Things to Do in Cairns The Tropical North

Choose from 37 Fun Things to Do in Cairns The Tropical North

Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park

With its peculiar rock formations, gaping caverns and underground caves dripping with stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones, the dramatic topography of Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park makes it one of Queensland’s most unique national parks. The mesmerizing landscape was formed some 400 million years ago, the result of an ancient inland sea sculpting the soft limestone rock, and there are hundreds of caves to explore.

Today, the caves provide a habitat for several animal species, including bats, spotted pythons and white-rumped swiftlet, while fossilized bones of now-extinct creatures like giant kangaroos and giant wombats have also been unearthed in the caves. A network of short hikes and walking trails connect the caves and highlights include the landmark Archways and Balancing Rock; the Pompeii and Bauhinia Caves; a series of aboriginal rock art galleries; and the Chillagoe smelters, home to relics of the region’s 19th-century mines.

Practical Info

Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park is located 215km west of Cairns in northern Queensland. There is no admission fee.

Chillagoe QLD 4871, Australia

From $ 152

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

More than 1,500 tropical butterflies—from the electric blue Ulysses to the green and yellow Cairns Birdwing—call this world-class aviary home. Stationed in the heart of the Kuranda rainforest, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary has been impressing visitors with both its whimsical nature and state-of-the-art laboratory since it first opened in 1987.

Interested travelers can follow free 30-minute tours that include up-close looks at the caterpillar breeding nursery. Here, you can see newly born butterflies before they’re released into the aviary and learn about the stages of development that lead to the birth of these fanciful creatures.

The sanctuary’s laboratory is another popular stop that showcases efforts to keep the aviary well stocked. While just two percent of eggs survive in the wild, more than 80 percent mature here thanks to lab experts. Catch a peek at the hard-working scientists who keep this facility thriving.

Practical Info

The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is located in the center of Kuranda at 8 Rob Veivers Drive about a half hour from Cairns. It’s open daily from 9:45 a.m. until 4 p.m. with free guided tours.

8 Rob Veivers Drive, Kuranda, Queensland 4881, Australia

Open daily 9:45 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Adult: AU$19.00, Child: Adult: AU$9.50

From $ 15

Barron Gorge National Park

Whether it’s hiking, boating or tracking wildlife, the lush hills and scenic passes of Barron Gorge National Park make up the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts to explore this natural Australian wonder, which lies just beyond Cairns city limits.

Overnight travelers can set up camp at nearby Speewah Conservation Park before setting out on one of Barron Gorge’s popular hikes, which range from an easy 1.2 kilometers to more challenging excursions between the park’s three main trailheads. Commercial rafting trips along the Barron River let daredevil travelers explore less accessible parts of the lower gorge, while wildlife lovers can find tree-kangaroos, flying foxes, spotted-tail quolls and even the endangered southern cassowary along the river’s edge.

Visitors often stroll along the banks of Lake Placid in the lower Barron Gorge, and the popular Skyrail Rainforest Cableway takes visitors high up into the park’s rainforest canopy.

Practical Info

The lower section of Barron Gorge National Park is located 18 kilometers northwest of Cairns, and the upper section is 27 kilometers outside the city. Rainy season lasts from December to April, so it’s best to travel between May and September to escape the downpour.

Lamb Range QLD 4870, Cairns, Australia

Open 24 hours

Dependent on activity

From $ 36

Granite Gorge

Granite Gorge Nature Park showcases the unique landscape west of Cairns and celebrates Australia’s Northern Savannah wilderness. Ancient volcanic activity defines the landscape, forcing huge granite boulders above grounds in all sorts of weird and wonderful shapes. Walking tracks traverse through the boulder field, letting visitors get up close and personal to these massive monoliths. Granite Gorge is a fantastic place for bird and wildlife watching. Wild rock wallabies inhabit the gorge, and visitors are able to see them in their natural habitat, including the rare and endangered Mareeba unadorned rock wallabies. Possums, gliders, Frilled Neck Lizards, Quolls, echidnas and more also call the gorge home. Over 200 species of bird live in the Northern Savannah region, including tawny frog mouths, kookaburras, and more, with migratory species such as koels arriving every spring.

