3 Exciting Days in Cairns, Australia
Cairns, pronounced “cans”, is an exciting place to travel as it is close to the Great Barrier Reef, and one of the oldest rainforests in the world. If you are up for an adventure and enjoy being in the wild, then you will love Cairns, Australia.
Cairns’s location:
Cairns is in north Queensland. It is approximately a 3-hour flight from Sydney or a (very long) 27-hour drive (Googlemaps, 2022). Australia is a large country so flying from Sydney to Cairns is the best way to go.
When I traveled to Australia from the U.S., we started our trip in Sydney and spent a few days exploring the city before continuing our journey to Cairns, Darwin, and Melbourne.
A Must- Do List for Cairns
1. Take a Day Trip To The Daintree National Forest
Hiking one of the oldest national rainforests in the world was my favorite thing we did near Cairns. Hiking with a guide allowed us to learn about the history of the rainforest and spot wildlife. The large forest’s canopy brought an unexpected shade and coolness to the forest, which made for perfect hiking weather in October. Additionally, the rainforest overflowed with large ferns, tropical flowers, and a variety of birds. If you are lucky, you may even spot a cassowary!
2. Snorkel or Dive the Great Barrier Reef
One of the Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef, is brimming with tropical fish, giant clams, and vibrant coral.
We booked a snorkeling trip with SeaStar Cruises via TripAdvisor. This snorkeling trip included a mask, wetsuit, lunch, and snorkeling instructors. Sadly, many parts of the Great Barrier Reef are bleached, largely due to climate change, so it’s about a two-hour boat ride to enjoy views of the colorful coral.
The day I traveled to the Great Barrier Reef, it was quite stormy. As a traveler, who has been on numerous boating trips, the stormy weather did not deter me from exploring this wonder of the world. Admittedly, I got seasick (for the first time) during the boat ride and was (slightly) frightened by the gigantic waves crashing on top of the boat.
Despite the weather being uncooperative, the snorkeling experience was worth it! We saw sea turtles, large fish, and the most coral I’ve ever seen! However, I would advise travelers who get motion sickness to avoid boating on stormy days.
3. Cairns Night Market
Light up your night at the Cairn’s Night Market! This night market is a great place to have dinner, dessert, or do some nighttime shopping.
4. Hit the Beach
photo credit: theplannedwanderer
Although we did not have much time to enjoy the beach, Cairns has some beautiful beaches. Some of the most famous beaches near Cairns include Trinity beach, Clifon Beach, Palm Cove, and Nudey Beach- all are worth checking out.
A 3-Day Itinerary for Cairns
| Day 1 | Take a boat to the Great Barrier Reef to snorkel or dive. |
| Day 2 | Hike the Daintree National Forest then explore The Cairns Night Market |
| Day 3 | Spend the day relaxing on the beach |
(Please be sure to check other sources for hours, availability, closures, and contact information before making travel plans. None of my recommendations in Cairns, Australia were sponsored/discounted and as always, reflect my honest review/opinion.)