Things to Do in Cairns
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Holiday Events in Cairns
Parades, parties and seasonal events around the next big holidays in Cairns.
Fall
Veterans Day & Remembrance Day
Nov 9 – Nov 11, 2026
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Holiday Season
Christmas & Holiday Season
Nov 20 – Dec 28, 2026
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Fall
Thanksgiving
Nov 25 – Nov 29, 2026
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Holiday Season
Black Friday & Small Business Saturday
Nov 27 – Nov 29, 2026
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Winter
New Year's Eve
Dec 29 – Jan 1, 2027
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Winter
Mardi Gras & Carnival
Jan 28 – Feb 9, 2027
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Winter
Lunar New Year
Feb 3 – Feb 20, 2027
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Winter
Valentine's Day
Feb 11 – Feb 15, 2027
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Activities
Local attractions, tours and experiences in Cairns

Animals, Day Trips, Outdoors
Kuranda and Rainforestation
This morning our experienced driver will collect you from your Hotel, check you in and issue you with our Kuranda Boarding Pass. This includes a detailed itinerary with timings, as well as your Kuranda Scenic Rail and Skyrail tickets, allowing you to proceed straight to the boarding area. At your allocated time, join the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Once aboard, enjoy an unforgettable journey over and through the world’s oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest. There are two stops along the way to disembark and explore. Once you arrive in Kuranda, there is plenty of free time allowed to explore this unique village. Explore the Heritage Markets, use your Kuranda Boarding Pass to gain discounts to popular attractions or purchase your lunch in one of the many Café’s or Restaurants. At the designated time, meet your shuttle bus to Rainforestation Nature Park, which is set on 100 acres of world heritage rainforest. Your entry includes the unique amphibious Army Duck Rainforest Tour and a visit to the Koala & Wildlife Park. You will then join the shuttle bus back to Kuranda and the historic Kuranda Scenic Rail for one of the most unique rail journeys in Australia. Sit back and relax as this famous railway winds its way to Kuranda, passing spectacular waterfalls and into the beautiful Barron Gorge. Once you disembark at Freshwater Station, our driver will return you to your Hotel. Written itinerary is available in six languages. Inclusions: - Return Hotel transfers - Kuranda Boarding Pass available in German, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese & Chinese - Skyrail Rainforest Cableway - Heritage Markets - daily - Rainforestation including Army Duck & Wildlife Park - Kuranda Scenic Railway Inclusions: Train tickets Drop off at the hotel. Pick-up available from the hotel. Exclusions: Meal Important Info: Please make sure you answer all the mandatory questions during the booking process. Redeem Info: PRINTED - Printed Voucher. Print and bring the voucher to enjoy the activity.

Guided Tours
Cairns Harbour and Dinner Cruise
Looking for a way to end a perfect day in Paradise? The Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise is a romantic and delightful evening out on the water where you and a loved one can enjoy a scrumptious dinner and immaculate sunset views. Board the sailing catamaran in Marlin Marina before cruising the calm waters of the Trinity Inlet. The cruise sets off with a complimentary glass of bubbly and guests are encouraged to stroll around the exterior and interior decks . Absorb the sights and sounds of the beautiful tropical city, and watch the sun set in the distance. The journey continues to the centre most part of the Trinity Inlet, and across the waterfront of Cairns, from the Cruise Liner Terminal to the Esplanade. Our delicious dinner choices will intrigue you with some of the region's most indulgent seafood and fresh local produce . From Saturday to Monday we offer a buffet menu with a wide range of hot and cold dishes, fresh seafood and delicious local produce. Cocktails and other beverages are available for purchase, and guests can check-in on the ship between 6-6:15pm. The Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise departs 7 nights a week from Marlin Marina at 6:30pm.

