10 Top Things to Do in CAIRNS, Queensland, Australia in 2024 | Cairns Travel Guide & To-Do List

[@TopOzTours]

Hi guys. Read about more great things to do in Cairns here: topoztours.com.au/ten-best-things-to-do-in-cairns/. Regards, Adam @ TOT

[@t.g.i.f]

Lived there from 1950 to 2002. Was a teenager then in 1950. Changed a lot since 1950. The main entertainment then was picture theatres and dances.

[@queenslander954]

At the Aquatic & Sailing Club

[@bradhienzachary]

I was there about 30 years ago! It’s changed so much.

[@anthonywalsh785]

i have lived in cairns for 34 years now and find it nice and relaxing.

[@lennoxridge1609]

Instablaster...

[@vegemite2410]

im hoping to go in march . Whats the weather like that time of year? Is there a tinny hire local in cairns centre or whats the fishing rules, I dont want to catch a crocodile... well not really. I want to mountain bike or do some climbing i definately want to snorkel in the reef.. I live in Sanctuary point n.s.w ..What You say Anthony any suggestions or tips mate? would be apreciated..

[@ryuuthemonkey46]

i was born in cairns, my parents divorced and i moved to moscow, russia with my dad as he grew up there. i really wanna go back there

[@Someone-vu6kd]

@@vegemite2410 it is really hot or really rainy really so there’s not that much to worry about

[@aussierob7177]

When i discovered Dunk Island in 1965 i fell in love with North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef Resorts. I used to go up north for 2 weeks every year when i was working as part of my annual leave. Been to Cairns a few times and the northern beaches. Usually went in September each year which usually gave me good weather. Last time was in 1994 after retirement. Was always going to live there after retirement, but somehow never made it.

[@TopOzTours]

Thanks for the comment. It's probably changed a lot since the 90s. You should go back up there for a visit.

[@austpers]

I have lived in Cairns since 1983 and still love it in 2023 ✅❤️

[@cheyirwinx]

I live an hour away from carnis went there two days ago!! Luv it

[@TopOzTours]

Thanks for the feedback. It’s a great destination. 👍

[@trevorwaninara8180]

The documentary of Cairns is great. Last went to Cairns in 2001 to visit some PNG families and had a fantastic time there and went on the Kuranda train. Cheers from PNG.

[@hv5253]

True

[@opheriayu]

Some of the fun things you can do alone. Take a drive to Gillies, Goldsborough to swim and enjoy a bbq. Visit Crystal Cascades ast Redlynch. Take a drive down to Palm Cove, or Port Douglas 🥳 The O'Reily Restaurant at Palm Cove makes my favourite kind of mash, Irish style of course 🥳 Head up the Table lands, visit the crystal mines and other places there 😀 or even head out south to Paranelo Park! (Not sure if I spelt that right) or Catch a Barra! 🐟🐟🐟🎣 Even the Babinda Boulders to have a nice picnic 🥳✨ So many places you can go yourself if you hire a car 🚗 May not be for everyone but just in case anyone was wondering ✨🤗

[@TopOzTours]

Hey Opheria! Thanks for these amazing suggestions. We can’t wait to get up to Cairns again and check some of them out! Regards Adam @ TOT

[@opheriayu]

@@TopOzTours Cairns is so chill, nice and slow. I'm not the type to go to populated areas so I love visiting places on solo drives. Places like the cafe at Ellis Beach, get a smoked salmon salad and potato 🥔 wedges with the sour cream and sweet and sour sauce, then park at one of the rocky cliffs, cast out a line and fish 🐠🐠🐠 while eating like the absolute adorkable fatty that I am 🤩🤩 The bungee jump past JCU, or the Little zoo on the Casino roof top ✨ love the activities there. Night 🌃 markets have a new Chicken kebab, Korean style place where the Churros used to be, and there's a Froyo place opposite ✨ Tia's Cafe still is a fave 🤩🤩😭😋😋😋😋 so many nice places and activities 🎉

[@lioniwilkinson2058]

I live an hour from here, love it so much

[@virtualtoursextremeoutdoors]

Wow, I do too! I live in Innisfail and have been making locals tours videos if you wouldnlike to check out my videos aswell!?

