Cairns & the Tropical North Things to Do

Because Australian wildlife is adorable, unique and fun for all ages, one should not miss an opportunity to get immersed in sanctuaries and wildlife parks while traveling in Australia. The Cairns Wildlife Dome, located above the Reef Hotel Casino in central Cairns, offers visitors the chance to learn more about the Aussie environment, in any weather condition – and you don’t have to take a day trip to do it. Explore an enclosed rainforest ecosystem, chock full of lorikeets, parrots and cockatoos that roam freely next to you. Or, learn about the large reptile population that includes pythons, lizards and a giant crocodile known as Goliath.

Outside of Cairns lies some of the most fertile farmland in all of Australia, growing numerous types of tropical fruits, vegetables, nuts and coffee beans. Plus, the dairy farming market is popular meaning fresh milk, cream and cheeses are plentiful. Most of these types of products can be bought from the regular farmers markets in Cairns, those of which we explore further in this article.

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.

Cairns – often considered the jumping off point for the Great Barrier Reef – is a sensational destination in and of itself. The area is most famous for its beaches, locally known as the Cairns Northern Beaches.

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.