A sleepy fishing village till not so long ago, Cairns is today the largest tourist attraction north of Brisbane. Its ideal location and moderate climate attract tourists from all around the World, at all times of the year. The water temperature remains pleasant even during winters, allowing a refreshing dip any time of day or year. Its tropical climate recalls the Caribbean flavored with all the Australian verve and spirit, and one finds reminders of its location in its flora and fauna.

The Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree offer their close embrace, providing a dozen opportunities to indulge that adventurous child at heart lurking within you. The local and exotic cuisine and wine, the various shopping opportunities of both a tourist location and a large city, and the romantic atmosphere that makes it a leading wedding destination, make Cairns a unique experience.

Tourists here seem never at their leisure – there is always something to do or some place to see. This spirited city offers an enchanting range of experiences that must be experienced. The following is a list of things to do while you are visiting Cairns.

Rides, rides and rides
People escape to high, beautiful places to get away from the everyday. West of Cairns is one exciting and adventurous ancient land with a thousand possibilities. High mountains and hills, flowing rivers jumping down mossy gorges, ageless verdant forests and spectacular beauty all around makes the rides an unforgettable experience – whether you are hugging the land on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, or flying high in the air on the Kuranda SkyRail, or taking a leisurely ride on your car with the azure Pacific on the right and the dense olive greens of the Australian bush on the left.

Hug the water
Water is everywhere in Cairns. There is the largest water feature to the east in the form of the Coral Sea, and placid lagoons at hidden rainforest locations. Inland there are bustling rivers testing the adrenalin of the adventurous. You can hug the water in many ways. You can dive with an oxygen pack or a snorkel. You can laze on a lagoon and swim on the clean palm fringed beaches. Or you can, perhaps, take to the water – you can take the boat, the canoe, the raft, the yacht – decide how you wish to be at one with the water in this delightful region.

Take to the air
There's a lot of fresh air up here. So if the ground and water feels congested, or if you want some change, head upwards. There are some great sights around the world renowned for being impressive from the air to get a different view – Machu Picchu, Victoria Falls, Angkor complex, the Great Wall. Similarly, the Great Barrier Reef gives absolutely different views from surface, underwater, and from the air. Helicopters offer the chance to see more, quickly, in comfort with some exhilaration included!

Walk
There are cities where you travel by car. Some cities are known for their bicycling passion. Some are best visited by boat. Cairns calls for you to walk when possible. Whether it is the spectacularly built Cairns Esplanade and Lagoon, the clean and lovely beaches, the lively streets, the local markets, or the more arduous treks into the ancient mountains and forests of Daintree, you will find your feet just want to keep going !

Shop
While Cairns is quite large, it still has a distinct culture of its own associated with smaller towns. It is a quintessential tourist town, and yet large enough to attract the multinationals. Here you can find the local trinkets and memorabilia, fresh fruits and wines and local miscellany as well as branded products of all hues and shades, making it the perfect shopping destination. Regardless of your buying intentions, a visit to the Sunday markets is considered the done thing while in Cairns.

Disclaimer
We take no responsibility for inaccuracy or omissions in the information provided, which is not intended as specific advice. Before relying on the material, you should obtain appropriate professional advice relevant to your individual circumstances to evaluate accuracy, currency, completeness and relevance of the information to your specific needs.