Things to do in Cairns North
Explore top experiences
Top 10 attractions in Cairns North
Sunlover Reef Cruises
Everything you can experience at Moore Reef is beyond your imagination. The Sunlover Great Barrier Reef Cruise departs daily from Cairns Ferry Terminal to the new Moore Reef Offshore Platform, where you can discover and explore the unparalleled wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. On this offshore platform, you can spend a day participating in various interesting activities, as well as admiring the beautiful Great Barrier Reef from all angles. On this luxury offshore platform 40 kilometers from Cairns, you can explore the mysterious underwater world up close. Moore's Reef Platform is the world's premier marine experience platform, designed to accommodate visitors of all ages and abilities, allowing everyone to experience the magnificent Great Barrier Reef in comfort. Fitzroy Island, part of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, is one of Cairns' most accessible tropical getaways. Just a short 45-minute boat ride from Cairns, this lush rainforest island is celebrated for its coral beaches, fringing reefs, and vibrant marine life. Unlike typical continential islands, many of Fitzroy's beaches are formed from crushed coral, built up over thousands of years. These remnants of ancient reefs were gradually reshaped and displaced by hundreds of tropical storms, creating the island's uniquely textured shores that embody its deep connection to the Great Barrier Reef's natural history.Cairns · 2.8 km from Cairns North
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is one of Cairns' most iconic rainforest experiences. The journey spans approximately 7.5 km, departing from Smithfield Terminal, passing through Red Peak and Barron Falls stations, and arriving at Kuranda Village. Guests can enjoy spectacular aerial views of the World Heritage-listed rainforest, with the opportunity to disembark at intermediate stations to walk, explore, and learn more about the rainforest ecosystem. This experience is suitable for families with children, seniors, couples, independent travelers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a relaxing way to experience Cairns' natural beauty. A popular option is to combine Skyrail with the Kuranda Scenic Railway for a full-day Kuranda experience, or simply enjoy a return Skyrail journey. Advance booking is recommended. Please note that the departure point is Smithfield Terminal (not Cairns city centre), and guests should arrange transport accordingly.Smithfield · 9.5 km from Cairns North
Cairns Aquarium
Cairns Aquarium is a very new and regional aquarium in Australia. It has won two awards in the tourism industry. This is an ecological exhibition hall in the world that brings together the essence of the world's two natural heritages - the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical rain forest. The whole museum is divided into 10 North Queensland ecosystems and 71 habitats. You can enjoy more than 15,000 North Queensland characteristic creatures in the fully air-conditioned museum, many of which are rare and protected species. The aquarium is located in the heart of Cairns, adjacent to major hotels in the city, with convenient transportation.Cairns · 2.1 km from Cairns North
Reef Magic
If you are looking for a day trip from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef, then the Dream Reef cruise is a better choice. In order to give you a refined and comfortable Great Barrier Reef experience, the Dream Reef cruise is limited to no more than 200 people. The Dream Reef cruise ship has exclusive access to the outer barrier reef platform, which has clear water, colorful corals and a variety of marine life. The comfortable, stable and fast catamaran of the Dream Reef reduces the travel time, increases the time spent on the Great Barrier Reef to 5 hours, and provides a variety of marine entertainment activities suitable for all ages, allowing you to fully enjoy the wonderful time of Moore Great Barrier Reef!Cairns · 2.8 km from Cairns North
Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises
Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef is a popular tourist destination in Cairns. It only takes 45 minutes to take a cruise on the Big Cat to reach Green Island, a beautiful coral island on the Great Barrier Reef. It is a coral island surrounded by white sandy beaches, beautiful reefs and abundant marine life, and the island is covered with tropical rainforest vegetation. The Big Cat cruise ship has four voyages to Green Island every day, the full-day ferry departs at 9:00 and 11:00, and the half-day ferry departs at 9:00 and 1:00 pm. You can freely snorkel or swim in the crystal-clear waters of Green Island, you can also take a glass-bottom boat and a semi-submarine boat to visit the wonderful underwater world, you can also stroll along the tree-lined paths of the national park, or just lay leisurely. Enjoy the sun and white sand on the beach. If you want to learn more about the Great Barrier Reef, you can also book a snorkeling experience tour with Big Cat, aerobic snorkeling and no heavy equipment diving. Big Cat cruises have a range of options for families, couples, groups and charters. When you go to Green Island, you can freely start snorkeling from the beach. It doesn't matter if you can't swim, Big Cat has a semi-submarine on Green Island to take you to experience the beautiful underwater creatures.Cairns · 2.8 km from Cairns North
