Imagine a place where the planet’s oldest rainforest tumbles straight down to the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns in Queensland, Australia sits in the tropical north, the only spot on Earth where two UNESCO natural sites meet side by side. From the harbour city of Cairns you can reach both of these incredible natural wonders within ninety minutes, which makes it the best possible base for exploring.
Travellers rave about this place, not only for its breathtaking nature but also for that unbelievably laid-back atmosphere you feel at every turn. The locals live at a slower tropical pace, never rushing anywhere unnecessarily, and you’ll probably slip into that rhythm quickly and happily right along with them ☺️. Trust me, once you breathe in the humid air scented with mango and sea salt, you won’t want to head back home.
So we’ve put together 18 tips for what not to miss in and around Cairns — from safe swimming without crocodiles to where to go for a proper rainforest picnic. Together we’ll look at where you can safely swim without the risk of meeting a crocodile, I’ll recommend the best places to stay, and I’ll tell you when the best time to travel to these steamy tropics really is.
TL;DR
- How many days to set aside: To explore the area meaningfully you’ll need at least 4 to 5 days, but for a more relaxed pace I recommend a week.
- Where to stay: Cairns is the cheapest and best for day trips, Palm Cove offers peace by the beach, and Port Douglas has luxury resorts with a family atmosphere.
- Where to swim safely: Only enter the sea at beaches with protective nets, otherwise use the public artificial lagoon or freshwater pools.
- When to travel: The best weather runs from May to October during the so-called dry season, when humidity is lower and the risk of stinging jellyfish is smaller.
- Top tip for visitors: The Daintree Rainforest deserves more than just a day trip — ideally stay at least one night in the Cape Tribulation area.
- How to get around: You’ll definitely need a car for the waterfalls on the Atherton Tablelands, while you can reach the reef and rainforest on organised tours.
When to travel to the tropics
Tropical Queensland basically has just two seasons, and they’ll fundamentally shape what your holiday looks like. The most popular is the so-called dry season, from May to October, when most visitors arrive. During these months the temperatures are very pleasant, the scorching humidity drops significantly and the sea is much calmer for boat trips out to the barrier reef. Another huge advantage is that during this period there’s a lower risk of dangerous stinging jellyfish.
On the other hand, there’s the wet season, or the rainy period from December to April, which brings an enormous amount of rainfall and very high humidity. Although it may sound off-putting, many travellers say this part of the year has its own undeniable charm too. It’s during this time that the rainforest gains a whole new energy — everything is incredibly green and the local waterfalls show up in full force. The famous Barron Falls, for instance, thunder mightily under the rush of water in these months, while in the dry season only a modest trickle remains.
You do have to keep in mind, though, that from November to May there’s the so-called stinger season, when dangerous jellyfish appear in the sea. During this time swimming is possible only at beaches protected by special nets. There’s also a certain risk of cyclones during the rainy season, although direct hits on the coast are rather rare. If you don’t mind the occasional tropical downpour and long to see nature at its most lush, the wet season certainly won’t disappoint you.
Where to stay: Cairns, Palm Cove or Port Douglas?
Choosing the right base is absolutely crucial for a stay in the tropical north, and you’ll most often be deciding between three main locations. The city of Cairns itself is by far the cheapest option and works as the perfect hub for most organised trips. You’ll find great nightlife, plenty of restaurants and markets here, but on the other hand the city lacks a classic natural beach. Staying in Cairns is ideal if you plan to head out on trips every day and basically only come back to the hotel to sleep.
If you’re after a more romantic atmosphere, Palm Cove is exactly the place where you’ll want to stay longer than you planned. This smaller resort lies about half an hour north of Cairns and offers a gorgeous palm-lined beach, excellent cafés and a much more relaxed pace. It’s a great compromise, because you’re still close to the city yet enjoying a proper seaside holiday. Many travellers even recommend a so-called split stay, where you spend a few nights in busier Cairns and relax the rest of your holiday in Palm Cove or further north.