Guided Tours, Outdoors, Small Group Tours
Reef and Port Douglas
Discover one of the largest reef in the whole of the Great Barrier Reef on GSL Cairns Signature flight. The key highlight of this flight is the gigantic Batt Reef, which is about 3 times the size of Cairns City Centre. You will be blown away by the size of this large living reef! The Great Barrier Reef is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and the amazing contrast of colours is something that’s best experienced from the air. Highlights Cairns Green Island Arlington Reef Upolu Reef Batt Reef Tongue Reef Port Douglas Palm Cove *Fact Check! Batt Reef is one of the largest reefs in the entire Great Barrier Reef. Measuring 18km long and 5km wide, Batt Reef is about three times the size of Cairns city! Inclusions: Live commentary. Flight Important Info: N/A Redeem Info: PRINTED - Printed Voucher. Print and bring the voucher to enjoy the activity.

Animals, Day Trips
Classic Kuranda Experience - Full-Day Tour
Start the day with a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway a fascinating and exciting journey through the World Heritage-listed Barron Gorge National Park. Admire unparalleled views of the dense emerald-green rainforest, steep craggy ravines and picturesque waterfalls. Enjoy the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park, where you can board an amphibious World War II Army Duck for a unique rainforest tour on both land and water. Join a guided tour and see crocodiles, koalas, snakes, dingoes, a cassowary and the only Tasmanian Devils in North Queensland. Hand feed kangaroos and wallabies, and even cuddle a koala! The Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience is unforgettable. Follow the Dreamtime Walk down the Rainbow Serpent pathway and learn how to throw a boomerang. Watch as Pamagirri guides demonstrate traditional spear throwing as well as a how to play the didgeridoo, before putting on an interactive traditional Aboriginal dance performance. Savour a scrumptious Aussie BBQ lunch overlooking the lake. Try some of the fresh fruits, juices and ice creams available in the Tropical Fruit Orchard and learn about the 40 different species of exotic tropical fruit trees growing on the grounds. Relax as you return to Cairns, soar like a bird as you travel on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, just metres above the rainforest canopy. Inclusions: Meal Tickets Hotel pick-up and drop-off for selected hotels Transport Important Info: Please note that for organisational reasons, the order of the sites visited may change, but all cities in the itinerary will be visited. Redeem Info: NONE - Voucherless. You don’t need to bring any voucher (digital or printed)! Voucher validity: 1 day

Boat Tours, Day Trips
Green Island Discovery with Great Adventures - Catamaran Cruise
Perfect for visitors wanting a choice of exciting activities or island relaxation, Green Island offers the unique opportunity for a combined reef and rainforest experience. Home to over 120 native plant species and colourful bird life, surrounded by coral gardens and abundant marine life, discover Green Island with the Green Island Discovery! Departing daily from Cairns, spend up to seven hours on Green Island. Your day includes both use of snorkeling gear and an informative glass bottom boat tour to discover and fully experience this beautiful Great Barrier Reef island. Inclusions: Snorkel equipment Boat Ride tea coffee Exclusions: Gratuities All personal expenses Any additional expenses which are not included or detailed in the programme. Important Info: We recommend to bring comfortable shoes, hat, camera, money for food, drinks and shopping. Swimwear; Sun cream; Towel Redeem Info: EVOUCHER - E-voucher. Show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.

Day Trips, Outdoors
Marine World Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Explore the outer reef with a day cruise package built around you. Whether you are a non-swimmer, first-time snorkeller or certified diver we have the package to suit you. Our glass bottom boats mean you don’t miss out on any of the vibrant marine life that you pass by. Hear the fascinating presentation from our Marine Biologist on the way to the reef and take part in a fish feeding and identification session. Our underwater observatory and semi-submersible tour plunge you right into the beating heart of the Great Barrier Reef. What’s more, every cruise includes an extensive hot and cold buffet lunch as well as complimentary tea, coffee and water all day long. Choose from one of the optional activities: Introductory scuba diving : no experience necessary! This is the most immersive way to explore the reef, and is an unforgettable experience. Certified scuba diving : includes up to three dives in a single day with a dedicated dive tender. Helmet diving : suits non-swimmers, this is a dive-style experience that takes you to a depth of 3 meters without getting your head wet. Guided snorkel tour with a Marine Biologist Reef-scenic helicopter flight : the most spectacular way to see the reef in ten minutes! Languages English Inclusions: Equipment Meal Drinks Tickets Important Info: We recommend bringing comfortable shoes, camera, swimwear, towel, sun cream and a cap. Please bring a change of clothes. ;Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. Participants must be physically fit. Medical check must be passed to complete dive. All divers must have a PADI licence. The activity is subject to weather conditions. Redeem Info: PRINTED - Printed Voucher. Print and bring the voucher to enjoy the activity.

