Cairns is a beautiful part of Australia best known as the launching point for the Great Barrier Reef, but there’s so much more to discover in this region! This Cairns Australia itinerary will give you options for the perfect five, seven, or ten day trip to Cairns.
This is a well-balanced itinerary. You’ll be able to hit the main sites and go off the beaten path to discover some of the lesser-visited spots near Cairns!
Table of Contents
Trip Overview
Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Arrive and Explore Cairns
- Day 2: Kuranda Day trip
- Day 3: Explore the Great Barrier Reef
- Day 4: Explore the Great Barrier Reef
- Day 5: Daintree and Mossman Gorge
- Day 6: Head to an Island on the Great Barrier Reef
- Day 7: Enjoy a Beach Day
- Day 8: Explore the Atherton Tablelands
- Day 9: Explore the Atherton Tablelands
- Day 10: Relax in Cairns
Trip Costs
All costs below are USD averages based on my trip. Trip costs can vary drastically, but I highly recommend looking for deals on things like we did. However, Australia is more expensive to visit, so be prepared!
- Hotels: Average $100-150 a night
- Flight: $1000 from DC (see how I find cheap flights here)
- Activities/Tours: Average $150 a day tour
- Car rental: $40 a day
- Food: $50 a day
How to Use This Itinerary
As mentioned at the beginning, this itinerary is for a five, seven, or ten day trip. I’ve written it in order of the recommendations for what to prioritize.
As in, if you were taking a five day trip to Cairns, I’d recommend the first five days. If you’re taking a seven day trip to Cairns, I’d recommend the first seven days.
When preparing for our trip to Cairns, I noticed that many itineraries are written for just a few days because, honestly, Cairns as a city doesn’t have much to offer. The magic, though, is not in visiting Cairns itself but in all the fantastic day trips and how perfect it is as a launching point for amazing things to do in Far North Queensland.
I highly recommend spending more than a few days in Cairns, so this itinerary is written so that you can spend at least five days exploring this beautiful part of Australia! Enjoy the day trips, switch the days as you see fit, and have a great trip.
Last, this is written to give you days of rest between bigger activities. The Great Barrier Reef is exhausting, but the next day, you’ll spend most of the day on a bus so far less active than the previous day. It’s all about finding a balance!
Tips for Visiting Cairns
- In tropical Queensland, there are two seasons: dry and rainy. The best time to visit Cairns is during the dry season, which lasts from May to October.
- The rest of the year is hot and humid, with occasional heavy rains and higher risks of stingers (jellyfish). There’s also the chance of cyclones during this time. However, I visited Cairns during this time of year, and we had a great time and got an excellent deal. If you choose to visit in rainy season, I highly recommend travel insurance so you are prepared for changes.
- Book your tour in advance for the Great Barrier Reef (especially in peak season). Most people visit Cairns for this reason, and it’s best to plan ahead so you don’t potentially miss out.
- There are several things you should be conscious of before your trip for safety.
- Jellyfish/Stingers: Swim in designated netted areas or wear a stinger suit during the wet season.
- Crocodiles: Avoid swimming in rivers, estuaries, and mangroves.
- Strong Sun: The Australian sun is intense—wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Everything is pretty walkable in Cairns, and Uber is easy to call. However, you may want to rent a car if you are headed out on some day trips. Renting a car and visiting places alone is much cheaper than on a tour.
- The airport is just 15 minutes outside town. You can quickly get to and from the airport by Uber or taxi.
- Seafood is a must here! Australia (and North Queensland, specifically) is known for a few different specialties, like Morton Bay Bugs (which taste similar to lobster), Mud Crabs (delicious crabs), Barramundi (a tasty white fish), and Coral Trout (another great fish).
- Cairns is in the rainforest. You should pack light/breathable clothing, bug repellent, a waterproof bag, a rainjacket, reef-friendly sunscreen, and sea-sickness tablets.
- This area is home to some fantastic wildlife! Always respect wildlife and safety guidelines, keep a safe distance, and stay on designated trails. The world is extremely special, and we should protect it.
