Cairns

Cairns is a breathtaking tropical city, with a surrounding area full of ancient natural wonder. Located in Far North Queensland, Australia, the region encompasses sandy beaches, mangrove swamps and dazzling tropical islands. Cairns is also a popular gateway to many of Australia's most revered natural attractions, including the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Forest, the oldest rainforest in the world.
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Featured guides

Multi-city stops

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Top places to visit

1Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

4.7
(5150)
4.5
(6105)
Mentioned on 
Public swimming pool
Outdoor Activities
The public swimming pool Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a popular spot in Cairns for people to cool off. It has an artificial, sandy-edged saltwater pool with Woven Fish sculptures that is lifeguard patrolled and illuminated nightly. Alongside it is the 3km foreshore boardwalk which has picnic areas, birdwatching vantage points, free barbecues and fitness equipment.
52/54 Esplanade, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australiahttp://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/esplanade/facilities/lagoon

2Cairns Botanic Gardens

4.7
(3999)
4.5
(3034)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Botanical garden
The Cairns Botanic Gardens are a tropical gardens with a notable plant collection. The gardens feature beautiful rainforest vegetation and many interesting species of flowers. Guided walks are offered to help visitors explore the attractions fully.
78-96 Collins Ave, Edge Hill QLD 4870, Australiahttps://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/experience-cairns/botanic-gardens

3Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises

4.2
(375)
4.0
(2488)
Mentioned on 
Sights & Landmarks
Boat tour agency
Cruises to a Great Barrier Reef island, plus snorkeling & fish feeding from a glass-bottomed boat.
Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australiahttps://greenisland.com.au/

4Cairns Aquarium

4.6
(5176)
4.5
(1978)
Mentioned on 
Aquarium
Nature & Parks
Cairns Aquarium is a world-renowned aquarium dedicated to the habitats and species of just one region - Tropical North Queensland. With over 16,000 specimens on display, it is home to an incredible variety of sea creatures from all 10 ecosystems found in this area. From sharks to snakes, the aquarium has something for everyone who visits. It's also a great place to learn about conservation issues facing our oceans and coastal communities.
5 Florence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australiahttps://www.cairnsaquarium.com.au/

5Muddy‘s Playground

4.6
(219)
4.5
(1461)
Mentioned on 
Children's amusement center
Nature & Parks
Playgrounds
Muddy's Playground is a great place for children to cool down in the summertime and have lots of fun. There are three different play areas with different activities, a cafe, and a big splash area.
Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia

Top places to eat

1Dundees on the Waterfront

4.4
(1999)
4.0
(3126)
Mentioned on 
Seafood restaurant
Australian restaurant
Family restaurant
Dundees offers a variety of seafood dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. From the Chefs Choice Seafood Platter for two to the Ultimate Seafood Experience, there's sure to be something for everyone at this waterfront restaurant. And if you're looking to dine in privacy, book a room at Dundees!
1 Marlin Parade, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australiahttps://dundees.com.au/waterfront/

2Salt House

4.3
(4003)
4.0
(2886)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Modern Australian restaurant
Salt House is a stylish modern Australian restaurant with views of the ocean and marina. It's perfect for a day spent relaxing and gazing at the view, or for an evening out with friends. The culinary menu includes seafood and grill items, as well as espresso martinis which are perfect to revitalize at the end of an evening.
Marina Point, 6/2 Pier Point Rd, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australiahttp://www.salthouse.com.au/

3The Raw Prawn

4.4
(1028)
4.0
(2217)
affordable
Seafood restaurant
The Raw Prawn is a seafood restaurant that has been serving Cairns locals and visitors for over a decade. They have an option of sitting inside or out, with either air conditioning or the warm Australian summer weather. The seafood is always perfectly cooked, and the restaurant has been praised by many as one of the best in town.
101 Esplanade, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australiahttp://www.rawprawnrestaurant.com.au/

4Villa Romana

4.1
(1890)
4.0
(2027)
affordable
Italian restaurant
Villa Romana is an Italian restaurant with a waterfront location in Cairns. The menu features pizzas, pastas and Mediterranean dishes until late into the night. There's also a buffet breakfast available starting at 7am.
99 Esplanade, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australiahttp://www.villaromana.com.au/

5Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse

4.5
(1639)
4.5
(2005)
Mentioned on 
expensive
Steak house
Bar
Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse is a popular steakhouse in Cairns with complete seafood, salad and pasta options. The restaurant is casual and located on the waterfront, making it the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing meal. The steak dishes are some of the best in town, with organic beef sourced from the Atherton Tablelands guaranteeing juicy, flavourful meat.
1 Pier Point Rd, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australiahttp://www.waterbarandgrill.com.au/

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