[@LEObondTraveller]

A very dynamic and very liveable city. Not too big and not too small. Perfect size. Did you mention the very popular Cairns Aquarium?

[@TopOzTours]

Hi there. Thanks for the feedback. We did visit the excellent aquarium, but we were not able to film there sadly. Next time. It’s well worth a visit. 👍👍👍

[@piratepete4322]

They have world class gourmet food too. Mark my words.

[@chinadave2854]

Loved takadive 7 day dive on the reef, train to kuranda, the zoo in kuranda and the sky tram had a blast!!!! Oh and hanging out at the ice cream shop across from the pier. And sushi up stairs at the red rose awesome time!!!!

[@TopOzTours]

Hi there. Awesome tips. The Skyrail was closed during visit. We will do that next time. Adam @ TBB

[@carolmarsh7524]

Moo

[@jenniferd5477]

Hiiii We heading to cairns tomorrow with a one year old baby Any tips or recommendations would be appreciated !!! Thank you so glad you had a great time

[@michaelperry4308]

A bit special interests, but The Australian Armour and Artillery Museum in Cairns is one of the top military museums in the world, and definitely the best in Oz, yes, even better than Pukapunyal.

[@TopOzTours]

Thanks for the tip! We will check it out on our next trip. Adam 👍

[@rasta77-x7o]

Will agree, excellent museum, been 3 times.

[@coshabasham8860]

Were just there this April, it's beautiful 🥰 i recommend it to everybody, you won't regret going there 🥰🥰👍👍

[@coshabasham8860]

I forgot to say, we been to all those places you got in your video, EXCELLENT!!

[@stache297]

I wanna move there eventually

[@christaylor8495]

Only scratched the surface. What about the wake park and world-class mountain bike tracks and bike shops where you can hire them from? The walks and waterfalls? To name a few.

[@TopOzTours]

Thanks for the feedback. Next time! We are planning to do another trip and film more attractions away from the city. Regards Adam @ TOT

[@marcguidry5744]

It's been so long since I'd been there, I didn't recognize the place. I went there while 8n the US Navy. Our ship, the USS Fletcher DD 992, pulled in to the port there and we spent 3 days there. It was 9ne of the most beautiful places I've been to.

[@TopOzTours]

Wow Marc. Thanks for sharing that! 👍

[@t.g.i.f]

I don't know if you are aware of it that during WW2 Cairns was the main training ground for US soldier's. The waterfront was used as a Catalina base. Cairns airport was fighter planes, Yorkey's Knob north of Cairns was Infantry, Gordonvale south of Cairns was Paratrooper's. All traces of the Us Army such as buildings are nearly all gone.

[@rasta77-x7o]

We currently have heaps of US navy ships in Cairns due to the bi annual "war games" .

[@TheWaynos73]

Josephine Falls! well worth the day trip if you’re in Cairns. gorgeous spot. Or to Port Douglas and Mossman Gorge

[@TopOzTours]

Hi Wayne. Thanks for the suggestions. We need to get up there again soon and see more. Adam 👍

[@trevorwaninara8180]

I am definitely putting Cairns on my list to visit sometime. Cheers from PNG.

[@TopOzTours]

You should! It's a fabulous destination. Regards TOT

[@ItsRealHunter]

I’m going to cairns for a holiday next week for 12 days I’m excited

[@TopOzTours]

Excellent news! Please come back to us after the trip and let us know what you got up to! 👍👍👍

[@celsolino5021]

Amazing video. I am watching from Brazil.

[@susanparry3020]

All is forgiven you replied! Your video was very watchable thank you.

