Things to do in Cairns

[diver00014]

I will be traveling through Cairns enroute to PNG around Jan or Feb.

Can someone suggest something to do while i'm there?

 

[Ghanguss]

Theres heaps of travel agents in Cairns that can organise activities. Usually you can book something the day before you want to go. If theres something you really wanted to do you might want to book ahead but Ive never had to.

Top of my list would be white water rafting on the Tully river. It is a total blast. They take bus loads from Cairns regularly (daily I think)

There is great fishing at Cairns itself in Trinity inlet (I recommend a charter) and even better fishing just south on the Russel river (I think thats where we went). Both can be done as a day trip at resonable prices(~$100/day). We caught some interesting things like baby hammerheads, big barramundi, queenfish and mangrove jacks to name a few. You can fish outside on the reefs also but Ive never done that.

The Daintree rainforest is worth a look. You can do a day trip up there as well. Its a bit slower pace but still interesting. Ive heard the scenic railway at Kuranda is also nice but havent done it myself.

The nightlife in Cairns is great. Theres always alot of backpackers from around the world so its never a dull moment.

Oh yeah, forgot to mention the diving...

 

[Louie]

My recommendations would include:

Cape Tribulation tour

Kuranda - take the skyride up and the train down

The waterfall (whose name escapes me, just ask a local where the "waterfall"is)

Port Douglas - it's swish (very different from Cairns) and there are lovely long beach walks.

Have a good trip

 

[Ghanguss]

My recommendations would include:

Cape Tribulation tour

Kuranda - take the skyride up and the train down

The waterfall (whose name escapes me, just ask a local where the "waterfall"is)

Port Douglas - it's swish (very different from Cairns) and there are lovely long beach walks.

Have a good trip

The Daintree tour I did (day trip) visited Cape Tribulation, did a boat ride down Coopers Creek spotting crocodiles and the waterfall at Mossman gorge. It was a whirlwind trip but really enjoyable.

Worth noting, some of the mini bus style vehicles were unable to do the creek crossings (lots or rain flooded some roadways which is common up there). Our vehicle was an oversized 4wd style and we didnt hesitate once

 

[Aquapro Dive Services]

Heres a link to a few of the activities, but I totally agree the Daintree, Tully for the rafting, the Reef of course, and maybe the Tablelands and Skyrail.
There is also one of the best Aboriginal Centres here called Tjapukai that offers range of things like dance theatre, boomerang throwing lessons, cultural arts programs. I can testify that its extremely entertaining and well worth a look for a different insight to Australia culture and origins. Its a multi award winner.

Cairns Discount Dive Trips - Land Tours in Cairns

Also check out this site

http://www.cairns.com.au/visitor-information/things-to-do-in-cairns.html


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Cairns Discount Dive And Snorkel Trips. Live Aboard And Day Trips To The Great Barrier Reef

 

[cdiver2]

Second the cultural center then the cable car to Kuranda and the train back for a good day out

 

[diver00014]

Thanks everyone for all the responce's This Board is great

 

[farsidefan1]

Another vote for the train, tram, kuranda and daintree (take the river tour with the guide for birdwatching -and snakes, crocs and other cool stuff). Get a car and drive north. Baron's fall is beautiful. We had a small car and did not do any creek crossings. Doubt we would have made it but there was plenty to see and do.

 

[Damselfish]

another vote for skyrail, cable car to kuranda and the train back. Definitely look into it ahead of time as the skyride seemed to have a lot of scheduled maintenance days, and was booked up when they were running.

 

[sydney-diver]

Mossman Gorge is worth a look.