Doing Cairns in one day? Here’s what we recommend doing in this vibrant and exciting tropical town, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Walk along the esplanade
The esplanade is a great way to see the waterfront. You’ll see the mudflat land that surrounds this tropical city, and take in the views of the hills that surround it. Take a stroll along the esplanade on a sunny morning with a coffee, or take a wander along this boardwalk for the sunset.
Glass Bottom Boat
If you don’t want to get in the sea, then get on a glass-bottom boat, and admire the busy scene of fish under the water’s surface. The glass-bottom boat lets you see the best of the underwater wildlife, without having to get in the water! See it all from the comfort of the boat.
Check out one of our tours and climb aboard!
Snorkelling
Get yourself onto a snorkelling tour that leaves from Cairns port! You’ll hire a snorkel and be able to swim around the ocean and spot the vibrant and colourful fish. Head over to Green Island or Fitzroy Island to experience these beautiful, vivid blue waters. If you’re lucky, you might spot a turtle!
Kuranda
Check out Kuranda for your ultimate day trip out of Cairns! It’s a cute little hippy village that is nestled in the mountains. There’s a koala sanctuary, markets, and riverside walks that you can do, as well as a butterfly sanctuary which is home to a vast array of native Queensland butterflies. Watch as they peacefully feed on sugar water – they might even land on your head to say hello!
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.