CAIRNS
Cairns is the vibrant, tropical gateway to two of the world’s greatest natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforest. It’s a place where cosmopolitan city life meets rugged, breathtaking nature.
This coastal city in Far North Queensland is an adventure hub, offering world-class diving, snorkeling, and rainforest experiences, perfectly balanced with a relaxed, outdoor, and energetic Aussie lifestyle.
Most Popular Attractions
Cairns City Core & Esplanade:
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon: A massive, man-made saltwater pool overlooking the Coral Sea, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Rusty’s Markets: A bustling, vibrant weekend market famous for fresh local produce, exotic fruits, and street food.
Cairns Aquarium: A modern facility showcasing the unique marine life of Tropical North Queensland, from the Daintree to the Great Barrier Reef.
Cairns Museum: Discover the rich history of the region, from Indigenous culture to early settlement and the gold rush era.
Cairns Art Gallery: Housed in a heritage building, featuring historical and contemporary works by local and international artists.
Marlin Marina: The central hub for all Great Barrier Reef and island tours, with waterfront dining options.
Cairns Botanic Gardens: Explore a stunning collection of tropical plants, including rare species unique to the region.
Tanks Arts Centre: A unique cultural venue housed in three converted WWII naval oil storage tanks, hosting music and arts events.
Great Barrier Reef & Islands:
Great Barrier Reef (Outer Reef): World-renowned for snorkeling and diving among vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life.
Fitzroy Island: A stunning continental island easily accessible from Cairns, featuring beautiful beaches, walking trails, and the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.
Green Island: A picturesque coral cay with a rainforest, ideal for glass-bottom boat tours and snorkeling.
Frankland Islands: A pristine group of islands offering guided snorkeling tours away from the major crowds.
Rainforest, Tablelands & Mountain Experiences:
Kuranda Scenic Railway: A historic train journey winding through dense rainforest, past waterfalls, and into the charming village of Kuranda.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: An unforgettable ride gliding above the canopy of the World Heritage-listed tropical rainforest.
Barron Falls: A magnificent waterfall, particularly spectacular during the wet season, viewable from the Skyrail and Scenic Railway.
Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation: The oldest continually surviving rainforest in the world, where the rainforest meets the reef.
Mossman Gorge: Located in the Daintree, offering accessible walks and cultural tours with the local Kuku Yalanji people.
Atherton Tablelands: A fertile, cooler highland area featuring crater lakes (Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham), waterfalls (Millaa Millaa Falls), and stunning dairy farms.
Paronella Park: The ruins of a Spanish castle set amidst the rainforest, with a fascinating history and beautiful waterfalls.
Beaches North of Cairns (Palm Cove & Port Douglas): Idyllic coastal towns with palm-fringed beaches, gourmet dining, and boutique shopping.
Adventure & Wildlife:
AJ Hackett Cairns: Home to the only Bungy Jump in Australia and the Minjin Swing.
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures: A conservation park offering close encounters with crocodiles, cassowaries, and other native Australian wildlife.
White Water Rafting (Tully/Barron River): High-adrenaline river experiences for beginners and advanced rafters.
Activities & Experiences
Dive or Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef: Take a day trip or liveaboard from Cairns or Port Douglas to experience the world’s largest reef system. Options include pontoon tours (stable platforms) or fast boats to the Outer Reef.
Explore the Ancient Daintree Rainforest: Book a guided tour or self-drive to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree, the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth, where the ‘reef meets the rainforest.’
Cruise the Daintree River: Take a wildlife-spotting river cruise to see saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat and learn about the delicate mangrove ecosystem.
Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail: Take a historic train journey up the mountain through tunnels and over bridges, and return via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a stunning view above the rainforest canopy.
Visit Fitzroy Island or Green Island: Take a short ferry trip to one of the close-by continental or coral cay islands for a relaxing day of swimming, snorkeling, or hiking.
