What are the best things to do in Cairns?

The best things to do in Cairns include: Great Barrier Reef | Sunlover Reef Cruises | Cairns Aquarium | Reef Magic | Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises. These activities offer a mix of cultural experiences, sightseeing, and entertainment suitable for all types of travelers.

How much do the top attractions in Cairns cost?

Great Barrier Reef:From QAR 258.36 | Sunlover Reef Cruises:From QAR 656.34 | Cairns Aquarium:From QAR 142.31 | Reef Magic:From QAR 683.14 | Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises:From QAR 261.38

What amenities or facilities can I expect at top attractions in Cairns?

Most attractions in Cairns provide facilities such as visitor centers, guided tours, parking, rest areas, dining options, and accessibility features to ensure a comfortable experience.

How do I book activities and attractions in Cairns?

Choose one of the top things to do in Cairns listed on this curated page by Trip.Best and book directly on Trip.com. You can compare prices, check availability, read verified reviews, and access special packages.

Can I get special packages or deals for attractions in Cairns?

Yes, many attractions offer seasonal promotions, bundled tours, or discounted entry tickets. Visit Trip.com for current deals, member discounts, and exclusive offers.

What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Cairns?

Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Cairns include:Great Barrier Reef:4.6, Sunlover Reef Cruises:4.5, Cairns Aquarium:4.5, Reef Magic:4.4, Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises:4.8

At what locations in Cairns can Best Things to Do in Cairns be found?

The Best Things to Do in Cairns are mainly located in:Great Barrier Reef:Cairns, Sunlover Reef Cruises:Cairns, Cairns Aquarium:Cairns, Reef Magic:Cairns, Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises:Cairns

2026's Best Things to Do in Cairns – Top Attractions, Must-see Spots, and Guest Favorites

Cairns

Stays

Things to Do

Nightlife

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
Great Barrier Reef
4.6/5
󰺂7.3
258.36
Cairns
>100 km from downtown
Great Barrier Reef | A dreamy ocean wonderland
Featured in 2025 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes
Highlights:
Spectacular helicopter view of Heart Reef
󱓊Helicopter view of Heart Reef
󱨠Saved by 532 users󱨠283 positive reviews

Sunlover Reef Cruises
4.5/5
󰺂7.2
656.34
Cairns.Cairns City
1 km from downtown
No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Cairns
Highlights:
󱨜Cruise the spectacular Great Barrier Reef
Snorkel, Dive, and Explore Underwater Wonders
󱨠Saved by 138 users󱨠78% positive reviews

Cairns Aquarium
4.5/5
󰺂6.2
142.31
Cairns.Cairns City
381m from downtown
No. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Cairns
Highlights:
Walk through the tunnel and feel like you're at the bottom of the sea
󱨜Admire the beautiful coral of the Great Barrier Reef up close
󱨠Saved by 173 users󱨠157 positive reviews
4

Reef Magic
4.4/5
󰺂6.1
683.14
Cairns.Cairns City
1 km from downtown
Highlights:
View colorful coral from the Outer Reef platform
󰀆Enjoy marine entertainment and experience Maldivian charm
󱨠80% positive reviews
5

Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises
4.8/5
󰺂5.5
261.38
Cairns.Cairns City
1.1 km from downtown
Highlights:
󰀆Get up close to marine life while snorkeling
See magnificent coral creatures up close from a glass-bottom boat
6

Moore Reef
4.2/5
󰺂5.3
656.34
Cairns
47.5 km from downtown
Highlights:
󱨜Explore the spectacle of vast coral reefs
Panoramic view of the coral reef by helicopter
󱨠34% positive reviews
7

Hot Air Balloon Cairns
5.0/5
󰺂4.8
984.82
Cairns.Cairns City
754m from downtown
Highlights:
󱨜Overlook the beautiful plateau from a hot air balloon at dawn
󰀆Help pack up the balloon and enjoy a delicious breakfast
8

Cairns Night Markets
4.8/5
󰺂4.5
Cairns.Cairns City
593m from downtown
No. 1 of Night Attractions in Cairns
Highlights:
󰀆Participate in an interactive music workshop at the night market
Shop for North Queensland specialties at dozens of stores
󱨠Saved by 160 users
9

Great Adventures Cruises- Cairns
4.0/5
󰺂4.4
614.48
Cairns.Cairns City
1 km from downtown
Highlights:
󱨜See the coral of the Great Barrier Reef up close
Admire the Underwater World on a Semi-Submarine Tour
10

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
4.5/5
󰺂4.3
Cairns.Cairns City
786m from downtown
No. 2 of Night Attractions in Cairns
Highlights:
Unlimited fun with snorkeling and kayaking
󱨜Beside the Esplanade in Cairns
󱨠37% positive reviews

Best things to do in Cairns (2026)