Rainforestation Nature Park
The Tropical Rainforest Park is located on the Kennedy Highway, only a 5-minute drive from the town of Kuranda and about half an hour from Cairns. It is one of the ancient and mysterious tropical rainforests in the world, a symbol of Kuranda, and a must-visit place in Cairns. 1. There is a fixed shuttle bus to and from the tropical rain forest park and the butterfly house every day. Drive to the rainforest park, opposite the visitor center and gift shop, you can sign up for various activities. Entering from the parking lot, you will first come to the wildlife park. The wildlife park is not far from the entrance, providing visitors with the opportunity to get in touch with cute animals. In addition to petting koalas, you can also feed kangaroos and take pictures with crocodiles. In the zoo is a saltwater crocodile that is more than 5 meters long. It has the title of "Devil Jack" because it killed 12 other small crocodiles in the park before. The built trail allows tourists to see his activities very clearly. 2. Near the Tropical Fruit Garden is Tropical Fruit Orchard. There are more than 40 kinds of tropical fruits. You can also taste fresh juice while learning knowledge! In the middle of the tropical fruit garden is the tropical supply station, which provides a variety of tropical juices, tropical fruit ice cream and snacks, allowing you to cool off in this hot tropical rainforest. 3. Amphibious vehicle Amphibious vehicle is a unique adventure rainforest experience, which is a unique project in the park. There are 12 military combat vehicles left over from World War II in the park, and the experience time is 45 minutes. This expedition has a dedicated guide explaining the flora and fauna of the rainforest, including Jurassic plants, fig trees, orchids, blue butterflies, chameleons and various birds. 4. Australian aboriginal performances In addition to this, there are also Australian aboriginal performances waiting for you. Professional Aboriginal guides will take you back in time in original costumes and gain insight into primitive life. Ancient culture tour, including half-hour dance performance and half-hour display of weapons and instruments. In the natural background of the tropical rainforest, the indigenous people play musical instruments, expressing their worship of nature incisively and vividly. They also imitate various animals, showing scenes of gathering and hunting. The professional demonstration and explanation of Huilibiao will also be included. The indigenous people use javelins to hunt animals, and you can also take pictures with them. Also, you can admire the drawing of pointillism or try face painting.Kuranda · 14.8 km from Cairns North
Hot Air Balloon Cairns
Hot Air Balloon Cairns is a highly popular activity where visitors can soar in a hot air balloon at dawn, marveling at the breathtaking views of the Atherton Tablelands from above while enjoying the serene beauty of sunrise. The hot air balloon ride typically begins before dawn, offering a 40–60 minute flight experience that allows visitors to admire the rolling hills, rivers, and farmlands from high above. During the flight, the pilot provides insightful commentary about the region, pointing out local highlights to enhance the educational and entertaining aspects of the journey. After the hot air balloon tour, visitors assist the pilot in deflating, rolling, and repacking the balloon, completing this unique adventure. To commemorate the experience, guests receive a souvenir certificate and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or juice along with light breakfast snacks. Hot Air Balloon Cairns is not just a visual feast but also an unforgettable adventure, perfect for thrill-seekers and those looking for a romantic experience. At the end of the flight, visitors are transported back to their hotels, concluding a delightful hot air balloon journey.Cairns · 2.6 km from Cairns North
Cairns Koalas & Creatures
Cairns Koalas & Creatures is an interactive experience center that combines education and entertainment. Here, visitors have the opportunity to get up close with Australia's iconic animal, the koala, and learn about their habits. Visitors can take photos with koalas and enjoy the experience of interacting with these gentle marsupials. The center is dedicated to wildlife conservation, educating visitors about the importance of preserving natural heritage by showcasing Australia's unique ecosystems, such as the Great Barrier Reef, mangroves, rainforests, abundant woodlands, and rugged outback areas. Visitors can explore these ecosystems and understand their crucial role in maintaining Australia's biodiversity. Cairns Koalas & Creatures also offers a series of educational programs aimed at raising public awareness about wildlife conservation and encouraging participation in preservation efforts.Cairns · 2.6 km from Cairns North
Kuranda Scenic Railway