Take an Aboriginal Cultural Tour: Join a guided walk in the rainforest (like Mossman Gorge) with a Kuku Yalanji guide to learn about traditional bush foods, medicine, and the deep connection to the land.
Swim at a Freshwater Swimming Hole: Cool off at a local favourite like Crystal Cascades or one of the many waterfalls and natural pools in the nearby Atherton Tablelands (e.g., Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls).
Stroll the Cairns Esplanade & Lagoon: Walk, run, or cycle along the iconic waterfront and enjoy a free swim in the man-made Cairns Lagoon, a safe, stinger-free swimming area.
Go White Water Rafting: Experience the thrill of rafting on the Barron River (half-day trip) or the mighty Tully River (full-day trip), suitable for beginners and adrenaline junkies alike.
Explore Rusty’s Market: Visit this vibrant, local produce and market on the weekend (Friday–Sunday) for exotic fruits, fresh food, and a buzzing tropical atmosphere.
Bungy Jump or Giant Swing: For the adventurous, try bungy jumping or the giant jungle swing at the AJ Hackett site, high above the rainforest canopy.
Visit Port Douglas: Take a scenic drive north to the chic coastal town of Port Douglas and stroll along Four Mile Beach or browse the boutiques on Macrossan Street.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking is Key in the CBD: Cairns’ city centre (CBD) is flat, compact, and highly walkable. The Esplanade, Reef Fleet Terminal (for the Great Barrier Reef), shops, and restaurants are all within a short distance of each other.
Car Recommended for Day Trips: While you don’t need a car in the city, renting one offers the flexibility to explore the wider region at your own pace, including the Atherton Tablelands waterfalls, Port Douglas, and certain parts of the Daintree.
Public Transport (Kinetic/Sunbus): The public bus system connects the CBD to the northern beaches (like Palm Cove) and southern suburbs. You must purchase paper tickets with cash on the bus, as the “Go Card” system used in Brisbane is not currently implemented here.
Taxis and Rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services (like Uber) are readily available in the CBD and are the most convenient option for airport transfers, which take only about 10–15 minutes.
Guided Tours: For the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree, guided tours are the most popular option. They include transport and are a hassle-free way to explore complex natural environments without needing to self-drive.
Marine Stingers (Jellyfish): From roughly November to May (Stinger Season), tropical marine stingers are present in the ocean. Always swim within the designated, netted enclosures at beaches, or wear a stinger suit provided by tour operators when snorkeling/diving. The Cairns Lagoon is stinger-free.
Crocodile Safety: Saltwater crocodiles inhabit the rivers and estuarine areas of Tropical North Queensland. Never swim in estuaries, rivers, or unposted waterways. Always observe warning signs—if a waterway is not signed for swimming, assume crocodiles may be present.
Dining Times: Dinner is typically served from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. If you dine later, you will still find places open, but the atmosphere will be more local.
Embrace the Heat: Cairns is hot and humid, especially during the summer months (November–April), which is also the ‘wet season.’ Plan outdoor activities for the early morning and late afternoon, and always carry water and wear sun protection.
Hidden Gems:
- The Cairns Botanic Gardens: A beautiful and free place to wander through diverse tropical flora, including the Flecker Gardens and the Centenary Lakes.
- Gordons Creek (near Crystal Cascades): An easy, lesser-known walk offering beautiful views and a quieter, more local experience than the main tourist spots.
- Marlin Marina Sunset: Grab a drink at a venue near the marina (Reef Fleet Terminal) and enjoy a beautiful tropical sunset over the water before dinner.
- Wolf Lane Distillery: A small, local distillery in the city centre offering tours and tastings of their unique craft gins and liqueurs.
Top Restaurants
Prawn Star Cairns [$30-$50] – A truly local and unpretentious experience, this floating restaurant on the Marlin Marina serves fresh, locally caught seafood (prawns, mud crab, bugs, and oysters) straight off the trawler.
Tha Fish [$30-$60] – Located on the Pier at the marina, this well-regarded spot focuses entirely on the sea creatures, offering locally caught reef fish, sand crab, and a fantastic seafood platter.
Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse [$40-$70] – While famous for its succulent steaks cooked over a wood-fired grill, it also offers a great range of seafood and other grill options, all enjoyed with superb waterfront views.
Salt House [$40-$70] – An iconic waterfront venue with panoramic views, serving a stylish Modern Australian menu that frequently features local seafood and meats cooked on an Argentinian wood-fired grill.
Ochre Restaurant and Catering [$50-$80] – Highly awarded and distinctly Australian, this restaurant is known for its adventurous menu incorporating native ingredients like kangaroo, crocodile, emu, and bush herbs, focusing on regional, sustainable cuisine.
Dundees on the Waterfront [$35-$60] – A popular choice for a taste of Australia with beautiful waterfront views, featuring a modern Australian menu with excellent steaks, seafood, and pasta dishes.
Splash Seafood Restaurant [$35-$60] – A classic spot on the Esplanade that prides itself on serving fresh, local reef fish, prawns, and oysters with a focus on traditional preparations.
CC’s Bar & Grill [$50-$80] – A premium steakhouse located within the Crystalbrook Collection, specializing in high-quality, dry-aged beef sourced from Crystalbrook Station, along with other regional Australian dishes.
The Backyard by Shangri-La [$35-$60] – A casual, all-day dining venue at the marina that features local produce and offers a unique “Cook Your Catch” option for successful anglers.
Apex [$25-$45] – Known for its longevity and commitment to value, this spot balances a fresh, contemporary menu with classic comfort foods, often featuring local ingredients.
Moku Bar & Grill [$30-$50] – Located at the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, this grill offers refreshing, island-inspired share plates, chilled salads, and fragrant grilled meats that suit the tropical climate.
Wharf One [$20-$40] – A casual spot popular for breakfast and brunch with a lovely view of the inlet, offering relaxed, unpretentious modern Australian cafe fare.
Rocco [$40-$70] – Located on a rooftop, this bar and restaurant provides stunning views and a Mediterranean-inspired menu that pairs perfectly with the Cairns weather, featuring kingfish ceviche and share plates.
Nu Nu Restaurant (Palm Cove) [$70-$100] – While a short drive from Cairns City, this beachfront, hatted restaurant is the epitome of tropical fine dining, considered by many to be the best in Far North Queensland.
The Vine Room [$35-$60] – A recent addition to the waterfront, offering a Mediterranean-inspired, seafood-centric menu that uses the best local produce from the Atherton Tablelands and the Great Barrier Reef.
Ganbaranba [$15-$25] – A bustling, compact, and highly-rated Japanese restaurant famous among locals for serving some of the best, most authentic, and affordable ramen in Cairns for over a decade.
Wawawa Izakaya [$20-$40] – A fantastic, small, family-run restaurant offering fresh and unpretentious Japanese Izakaya favorites like Aburi Salmon Nigiri, spicy tuna rolls, and gyozas.
Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant [$20-$40] – Located slightly off the main strip, this restaurant is a long-established local favorite for authentic Balinese and Indonesian flavors, including excellent curries, satays, and seafood dishes.
IMM THAI CAFE [$15-$25] – Situated near the Night Markets, this is a local favorite for authentic, street-food-style Thai cuisine, known for its large portions and awesome value.
Corea Corea [$15-$25] – A hidden gem located upstairs in Orchid Plaza, this small, popular Korean joint is a local secret for hearty, authentic dishes like stone hot pots and Korean fried chicken.
Miss Chief [$20-$40] – An Asian-inspired favorite with a lush garden balcony, offering an extensive bao bun lineup and a fresh take on pan-Asian flavors.
Paper Crane [$30-$50] – Located in the Crystalbrook Riley hotel, this venue offers playful Asian Fusion food, blending Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and Korean flavors in a modern and hip setting.
Tamarind Restaurant [$70-$100] – An award-winning, fine-dining experience inside the Reef Hotel Casino, renowned for its innovative “Australian Freestyle” cuisine with a strong South-East Asian inspiration.
