OceaniaPhoto by Jodi Nelson on Unsplash
Cairns
Coral gardens, ancient rainforest, and cassowary calls.
Why visit
01 / 10The case for going
Cairns is globally unique, the only place on Earth where two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, meet.
While often seen as merely a gateway to the reef, the region around Cairns offers an unparalleled convergence of marine biodiversity and ancient terrestrial ecosystems, including cassowaries and aboriginal cultural sites deep within the Daintree.
What to do
02 / 10Ways to spend a day
Activities €250–600 total
- 01Multi-day liveaboard dive trip on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 02Explore Daintree Rainforest boardwalks and Mossman Gorge with an Indigenous guide. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 03Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 04Swim the waterfall circuit of the Atherton Tablelands, including Millaa Millaa Falls. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 05Snorkel or dive the inner reef from a day boat. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
Book activities & tickets
Coral gardens, ancient rainforest, and cassowary calls.
Where to stay
03 / 10The right base
Accommodation €80–180/night
In Cairns
Cairns City
lively Esplanade, central to shops and restaurants
Palm Cove
relaxed beach resort, upscale dining, north of the city
In Port Douglas
Port Douglas
chic village base, closer to Daintree and northern reef trips
Find a place to stay
How to get there
04 / 10Easiest way in
How to get around
05 / 10Once you land
Car hire is essential for exploring the Daintree Rainforest and Atherton Tablelands at your own pace. Reef trips depart from Cairns or Port Douglas by boat. The Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail are an experience in themselves.
Get around
What to eat
06 / 10Order this
Food €40–70/day
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Barramundi
grilled white fish
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Prawns
fresh seafood platters
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Tropical fruits
mango, lychee, rambutan
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Crocodile
unique lean meat
By the numbers
07 / 10Cards on the table
Safety index
88/100
General guide, not advisory data
Best seasons
Winter · Spring
When it's at its best
Stay for
6 days
The sweet spot
Daily spend
$$
Mid-range
How to fit in
08 / 10Read the room
Embrace the early morning rhythm of the tropics, when the air is cool and wildlife is most active. Consider an Indigenous cultural tour in the Daintree for deep insight into the land.
How to pack
09 / 10What goes in the bag
Best in Winter
Winter: dry, sunny days around 20-26C with lower humidity, offering ideal conditions for reef and rainforest exploration.
- reef-safe sunscreen
- insect repellent for the rainforest
- light, quick-dry clothing
- waterproof bag for boat trips
- sturdy walking shoes for trails
How to prepare
10 / 10The boring bits
Three things worth sorting before you fly.
Tomorrow's detour
One place worth the trip.
Curated destinations, one a day.