As well as its namesake boulders, Granite Gorge is dotted with deep, cool swimming holes. Too far inland to be inhabited by the crocodiles that are common around the coast, the swimming holes are home to nothing more sinister than turtles and fish, and are perfect for a relaxing swim.

Practical Info

Granite Gorge Nature Park is located about an hour and a half from Cairns by car. Bush camping is available at the park for those with tents, caravans and motor homes, while cabins can also be rented. Day admission to the park is $10 for adults, $4 for children of high school age and $2 for children of primary school age.

332 Paglietta Road, Mareeba, QLD, Australia

$10 for adults, $4 for teens, $2 for children

From $ 123

Cairns Lagoon

Despite its location on the Queensland coast, Cairns doesn’t have any beaches within the city (the closest are just to the north). But you can still enjoy the sun and sand downtown at the Cairns Lagoon. This 50,000-square-foot lagoon is the highlight of the Cairns Esplanade and the perfect place to relax, swim and sunbathe without worrying about the box jellyfish and saltwater crocodiles that sometimes makes appearances in the near-shore waters.

With a maximum depth of only five feet, it’s a safe and welcoming spot for kids, visitors and locals alike, complete with fountains, sunshades, sandy beaches and nearby lawns and tables that are perfect for a midday picnic overlooking Trinity Harbour. The myriad shops and restaurants of the Esplanade surround the lagoon, so it’s easy to enjoy an hour or two by the water amid a day of shopping and sightseeing in the city.

Practical Info

The Cairns Lagoon is free and open to the public. Lifeguards are on duty, and bathrooms and showers can be found nearby. The lagoon is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., except Wednesdays, when it opens at noon to allow for weekly maintenance.

Cairns Esplanade, Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Daily 6 a.m. - 9 p.m., Wednesdays noon - 9 p.m.

From $ 20

Cairns Wildlife Dome

Aussie wildlife can be hard to spot at the peak of rainy season. Luckily, there’s the Cairns Wildlife Dome—an all-weather immersion exhibit that puts travelers smack in the middle of a real indoor jungle.

Turtles, snakes and kookaburras wander freely among the forest, and while an up-close look at these small wonders makes for a memorable visit, it’s the Cairns ZOOm that has visitors leaving the dome grinning from ear to ear. The high ropes course consists of more than 50 challenges, including high-flying ziplines that cruise over crocodile-filled waters. Helpful guides offer plenty of educational information, and popular wildlife shows entertain, especially ones involving hand-tamed birds and fuzzy koalas.

Practical Info

The Cairns Wildlife Dome is located on the roof of the Reef Hotel Casino at 35-41 Wharf Street between Spence and Abbott streets. It is open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily.

35-41 Wharf Street, Cairns, Australia

Open daily from 9am to 6pm. Closed Christmas Day (25th December). Open 9am - 5:30pm other public holidays.

Entry Only: Adults $22, Children (4-14) $11. For Photo & Entry: Adults $37, Children (4-14) $27

From $ 18

Cairns Cruise Port

Cairns Cruise Port

One of Australia’s busiest cruise ports, Cairns may be best known for its close access to the Daintree tropical rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Once the site of mangrove swamps and sand ridges, the city today is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia, offering a plethora of water and adventure activities.

How to Get to Cairns

The brand new cruise terminal at Trinity Wharf is located in the heart of the city, so you won’t have far to go to reach the center of Cairns. Larger cruise ships may have to anchor in the harbor, in which case tenders will carry you from the ship to the port.

One Day in Cairns

If you’re like many visitors with just a day to spend in Cairns, chances are you’ll choose to forgo the city itself and instead book an excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Over 1,600 miles long and composed of nearly 3,000 individual reefs, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system. Swimming, snorkeling, diving or riding on a glass bottom boat are all possibilities to explore the incredible biodiversity of what has been called one of the seven great natural wonders of the world.

