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There's something for everyone in Cairns - whether you're visiting for the Great Barrier Reef, the tropical rainforest or heading further afield in Far North Queensland. From relaxing on the glorious beaches of Palm Cove to hiking through lush rainforest and enjoying all the city centre has to offer, Cairns makes for a fabulous holiday. Plan your perfect family getaway to this busy tourist town and ensure everyone is catered for and has a fantastic break.
Experience the Great Barrier Reef
Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, making this the most popular activity to do during a visit here. If you want to travel a little further afield to experience the tropical north, why not head up to Port Douglas and then onto Cape Tribulation? If you're looking for a more personalised Great Barrier Reef experience in a smaller group, opting to travel north from Cairns could be a fantastic option for your family. For two hours you can explore the wonders of the underwater world, admiring sea turtles, vibrant coral and other sea life - an unforgettable experience.
Visit Fitzroy Island
Whether you want to relax or spend your time in Cairns enjoying loads of activities, Fitzroy is the island for you. It's located just 29km off the coast of Cairns via a 45-minute boat ride and is perfect for a family holiday. Snorkel, paddleboard or kayak around the fringes of the island to marvel at the coral and beautiful sea life. This island is almost completely made up of national park, too, so you'll be able to hike the stunning walking trails.
If you're a family of animal lovers, a must-visit is the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, where unwell turtles are rehabilitated before being released back into the ocean.
Take the Skyrail Cableway and Kuranda Railway
As long as everyone in your family is comfortable with heights, this is an activity that's sure to be fun for all. Jump in a Skyrail Cableway gondola from Smithfield up to Kuranda over the stunning Wet Tropics Rainforest for breathtaking vistas. The forest is World Heritage listed for a reason and you'll experience amazing views throughout your 90-minute journey. Once you reach Kuranda, you'll have the option to catch the 120-year-old Kuranda Scenic Railway back to Cairns. The journey takes two hours and you'll travel through the mountainous beauty of Barron Gorge National Park - admire the hand-carved tunnels and the mesmerising waterfalls along the way.
Once you get back to the city, the children will love to unwind at Cairns Esplanade. They'll be able to play in the man-made lagoon or in one of the playgrounds and also give volleyball or skateboarding a go. There are also many areas to enjoy a BBQ or bring your own picnic for the whole family to dine together after a fun-filled day.
You'll certainly need a vehicle to get yourself from A to B across this stunning slice of Australia. A great idea is to compare car hire in Cairns ahead of booking to ensure you're getting the best deal before you get behind the wheel.
