What is Cairns famous for?

Cairns is a beautiful city that has continued to skyrocket in popularity, but why are people continuing to flock there?

• Cairns Harbour

  Head down to the Cairns Harbour, or Cairns Marlin Marina, the gateway to the oceanic attractions of Cairns. Enjoy the modern architecture of the area; sleek shapes and glass design gives the marina a modern flare. Tuck in at some of the best restaurants Cairns has on offer along the esplanade. Try delicious local seafood with views across the ocean or enjoy your morning coffee watching as boats head out from the docks for a day on the water. Filled with energy, take yourself on a shopping spree. Visit local boutiques and designer stores to pick yourself up something special.

• Great Barrier Reef

  Cairns is undoubtedly the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is the worlds largest reef system comprised of over 2,900 individual reefs. Each year, people flock to the reef from around the world to swim, snorkel, and dive with the more than 1,500 marine species that call the reef home. Along the reef you’ll find 600 islands and hundreds of coral cays extending from the tip of Northern Queensland down south along the coastline. Visiting the reef is a truly spectacular experience that should not be missed.

• Green Island

  Just 45-minutes off the coast of Cairns, Green Island is a remarkable island perfect for a day trip. Made of a coral cay, Green Island is the only one along the Great Barrier Reef that has a rainforest growing atop it. Formed over 6,000 years ago the island is the perfect place to relax for a day of snorkelling and relaxing on the beach. The pristine white sand is perfect to sunbathe on, head into the shallows to cool off and explore the beautiful marine life.

• Lake Eacham

  Found in the stunning Atherton Tablelands, Lake Eacham is a volcanic crater that has filled with water over thousands of years. As the lake is a crater it does not run anywhere, its water levels only rise during heavy rain periods. Additionally, water levels only fall due to natural evaporation. As motorised boats and jet skis are prohibited on the lake it is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing swim or kayak.

• Daintree National Forest

  The Daintree National Forest is a lush oasis. The remnants of the Gondwana super forests, the Daintree is home to endemic ancient trees and species. Visit the majestic curtain fig tree, whose roots  have supported the mammoth tree for thousands of years. Enjoy night tours and discover the weird and wonderful creatures that thrive deep in the rainforest. Swim in lush rainforest waterholes and enjoy the soothing songs of native birds. Head to Mossman Gorge for a cultural tour and learn about the traditional owners of the land. Support the local community at the Mossman Gorge Centre and pick yourself up a souvenir to remember the trip by!

There are so many wonderful attractions in Cairns that you’ll be wishing you could stay there forever!

Related article: What to expect in the Wet Season Cairns?