Cairns Travel Guides & Planning Tips

Plan reef days, island trips, rainforest tours, family activities, weather and easy Cairns itineraries before you book.

Aerial view of Green Island and its jetty near Cairns

September 9, 2026

Best Islands near Cairns for a Day Trip

Scuba diver swimming below a school of tropical fish

September 8, 2026

When Is the Best Time to Go Scuba Diving in Cairns?

Aerial view of Green Island and its jetty near Cairns

September 8, 2026

Things to Do on Green Island: 10 Activities Worth Your Time

Tandem skydiver preparing to leave the aircraft above the Mission Beach coastline

August 30, 2026

Should You Skydive in Cairns or Mission Beach?

Aerial view of Michaelmas Cay and its surrounding reef off Cairns

August 29, 2026

Michaelmas Cay from Cairns: How to Visit and What to Expect

Aerial view of Normanby Island and its fringing reef in the Frankland Islands

August 29, 2026

How Can You Visit the Frankland Islands from Cairns?

Kuranda Scenic Railway passing a rainforest waterfall near Cairns

August 23, 2026

What Are the Best Things to Do in Kuranda?

Outdoor dining precinct on the Cairns Esplanade at night

August 22, 2026

Where Can You Find the Best Seafood Restaurants in Cairns?

Outdoor tables at Blu Marlin Bistro beside Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal

August 21, 2026

Where Can You Find the Best Coffee and Cafes in Cairns?

Wide view of Barron Falls and the rainforest gorge near Cairns

August 21, 2026

Is Barron Falls Worth Visiting from Cairns?

Traveller facing Millaa Millaa Falls in the Atherton Tablelands

August 19, 2026

Is Millaa Millaa Falls Worth Visiting from Cairns?

Hire car on a countryside road near Cairns

August 19, 2026

Where Should You Hire a Car in Cairns?

Front view of the historic tower at Paronella Park

August 17, 2026

Is Paronella Park Worth Visiting from Cairns?

Family browsing fresh tropical produce at Rusty’s Markets in Cairns

August 16, 2026

Rusty’s Markets Cairns: What to Eat, Buy and Know Before You Go

Guests arriving at the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns before boarding their Great Barrier Reef tour

Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal Parking: Where to Park

Two scuba divers exploring coral and tropical fish underwater on the Great Barrier Reef

Beginner Scuba Diving in Cairns: What First-Timers Need to Know

Snorkellers exploring the Great Barrier Reef near Cairns, swimming above colourful coral and enjoying the clear tropical water.

Best Snorkelling Spots near Cairns and the Reef Sites to Know

Sunlover Reef Cruises Moore Reef pontoon with snorkellers on the Great Barrier Reef near Cairns

Which Cairns Reef Pontoon Is Best for Your Trip?

Glass bottom boat tour at Green Island, viewing coral and tropical fish through clear panels

Glass Bottom Boat or Semi-Submarine: Which Reef View Suits You?

Sunset over the Cairns Esplanade waterfront

Is Cairns Good for a Relaxed Holiday?

Passengers boarding the Sunlover ferry to Fitzroy Island

Best Cairns Tours for Backpackers

Passengers walking through Cairns Airport departures hall

What to Do in Cairns Before Your Flight

A couple walking across the lagoon pool at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort in Port Douglas, surrounded by tropical palm trees and blue water.

Best Cairns Tours for Couples

Visitors viewing marine life in the Reef Magic underwater observatory

Cairns Tours for Older Travellers

Cairns-City-Sightseeing-Day-Tour6

What to Do in Cairns with Half a Day

Outdoor café and arrivals sign at Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport to City: How to Get There

Sunset view of the Cairns Esplanade waterfront with the lagoon, curved boardwalk and pink sky.

Where Should You Stay in Cairns?

Entrance sign at Cairns Botanic Gardens

Cairns Botanic Gardens: What to Know Before You Go

Entrance of Cairns Night Markets with blue neon sign and food stalls at dusk.

Are Cairns Night Markets Worth Visiting?

Southern cassowary with chicks in the Daintree Rainforest

Where to Look for Cassowaries around Cairns

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