Cairns Experiences

Cairns acts as a gateway to discover the incredible Great Barrier Reef. Fitzroy Island is less than an hour away by ferry with tours departing daily from the city. The unspoiled island is fringed with coral beaches just waiting to be explored. Another well-known dive site off Cairns is The Cod Hole. This is one of the most famous dive sites in the world, thanks to the giant potato cod fish that live here! These giant friendly fish don’t hesitate to approach you. Access the reef directly from the beach, swimming in the kaleidoscopic waters or opt to observe from a glass-bottom boat tour.

From June to July, witness the remarkable dwarf minke whales who frequent the reef – one of the only places on Earth where you can interact with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Snorkel and dive to get up close and personal with the marine life and cruise or kayak from one island to the next. Explore the exciting Flynn Reef, the perfect place for finding Nemo and an abundance of marine life. Large fish species, such as dogtooth tuna, mackerel and barracuda, are locals at the reef, as are a range of colourful fish like the coral cod, butterflyfish, parrotfish, anemone fish, wrasse, rabbitfish, and sweetlips. Shark species, mostly whitetip reef sharks, are seen here too.

Away from the reef and inland from the coastline of Cairns, white water rafting dominates the water sports scene. With three world-acclaimed exhilarating rivers nearby, it comes as no surprise that Cairns is known as the rafting capital of Australia. White water rafting is the ultimate adrenalin sport. The closest rafting river to the city, Barron River, is perfect for first timers. Tully River offers a full-day adventure thrashing through the stronger rapids in the best rafting river in Australia and New Zealand, on possibly the wildest rafting ride you’ll ever experience.

Say yes to an adrenaline rush and see the Great Barrier Reef, The World Heritage Rainforests and Trinity Inlet all in one panoramic swoop when you skydive in Cairns! While the shores look incredible from ground level, they’re even more magnificent from the clouds. Take in the views of the collection of islands amongst the reef, including the famous Dent Island when you freefall from up to 15,000 ft in the air.

In 1986 AJ Hackett and his mates set out to find the ultimate adrenalin rush. After learning of the ritual of Pentecost Islanders who throw themselves off 35-metre-high towers with vines attached to their ankles, they wanted to create their own version of this heart-pumping activity. Now with worldwide sites, Cairns boats a spectacularly picturesque bungy jump. Set amongst the tropical rainforests, AJ Hackett Cairns is the first and only of its kind in Australia. You don’t need to be an adrenalin junkie to enjoy it either, with 16 different jumps to choose from, across three different levels. Take it easy and start on Level One for the less intimidating jumps or get your heart racing. If jumping from the edges isn’t your thing, you might enjoy swinging through the treetops on AJ Hackett MinJin Jungle Swing.

Take to the skies to access a bird’s eye view of Queensland’s natural beauty. Taking a scenic flight on a hot air balloon above the regions of Queensland is guaranteed to give you the best views from the best vantage point – amongst the clouds! Try something a little different and slowly soar through the air in the world’s hot air balloon capital, Tropical North Queensland. The climate in northern Queensland is perfect for hot air ballooning and the postcard views around every corner make the experience one you’ll never forget. Opt for a morning balloon ride and watch the sunrise above the Atherton Tablelands!

Shop up a storm in Cairns where the streets are peppered in art galleries, designer clothing stores, homewares boutiques and gift shops. Cairns Central has everything you could want in one place including men’s and women’s fashion, electronics, lingerie, footwear, books, sportswear, accessories, cosmetics and more. Indulge in high-end luxury without the price tag at DFS Galleria and shop brands like Louis Vuitton, Coach and Calvin Klein.

The Cairns Night Markets is sure to have something for everyone too. Over 70 retail outlets come to life each night within this market precinct. So, fuel up at one of the food stalls and find a treasure to take home whether it be clothing, gemstones, beauty products, Cairns souvenirs, arts, crafts and fresh local produce.

Explore Cairns Esplanade where each Saturday, a huge variety of market stalls are set up along the waterfront showcasing everything Cairns has to offer, like locally made jewellery, leather work, pottery and clothing.

After a week of retail therapy, slip away for some spa therapy. Let your stress melt away in luxurious Cairns Crystalbrook Riley, a five-star sustainable hotel where the onsite day spa brings out your best self. Choose from a menu of beauty and spa treatments to achieve ultimate relaxation. 

You may have trouble keeping your eye on the ball when you play a round of golf in Cairns thanks to the picturesque surroundings and World Heritage listed sights on either side of you. The Cairns Golf Club is home to the oldest golf course in the city of Cairns. The 18-hole course is a championship quality course fringed by manicured tropical landscapes and offers a challenging yet rewarding golfing experience for newcomers and experts. Perfect your aim at the driving range, play a round and return to the Clubhouse for a refreshing beverage and sumptuous meal while overlooking the stunning views.