It takes 100 minutes all the way through the rainforest area, passing through 15 artificial tunnels, to reach Kuranda. Kuranda is a must pass on the way to Atherdon Plateau. A retro train, you can watch waterfalls and forest landscapes along the way. Overview This volcanic highland region produces Australia's finest beef, milk and dairy products, and was the site of many strategic battles during World War II. There are many tour operators offering services here, ranging from full day rainforest safari trips to simple round-trip train trips, bus trips, train trips, cable car trips, and more. Take the Cairns to Kuranda route and visit local Aboriginal centres and wildlife parks. Many visitors travel to Kuranda by train and take the rainforest aerial cable car on the way back.Kuranda · 16.3 km from Cairns North
Great Adventures Cruises- Cairns
Great Adventures is one of the fantastic ways to explore Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Aboard this modern cruise, visitors can deeply experience the natural beauty and ecological diversity of the Great Barrier Reef. Great Adventures offers a variety of activities, including snorkeling, diving, and underwater walking, allowing visitors to get up close with vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish. The cruise also features an observation deck where visitors can enjoy breathtaking ocean views. Additionally, professional guides will provide insights into the reef's ecosystem and conservation efforts, making the journey even more enriching and enjoyable. Whether traveling with family or friends, Great Adventures promises an unforgettable marine adventure.Cairns · 2.8 km from Cairns North
Experiences you can't miss in Cairns North
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Featured Day tours in Cairns North
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More things to do
Free things to do in Cairns North
Kuranda
Kuranda · 16.4 km from Cairns North
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Cairns · 2.4 km from Cairns North
Cairns Botanic Gardens
Edge Hill · 1.7 km from Cairns North
Esplanade
Cairns North · 1.3 km from downtown
Fig Tree Play Ground
Cairns · 3 km from Cairns North
Green Island
Green Island · 27.5 km from Cairns North
Barron Falls
Kuranda · 15 km from Cairns North
What travelers say about Cairns North
Anonymous userOctober 15, 2026
4.0
There are staff members who speak Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean. There are many Chinese staff members, so communication is not a problem. The sea is very beautiful, and the itinerary is well-planned, making it a great day trip!
Sunlover Reef Cruises
_TI***y1October 6, 2025
4.0
The scene was definitely beautiful, we took the cableway around 3PM and was not too hot. Gaby was amazing, we originally purchased the wrong time and wrong departure location. She was able to help us make it right. We also missed our original booked time but the staffs allowed us to get on. Everyone is so nice here 😊
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Anonymous userApril 8, 2026
5.0
The experience was excellent, and my child loved it. It wasn't crowded, so everyone could easily see everything. The Great Barrier Reef has a lot of marine life. There were guided tours every half hour starting at 10 am, covering different areas as we walked and observed. We learned a lot in just two hours, and my child thoroughly enjoyed it! 👍
Cairns Aquarium
Batigoal1987June 27, 2026
5.0
Highlight of the day trip is our helicopter experience over the great barrier reef. 10mins joy ride over the reef. Feels like in a James Bond Movie! Bucket List ticked =)
Reef Magic
Anonymous userApril 29, 2026
4.0
Overall, it was pretty good. The service was excellent; for those prone to seasickness, they provided bags, tissues, and ice. The environment has been severely damaged; the coral bleaching is quite bad, and there are no red corals left. Green Island is still quite beautiful. We were on a glass-bottom boat, so the view was a bit limited compared to a semi-submarine.
Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises
Anonymous userJune 16, 2026
4.0
The most impressive attraction to us is Army Duck Tour. The ranger was funny and knowledgeable. He introduced different plants and habitats in the rainforest. In addition, there were a few koala, wallabies and wildlife to see. Quite an interesting place to play a half day visit.
Rainforestation Nature Park
D29***94December 27, 2025
5.0
Good and safe hot air balloon ride. Can see sunrise throughout. The driver and pilot and and staff were also caring and friendly!
Hot Air Balloon Cairns
_TI***7pOctober 8, 2026
4.0
This is perfect for people whose only goal is to hold a koala and take pictures. If you want to see a variety of animals, you should probably go somewhere else. It's easily accessible from the main part of Cairns and takes about an hour to get there, so it's doable even if your schedule is packed!
Cairns Koalas & Creatures
Anonymous userAugust 10, 2026
4.0
Nice experience seeing rainforest and waterfall although it’s not closeup. In contrast, we have seen much better sceneries on trains. Nonetheless good experience if you haven’t done it before.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
233***19January 19, 2020
4.0
Overall it was great, but the boat was going too fast and everyone felt dizzy. Almost everyone felt dizzy, even someone like me who rarely gets carsick or seasick.
The scenery of the Great Barrier Reef is still beautiful, and it's worth the trip!
Great Adventures Cruises- Cairns