Where to Stay in Cairns
Cairns is a fairly small city, so I recommend choosing one hotel and staying at it for the duration of your trip (besides any overnights you might choose to take). On my trip, we chose to stay in three different areas of Cairns, and I’m going to recommend my two favorites below.
Option 1: Cairns Esplanade
The Cairns Esplanade is found along the water and harbor in Cairns. This area has plenty to do within a quick walking distance. Staying here also puts you close to the Esplanade Lagoon, which is great for kids. There are many great restaurants (we loved Tha Fish and La Pizza); it is also a great place to see art installations!
This is the most expensive area in downtown to stay. Hilton Cairns is a beautiful hotel right along the Esplanade!
Option 2: Central Cairns
Central Cairns is about a 10-15-minute walk from the harbor/Esplanade, which means it’s a bit quieter but still close! You’ll still find plenty of restaurants and coffee shops here, making it convenient on your trip. This was my favorite area to stay in Cairns.
There are all different levels of affordability in this part of Cairns, but I recommend the DoubleTree by Hilton or the Crystalbrook Riley (for something extra nice).
Day 1: Arrive and Explore Cairns
After you arrive in Cairns, it’s time to explore the city! There are plenty of fun things to do in Cairns, and you will want to get oriented with the city and familiar with where you are staying on your first day. Depending on when you arrive, you can adjust this itinerary.
Explore the Esplanade
The Cairns Esplanade, located in the heart of downtown Cairns, is a must-visit spot in the city! It buzzes with energy, drawing both locals and tourists who come to enjoy the stunning weather year-round.
Stroll along scenic walkways, admire Aboriginal-inspired sculptures, dip in the expansive swimming lagoon, or ride the Ferris wheel for breathtaking views. The Esplanade is also home to a vibrant mix of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it the perfect place to unwind and soak up the city’s atmosphere.
Walk north along the water to explore and get a local feel for the city. You’ll find locals running along the trail (esplanade) on the bay that stretches through North Cairns. If you feel up to it, you could rent bikes and take this easy trail!
Grab Some Fresh, Local Food
One of the things I loved most about my trip to Australia was how many amazing fresh foods there are! Truly next level here.
This area of Australia produces 80% of the crops in the country, so to say there is a plethora of fresh food at these cafes is an understatement! Depending on the time of year, you’ll find fresh bananas, avocados, papaya, dragon fruit, mangos, coffee, chocolate, dairy, meats, and tons of other fruits and vegetables. The possibilities for exceptional fresh food here are endless!
Rusty’s Market is a farmer’s market known for its fresh produce, diverse stalls, and vibrant atmosphere. It operates every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
If you’re not visiting on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, consider Muddy’s Cafe instead. This cafe has terrific fresh food that is perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Head to the Aquarium
The best way to see wildlife in Cairns is to get into nature, but on your first day, to learn a bit about what you’ll see and for something more relaxing (especially with small children), the Cairns Aquarium is a great thing to do!
The Cairns Aquarium is a premier attraction showcasing the incredible aquatic life of Tropical North Queensland. Don’t miss the underwater tunnel and feeding sessions!
- Hours: Open daily, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (check for seasonal variations)
- Tickets: Prices typically range from AUD 36 to $46 for adults, with discounts for children, seniors, and families. Recommended you purchase in advance.
Enjoy Amazing Seafood for Dinner
End your first day getting to know Cairns by trying some fresh seafood! I mentioned in my tips that this area is known for so many different fresh types of seafood. I’d recommend going somewhere like Tha Fish, where you can get a seafood platter and try tons of different fantastic seafood options!
Day 2: Kuranda Day Trip
On your second day, you’re heading to Kuranda. Kuranda is a charming rainforest village in the hills above Cairns, Australia. Known for its lush surroundings and vibrant arts scene, it offers something for everyone.
This is on the more touristy side of things to do; however, the views from the scenic Skyrail and train are stunning. We also saw some amazing wildlife while here, so I definitely think this is still worth the day trip!
You do not do a tour for this. Instead, get a round trip ticket, including pick up and drop off from your hotel. This made things super easy and convenient while still making it relaxing without a big group. You can book the same one here.