[@norapham9723]

I have went to Cairns before and it was so nice and fun😘🥰

[@xjessiiveefanxmaddy5968]

AYEEE!!! cairns girl right HERE 👋👊

[@TopOzTours]

Welcome! You have a wonderful home town. ❤️

[@BetteTwain]

One day I want to move to Cairns. I can’t stand the cold weather in nsw and Canberra 😯 One day I will move there

[@skeleyon6110]

heyo, local here! great video! if you're looking in the way of beaches, trinity beach is a good choice that is close to shopping centres and the beach

[@TopOzTours]

Thanks for the tip! Next time! 👍

[@tennissistersarleenandsereen]

My home town in Australia 😄

[@TravelsMints]

We can’t wait to go back here again. We visited during COVID and so many tours weren’t available due to lack of demand … hopefully things pick up again soon!

[@TopOzTours]

Hey there. Thanks for the feedback. Yes it’s been very tough. Most operators have basically had no income at all since jobkeeper ended. Many are just hanging on. Let’s hope things bounce back. Adam @ TBB

[@TopOzTours]

Just checked out your channel. Looks great. 👍

[@HelloMyNamesNino]

Just found out I have a work trip to Cairns later this year 🙌🏼

[@TopOzTours]

Awesome news. You'll have a ball. Check out this story also on our website: topoztours.com.au/ten-best-things-to-do-in-cairns/. Adam

[@T.aripink]

I'm going to study abroad in Cairns next month!! I'm so excited

[@TopOzTours]

Welcome to Oz! 👍👍👍

[@pipbread5637]

I'm a local here!! Are you going to JCU?

[@T.aripink]

@@pipbread5637 I'm going to TAFE but only English school. I'm high school student

[@shetravelssolo6738]

I’m gonna visit the place this coming March! One of my bucket list. I’m excited!

[@TopOzTours]

You’ll have a ball. 👍 There are so many great things to do.

[@virtualtoursextremeoutdoors]

How amazing and if you find yourself travelling south abit and exploring subscribe to my channel because I have a heap of videos ready to roll about the Cassowary Coast and the tablelands

[@Elguapo93]

Did you go?

[@irena.el.o4198]

Love Far North Queensland

[@jimcajfeldt1739]

Thanks for telling me about this KZbin channel, (in Perth this morning)

[@TopOzTours]

Thanks Jim. Filming went well today. 👍👍👍

[@ryanmoeller3308]

GREAT video good sir! I live in Yuma, AZ which is near the US/Mexico Border.. I'd love to visit Cairns! I might be applying for an aircraft mechanic position there! You have a new subscriber! 👍👍

[@TopOzTours]

Thanks for the feedback! And good luck with the application! 👍

[@ryanmoeller3308]

@@TopOzTours Thank you!! I'd definitely like to see more video's on Cairns and Northern Australia! 👍👍

[@Clsham0Two]

I’m going here soon, Very helpful 😃

[@TopOzTours]

Thanks for the feedback. We really appreciate it! Adam

[@lilz_.21]

1:29 , I actually went swimming there today, it was amazing

[@Krunkerio]

Paradise exists...

[@hayleypaigereviews6744]

Use to go to cairns yearly when I was younger. We stopped going around the time I started remembering names of places unfortunately so I’m trying to find the places we used to go

[@TopOzTours]

We hope the video brought back nice memories. 👍❤️

[@Kpiggy8]

I live in cairns and it’s beautiful I’ve been to half of all theese places I suggest the great barrier reef

[@TopOzTours]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, great suggestion. We ran out of time! 👍😀

[@yolandapolman6964]

Dant Wait to go There

[@aussie6639]

My honeymoon place 30 years ago. Need to return

[@jimmyjimanambo5014]

Calm beautiful wonderful country in the world.

[@alexslota9741]

I love Cairns

[@TopOzTours]

So do we! We are hoping to get back up there and do an updated video soon. Adam

[@chahalempires]

Love cairns

[@itsshyah1725]

My fav thing was to swim when my fam and I went to a resort it had like 4 pools and everytime we wake up we just got changed into swimmers and went

[@hv5253]

I'm came from Cairns just last day now I'm in Adelaide.

