food or to Rusty’s Markets for delightfully fresh produce, the city of Cairns is the centre of northern Queensland cuisine!

• Enjoy a superb sunset

  Cairns is a tropical city that naturally provides gorgeous viewing at sunset. Every night, the city is blessed with a beautiful sunset that encapsulates all the wondrous tropical hues of golds, pinks, reds and blues. After a special day exploring the Great Barrier Reef, or wandering along the esplanade in search of fun and frivolity, the sunset is the most peaceful way to relax and enjoy this special city…

Related article: Our Other Awesome Cairns Tours Are Available Now

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.