Cairns is an adventure-lovers' dream, with some of the very best experiences imaginable. No visit to Cairns is complete without a trip to the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef, but this beautiful part of Queensland has activities suitable for almost all tastes and people of all ages.
The best things to do in Cairns Whether you’re a Cairns local, or one of the many people visiting this beautiful part of Queensland, we’ve got you covered for fun things to do with a huge range of experiences and activities. Understandably, the best thing to do in Cairns for many is getting out to see the world’s largest and longest coral reef system – the iconic Great Barrier Reef.
A trip to the reef is a must-do Cairns experience, particularly if you’re a first-time visitor. But with the variety of marine life that calls it home (and the fact it remains beautiful on that second and third visit), it’s well worth a return visit for those of you who’ve been in the past.
Great Barrier Reef snorkelling and scuba
We have a range of Great Barrier Reef snorkelling and introductory scuba dive tours, which are the perfect way to spend a day at this natural wonder of the world. Keen to learn to scuba dive? You can book the PADI Open Water Course, which will give you the skills you need to scuba dive at locations around the world. If you’re already an experienced diver, go for a certified dive trip, where the length of your dives at some of the Great Barrier Reef’s best dive locations is at your discretion.
Cairns is the perfect place to tick a helicopter ride off your bucket list. Choose from a range of helicopter flights here at Adrenaline, all offering breathtaking views. There’s so much to see in this part of Australia, so get up in the air and get a look at it all! Fly over the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest and some stunning stretches of sand. The choice is yours.
Adventure capital of Australia? Cairns has such a variety of thrilling experiences that it wouldn’t be unreasonable to call it the adventure capital of Australia! For an aerial ride at a more leisurely pace, how about going hot air ballooning? Everyone should experience a hot air balloon ride at least once, and a journey over the glorious Atherton Tablelands
Arguably the most exhilarating experience on offer in Cairns is skydiving. All the professional instruction and equipment you need is included, as well as some of the best views imaginable. With a tandem skydive you’ll experience the rush of freefall from 15,000ft, hitting speeds of around 200kph. Then the instructor will open the parachute for a far more serene ride and awesome aerial views of reef, rainforest and beyond.
Fun things to do in Cairns for families Cairns is a great place for people of all ages, and there are plenty of fun things to do for families. From jet boat rides and cruises, to sea kayaking and high ropes and ziplines. Looking for a great all-weather activity? Head to Cairns Aquarium, where you’ll gain a better understanding of North Queensland’s unique ecosystem and the marine life that calls it home. It’s open 365 days a year, and with daily presentations, animal encounters and a variety of exhibits, it’s one of the best things to do in Cairns with kids.
Give a gift voucher for Cairns experiences
You can give our Cairns experiences as a gift. What better way to show someone you care than by gifting them an incredible adventure? Not sure what to choose for that special someone? Get a gift voucher at the value of your choice and let them decide what they’d like to do and when.
Adrenaline