[@TopOzTours]

Hope you had fun.

[@Aprilsraven629]

You didn't add the scenic railway to kuranda and the butterfly house...its a lovely place I enjoyed my time living & working there but its expensive now to rent unless your working, not really a retires paradise unless your very well off

[@TopOzTours]

The Scenic Railway is in the video, but not the Cableway. It was closed during our visit. We will definitely check out the Butterfly House next time. Adam

[@AudVrFr]

I did all them 😊

[@TopOzTours]

Excellent work! :-)

[@numenyarrie5725]

Yes I be there in Cairns this Friday coming 2 SEP

[@TopOzTours]

Have fun! 👍

[@stevenharris2885]

Such a cool location. I'm designing a website to discover unique destinations and I knew this had to be one of them

[@TopOzTours]

Cool! Send us a link to your new site. 👍👍👍

[@Globetraveladventures]

Totally love cairns!

[@TopOzTours]

So do we! 👍👍👍

[@LuLu-sf5cg]

My favorite places

[@nitheal95]

Iv recently moved to carins wanting to see whats around

[@SundayzCrows33]

L🦋VE Cairns 💙☀️💚

[@andrewmarlow7303]

Wish I could be a Australian citizen

[@sidstevens9035]

You missed the best attraction, the Sky lift ?

[@TopOzTours]

We tried. Sadly, it was closed for maintenance during our visit. But doing the Scenic Railway both ways was awesome. Adam

[@kurt1085]

Lived there over 4 years My second home❤️

[@lilymunday1295]

Some excellent tips for our coming trip to Cairns. Thanks so much.

[@TopOzTours]

Hi Lily. Our pleasure. If you have any feedback on how the video could be improved, we would love to hear from you. Just email me at [e-mail]. Adam

[@Chainlock.edits.z.back1]

I love Cairns i live there

[@TopOzTours]

Lucky you!

[@Chainlock.edits.z.back1]

@@TopOzTours thx

[@HomeMadeRose]

It's also got an Armour and Artillery Museum that is definitely in the top 5 worldwide. Such a surprise find.

[@TopOzTours]

Great tip! Thank you. 👍👍👍

[@clauteletuby]

i live here, only thing i dislike anout cairns is the mozzies and also the lack of fast food conpared to america. but cairns has an amzing place called lunico, their ceaser salad and pizza is top notch

[@harryjohnthorburn8006]

I lived in Cairns in 2018, 2019. It was not as crowded as SaiGon where I've been living in Vietnam, Saigon is the most crowded city of Vietnam so I couldn't get used to living in Cairn city of Australia. My husband says he wants to buy a house there in 2024--2025. But I don't know much about other cities of Australia yet so I still dream about Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

[@inomnomonchickennuggies382]

I LIVE in cairns and i live it 😊😊😊

[@bigsquatchsasfoot1964]

Goodayyyyy mate 🤝👍

[@TopOzTours]

Back at you! 👍

[@susanparry3020]

You forgot the Skyrail and The WORLDS third largest tank museum, oh but you covered the turtle thing,!

[@TopOzTours]

We tried Skyrail. They were closed during our visit. We will check out the tank museum next time. 👍

[@izackandrews8549]

Cairns is gronk

[@johndese4900]

Funny no mention of skyrail. I like Cairns but Port Douglas my top pick.

[@TopOzTours]

Hi John. Sadly it was closed during our visit. Next time. TBB 👍

[@kfhntv2014]

new friend here

[@alphacarinae57]

I want to move to Cairns!

[@Foolofatook]

It’s ok if you don’t plan on being here November through April

[@jenniferd5477]

@@Foolofatook why ?

[@whitedove8012]

@@jenniferd5477 wet season..and too hot.

