Top 10 Things to do in Cairns
One of the top 10 things to do in Cairns is a visit to the AJ Hackett’s base in the jungle. AJ Hackett in Cairns is the ultimate spot for all adrenaline junkies, with a giant jungle swing and multiple bungy jump platforms. The Bungy has sixteen jump styles, an optional water touch and even the chance to ride off the platform on a BMX bicycle. This is the only bungy site in Australia, so well worth a visit and being on your list of things to do in Cairns!
Uncle Brian’s tours have earned a spot on cairns top ten things to do as you will be grinning from ear to ear all day long. Uncle Brian’s tour is renowned for the unique and personal way in which he takes you on an enchanting journey full of fun and giggles. The trip has you discovering intriguing Ancient Coastal Rainforests and the majestic Atherton Tablelands. Whether you’re swimming, sliding down rocks, singing, unwinding in some of the most magnificent waterfalls on earth, floating on your back in the waters of a volcanic crater lake or keeping your eyes peeled for platypuses, you’ll be glad you made this one of your things to do in Cairns.
Rafting is a thrilling experience in our Cairns top ten things to do. The Tully River rafting is a fabulous full-day activity for all those adrenaline seekers out there as this is one of Australia's best rafting locations. This isn’t for the faint-hearted and you will certainly feel tested on the grade 3-4 rapids. What makes this trip so special is the stunning rainforest scenery and wildlife you can enjoy in between the thrilling rapids.
Moving from water to the land for another of our top 10 things to do in Cairns. A visit to the rainforests of north Queensland is a must as these are the oldest in the world. Skyrail is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the forest, the glass bottom cabins allow you to see the rainforest below while listening to the informative commentary. You can then hop off and enjoy the tree-canopy boardwalks at the multiple stops. The final stop is Kuranda village which is famous for the markets and the nature park. What makes this activity in Cairns so unique is that on your return you can head back on the Skyrail, or opt for the spectacular Kuranda Railway journey which navigates through dense rainforest, and passes by stunning waterfalls and ravines.
If this isn’t close enough, jungle surfing in Cape Tribulation will have you zip-lining through the Daintree Rainforest making this one of our favourite things to do in Cairns. With six separate platforms built into the trees, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the unbelievable aerial views high above the treetops. You can book Jungle Surfing to include the highlights of Cape Tribulation which will include a wildlife experience (Koala and snake holding), a river cruise, and the beautiful Alexandra Lookout. This activity in our top ten things to do in Cairns is great for the whole family!
Now have you really completed Cairns if you haven’t seen it from above? A Cairns skydive gives you a spectacular bird's eye view of the city and magical rainforests as you climb to the freefall height. The exit point is South of Cairns city between two mountain ranges, for endless views of the city and luscious green valleys as you get closer to the ground. The Mission Beach skydive is one of the best jumps and experiences in Australia, with phenomenal views of the Great Barrier reef, luxuriant rainforest, and the all-important beach landing on the golden sands!
An early start is a great thing to do in Cairns, so start the day off on a high with a hot air balloon flight over the Atherton Tablelands. You will be rewarded for the early start when you see the sun rising over the region. You are guaranteed the best views of the Tablelands and mountains on this surreal experience of silently floating hundreds of metres above. You will then have the remainder of the day to experience all that Cairns has to offer.
What skydive is best in Cairns?
Skydiving in this wonderful part of the world certainly needs to be on your agenda for things to do in cairns. Skydiving over cairns is the only opportunity you will have to experience breathtaking views of the city, the scale and phenomenal colours of the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. The fact that you can see the reef and rainforest all in one place makes this one of our top 10 things to do in Cairns.
If you would prefer a beach landing, Skydiving mission Beach is for you! However, this will take up a whole day for your time in Cairns as this is located 2 hours south of Cairns. This really is one of the top 10 things to do in Cairns with unbelievable coastal scenery and views of the island chains. The bus transfer is free for this jump, so if you have the time then certainly make the Mission Beach skydive one of your things to do while in Cairns.
What are the top things to do in Cairns on limited time?
If you have limited time in Cairns, you will certainly need to visit the Reef so, fortunately, there are half-day trips! A trip to Green Island will depart in either the morning or afternoon and allows you to experience this stunning island on a short 4 hour trip, this will give you two hours to explore the island and snorkel on the shores. You could then pair this with another activity in the afternoon. To maximise your time and fit in as many epic activities in Cairns as possible it's a good idea to hop on a combo. These are the best things to do in Cairns as they link perfectly so no time is wasted! Cairns in a day is the ultimate thing to do in Cairns as it combines a skydive, a helicopter flight and a reef trip. Or perhaps start the day off early with a hot air balloon flight, then when you start to crash, head out rafting in the afternoon to wake yourself up on our Ballooning and Baron rafting combo!
Do I need to book Cairns activities in advance?
Yes! To avoid disappointment you need to book these top 10 activities in advance as they are very popular. You can check out other great things to do in Cairns and around Australia on our Specials page.
Are there any hidden costs when booking these top 10 things to do in Cairns?
They aren’t hidden, but there may be some extra costs for your time in Cairns. Many trips to the Reef and National Parks may require a levy. These will be highlighted to you, but please double-check if you will be required to have some extra cash on you to pay for these fees.