Guided Tours, Outdoors, Small Group Tours
Reef Hopper
Get a taste of the Great Barrier Reef with our 40 minute scenic flight. Departing Cairns Airport this tour includes Green Island and the Great Barrier Reef. After exploring the Reef you’ll head back toward the mainland, with views of the North Queensland coastline. Sights include Cairns, Green Island, Arlington Reef, Upolu Reef, Double Island and Palm Cove. Inclusions: Live commentary. Flight Important Info: N/A Redeem Info: PRINTED - Printed Voucher. Print and bring the voucher to enjoy the activity.

Animals, Day Trips, Family Friendly, Romantic, Wheelchair Accessible
Kuranda Rainforestation with Australian Butterfly
. Embark on a full day adventure to Kuranda, located in the middle of World Heritage Rainforest. Your experience includes a coach transfer to the award-winning Rain forestation Nature Park, where you can take a tour on a historic World War II Army Duck on land and water. Join a guided tour and see crocodiles, koalas, snakes, dingoes, a cassowary and the only Tasmanian Devils in North Queensland. Handfeed kangaroos and wallabies, and even cuddle a koala! The Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience is unforgettable. Follow the Dreamtime Walk down the Rainbow Serpent pathway, and learn how to throw a boomerang. Our Pamagirri guides will demonstrate traditional spear throwing as well as a didgeridoo presentation, followed by an interactive traditional Aboriginal dance performance. Depart Rain forestation for your transfer to Kuranda Village where you will visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. The largest flight aviary in Australia with over 2000 butterflies fluttering freely around you. Visit the Breeding Laboratory and learn about the life cycle of the butterfly. Enjoy a relaxing return to Cairns via coach travelling down the Kuranda Range back to your accommodation. Inclusions: Tickets Transport Equipment Important Info: Please note that for organisational reasons, the order of the sites visited may change, but all cities in the itinerary will be visited. Redeem Info: NONE - Voucherless. You don’t need to bring any voucher (digital or printed)!

Day Trips, Guided Tours, Outdoors
Skydive Cairns up to 15,000ft tandem skydive
Skydive in tropical paradise with Skydive Cairns and it will become an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. Warm tropical climate and spectacular views out to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Rainforests will take your breath away. Surrounded by breathtaking rainforests and the largest coral reef system in the world, paradise is waiting for you! Jump from up to 15, 000ft over Cairns, reaching speeds of up to 220km/hr for up to 60 seconds for a heart-stopping, life-changing freefall! Skydive in Cairns with the best: best views, best locations, best customer service and the best instructors. You're in safe skies with the Skydive Australia crew, so step outside your comfort zone and push personal boundaries with a skydive experience you’ll remember forever. Inclusions: Transport Guide Audioguide Professional assistance Diving equipment Important Info: There are weight restrictions for customers over 94kg. Anyone exceeding this will be charged an additional fee. Redeem Info: VOCUHERLESS - Printed voucher or E-voucher. Print and bring the voucher or show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.