For those who choose not to visit the Reef, taking the Skyline Rainforest Cableway to the town of Kuranda is another great way to spend a day. In Kuranda, you’ll find a variety of arts and craft shops, as well as the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. After taking a cable car to Kuranda, you can return to Cairns by bus.

Back in the city, head to the Cairns Esplanade to stroll along the Harbour Walk, explore the handicrafts market and enjoy live entertainment and public art displays. Art aficionados may also want to pay a visit to the Cairns Regional Art Gallery, featuring fine art from a variety of Australian artists, including Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders.

Another option for those who want to see more of the tropical rainforest would be to take a day-long guided tour to the Daintree Rainforest, about two hours north of Cairns.

Port Information

The official language is English and the local currency is the Australian dollar. ATMs are widely available and are the best way to obtain local currency. Most shops and restaurants will also accept credit cards.

Australia

From $ 36

Daintree Rainforest

From the dramatic jungle-clad gorges, wild rivers, and tumbling waterfalls of Daintree National Park to the deserted coast of Cape Tribulation along the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest is Australia’s largest stretch of rain forest, covering 460 square miles (1,200 square kilometers). A protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and a hiker’s paradise, the rainforest is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity.

The Basics

The Daintree National Park is an adventure playground for nature lovers. Book a guided tour to get the most out of the rain forest. Most tours set out from Cairns or Port Douglas and take in highlights such as the Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation, or Marrdja Boardwalk. Adventurers can also discover the region’s rich Aboriginal culture, zipline through the rain forest canopy, take a 4WD safari, spot crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise, go horseback riding, or hike through the ancient rainforest.

Things to Know Before You Go

Temperatures can reach upwards of 86°F (30°C) in summer, so pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as well as insect repellent and comfortable shoes.
Facilities at the Daintree Rainforest Discovery Centre include restrooms, a shop and cafe, audio guides, and free WiFi.
The Daintree Rainforest Discovery Centre offers wheelchair-accessible boardwalks, aerial walkways, and lookout towers, but not all park activities are accessible to those with limited mobility.

How to Get There

Daintree Rainforest National Park is located in North Queensland, about 62 miles (100 kilometers) northwest of Cairns and 35 miles (56 kilometers) north of Port Douglas. The best way to visit is by car or as part of an organized tour by 4WD or coach. The park is split into two main sections—south of the Daintree River, entered via the Mossman Gorge, and north of the river (crossed by cable ferry), where the main entry point is at the Daintree Rainforest Discovery Centre.

When to Get There

The most popular time to visit the Daintree Rainforest is during the dry season (April to October), when the weather is cool and less humid—it’s best to make an early start during this time. To bypass the crowds, visiting in wet season (November to March) is a possibility, although flash floods and landslides do occur, and box jellyfish can appear along the coast.

Wildlife Spotting in the Daintree Rainforest

As one of the oldest stretches of tropical rain forest in the world, the Daintree Rainforest harbors some 430 bird species, more than a third of Australia’s mammals, and an impressive number of rare and endemic species. Top sightings include the endangered cassowary, Macleay's honeyeater, Boyd's forest dragon, white-lipped tree frog, paradise kingfisher, Bennett’s tree-kangaroo, and spectacled flying fox, while you might also spot echidna, platypus, and saltwater crocodiles.

Mossman-Daintree Road, Daintree 4873, Australia

Open daily

Free

From $ 112

Cairns Night Markets and Food Court

On a trip to Cairns, chances are your days will be filled with adventures outside the city, from diving on the Great Barrier Reef to hiking in the Daintree Rainforest. If that sounds like you, the Cairns Night Markets and Food Court provide the perfect place to shop, eat and even get a massage after a full day of exploring.