Once you arrive in Karunda, visit some Aboriginal art galleries and decide if you’d like to visit the Butterfly Garden or Koala Gardens to see some animals. Grab a bite to eat before heading back on the historic train.
This is a great way to spend the day. We saw a tree kangaroo and birds in the wild, and the views from the Skyrail and train were spectacular!
Day 3 and 4: Explore the Great Barrier Reef
The best way to see the Great Barrier Reef is to spend multiple days diving or snorkeling. Why? Because you will have more opportunities to see wildlife.
Just like with a safari, every time you go back into the water, you’re going to see something different! You may never return to the Great Barrier Reef again – why risk just having a day and not seeing everything you could have?
This was my thought process anyway, and I’m so glad we did a liveaboard to explore the reef more. Here’s more on why it’s worth it to do a liveaboard on the Great Barrier Reef:
- You get to go places that day trips don’t. While day trips are still outstanding, a liveaboard allows you to go more places!
2. More opportunities to see things. Day trips may have one or two spots, but our trip had four daily opportunities for diving and snorkeling – including a night dive! It’s pretty much impossible to see everything in a day, so it gives you chances to see more. One time, we saw a turtle; the next, we saw a shark; the next, a ray, etc.
3. Community and camaraderie. You’ll meet other travelers, get to know them, and get to know the crew—it’s a whole experience!
4. Great extras and options. You’ll have the chance to have a guide the entire time, dive for the first time, picture packages, you can skip a snorkel session without being worried you’ll miss out, etc.
Highly rated liveaboards:
- Airlie Beach: 2-Night Whitsundays Overnight Sailing Trip
- Cairns: 2-Day Great Barrier Reef Dive and Snorkel Boat Trip
- Coral Sea Dreaming: Overnight Dive, Snorkel & Sail from Cairns
If you don’t want to do a liveaboard, there are plenty of day trips from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef.
Day 5: Daintree and Mossman Gorge
This is another must do day trip from Cairns – Daintree and Mossman Gorge. This rainforest is the oldest continually living rainforest in the world, by ten million years, no less! Daintree Rainforest is at least 135 million years old – possibly even as old as 180 million. So crazy to think about that!
It’s also the only place where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet. Daintree is where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. It’s incredible to see the two collide when at Cape Tribulation!
Mossman Gorge was my favorite part of the day. It has natural water slides, great areas for swimming safe from crocodiles, and is perfect for a stop. I also loved learning about the Kuku Yalanji aboriginal trip during a smoke ceremony at the Mossman Gorge Cultural Center.
We took a tour that included Mossman Gorge, Daintree, Cape Tribulation, and a crocodile cruise –here’s the one we took.
This is a long day from Cairns, and we personally didn’t see much wildlife, but it was still special to be at such a historic and monumental place during the day. Plan to be out at least 11-12 hours the day of this tour or trip because Daintree is two hours from Cairns.
You could easily do this on your own if you rent a car. We chose not to because we didn’t want to drive after two days of vigorous activity in the ocean. A guide can also tell you more about the history and wildlife. Keep your activity levels and how much you want to learn in mind!
Day 6: Head to an Island on the Great Barrier Reef
Day six you’re headed to either Fitzroy Island or Green Island. Both islands are on the Great Barrier Reef, meaning you can snorkel and have unique experiences right off the beach on both islands. They are both a less than hour ferry ride from downtown Cairns, making it an easy day trip.
Fitzroy Island and Green Island are stunning tropical islands offering unique experiences on the Great Barrier Reef. Both offer beaches and snorkeling, but we visited Fitzroy Island for the overall terrain and beaches.
Several different companies offer ferries from Cairns to both islands. The islands near Cairns are beautiful, and spending a day on one of them will be a highlight of your trip!
Which to Choose?
Choose Fitzroy Island if:
- You’re seeking a more adventurous, active experience.
- You enjoy hiking or exploring less commercialized natural surroundings.
- You want a chance to stay overnight and immerse yourself in the environment.