Day Trips, Guided Tours
Daintree Dreaming
Cooya Beach: The traditional fishing ground of the Kuku Yalanji people has three diverse ecosystems: beach, mangrove and coastal reef. A member of the Kubirri Warra clan will introduce you to their traditional fishing and gathering techniques. Any catch of crabs, mussels and fish is cooked up to share with homemade damper on the shore of Cooya Beach. Mossman Gorge Centre: You are greeted with a traditional smoking ceremony conducted by Aboriginal people with specialised cultural knowledge to welcome people to their land. Lunch: Enjoy a delicious lunch infused with local flavours served in the Mossman Gorge Mayi Café at the edge of the rainforest. Rainforest Walk: Wander into the lush rainforest of the World Heritage Daintree National Park; home of the Kuku Yalanji people. Experience one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful rainforests with your Adventure North guide. An easy walk across boardwalks, tracks and bridges that protect the delicate ecosystem that adorns spectacular waterfalls and mountain ranges. Your guide will explain the rich flora, fauna and diverse ecosystem. After exploring the rainforest, board the coach for your return transfer. Note: Itinerary can operate in reverse due to tides at Cooya Beach. Inclusions Experienced guiding & commentary 2 hour coast and cultural walk with a Kubirri Warra clan member Damper & catch of the day Lunch at the Mossman Gorge Centre Traditional Smoking Ceremony Interpretive driver guided Rainforest Walk at Mossman Gorge Return hotel transfers. Inclusions: Guide Lunch Transport Important Info: T-shirts and shorts Towel Please bring a bottle of water. Please bring a hat and sunglasses. Insect repellant Redeem Info: VOCUHERLESS - Printed voucher or E-voucher. Print and bring the voucher or show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.

Boat Tours, Day Trips
Green Island Transfer with Great Adventures - Catamaran Cruise
With the choice of three daily departures from Cairns, Great Adventures' Green Island Transfer will take you to Green Island, a 6000-year-old coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef and just 45 minutes away. You will have up to 7 hours of free time to experience this beautiful rainforest-clad island. Your day can be as relaxing or as active as you choose with many exciting optional activities available. Inclusions: coffee tea Boat Ride Exclusions: Swimming pool Gratuities All personal expenses Any additional expenses which are not included or detailed in the programme. Important Info: We recommend to bring comfortable shoes, hat, camera, money for food, drinks and shopping. Swimwear; Sun cream; Towel Redeem Info: EVOUCHER - E-voucher. Show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.

Boat Tours, Day Trips
Green Island Eco Adventure with Great Adventures - Catamaran Cruise
With the choice of three convenient departure times, the Green Island Eco Adventure is perfect for a day of island relaxation or for visitors with limited time, offering a full day experience. With a range of optional activities, you can design your own day at your pace, whether it be adventurous activities or island relaxation. Choose from a glass-bottom boat coral reef viewing tour or snorkelling equipment to snorkel directly from the white sandy beaches. Inclusions: tea coffee Boat Ride Exclusions: Swimming pool All personal expenses Any additional expenses which are not included or detailed in the programme. Gratuities Important Info: We recommend to bring comfortable shoes, hat, camera, money for food, drinks and shopping. Swimwear; Sun cream; Towel Redeem Info: EVOUCHER - E-voucher. Show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.

Day Trips, Guided Tours, Small Group Tours, Wheelchair Accessible
Explore Kuranda - Full-Day Tour
Our first stop is the Freshwater Station to take a journey aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway and travel through the rainforest enjoying breathtaking scenery, waterfalls and tunnels. On arrival in Kuranda, your guide will be there to meet you and show you around this, 'Village in the rainforest' famous for its colourful arts and crafts markets. On arrival in the village, you have 2 hours of free time to enjoy. Wander the shops, markets, and galleries, and enjoy a bite to eat in one of the many cafes and restaurants. Visit the Butterfly Sanctuary, Bird World full of friendly tame birds or pop into the Koala Gardens and have your picture taken with one!! Then, board the multi-award-winning Skyrail Rainforest Cableway where you will enjoy a world heritage-listed rainforest experience and take in some of the most spectacular views on earth. On the way home we stop at beautiful Palm Cove where your guide will show you along the palm-fringed Esplanade before joining you for a sunset cocktail/wine/beer/soft drink (at your own expense) overlooking the picturesque beach. Returning to Port Douglas and the end of our day together. Inclusions: Guide Train tickets Cable car Transfer Hotel pick-up and drop-off for selected hotels Exclusions: Drinks Food Important Info: Please bring a hat and sunglasses. ;Please make sure you answer all the mandatory questions during the booking process. Redeem Info: NONE - Voucherless. You don’t need to bring any voucher (digital or printed)!

