5 cool things to do in Cairns, Australia

Picture the scene…You dive into crystal clear waters and gently glide past a cornucopia of chameleonic sea creatures which caress your eyes with kaleidoscopic colours.

After you surface and slip into something more comfortable, you sit down for a sumptuous meal, toasting your significant other with a cool glass of champagne as you sit staring into the sunset together, perfectly satisfied with the way your life is unfolding so superbly.

This sublime scene can easily become reality when you’re in Cairns, the gateway to many of the greatest natural delights Down Under.

But if you’re still not convinced that this quality Queensland destination should be next on your bucket list, read on for five things to do in Cairns, Australia.

1. Great Barrier Reef

Cairns is the closest city to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and if you want an experience that’s unique and unusual, you can’t leave without experiencing as much as possible of this amazing area.

Various organised trips are available, but Audley Travel can arrange a bespoke Barrier Reef tour that includes swimming through coral gardens, sunbathing on Airlie Beach and sailing the Whitsunday Islands. Check out their website to book a tour that’s tailor-made to make your dreams come true.

2. Babinda Boulders

Babinda Boulders is a popular and pretty swimming hole situated just south of Cairns and it’s the perfect place to cool off from the tropical heat.

The water flows from nearby Mt Bartle Frere, rushes over the massive granite boulders that give the attraction its name and gathers in the Devil’s Pool. If this all sounds enchanting, book a tour at cairnsattractions.com.au – you won’t regret it.

3. Daintree Tropical Rainforest

Tropical rainforests are sometimes described as the lungs of the Earth, thanks to their propensity for producing such massive volumes of vital oxygen

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And when you book an adventure with daintreerainforesttour.com.au,you’ll learn that Daintree has been breathing life into the world for longer than anywhere else, because it’s the oldest of its type (and beautiful to boot).

4. Cape Tribulation

The custodians of the Cape Tribulation are near Cairns are the Kuku Yalanji people and they’ve been caring for this tropical paradise for countless generations.

It has two sublime beaches, several superb rainforest walks and wonderful wildlife like crocodiles, cassowaries and Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroos, so there really is something to satisfy every traveller. Find out more at queensland.com.

5. BMX Bungee

If you’ve always wanted to ride a BMX off a rooftop while attached to a gigantic rubber band, then head to the famous AJ Hackett to experience a host of adrenalin-fuelled shenanigans.

You’ll find this attraction at Smithfield, just 20 minutes north of Cairns – and if you get bored with BMX bungee and are made of stern stuff, whitewater rafting and skydiving are also available.

Getting there

Grab affordable international and internal Aussie flights at skyscanner.com.au and if you’re cruising around in a car Down Under, find cheap Cairns airport parking at Looking4.com and book early.

So ends our list, but please share your own cool Cairns activities in the comments section.