- This is an excellent option for ferry tickets; you can add extras, too!
- Read my complete Fitzroy Island Day trip guide here.
Choose Green Island if:
- You’re short on time and prefer a quicker, more accessible trip.
- You’re traveling with young children or prefer a more developed, tourist-friendly atmosphere.
- You want to combine your reef experience with other leisurely activities.
- This is a great option that includes the transfer, snorkeling, or a glass-bottom boat trip, and beach time.
Day 7: Enjoy a Beach Day
There are no beaches near downtown Cairns—all the best beaches are north, like Palm Cove and Trinity Beach. Taking a day of your trip to spend some time at the beach is the perfect relaxing day!
Palm Cove is a beautiful little beach community about thirty minutes north of Cairns. Many luxury accommodations are here, so it’s a great little relaxing town (and if you have the budget, it’s fantastic for a stay near Cairns).
You can take an Uber, but if you’re staying for ten days in this itinerary, I recommend renting a car for days 7-10 of your trip.
The beach here is pristine, and there’s a swimming net set up during summer months to protect from the jellyfish (stingers). They also have lifeguards, so you don’t have to worry about watching for the saltwater crocs!
Palm Cove is perfect for boutique shopping, fun activities like kayaking and biking, and delicious food. You can choose anything from just relaxing at a beachfront cafe all day to an adventurous activity out on the water. We spent the whole day here just relaxing and shopping!
Day 8: Explore the Atherton Tablelands
The Atherton Tablelands is a beautiful area of elevated land located an hour from Cairns, Australia, in Far North Queensland. However, this drive, I’m suggesting, will take you longer (about two hours on day one)! This area of Australia is stunningly beautiful and different from the coastal areas, making it the perfect end to your Cairns itinerary and adding balance after the time in the ocean.
You’ll find waterfalls, crater lakes, and diverse wildlife here. Spending two days allows you to explore rainforests, charming villages, and local farms producing fresh produce, coffee, and dairy.
Early Morning from Cairns
Head out from Cairns in your rental car to chase waterfalls (with a few stops at farms and to search for wildlife in between). Here’s the map I created with all the waterfall stops we made on our trip on day one.
If you don’t want to rent a car, consider this day trip to the Tablelands, which includes several different waterfall stops.
Morning Stops (in order from Cairns):
- Josephine Falls: A beautiful cascade with a natural rock slide (suitable for swimming in summer).
- Mamu Tropical Skywalk: Immersive walk through the lush World Heritage-listed rainforest with stunning elevated views.
- Wallicher Falls: The falls flow over a wide rock face into a pool below, creating a stunning natural sight. Swimming isn’t recommended here.
- Mungalli Falls: This is a multi-tiered waterfall, with the middle drop being the longest. You will have to hike down and upstairs to reach all of the waterfalls.
Lunch at Mungalli Creek Dairy Farm
After a morning of waterfalls and gorgeous rainforest views, stop for lunch and ice cream at Mungalli Creek Dairy Farm. This biodynamic farm has tons of goodies and delicious food, perfect for lunch! The views from the farm are also stunning!
It’s a great stop between the different waterfalls for some rest and tasty treats. While there, consider grabbing a unique souvenir to take home, too.
Afternoon Stops
After lunch, it’s time to head to the waterfall circuit. These are some of the most famous waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands and are located within 15 minutes of each other. Your drive to this area will take about 20-30 minutes from Mungalli Creek Dairy Farm. Spend your afternoon enjoying the fantastic waterfalls before heading to your hotel for the night.
- Millaa Millaa Falls is known for its picturesque beauty, with a 20-meter drop and lush rainforest surroundings. It has a large, shallow pool perfect for swimming.
- Ellinjaa Falls: 15-meter cascade surrounded by lush rainforest, with a swimming hole at the base.
- Zillie Falls: Thundering cascade framed by dense vegetation and a viewing platform.
Stay at Chambers Wildlife Lodge
Atherton Tablelands is home to a variety of endemic and amazing wildlife. Chambers Wildlife Lodge makes a great home base while visiting for this and many other reasons!