The Cairns Night Markets has 130 stalls selling everything from touristy souvenirs and T-shirts to blown glass, local honey and classic Aussie leather hats. An entire aisle of the market is devoted to massage parlors with reasonable prices, which could be a welcome relief after an arduous day adventuring. In front of the night markets is the 200-seat food court—think fresh seafood and a variety of Asian options, everything from sushi and kebabs to Malaysian soups and curries.

Practical Info

The Cairns Night Markets and Food Court are located on the Esplanade, at the base of the Royal Harbour Hotel. The market is open daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The food court is open during the day as well, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

71-75 The Esplanade, Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Market: Open daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Food Court is open from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

From $ 598

Atherton Tablelands

Offering welcome relief from the sweltering temperatures of Queensland’s tropical north, the sweeping plateaus of the Atherton Tablelands lie within easy day-trip distance of Cairns. Covering an area of 20,000 square miles (32,000 square kilometers), the lush landscapes also provide scenic terrain for bush walking and bird-watching.

The Basics

The towns of Atherton, Yunaburra, and Malanda are the main gateways to the Tablelands region, and it’s possible to visit all three on a day trip from Cairns. Most tours combine a visit to the towns with one or more of the region’s waterfalls, such as Malanda Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls, Ellinjaa Falls, and Josephine Falls. Other popular activities include sunrise hot air balloon rides over the Tablelands and boat cruises on Lake Tinaroo.

The Tablelands form part of the UNESCO-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest. Guided night walks through the rainforest are available, offering a chance to see nocturnal creatures such as platypuses and Lumholtz tree kangaroos.

Things to Know Before You Go

Temperatures can reach over 30°C (86°F) in summer months, so be sure to pack water and sunscreen, as well as insect repellent and comfortable shoes.
Visitor Information Centers in Atherton, Yunaburra, and Malanda all offer maps, restrooms, charging stations, and free Wi-Fi.
Some natural attractions including the Babinda Boulders, the Curtain Fig Tree, and Josephine Falls are wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The town of Atherton is located 50 miles (80 kilometers) southwest of Cairns, about 1.5 hours away by car. Buses run to all the main towns from Cairns, but the best way to explore the region’s many attractions is to use your own transportation or join a guided tour.

When to Get There

The most popular time to visit the Atherton Tablelands is during the dry season (April to October), when the weather is cooler and less humid. However, the region’s waterfalls can be even more impressive during the wet season (November to March). Wildlife is most active during the early morning or late evening.

Atherton Tablelands for Foodies

The fertile lands of the Atherton Tablelands naturally lend themselves to agriculture, so this region is home to a number of farms, orchards, and plantations. Many have opened their doors to visitors, and a food-themed tour of the area might include cheese and chocolate tasting at a dairy farm, a coffee plantation tour, lunch at local pub, or a visit to a macadamia nut farm. Popular stops include Mt. Uncle Distillery, the region’s only gin distillery; De Brueys Tropical Winery, where the wines and liqueurs are made from a variety of tropical fruits; and Emerald Creek Ice-Creamery, where the gelatos and sorbets are all made using local ingredients.

Atherton Tablelands, QLD, Australia

From $ 82

Fitzroy Island

Forty-five minutes by boat from Cairns, Fitzroy Island has been many things — a Chinese Quarantine Station, a Mission School, a WWII coast-watch station...and today it’s all about its natural features — tropical rainforest and a fringe coral reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef system, where you can dive and snorkel in among green sea turtles, clown fish, and parrotfish.

A continental island that separated from the mainland in the last Ice Age over 8,000 years ago, Fitzroy Island covers just 4km — 97% of which is National Parkland that you can wander through on the walking trails through the forest and along the coast. The rest of the island is all about the white sand beaches, and on the sheltered western end you’ll find the island’s accommodation, a restaurant, Foxy’s Bar, and a conference and wedding venue. There’s also a diving school on the island, and options to go on glass bottom boat tours, SUP boarding, ocean trampolining, and kayaking. A relaxed walk is to the old lighthouse on the northwest point. On a clear day, from here you can look out past Cape Grafton to the Frankland Islands.