[@brianlee5702]

For many of us the wet season is the best time of all. Trees in flower, fruit everywhere and the wildlife is sensational. Plenty of cheap deals during summer, too.

[@Rev1960-i2r]

My home town!

[@TopOzTours]

And what an amazing home town it is! ❤️👍

[@wiwingmargahayu6831]

wow

[@alexandream2000]

Quando as fronteiras irão abrir para estudantes??

[@bowenfamily2501]

I live here it's beautiful I was born here too

[@area51isreal71]

The 11th best thing you can do is just regard it as somewhere to get on and off the plane. It is nothing really much to see. The big attractions though is what is around it. Kuranda, Port Douglas etc. and the drive to get to these places. Truly amazing places with much to do and experience.

[@chinadave2854]

You should have booked a 5 day scuba on the barrier reef the most beautiful place on earth sorry you missed it.

[@pooreconomist9176]

What's the best time of the year to visit cairns?

[@SundayzCrows33]

Best time to visit Cairns is from May till early September. You can swim in their beaches without the fear of poisonous jellyfish and crocodiles. This time of year is their Summer season. The temperature is also perfect without the high humidity and extreme heat. You won’t be disappointed, it’s an amazing place to visit, so much to see and do.

[@adambrock3932]

May to September isn't Australia's summer season it actually winter season

[@majorlaff8682]

@@SundayzCrows33 'You can swim in their beaches '? Who swims in beaches? I swim in water. As do all other swimmers.

[@paulgibson4991]

Did most of these

[@erikadziumbla2150]

Why did you not show SKYRAIL😮?

[@TopOzTours]

It was closed during our visit. Next time!

[@AlanLawSydney]

Very beautiful video 👍 Keep up with the good works. We were there in Feb 2021, love it. However due to the COVID, not many tours available and we missed out all the island tours....☹️

[@hv5253]

This a old Cairns but Im in new Cairns.

[@phgee2354]

I live there

[@mazzdacon2134]

Did you see the hundreds of empty shops?

[@jeffpiper7430]

mmm .. no mention of the cable car to kuranda .. mighten get a cut

[@TopOzTours]

Unfortunately it was closed during our visit.

[@SimoneKris-ho8sy]

My house at Cairns

[@harryjohnthorburn8006]

I lived in Cairns in 2018, 2019. It was not as crowded as SaiGon where I've been living in Vietnam, Saigon is the most crowded city of Vietnam so I couldn't get used to living in Cairn city of Australia. My husband says he wants to buy a house there in 2024--2025. But I don't know much about other cities of Australia yet so I still dream about Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

[@Rev1960-i2r]

Melbourne people have flooded Cairns. Some of them left Melbourne because of COVID Lockdown.

[@jj-if6it]

Sydney has the stunning harbour, Melbourne has the most culture although our weather is obviously a lot colder than QLD. I like living in Melb as there is always so much to do and great food. It also seems to be more multicultural and accepting than QLD. Brisbane is nice enough but not the most attractive city. Rent but especially to buy a house in Australia is extremely expensive.

[@Elguapo93]

Very expensive in Sydney.. like, very expensive. Melbourne is also.. hell , so is Brisbane lolll

[@majorlaff8682]

@@Elguapo93 Not expensive in Sydney. Friend just bought a fixer-upper for $2.9million. Cheap.

[@lorraineeden5117]

Don't come the skies been grey for week's....

[@TommytheTurkeyYT]

I live in cairns qld

[@photodoc100]

You forgot … ……….bake beans 🤣

[@brianbochow]

Cairns was a great place before they opened it up to bloody tourism... I well remember when you could go to the pubs dressed in thongs shorts and a Jacky Howe singlet...You cannot do that now...p.s. I worked on building the esplanade and the Hilton hotel...back in the day...I miss the old cairns... The Oceanic hotel Rustys markets ,Johnnos blues band etc....

