Why Cairns Is Your Next Holiday Destination

Located in warm and sunny tropical North Queensland, Cairns is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia. From white sandy beaches and trendy cafes and shops, to a large choice of accommodation to suit all budgets, there are more than a few reasons as to why you should make Cairns your next holiday destination.

Cairns is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, The Great Barrier Reef is one of the biggest reasons to visit Cairns. With more than 3000 individual reef systems and coral cays, the Great Barrier Reef is a sight to explore. You can snorkel, scuba dive and swim along the reef, as well as whale watch and swim with dolphins. Book a tour leaving from Cairns and see what the largest coral reef in the world has to offer.

It is also a gateway to the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest…

Just a two-hour drive north of Cairns lies the majestic Daintree Rainforest. The most diverse range of plants and animals are inhabitants of this tropical rainforest, including the rare tree-dwelling kangaroo and the endangered cassowary. You can explore the forest by taking a day trip or stay a few nights in one of the wilderness lodges. There are walking tours which take you around the forest led by experts and you can also cruise down the Daintree River to spot a saltwater crocodile.

Get your adventure on

Cairns is home to many different activities that will get your heart racing and your blood pumping. Whether you are with the family or on a couples get away, you will find something for everyone. If you are an adrenaline junkie, then skydiving in Cairns is perfect for you. You can choose from landing in parklands or glide over the Great Barrier Reef and soak up the view before you arrive on the beach.

Another thrill seeking activity to try is bungy jumping! In fact, there is only one place to go bungy jumping in Australia and it is in the canopy of the Cairns rainforest – stunning! If staying on solid land is more your thing, then you will love an ATV quad bike tour. There are various companies that offer rides through the tropical bushland and cane fields.

If you want to combine an activity with water, there are a few companies that offer white water rafting. Sail down rapids while taking in the beautiful surroundings. Get out onto the ocean and soak up the sun, salty air and spectacular views by parasailing or hopping on a jet ski and cruising around.

To see Cairns from the air (not in a plane!), hot air ballooning is by the far the most serene and beautiful way to see it. North Queensland also happens to be one of the cheapest spots in Australia to go hot air ballooning.

Tantalise your tastebuds

Cairns is a haven for food lovers. It is situated between the Coral Sea and the tropical fruit orchids of the Cairns Hinterland, the array of food you can find in town is quite amazing. The main streets are lined with hip cafes and restaurants, serving up the finest foods from international cuisines including Greek, Italian, Mexican and modern Asian. You can even find some local delicacies, such as kangaroo, crocodile and local Barramundi. You can get your fix of fresh produce on the weekend from Rusty’s Markets with more than 180 stalls, including seafood, local goods and more.

There is a strong pub culture in North Queensland and Cairns is no exception. There is a pub on every corner in Cairns and they are usually in historical establishments. If you want to experience what life used to be like, ask for the ‘Counter Tea’, which most pubs have. It is a pub meal served at the counter.

Learn about the rich heritage of Australia’s first inhabitants

The history of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people dates back more than 40,000 years. You can learn about it at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park which is situated 20 minutes outside of Cairns. Visitors can participate in guided bushwalks, didgeridoo shows and enjoy theatre performances. Around 90 minutes north of Cairns is the Mossman Gorge Centre – an indigenous eco-tourism development. Visitors can explore the gorge and learn about the local Kuku Yalanji culture at the same time. Learn to throw a spear and hunt and gather for your meal along the Bama Way – a traditional Aboriginal journey from Cairns to the north of Cooktown.

Discover the freshest of waterholes and waterfalls

Just a 25-minute drive from Cairns lies Crystal Cascades and Josephine Falls. Crystal Cascades has been dubbed one of the best spots to have a swim in the rainforest. It is clear, fresh and if you feel like a trek afterwards, there is a three-kilometre walking path through the beautiful lush rainforest. There are natural slides at Josephine Falls and the view from the top is spectacular.

Lose yourself among the native trees and flowers

The Cairns Botanic Gardens (officially named the Flecker Botanic Gardens) is located just outside the Cairns CBD and is a beautiful, tropical parkland. Unlike most other botanic gardens in Australia, the Cairns Botanic Garden is home to hundreds of tropical plant species and you can expect to see large orange, purple and red flowers in bloom all over the garden, as well as brightly coloured butterflies fluttering around.

Enjoy a night at the Cairns Night Market

The Cairns Night Market is on every night and is an absolute must-see for every tourist (locals love it too!) visiting. With more than 70 unique stalls, you can pick up a treasure to take home, such as crocodile skins and pearls, to opals and Akubra hats. The food stalls boast crepes, pies, fresh seafood, ice cream and more.

As you can see, there are many excellent reasons to visit cairns. Whether you’re on a family holiday, a romantic couple’s getaway or looking for an action-packed adventure, Cairns has it all.