You can't visit Cairns and not visit the Esplanade and Lagoon area. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque boardwalk or even hire scooters or a bike and take the bike path instead! After your walk or ride, you can cool off in the refreshing waters of the lagoon. The lagoon is surrounded by BBQ'S and a large grassed area so you can even bring your own lunch and enjoy a picnic!

Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. There are many ways to experience the Reef from Cairns, whether you're a swimmer or non-swimmer, diver or beginner snorkeller, travelling with family or looking for that perfect romantic escape, there's an experience to suit all budgets and requirements. Most outer reef trips from Cairns are a full day experience including all snorkel/dive equipment and lunch plus morning/afternoon tea.

Muddy's is a splash playground with Cafe and BBQ area! Splash area is free and it's situated right on the Esplanade! Play equipment includes:

• Water play areas
• Flying fox
• Sound chimes
• Rope bridge
• Slides
• Puzzle games

It's fun for the whole family and a must do if you have young children! The Cafe has a wide variety of delicious food.

Palm Cove is our little slice of paradise! There are no swimable beaches in Cairns so we recommend venturing out to Palm Cove for a day on the beach. There is also a playground and jetty to explore. While you're there enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the many restaraunts along the palm lined strip. We recommend Vivo for lunch or Nu Nu for coffee and drinks!

Pack your swimmers, Australia’s most famous rainforest waterfalls await. Explore them on your own or choose from half day or full day tours and both perfectly suitable for small children. Some of the most impressive waterfalls in Australia can be found right here in Cairns. Where else can you swim in a waterfall, while enjoying pristine rainforest surrounds? Our faces include Josephine Falls, Milala Millaa, Barron Falls and Stoney Creek Falls. You can book your adventure here

Hold on tight and feel the thrill of jet boating in Cairns! This  jet boat tour takes you on a wild ride though Trinity Inlet, taking in the mangrove forests and the city’s waterfront. 

The Bad Fishy Jet Boat has the power to ride the waves, as it rockets along the waterfront and does 360s in the Inlet, against a backdrop of rainforest mountains and the city. This is the only jet boat in Cairns and it’s something all adventure seekers need to add to their list. 35 minutes. Dress to get wet. You can book your adventure here

 Board the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway as it journey's its way between Cairns and Kuranda.

This famous railway starts in Cairns, travels through Freshwater Railway Station and on to Kuranda, the Village in the Rainforest, some 328 metres (1,076 feet) above sea level.

Your historic journey will have you seated in a vintage carriage and includes English commentary and a short photo opportunity stop at Barron Falls. TIP: You can purchase a ticket to ride the Sky Rail up and the Kuranda Train down or Visa Versa! Book here

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway takes you on a fascinating journey of discovery over and deep into Australia’s Wet Tropics World Heritage listed rainforest. Glide mere metres above the pristine rainforest canopy before descending to explore the forest floor at Red Peak and Barron Falls.

Enjoy complimentary ranger guided tours, the Rainforest Discovery Zone and The Edge Lookout to fully immerse yourself in the unique sights, sounds, smells and feel of the rainforest. Some Gondola's even have a clear glass bottom! Book here

Explore the incredible beauty of Fitzroy Island, just 45 minutes by boat from Cairns. The island’s safe, sheltered waters and pristine natural environment make it a destination that should be high on your list of places to visit while in Cairns. You can relax and escape, you can dive right into adventure with watersports or you can do a little of both! Discover the magic of the Great Barrier Reef, hike the islands walking trails, visit the Turtle Centre and so much more. There is also a restaraunt and resort on the Island.

Cairns Tubing Tours, In Rainforest Rivers. Think stunning natural rainforest, an arching canopy of trees and gently tumbling clear waters, and you’re almost there. Cairns tubing tours take you over and down some of the prettiest rainforest rivers around Cairns. Not only are you bouncing over small, white water rapids, and enjoying the fresh rainforest water, you’re surrounded by a stunning natural environment. Rainforest trees line the river, ferns and mosses flourish on the banks and the rivers bounce along over smooth pebbles and sandy bottoms. Child friendly. You can book your adventure here

Our most favourite beach in the whole of Far North Queensland is Mission Beach! Mission Beach is a 2 hour drive from Cairns. There are a number of accommodation options along the beach or simply just day trip. The sand goes for miles, the water is crystal clear and shallow and you'll never have seen so many Palm Trees before in your life. There is also a small shopping and restaraunt precinct, ice cream parlour and bar. You will feel a million miles away in this beautiful beachside paradise.

Experience the iconic Mossman Gorge and famous Daintree rainforest. Most tour companies from Cairns offer a full day tour of these incredible places. Explore crystal-clear waters, ancient ferns, towering granite boulders and lush walking  trails. Encounter indigenous culture, see some of the oldest trees in the world and embark on eco-adventures amidst these pristine landscapes. While you are there be sure to experience the Daintree River Cruise and have lunch in the Daintree Village.  This will be a day of beauty you won't regret.