Practical Info

Eighteen miles from the mainland, it’s possible to stay overnight on Fitzroy Island or you can just head out there on a day trip. To reach the island from Cairns, head to the Reef Fleet Terminal to take the high-speed 45-minute ferry, which departs at 9am.

Australia

From $ 62

Birdworld Kuranda

Queensland's lush, tropical north is alive with colorful bird life, and you can experience the festive cacophony of chirps on a visit to Birdworld Kuranda. Over 60 different species of birds make their home in this enclave of forest and waterfalls, and the landscape is built to mimic the surroundings the birds would find in the wild. When walking the open-air aviary, there’s the chance a bird could simply fly up and land on your shoulder, or a curious parrot might cock its head sideways and inspect you while sitting on a tree branch. Visitors also have the chance to hand-feed birds under the supervision of the aviary staff. Keep an eye out to spot Amazonian macaws, kingfishers, and Australian black swans.

Practical Info

Birdworld Kuranda is located near the Heritage Markets in Kuranda. It is a 40-minute drive from Cairns, though most visitors prefer to come via the Kuranda Scenic Rail or Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. There is a free shuttle bus to the Kuranda Skyrail station, and you can combine the visit with Kuranda Koala Gardens, which is located right next door. The aviary is open from 9am to 4pm every day, with guided tours at 11:15am. The price of admission is $18 for adults and $9 for children ages four to 15. Birdworld Kuranda is wheelchair accessible.

Staff-led talks at 11:30am offer more insight on the birds, and you’re allowed to bring in your own camera to shoot photos of birds in the treetops.

Heritage Markets, Rob Veivers Drive, Kuranda, Queensland 4881, Australia

9am–4pm daily

Adult: $18; Child (yrs 4-15): $9

From $ 24

Cooktown

The relaxed coastal town of Cooktown is a popular excursion from Port Douglas.

Captain Cook beached his ship the Endeavour here, hence the name. These days daytrippers come here to visit the intriguing James Cook Historical Museum, to pay their respects to his statue overlooking Bicentennial Park, and order up a seafood platter at a local restaurant.

Cooktown has some impressive buildings for an outback coastal town, thanks to the 1870s to 1890s gold rush at the nearby Palmer goldfields. The town’s impressive botanic gardens date from this period.

Practical Info

Cooktown is one of the most northerly settlements on Australia’s far north coast, before the wilds of Cape York Peninsula take over. Port Douglas is 267 km (166 miles) south of Cooktown.

A tour to Cooktown from Port Douglas can combine the scenic coastal route, traveling through the Daintree to Cape Tribulation along the Bloomfield Track, and the inland Mulligan Highway for iconic outback landscapes.

Charlotte Street, Cooktown 4895, Australia

Free

From $ 219

Cape York Peninsula

With its vast wetlands, rambling eucalyptus forests and sun-soaked beaches, the remote wilderness of the Cape York Peninsula is a heady concoction for adventure-seekers. Stretching up to the northernmost tip of Queensland, the region’s off-the-beaten-track location, annual monsoons and tropical climate keep the majority of tourists away. Those who do venture north, however, are rewarded with spectacular coastal views, miles of unspoiled jungle and an abundance of colorful wildlife.

The best time to visit the cape is during the dry season (May-November), when 4WD tours are the most convenient way to get around. At the southern end of the peninsula, highlights include the historic town of Cooktown, the tranquil Charlotte Bay and the Lakefield, Cape Melville and Starke National Parks. Further north, the Iron Range and Jardine River national parks are renowned for their unique wildlife, including endemic bird species like yellow-spotted honeyeater and golden-shouldered parrot. Marooned off the northernmost tip are the Torres Strait Islands, and the most popular, Thursday Island, is reachable by ferry from the mainland.

Practical Info

The Cape York Peninsula is located at the northern tip of Queensland, Australia.