Koi Bar & Restaurant [$35-$60] – Offers a Japanese fusion menu with a great cocktail list and a stylish atmosphere on the Esplanade, perfect for a more modern Japanese dining experience.
Little Sister [$25-$45] – Located on the Esplanade, this spot offers a great Asian-inspired menu with a focus on small plates perfect for sharing.
Finn Finn [$15-$30] – A great option for those seeking authentic Thai food, known for its traditional and tasty curries and stir-fries.
Hungry Wombat [$15-$25] – Found in Orchid Plaza, this local favorite is known for serving delicious, scratch-made Udon soup, with the Udon curry soup coming highly recommended.
Yokozuna Izakaya [$20-$35] – Another excellent and casual Japanese spot located in Orchid Plaza, offering traditional Izakaya-style dining and authentic Japanese dishes.
Tasty Road [$20-$40] – Located on Sheridan Street, this restaurant is famous for serving amazing, authentic Korean fried chicken.
Bellocale Italian & Seafood Restaurant [$35-$60] – A modern and lively venue known for its well-crafted, hand-made pasta, fresh local seafood, and authentic Italian mains in a casual setting.
Vitalia’s Italian Restaurant [$25-$45] – Offers pleasing, hearty, and home-style Italian repasts with a menu boasting house-made gnocchi, antipasti, and traditional dishes.
La Fettuccina [$35-$60] – An established favorite on the Cairns dining scene since 1989, offering a true Italian-inspired menu and a lively, long-standing atmosphere.
Il Forno [$25-$40] – Considered by many to be one of the best pizzerias in Far North Queensland, specializing in Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza with hand-stretched dough and imported toppings.
Ollie’s Italian [$40-$70] – Located on the waterfront, this restaurant offers Modern Italian dining with a focus on house-made pasta, wood-fired flavors, and excellent steak cooked in a charcoal Josper oven.
Piato Mediterranean Restaurant [$25-$45] – A great spot to savor the flavors of superior home-style Mediterranean cuisine, offering a menu full of traditional dishes.
Ela Mediterranean [$35-$60] – Nestled on the waterfront, this venue brings the warmth and rich flavors of the Mediterranean to the tropics with share-style mezze, grilled meats, and seafood.
L’Unico (Trinity Beach) [$35-$60] – Situated a short drive out of the city at idyllic Trinity Beach, this beachside haunt has been serving traditional Italian dishes from locally sourced ingredients for decades.
Pist4cchi [$30-$50] – A lovely Italian spot on Shields Street known for its quality pasta and Italian dishes.
Cairns Burger Cafe [$15-$25] – A locally owned, no-frills spot that hits the spot for burger cravings, sourcing meat from local farms for its stacked and juicy burgers.
The Roti Shack [$15-$25] – A locally owned, family-run business on Lake Street serving authentic traditional Caribbean street food, famous for its hearty and flavorful curry wraps.
Fettas Greek Taverna [$20-$40] – Located on Grafton Street, this venue offers an authentic Greek feast with an open kitchen and a genuine ambience, popular for its Yiros and traditional Greek dishes.
Guerrilla [$20-$40] – A popular, modern Mexican restaurant located in Edge Hill (a suburb just outside the city centre) known for its excellent tacos and innovative Mexican fare.
The Cotton Club [$15-$30] – A cosmopolitan restaurant by day that becomes an intimate pub scene at night, offering a great menu of classic pub meals like the famous chicken parmigiana.
C’est Bon Restaurant Français [$50-$80] – Cairns’ only truly French restaurant, marrying classic bistro cuisine (like steak tartare and duck confit) with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients.
Bush Fire Grill [$40-$70] – A Brazilian Churrasco experience for meat-lovers, where waiters bring around various cuts of meat on skewers to your table throughout the evening.
The Courtyard [$15-$25] – A popular, casual spot on the Esplanade for budget-friendly meals, famous for its ‘Taco Tuesday’ specials and Mexican fare.
