WELCOME TO

Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef

WELCOME TO

Cairns and Great Barrier Reef

Tucked between World Heritage Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is the perfect starting point for your tropical adventure with all the shopping, dining, entertainment, sporting events, adrenalin-pumping adventures and cultural experiences on offer. In less than an hour by boat you can be snorkelling or diving in the Great Barrier Reef and its islands, swim at the Esplanade Lagoon, sample tropical produce at a farmer’s market, shop ‘til you drop, or cruise around the marina. Glide over the rainforest on a Skyrail adventure or step back in time with a train ride to Kuranda, the village in the rainforest.

Tick these experiences off your bucket list

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway


Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells and tranquillity of one of the world’s most botanically fascinating areas that has remained relatively unchanged for 130 million years.

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures


Hartley's Crocodile Adventures is a 10-hectare wildlife sanctuary and ecotourism park. It is one of the longest continually operating tourist attractions in Australia.

Cairns Aquarium


Cairns Aquarium has been developed to provide a world-class venue for seeing and interacting with the plants, animals, and habitats found only in Australia’s Wet Tropics.

Reef Encounter


Come and explore the Coral Sea on Cairns’ most comfortable liveaboard reef tours. Step aboard Reef Encounter and sleep, dive and snorkel on the Reef, with the highest concentration of marine life on the planet!

The Reef Hotel Casino


Experience five-star luxury combined with thrilling gaming and world-class entertainment – the ultimate destination in Cairns! Discover why they are the premier entertainment hotspot in city. It’s all there, waiting for you!

Fitzroy Island Resort


Fitzroy Island Resort is an unspoilt tropical paradise of rainforest, beaches and calm sheltered waters. Only 45 minutes from Cairns, it’s ideal for families, a visit with friends or a romantic getaway.

Birdworld Kuranda


Surround yourself with living colour at one of Australia’s largest collections of free-flying birds. Be amazed at the more than 350 birds in their rainforest habitat and enjoy handfeeding and photo opportunities.

Rainforestation Nature Park 


Set on 100 acres of tropical rainforest, this all-weather attraction is home to the Army Duck Rainforest tours on land and water, the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience and the iconic Koala & Wildlife Park.

Wildlife Habitat


Experience immersive wildlife encounters in the heart of Port Douglas. Explore unique habitats, hand-feed iconic Australian animals, say hi to the majestic saltwater crocodile, and learn about conservation efforts in this award-winning, eco-certified nature park.

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary


Located in the heart of Kuranda and home to over 1,200 butterflies, this sanctuary is the largest butterfly flight aviary and exhibit in Australia. Be enchanted as you wander through the aviary’s boardwalks and gardens.

The Crystal Caves


The Crystal Caves will rock your world! One hour from Cairns on the Atherton Tablelands, share one man’s passion as you take a journey through man-made caves to discover natural crystals and prehistoric fossils.

Crocodile Express


Discover the Daintree River on one of their Upper or Lower River Cruises. They are committed to the conservation, education and celebration of the wonderful World Heritage Wet Tropics.

Kuranda Koala Gardens


A boutique wildlife attraction home to an amazing array of Australian animals. Cuddle a koala or visit the nocturnal exhibit.

Kuranda Scenic Railway


Experience one of the most unique rail journeys in Australia.  Discover the living colour and natural beauty of a World Heritage-Listed Rainforest that is millions of years old.

All Day Car Rentals


They’ve taken the hassle out of your next holiday by offering the largest range of affordable cars for hire in the Cairns region. No matter how large your group is, they’ve got you covered.

Mandigalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours


Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours is 100 percent owned and operated by the Mandingalbay Yidinji people. Talk to the friendly team and they can tailor-make exclusive packages to suit their guests' requirements.

Green Island Tours


Green Island is a beautiful coral cay located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and your journey aboard Great Adventures takes only 45 minutes. Enjoy an amazing array of activities in the water, on land or from the air!

Reef Magic


Reef Magic operates day trips direct from Cairns to the Reef Magic activity pontoon located on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Their pontoon is the newest and most technologically advanced pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef.

Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel


Enjoy Cairns’ most unique Great Barrier Reef tour with their experienced Marine Biologists and Indigenous Cultural Guides. Experience a genuine and authentic tour that is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. 

Skydive Australia


Skydive Cairns and Skydive Mission Beach offer some of the most stunning landscapes for skydiving in Australia. Freefall over the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, lush green rainforests, and land near Cairns, or the shores of Mission Beach.

Great Adventures - Outer Reef Cruise


Escape and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel and/or dive, visit the underwater observatory, cruise in a semi-sub, or just relax with a delicious buffet lunch.