Most of these animals are nocturnal, so it is well worth staying overnight to see them since the best time to see them is dusk or early morning. In my opinion, if you’re an animal lover, you have to stay here!
While staying here, you’ll have a full kitchen, so you can either stop in Malanda for some groceries and cook in your room or grab dinner there. We had dinner at Pink Pineapple Eats, which was a great, easy stop for dinner!
Chambers Wildlife Lodge has a nocturnal animal viewing platform, and we saw so many amazing animals there! We saw Northern Bettongs, gliders, and other marsupials on the night view platform.
Day 9: Explore the Atherton Tablelands
The following day, wake up early and enjoy the pool at the Chambers Wildlife Lodge before heading out for your second day of exploring!
Morning in Yungaburra
Start your morning off early at the Yungaburra Platypus Viewing Platform. You may have to wait a bit, but you’ll likely see some adorable creatures in the wild here! Bring binoculars with you to ensure great viewing.
After seeing the platypi, head into downtown Yungaburra for coffee and breakfast. There are several cafes and coffee shops to choose from, so we decided to visit Botanica Yungaburra. They have a great outdoor garden that is perfect for breakfast.
After breakfast, visit some of the shops and check out Curtain Fig Tree National Park just outside town for a unique and beautiful tree!
Explore the Northern Tablelands
After enjoying Yungaburra, drive north for an hour to Mareeba, stopping at farms along the way! This part of the Atherton Tablelands is very different from the southern part. It is more like a grassland and is the space between the rainforest and the start of the outback. You’ll see different landscapes and feel the temperature difference, too!
Here are the stops to make as you head north:
- Shaylee Strawberries: Strawberry farm with all types of goodies
- Skybury Coffee: Coffee farm and cafe with an amazing view. Great stop for lunch.
- Granite Gorge: Hike here to have a chance to see the Mareeba Rock Wallaby and take in the gorgeous views.
Learn about Conservation at Tolga Bat Hospital
Tolga Bat Hospital is Australia’s largest bat rehabilitation and ecotourism facility. It specializes in Spectacled Flying Foxes, a special, large species of bat that only lives in this part of the world.
During a visit, you’ll see many different species of bats that call Australia home and learn about the important conservation efforts that the bat hospital is doing. It’s an absolutely wonderful place to visit, and by going on a tour, you will get to help these amazing animals!
You must make reservations ahead of time to visit, and they only offer tours in the afternoons. You can reserve a visit directly on their website.
After your last stop, head back to Cairns for the end of your trip. The drive is about 1 hour and 15 minutes back to Cairns.
Day 10: Relax in Cairns
On your last day, relax and spend some time in Cairns before heading home. I’d recommend doing some relaxing things before you leave! Below are some fun things to do in Cairns on your last day.
- Cairns Botanic Gardens is a beautiful spot just a few kilometers from Cairns city center. It’s known for its diverse tropical plants and is a great calming spot for nature lovers, botanists, and photographers. It’s free to visit!
- Get a day pass to a resort. We went to Cairns Colonial Club (where you can grab food and use the pool after eating) and had a great time! The Crystalbrooke Riley offers lunch and access to their pool and Novatel Cairns Oasis Resort.
- Explore the Cairns Night Market. This market happens every night from 4 to 11 pm near the Esplanade and features a variety of vendors offering souvenirs, local crafts, and a diverse selection of food options. It can be a great place to grab a T-shirt or get a quick relaxing massage after a day out and about!
- Take a Cairns Sunset River Cruise with Snacks and Drinks. The coastline and ocean around Cairns are beautiful, and one of the best ways to experience it is on the water! Take a boat cruise and see a different side of Cairns. Sunsets are best from the water in Cairns, too.
I hope this Cairns, Australia itinerary helps you plan the perfect trip to this incredible part of Australia. You will love visiting here, and I hope you consider spending a little bit longer exploring this unique region!
Love the idea of a liveaboard experience while visiting the Great Barrier Reef, thanks!
I found this blog post super helpful with the 5, 7, 10 day itineraries. Lots of helpful information too.