Cape York Peninsula, Far North Queensland, Australia

From $ 2,632

Behana Gorge Waterfall

When it comes to popular activities in Cairns, it’s the snorkeling, scuba diving, and Great Barrier Reef that often draw the most attention. Here at Behana Gorge waterfall, however, it’s obvious that Cairns has far more to offer than simply what’s out in the ocean. Once only known to Queensland locals, Behana Gorge has recently become a popular spot for visitors, who travel 35 minutes from Cairns to swim in the pools and splash in the water beneath the tumbling falls. The hike, however, is not for the timid, and a moderate degree of fitness is required to reach the falls at the end. Though the one-way distance is only 2 miles, expect to spend at least an hour on the steep, uphill trail, where the reward is the chance to swim beneath the falls and splash in the crystalline waters—enjoying a hidden corner of Cairns that very few visitors see.

Practical Info

The trailhead is located at the very end of rural Behana Gorge Road. When visiting in summer it’s best to start early to avoid the midday heat, and while jumping from rocks is extremely popular, be sure to use care on the slippery rocks and clambering around the banks.

Did You Know? While hiking up to the waterfall is a free, you can see even more of Behana Gorge on a guided canyoning tour, where you walk down the walls of Behana Gorge and get to approach the famous falls on a route that’s packed with adrenaline.

Behana Gorge Road, Gordonvale, Queensland, Australia

From $ 133

Cairns Botanical Gardens

Travelers in search of a tropical paradise need look no further than Cairns Botanic Gardens. This horticultural wonderland is home to more than 4,000 different species of flora from around the world. Clearly printed labels and informational brochures make it easy for every visitor to become an expert.

The lush grounds of this popular destination are ripe with thick ferns and brilliant foliage. Mile-high palms and towering shade trees cast cooling shadows across the lawn, perfect for escaping the midday sun, and the area’s peaceful landscape and quiet surroundings draw bikers, joggers and walkers. Indigenous-birding tours and an extensive orchid collection, as well as exhibition halls filled with exotic plants, are well worth the price of admission—free!

Practical Info

The Botanic Gardens are located on Collins Avenue between McCormack Street and MacDonnell Street, about four kilometers from the center of Cairns. Entry to the gardens is free. They are open from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. every day, and the Visitor Information Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Between May and November, outdoor films are shown in the gardens during the fourth Wednesday of every month.

Collins Avenue, Cairns, Australia

Open 7:30 am-5:30 pm every day, and the Visitor Information Center is open Monday-Friday from 9 am-4:30 pm and on weekends from 10 am-2:30 pm

From $ 59

Esplanade Boardwalk

The Esplanade Boardwalk is the heartbeat of Cairns. Located along the scenic coast, this outdoor promenade is the perfect place for weary travelers to stretch their legs and take in the natural sights. The three-mile pathway winds through damp lagoons ideal for birding, past scenic points of interest and historic relics left behind from World War II.

Trendy shops, sidewalk restaurants and bustling pubs are all within walking distance of the well-traveled Esplanade. And nearby public BBQs and outdoor exercise stations are the prime spots for striking up conversations with locals, who love the Esplanade Boardwalk almost as much as visitors.

Practical Info

The Esplanade Boardwalk is open year-round and is free to enter. Runners take advantage of the wooden slats that are easier on the knees than blacktop surfaces. A number of scenic stop-offs offer striking views of sunrise and sunset.

Cairns, Australia

From $ 59

Centenary Lakes

It’s often the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef that draws visitors to Cairns, but the natural beauty found back on land is another great reason to visit. Lush, green, and with a touch of wilderness, this tropical city has a rainforest feel only a few miles from the coast. One of the best places to experience this scenery is at the Flecker Botanic Gardens—specifically inside the swampy section known as Centenary Lakes.

Connected to the main Botanic Garden by a boardwalk along the water, the Centenary Lakes house a flotilla of water lilies and over 130 species of birds. The park around the freshwater lake is perfect for a midday picnic, where ducks and turtles casually stroll the manicured, park-like grounds. The adjoining section with the salt water lake is where the park gets a little wilder, as dense mangroves and a rainforest boardwalk create a true wilderness surrounding. While rare, salt water crocodiles have sometimes been seen poking their eyes from the lake, which adds a legitimate degree of adventure to wandering the forested grounds.