Silverswift


The dive and snorkel adventure of a lifetime! Experience three uniquely different and ecologically diverse sites. In between, relax on the sundecks, or in the air-conditioned lounges, and enjoy a delicious lunch!

Ocean Spirit


Set sail to Michaelmas Cay aboard the beautiful sailing catamaran Ocean Spirit. Snorkel or dive in the fringing reef, filled with vibrant marine life, or observe the seabirds that call this protected sanctuary home.

Down Under Dive


Daily Great Barrier Reef scuba diving and snorkelling tours from Cairns, aboard their new boat “Evolution”. Custom designed and built as a specialist reef day tour vessel, equipped with all the latest equipment.

Billy Tea Safaris


Locally owned and operated for over 40 years, they are an Advanced Eco-Certified tour company operating small, personalised day tours with local guides to the Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation, Outback and Chillagoe Caves.

Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises


Green Island is only 45 minutes from Cairns. Choose to snorkel, dive, cruise on a semi submarine or glass bottom boat, or simply laze on the white sandy beach on their half-day or full-day tours. 

Cairns Reef Fishing


Experience the thrill of fishing in paradise with Far North Queensland’s premier charter. They take pride in giving their guests an enjoyable deep-sea fishing experience on board fully catered, purpose-built charter boats.

Fitzroy Island Adventures


A cruise to Fitzroy Island lets you experience the rainforest, the reef and a tropical island, all in the one day! Their fast catamaran takes just 45 minutes, allowing both half-day and full-day tours.

Reef Experience


Experience the Great Barrier Reef with their all-inclusive day tour. Snorkel or dive on vibrant reefs, enjoy fresh meals, and relax on your reef trip. Their expert dive guides ensure a stress-free and unforgettable adventure!

Wunyami Cultural Walking Tour


Join Indigenous guides and learn how Green Island is connected to an ancient ancestorial story with those who have been given special permission to share this story. Tours take approximately 1 hour and depart mornings and afternoon.

Cairns Koalas & Creatures


Located in the heart of Cairns city, take a journey through Australia's diverse landscapes. Learn about the importance of protecting our natural heritage and create lasting memories with a souvenir photo with the iconic Koala.

Cairns Sightseeing Cruise


Sit back and relax as you cruise the Trinity Inlet. Your friendly and knowledgeable captain and guide will ensure you don’t miss a thing, providing an engaging and informative commentary throughout your fascinating 75-minute tour.

Cairns Discovery Tours


Enjoy a small-group Cairns afternoon guided tour, showcasing the best of Australia's most famous tropical city. Explore the city’s rich history which provides glimpses of natural beauty, cultural heritage and some of Cairns’ most iconic landmarks.

Don't miss Cairns' best restaurants

Dundee's on the Waterfront


With an extensive menu catering to every individual Dundee’s on the Waterfront’s modern Australian menu features tender Australian-bred beef, fresh local seafood, pastas, salads, unique Australian fare and house-made desserts.

Dundee's at the Cairns Aquarium


Welcome to Australia’s most remarkable dining experience, offering contemporary and innovative dining in a very special place. The largest aquarium tank within a restaurant in Australia is the backdrop for a truly unique dining experience.

Cairns Burger Café


Drop in (or get it delivered it to your door) for a mega range of juicy burgers, chips and sides. All-day dining 7 days. Breakfast daily until 3pm. Beer and wine available.

Tha Fish


Tha Fish believe in providing the highest quality seafood, sourced from local suppliers, with flavours that highlight the beauty of seafood. Their service style is relaxed but with an attention to detail. 

Ochre Restaurant


Culinary delights of Australia in an amazing location right on the inlet. Ochre offers exquisite dishes, specialising in sustainable Australian regional produce for tourists and locals alike.

iDumplings


Nestled in the scenic Cairns City Esplanade, iDumplings offers an unforgettable Asian culinary experience. Discover their authentic cuisine. Enjoy live music on Thursdays through Sundays.

Shopping

Croctique


Like the pattern on a Zebra or Leopard, no two crocodile skins are the same. Each skin has an individual scale pattern making every genuine crocodile leather product unique.

Rusty's Markets


Over the last years 30 years, Rusty’s has earned a rightful place as the unofficial cultural heart of Cairns. Locals and tourists visit the market as part of their Cairns ‘must do’ agenda.

Australia.Gallery


Discover unique and affordable pieces from talented artists celebrating Aboriginal culture, contemporary styles, and the natural beauty of Australia. Over 1,000 original artworks available online and in their Cairns gallery.

Samurai Gallery Australia


Visit the only gallery in Australia dedicated to the arts, armour and arms/weaponry of the Japanese Samurai Warrior. All pieces are unique and authentic and select items are also available for purchase.

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Ph: (07) 4041 3600

Level 1, 119 Hartley Street, Cairns, QLD 4870