Animals, Day Trips, Outdoors
Kuranda Rail and Skyrail
This morning our experienced English-speaking driver will collect you from your Hotel, check you in, and issue you with our Kuranda Boarding Pass. This includes a detailed itinerary with timings, as well as your Kuranda Scenic Rail and Skyrail tickets, allowing you to proceed straight to the boarding area. At your allocated time, board Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for an unforgettable journey over and through the world’s oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest. There are two stops along the way to disembark and explore. Once you arrive in Kuranda, free time is allowed to explore this unique village. There are plenty of Café’s and Restaurants to purchase food, or why not use the discounted entry on your Kuranda Boarding Pass to some of the popular attractions! The Heritage Markets also operate daily offering a wide range of stalls from locally-produced souvenirs, art and craft, jewellery and gemstones to clothing. At your allocated boarding time, make your way to Kuranda Station to board the historic Kuranda Scenic Rail Gold Class service for one of the most unique rail journeys in Australia. Sit back, relax and enjoy individual seating, a dedicated host and the refreshments provided as this famous railway winds its way from Kuranda to Freshwater Station, passing spectacular waterfalls and into the beautiful Barron Gorge. Once you arrive at Freshwater Station, our bus will transfer you back to your Hotel. Languages English-speaking driver Written itinerary is available in German, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese and Chinese. Inclusions: Skyrail Tickets. Pick-up available from the hotel. Drop off at the hotel. Train tickets Exclusions: Meal Important Info: N/A Redeem Info: EVOUCHER - E-voucher. Show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.

Boat Tours
Down Under Cruise and Dive - Evolution Cruise Only
Explore the best of the Great Barrier Reef with this great value full-day cruise from Cairns, visiting two great Outer Reef sites. Cruise onboard a 35-metre luxury superyacht with three spacious decks and a friendly and professional crew. See all the vivid, colourful, World Heritage beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, featuring 5 hours' worth of snorkelling or diving, it's a full-fledged Great Barrier Reef extravaganza. Choose to snorkel or dial up the adventure and scuba dive (no experience necessary!), all equipment included. Guests of all ages, swimmers and non-swimmers can enjoy a magical day on the Great Barrier Reef. Relax on board the vessel and enjoy a freshly prepared barbecue lunch with steak and seafood, a variety of salads and breads (special dietary requirements catered for too). You'll also be treated to a complimentary glass of wine, cheese and biscuits as you cruise back to Cairns. Optional activities include semi-submersible tours, marine biologist tours and helicopter experiences (extra costs apply). Add these on with reservations before travel. Join your crew aboard a comfortable, modern and spacious vessel for an adventure that's as beautiful as it is educational. Take in all the marine life, coral, fish and stunning colours at exclusive mooring locations hand-picked for their beauty. Additional Information Certain medical conditions and medications may exclude some people from scuba diving. If you are concerned about any medical conditions, please consult your doctor. A person with heart trouble, a current cold or congestion, epilepsy, asthma, a severe medical problem, or who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, should not dive. Divers 65yrs and over must provide a current AS4005-1 dive medical prior to travel. All divers will need to fill in a Medical Questionnaire prior to scuba diving. Min. age intro dive 12yrs and cert dive 10yrs. Certified Scuba divers must produce certification card.
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