Montezumas [$15-$30] – A vibrant, family-friendly Mexican restaurant in the heart of town known for its decent-sized portions, colorful atmosphere, and great value for money.
El Grekos [$20-$35] – A well-regarded spot for wholesome Hellenic cuisine, offering traditional and flavorful Greek dishes.
Mizuna Restaurant [$40-$70] – The ultimate in class and sophistication, boasting a menu full of fresh local fare with plenty of exciting and unique contemporary dishes.
Coco’s Restaurant [$40-$70] – Located at the Pullman Cairns International, offering a diverse menu with a focus on fresh local produce for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Mondo Cafe Bar and Grill [$30-$50] – Located at the Cairns Hilton, offering top quality steaks, burgers, pasta, and seafood dishes with good vegetarian options.
Hemingway’s Brewery Cairns Wharf [$20-$40] – An independent craft brewery and gastropub in a heritage-listed building, offering great beer and satisfying pub grub like sticky wings and hearty burgers.
Miguel’s [$20-$40] – A popular, local spot for authentic Spanish tapas.
Caffiend [$10-$20] – A firm local favorite known for its exceptional coffee and all-day, innovative breakfast and brunch menu, always bustling with a lively crowd.
The Lillipad Cafe [$15-$25] – A casual, comfortable cafe known for its delicious, generously portioned Australian breakfast and lunch dishes with a relaxed vibe.
Muddy’s Cafe [$10-$20] – Located right on the Cairns Esplanade next to the popular playground, this spot is perfect for families, offering great specials and generous portions of tasty cafe food.
Blackbird Espresso [$5-$15] – A family-run, coffee-focused institution known for its devotion to specialty beans and excellent rotating single origins, perfect for a high-quality coffee fix.
Mi Piace Espresso Bar [$10-$20] – A premier local cafe that serves food that is as beautifully presented as it is delicious, popular for its modern cafe fare.
Waffle On Cairns [$10-$20] – A specialty cafe dedicated to waffles, offering both deliciously sweet and savory options.
The Chambers [$15-$25] – A fresh and artistic trending restaurant/cafe known for its outstanding Eggs Benedict and modern Western-style breakfast and brunch.
Rusty’s Markets [$5-$20] – Not a single restaurant, but a famous market (open Fri-Sun) with over 180 stalls, including numerous well-priced international food stalls (Asian bites, samosas, fresh juices) perfect for a thrifty and delicious meal.
Cairns Night Markets [$5-$20] – A popular spot on the Esplanade for travelers and locals alike, offering a buffet of affordable street food from around the world, including Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese takeaway.
Falafellicious [$10-$20] – A lunchtime-only, Middle Eastern eatery specializing in delicious pitas, wraps, and plates with freshly baked pita and crispy falafels.
Lukure Caff [$10-$20] – A great spot for a quick and tasty breakfast or lunch, known for dishes like eggs benedict-filled golden flaky pastry and loaded paninis.
Bury Me Standing [$10-$20] – A trendy spot known for serving up delicious and fresh bagels, a local favorite for a savory breakfast or quick lunch.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Rocco Rooftop Bar: Crowned atop the Crystalbrook Riley hotel on the Esplanade, this glamorous rooftop bar offers sweeping 270-degree views of Cairns and the Coral Sea. It is an ideal spot for sunset cocktails with a Mediterranean menu.
Three Wolves: Tucked away in a cosy laneway off Abbott Street, this hidden, speakeasy-style bar is a local favourite for its expertly crafted cocktails, extensive selection of whiskey, and intimate, jazzy atmosphere.
Salt House: An iconic waterfront venue on the Cairns Marina, featuring impressive views, firepits, and a lively alfresco bar perfect for enjoying signature tropical cocktails and tapas-style bites.
Flamingos Tiki Bar: Located beneath street level on the Esplanade, this unique, kitsch bar brings a tropical escape with elaborate rum-based tiki cocktails served in fun vessels amidst Polynesian décor.
