Cairns & the Tropical North Things to Do

Cairns, in Queensland’s tropical north, while a great place to relax acts better as a hub for all the wonderful natural attractions in the region. From here, it is easy to take day trips to explore the rainforest, the reef, a fertile food region and secluded beaches. There are gorges, rivers and plains, not to mention beach towns and rainforest villages. All can be reached on tours or independent exploration from the hub city of Cairns.

This is a bit of a obvious when out in stunning Cairns, but you must, must, must take at least one day-trip to the Great Barrier Reef! Here you can engage in snorkeling or just lay out on the white sandy beaches and catch a tan in the balmy tropical climate. Luckily, there are more than a handful of tour groups to show you around and even take you scuba diving in the Reef without even as little as a license. Once you’ve taken an introductory diving course and want seconds, there are intermediate and certified diving options (both day and night) that will give you the chance to fully explore this great reef.

One of the great rides of Cairns, Australia the Kuranda Scenic Railway is a relaxing and most impressive way to experience the history and beauty of the area. In just two hours, the famous railway winds its way through picturesque waterfalls and magical ravines to and from Cairns and Kuranda.

There’s nothing quite as exciting as exploring the depths of a country you’ve never been to. Unless of course you’re doing it on a helicopter and cruise tour and that particular site happens to be the Great Barrier Reef. Undeniably the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most beautiful natural sites (one of the seven natural wonders of the world, in fact). You’ll get to enjoy not just a stunning 25 minute fly-over of the Reef, with complimentary commentary, but then you’ll give into your diving/snorkeling gear, and jump in for a first hand unforgettable experience.

While Cairns is most famous – and rightly so! – for its location to beautiful Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, there are myriad other tourist options for the adventurous and curious traveler.

This is a bit of a no-brainer when out in stunning Cairns, but you must, must, must, take at least a day-trip to the reef where you can engage in snorkeling, or just lay out on the white sandy beaches and catch a tan in the balmy tropical climate.