Practical Info

The Centenary Lakes are within Flecker Botanic Gardens about 2.5 miles from the city center. There is no official admission fee, although donation boxes are scattered about the park to help with the upkeep and facilities. Opening hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on every day of the year, and the dry season from May-October is a comfortable time to visit.

132 Woodward Street, Edge Hill, Cairns, Queensland, Australia

7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily

From $ 59

Great Barrier Reef

Encompassing roughly 3,000 individual reefs and dotted with almost 900 islands and coral cays (small sandy isles), Australia's Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most unforgettable natural treasures. Snorkelers and certified divers often place the reef at the top of their bucket lists due to the unparalleled array of marine life in its underwater world, ranging from thousands of different varieties of fish, birds, and clams to hundreds of types of birds, seaweed, and turtles. And with experts expecting much of this diversity to dwindle in the next decade, there’s never been a better reason to plan a visit to this natural wonder.

Popular Great Barrier Reef Activities

Snorkeling and scuba diving are the most popular activities; the water is at its clearest from April to October and most snorkeling tours include the use of equipment. Savvy visitors make their trip into an educational opportunity by getting their PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certificate. Keep in mind that strenuous in-water activities are not recommended for those with medical conditions affecting the heart or lungs.

Don’t want to get wet? The sheer enormity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site makes it worth experiencing out of the water as well. Some barrier reef cruises feature afternoon tea or take place on a glass bottom boat rather than a catamaran, suitable for those who would like a more relaxed reef experience. And if you’re short on time, scenic helicopter flights offer the full-picture perspective on the immensity of this remarkable ecosystem, which makes up the world’s largest coral reef.

Insider Tip

Staying in Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, can allow you to see the area without having to pay the steep price of luxury island resorts.

Great Barrier Reef Attractions

Seeing the huge Great Barrier Reef could take weeks, but there are a few landmarks and highlights that are must-sees. Saxon, Hastings, and Norman reefs in the outer Great Barrier Reef are top scuba diving and snorkeling spots, while Hamilton Island, Green Island, and Fitzroy Island are some of the most popular day trip destinations for reef tours. And visits to nearby Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and the Daintree Rainforest, both located on the mainland outside Cairns, are easy to add onto your Great Barrier Reef exploration. A trip on the Kuranda Scenic Railway or Skyrail Rainforest Cableway can provide a unique view and be combined with a reef cruise.

How to Get There

Scuba diving excursions, snorkeling trips, and reef cruises all depart from Cairns, Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas, or Townsville. The reef runs 1,426 miles (2,300 km) from Bundaberg to the country’s northernmost tip, coming closest to the continent right around Queensland.

Pier Marina, Pier Point Road, Cairns, Tropical North 4870, Australia

Free

From $ 62

Crater Lakes National Park

Consisting of both Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine, Crater Lakes National Park has the two clear, blue bodies of water set against the backdrop of lush Australian rainforest. The park is part of the Wetlands World Heritage Area, with hiking trails and picnic areas that allow visitors to take in the pristine scenery. Canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and bird watching also bring many to the area.

Both lakes were the result of craters formed by explosions of groundwater millions of years ago. The surrounding forest displays remnants of centuries of climate change and volcanic activity. It is a protected area maintained by the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service. Towering, ancient Kauri pine trees dominate the forest. Australian animal life — from musky-rat kangaroos to pythons to thousands of species of birds and butterflies — can all be found here.

Practical Info

Located on the eastern part of the Atherton Tableland in Queensland, the Crate Lakes National Park is about an hour’s drive from Cairns on the Gillies Highway. An information center located at Lake Eacham is a great spot to start, with a self-guided walk through the rainforest that begins at the center.

Gillies Hwy, Lake Eacham QLD, Australia

From $ 145