The Conservatory Bar: A hidden, intimate, and classy wine and cocktail bar on Lake Street known for its extensive wine list and low-lit, sophisticated ambiance, often featuring gin-focused creations.
Gin Social: Situated within the Hilton Cairns on the Esplanade, this refined spot offers a tropical twist on classic cocktails, with their signature botanically-infused Gintonicas being a must-try.
Whiskey & Wine: Found within the Crystalbrook Flynn hotel on the Esplanade, this chic and sophisticated bar is the perfect place for a smooth Old Fashioned or a sparkling pre-dinner drink with coastal views.
House of Commons: A London-style speakeasy on Abbott Street that pays homage to the 1920s Prohibition era, offering bespoke cocktail creations in a lounge-inspired, comfortable interior.
The Cotton Club: A swanky cocktail bar located below The Woolshed nightclub on Shields Street, offering a sophisticated atmosphere and an exotic drink menu, perfect for a casual pre-party meal.
Hemingway’s Brewery Cairns Wharf: While known for its craft beers, this spacious brewhouse in a heritage-listed building on Cairns Wharf also offers a refreshing list of cocktails to enjoy with beautiful Trinity Inlet views.
The Pier Bar: A local institution located right by the water on the Pier, offering stunning views and a lively outdoor terrace, great for casual cocktails and a starting point for a night out.
The Fox Small Bar: Located in the suburb of Stratford, this tiny, high-end cocktail bar is known for its dapper waistcoated bartenders and top-shelf spirits, bringing a New York feel to the suburbs.
Sunset Bar: Located along the Marlin Marina, this bar offers undisrupted views of Cairns’ picturesque sunset, inviting guests to indulge in a summer-inspired cocktail menu.
Milky Lane: Found on the scenic Esplanade waterfront, this spot is known for its quirky, playful, and vibrant cocktails, often incorporating “wow factors” like dry ice and fun garnishes.
Wolf Lane Distillery: A boutique gin distillery and bar tucked away on Abbott Street, creating and serving gins made with native ingredients from Tropical North Queensland right on-site.
Gilligan’s Hotel & Resort: The ultimate backpacker party destination in the heart of Cairns City. It features two nightclubs, three bars, and famous poolside events, creating an electric atmosphere for dancing until the early hours.
The Woolshed: A legendary Cairns nightclub located on Shields Street, famous for its high-energy vibe, themed party nights, and the unique “dance on tables” tradition that attracts a fun-loving crowd of locals and travellers.
XS Nightlife: Positioned as one of Cairns’ most upscale clubs, this stylish venue attracts a trendy crowd with its premium drinks, sophisticated interior, and exclusive events.
Republic RnB: The premier nightclub in Cairns City dedicated to fans of hip-hop and RnB music, offering an energetic and vibrant atmosphere with a dedicated dance floor.
The Jack Hotel & Backpackers: A popular nightclub located centrally, offering a range of music styles from hip-hop to electronic, complete with resident DJs and a lively atmosphere until late.
The Attic Lounge Bar: Located above street level, this spot offers a more luxurious nightclub feel with a sophisticated setting for those looking for a premium night out on Fridays and Saturdays.
Elixir Music Bar: A creative, vibrant venue that supports local talent, located centrally in the city, offering a cosy, artistic vibe with live music, open mic nights, and diverse events instead of focusing solely on DJs.
The Downunder Bar: Popular among travellers near the city center, this lively spot offers loud music, cheap eats, and free pool tables, often serving as a great place to start or continue a budget-friendly night out.
P.J. O’Brien’s Irish Pub: Located in the heart of Cairns, this authentic Irish pub provides a relaxed atmosphere during the week, transforming into a lively dancing spot on Friday and Saturday nights with live bands.
Bar 94: A unique Cairns joint mixing a bar, pizzeria, and beer garden, known for its “unexpected events” like regular DJ headliners, Latin nights, and techno sessions.