When you purchase a product or service from our partners using the links above, we receive a small commission. It does not affect the price you pay, and it enables us to continue to provide readers with amazing travel inspiration.
1. Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Featured: Cairns City Sightseeing Tour with Afternoon Tea
A ride on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway is just the start of this fabulous day trip from Cairns to the rainforest township of Kuranda. On arrival, you’ll have three hours of free time to explore the quaint streetscape, shop in the markets, or visit the many local attractions. Return to Cairns on board the epic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway! Read more
Watch our video of ten top things to do in Cairns:
Ten Amazing Things to Do in Cairns, QLD | City Guide – The Big Bus
Welcome to The Big Bus tour and travel guide’s YouTube Channel. Sitting pretty in Tropical North Queensland, the city of Cairns has undergone an extraordinar…
2. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
The prehistoric saltwater crocodile is the largest reptile in the world and Australia’s most feared predator. Whether you’re fascinated or completely terrified by these amazing animals, a visit to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures — located halfway between Cairns and Port Douglas — is a must. Book an afternoon ticket-and-transfer package, including pick-up/drop-off at your Cairns hotel and entry to the park. Read more
3. Cairns Museum
Learn about Cairns’ unique culture and history at the must-visit Cairns Museum in the heart of the CBD. It covers a wide range of topics and offers something for every member of the family to enjoy. The displays are beautifully presented and laid out in chronological order. The Museum is also a great spot to beat the heat — thanks to the amazing air conditioning! Read more
4. Cairns Aquarium
The state-of-the-art Cairns Aquarium is home to more than 15,000 aquatic animals. You can visit ten different ecosystems and learn about life in the waters of both of Tropical North Queensland’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed areas — the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest. Guarantee your entry by purchasing admission tickets in advance. Read more
5. Koalas and Creatures at the Pier, Cairns
You’ll don’t have to travel far to get a taste of Tropical North Queensland’s diverse landscapes. Located in the heart of Cairns, Koalas and Creatures at the Pier takes visitors on a journey through tranquil mangroves, lush rainforests, sprawling woodlands, and the rugged outback. Create a lasting holiday memory by having your photo taken with a koala! Read more
6. Herberton Historic Village
Cairns was established on the back of the 1800s gold rush and tin mining boom — depicted in wonderful detail at the Herberton Historic Village. This engaging heritage attraction is located in the rural town of Herberton — 90 minutes’ drive south-west of the city. Read more
7. Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld
Visit two of Kuranda’s most popular wildlife attractions for the one low price with this Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld combo ticket. These adjacent parks will delight animal lovers of all ages. Meet adorable koalas, brightly coloured parrots, and everything in between! Read more
8. Paronella Park
Escape the city and explore the wondrous Atherton Tablelands on this full-day tour from Cairns. One of the absolute highlights of this experience is the visit to Paronella Park — a Spanish-style castle in the rainforest. It’s just as amazing as it sounds! Along the way, you’ll see natural wonders like Lake Barrine, the Curtain Fig Tree, and exquisite Millaa Millaa Falls. Read more
9. Chillagoe Caves
Get off the beaten tourist track during your stay in Cairns by booking a day tour to the intriguing Chillagoe Caves — three hours each way by road. Once part of an ancient reef, Chillagoe is rich in geological diversity and home to a breathtaking limestone cave system. You’ll enjoy a ranger-guided cave tour and lunch at a classic Aussie pub. Read more
10. Best of Cairns Combo: Reef and Rainforest (Over 3 Days)
This combo is the complete Cairns tour package and will save you money on three of the region’s must-dos. You’ll start with a day trip to the outer Great Barrier Reef, followed by a Daintree Rainforest tour on day two. Your final day will be spent exploring the quaint village of Kuranda, including a flight on the Skyrail Cableway and a trip on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Read more
Browse our full range of tickets and passes to Cairns attractions here. We offer a Best Price Guarantee.
Do you have a question about travelling to Cairns? Contact us
*No credit card or booking fees are applied to bookings made directly on the Top Oz Tours website. Fees may be applied to bookings made via affiliate websites. Our best price guarantee extends to tickets and passes for top Cairns tourist attractions promoted on the Top Oz Tours website (excluding third party advertising). For terms and conditions or to make a claim, please click here.
Additional images: Depositphotos, Bigstock, and Envato
Travel essentials
You can book many aspects of your holiday on the Top Oz Tours & Travel Ideas website, including flights, hotels, car hire, travel insurance, and more. When you purchase a product or service using the following links from our partners, we receive a small commission. It does not affect the price you pay, and it enables us to continue to provide readers with amazing travel inspiration.
Flights
Compare airlines, flights, and fares in one place with Booking.com. They don’t charge any credit card fees and you can always see exactly what you’re paying for in the price breakdown. You can book one-way, round-trip, and multi-city flights, and change your travel dates with ease when you opt for a flexible ticket option (an additional cost applies). It all adds up to a great flight! Search for flights with Booking.com
Hotels
If you’re looking for a great deal on your next hotel or homestay, look no further than Booking.com. Their mission is to make travel affordable and accessible to more people, and to deliver seamless accommodation experiences that complement your holiday. Search for hotels and homestays with Booking.com
Car hire
Discover Cars is an award-winning (World Travel Awards) car rental comparison website, which helps customers find, compare, and hire cars at the most competitive prices globally. Search for hire cars with Discover Cars
Day tours & experiences
Search and book day tours, guided experiences, and attraction tickets and passes worldwide with Top Oz Tours and Viator. There are no booking or credit card fees when you book through us, and you’ll have access to the widest choice of activities and most competitive prices. Browse day tours and experiences
Multi-day tours & trips
Top Oz Tours has joined forced with Tour Radar to bring you a fabulous range of multi-day tours and trips from the world’s leading operators. Travel with like minded people and get the best possible price on the holiday of your dreams. Browse multi-day tours and trips
Travel insurance
World Nomads aims to be a part of every traveller’s journey by providing a reassuring range of travel insurance services. Benefits include coverage for emergency medical and evacuation or repatriation, lost baggage, trip cancellation, and more than 150 adventure activities. Get an insurance costing