[@jeffpiper7430]

yep know the feeling ,started going to cairns in early 70s and went back often till buying /moving to herberton mid 80s .. now only go to cairns when i have to , yes changed a hell of a lot and mainly not for the good ... was even a push to change atherton tablelands to cairns hinterland in their adverts

[@Maxarlie]

cairns wouldn’t survive without tourism

[@bearcatracing007]

What are you on about I still go into the pubs here in thongs, shorts and a singlet!

[@PsalmWellProduction]

the lagoon overlooks miles of mud

[@jackwhite3934]

Wow, uh. Most folks Don't know cairns exist. We commonly get mistaken for a mango farm. Not far off, more banana 🍌 tbh

[@queeng5925]

i live in Cairns n all this stuff tis the most BORING stuff to do here!!! u wanna bring a heap of 80 year old tourists, show this one. wot about diving or snorkelling the barrier reef? the skyrail. the pyramid climbs. swimming in all the waterfall pools, the markets in town, the reptile park, butterfly place, the aquarium n much much more.... try adding in them next time... u make it look like theres 10 boring things to do

[@_____J______]

Cairns or Darwin: which is better and why?

[@MMM-jq7cl]

Cairns just cause

[@rivermay109]

@j It depends on what you want to do. I'm currently in carins and I live in Darwin. Carins is more forestry, and has better views, good for forest and nature walks, skydiving, bungy jumping and water sports. Darwin is good for fishing, sunsets and pig hunting, and water falls.

[@waverleyc.412]

CAIRNS because it's green all the time. Darwin is mostly brown..CAIRNS has More natural attractions..

[@onatic8058]

I'm from darwin and tbh cairns is kinda better because the temperature are colder, everything is more modern and pretty and cool mountains and nature. But darwin is also really cool because there's lots of cool fauna (if it's not trying to kill you) and really amazing camping spots

[@SanctuaryLife]

Darwin has bigger crocodiles so you’re more likely to be swallowed whole.

[@jobertlatoza]

From Sydney we moved here four years ago. Big regret. Boring place. Now we're getting out of here and on our way to Brisbane!!!! Cairns is dead and boring.

[@bearcatracing007]

We won't miss you!

[@justme2222dj]

Cairns as bustling 😂

[@brinkofinasnity6284]

6:01 ayy i can see my house

[@TopOzTours]

Lovely place to live! 👍

[@yvonneblanco4820]

Any motels for staying there for lower price 🙋👙

[@blaineedwards8078]

Is it pronounced, "cans"?

[@Hndjdj400]

Yeah

[@majorlaff8682]

kens

[@janicewalkerharris3675]

I use a wheelchair how are the tours for those with limited mobility this is never addressed in any tourist video

[@TopOzTours]

Hi Janice. Thanks for that. Fair point. The Kuranda Scenic Railway is accessible. There are stairs at Kuranda station, but it has a lift to street level. It’s a fairly steep hill up climb to the village itself. Getting to Fitzroy Island would be fine, and the resort is mobility friendly. Some areas of the island would not be accessible in a wheelchair. Adam 👍

[@lingdatang669]

z

[@surfingalien8846]

This must of been filmed during Covid because Cairns ain't that relaxing.

[@_____J______]

Well of course, title: 2021

[@samanthaspoto3217]

I live in cairns during COVID we had no case until some people snuck in also how hot we are everyone said COVID didn’t like the heat so yeah but if you do live in cairns then you may know more also if it does sound rude I’m sorry just want to say it bc I live in cairn for my hole life so yeah sorry if it sound rude

[@onatic8058]

@@samanthaspoto3217 cairns is cold for me because I'm from darwin hahaha

[@Skyejessicaediting]

Cant wait to get away from cairns

[@davidm4677]

Why?

[@Just_a_ghost713]

Baby daddy issue 🤣🤣🤣

[@hearliam]

Did you forget to mention the mudflats when the tide goes out, and the lagoon pool is closed every second day for god knows what.

[@brianming4070]

Ñ

[@roddymcniven8734]

Shame about the horrendous music