Read up before you go
Neighbourhood guides, itineraries and seasonal ideas for getting the best out of Cairns.
Neighbourhood guides
Things to Do in Holloways Beach, Cairns: The Local Guide
Use Holloways Beach as your base for reef trips, rainforest walks, waterfalls, heritage attractions and easy Cairns city days.
Read guide →Things to Do in Clifton Beach, Cairns: The Local Guide
From reef trips and ancient rainforest to Palm Cove Beach and free city attractions, here’s how to plan a worthwhile Cairns stay from Clifton Beach.
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neighbourhoodThings to Do in Yorkeys Knob, Cairns: The Local Guide
Planning a Yorkeys Knob stay? Use this local guide to choose reef trips, rainforest adventures, swimming spots and worthwhile Cairns day trips.
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neighbourhoodThings to Do in Smithfield, Cairns: The Local Guide
Use Smithfield as your base for Skyrail, rainforest, reef trips, beaches and Cairns attractions with this practical local guide.
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neighbourhoodThings to Do in Cairns North, Cairns: The Local Guide
From the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon to reef trips, rainforest cableways and Daintree day trips, here is a practical guide to Cairns and its surrounds.
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neighbourhoodThings to Do in Trinity Beach, Cairns: The Local Guide
Base yourself at Trinity Beach and explore Cairns’ reef, rainforest, waterfalls, beaches, gardens and highland history with this practical local guide.
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neighbourhoodThings to Do in Kuranda, Cairns: The Local Guide
Plan a Kuranda and Cairns itinerary around rainforest, reef, waterfalls, history and easy coastal escapes, with practical advice on grouping the region's best attractions.
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neighbourhoodThings to Do in Edge Hill, Cairns: The Local Guide
Base yourself in Edge Hill for free gardens, reef trips, rainforest cableways, waterfalls and memorable day trips across Tropical North Queensland.
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neighbourhoodThings to Do in Palm Cove, Cairns: The Local Guide
From Palm Cove Beach to reef trips, ancient rainforest, waterfalls and Cairns' free lagoon, plan the best things to do around Palm Cove.
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neighbourhoodThings to Do in Port Douglas, Cairns: The Local Guide
Plan reef days, rainforest escapes, waterfalls, history and easy coastal stops across Cairns, Port Douglas and Tropical North Queensland.
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neighbourhoodThings to Do in Cairns City, Cairns: The Local Guide
From the Esplanade Lagoon to the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree and rainforest waterfalls, here’s how to plan a better Cairns itinerary.
Read guide →Roundups
roundupCairns Nightlife: The Best Bars & Live Music
Cairns may be best known as the gateway to the reef and rainforest, but once the sun drops the city centre comes alive with a compact, walkable cluster of bars, breweries and live
Read guide →roundupFree Things to Do in Cairns
From the Esplanade Lagoon and Botanic Gardens to Palm Cove and rainforest escapes, these are Cairns’ best free outings — plus what costs extra.
Read guide →roundupCairns With Kids: Family-Friendly Things to Do
From the free Esplanade Lagoon to the Daintree, here are Cairns family activities worth planning around, with practical ideas for wet and sunny days.
Read guide →roundupThe Best Coffee in Cairns
From serious espresso bars in Cairns City to relaxed coffee stops in Palm Cove, Yorkeys Knob and Port Douglas, these are the cafés worth knowing.
Read guide →roundupWhere to Eat in Cairns: The Local Food Guide
From Cairns waterfront institutions to Palm Cove beachfront dining and Port Douglas favourites, this is a practical guide to eating across the region.
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