Furthest north lies Port Douglas, a pricier and more luxurious resort popular with families. From this little town it’s absolutely closest to the Daintree Rainforest, and it offers the most beautiful beach resorts. As for specific hotels, in Cairns you can check out the highly rated hostel YHA Cairns Central or the comfortable DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns, or the more upscale Shangri-La The Marina. In Port Douglas, travellers love choosing the gorgeous eco resort Thala Beach Nature Reserve or the popular Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple, which you can easily book through Booking.com.
Where to eat
When you’re starving after a full day of exploring the rainforest or snorkelling, Cairns luckily offers a great food scene. Most restaurants are concentrated around the Esplanade and near the harbour. For the best coffee I recommend heading to the renowned Blackbird Laneway café or Bang & Grind, where they’ll make you an absolutely superb flat white.
For a proper dinner, definitely head to the water. You’ll find great seafood and sunset views at Salt House or at the slightly more relaxed Dundee’s at the Cairns Aquarium. If you’d rather have something quicker and more authentic, the evening Night Markets will land you excellent Asian noodles and fresh spring rolls for a few dollars.
Where you can really swim in the tropics
Swimming in tropical Queensland is the topic that raises the most questions and worries among visitors 😅. Saltwater crocodiles live in the sea along the entire coast, and from November to May there are dangerous stinging jellyfish too. Rule number one is clear: only enter the ocean at beaches fitted with protective stinger nets. You’ll find these nets at beaches such as Palm Cove, Trinity Beach, Yorkeys Knob or Kewarra Beach. Remember that the popular Ellis Beach is definitely not safe outside the marked protective net, so don’t take unnecessary risks there.
You can swim completely safely and worry-free in artificial pools, the best known of which is the enormous Esplanade Lagoon right in the centre of Cairns. Entry to this lagoon is completely free, the water is filtered and it’s watched over by lifeguards. Be careful, though — in the summer of 2026 the lagoon underwent more extensive maintenance and was temporarily closed, so before your trip it’s better to check its current status on the official city website. If it happens to be out of service, the city recently announced the construction of a brand new Ferris wheel that will at least offer you lovely coastal views while you go to cool off elsewhere.
A great and, above all, completely safe alternative to the sea are the freshwater pools hidden deep in the rainforest. Crocodiles don’t live here and the water is wonderfully refreshing. A short drive from the city you’ll find the popular Crystal Cascades, and a bit further out Josephine Falls, where you may only swim in the lower pool. Babinda Boulders are also very popular, but here you must be extremely careful and swim only in the marked pool. The nearby stretch known as Devil’s Pool is strictly off-limits and has claimed dozens of lives because of treacherous undercurrents. The volcanic crater lakes on the nearby Atherton Tablelands also offer beautiful, risk-free swimming.
Car or guided tours?
How you get around northern Queensland depends mainly on how independent and flexible you want to be. If you plan to explore the waterfalls on the Atherton Tablelands, you’ll definitely need a car. This area lies high in the hills, the individual stops are tens of kilometres apart and there’s basically no public transport. Renting a small car gives you enormous freedom to stop at the crater lakes or on farms exactly as you please.
Many people wonder what kind of car you need for the trip into the Daintree Rainforest and to Cape Tribulation. A good sealed road runs all the way to Cape Tribulation itself, so an ordinary two-wheel-drive (2WD) car is perfectly sufficient. You do need to bear in mind that on the Alexandra Range section extensive road repairs after the devastating Cyclone Jasper are running at least until 2027, causing local delays. Only beyond Cape Tribulation does the famous unsealed Bloomfield Track begin, where you definitely won’t get through without a proper 4×4 off-road vehicle.
If you don’t fancy driving or don’t want to deal with car hire, the area offers an incredible number of superbly organised tours with local guides. You can easily reach the little village of Kuranda by historic train and cable car, a boat will of course take you to the Great Barrier Reef, and dozens of comfortable buses run into the Daintree Rainforest every day. For those heading north for just a few days, organised tours are often the least stressful and most comfortable way to see the most important things.
18 Things to See and Do in and Around Cairns
The sheer size of the tropical north can look a little daunting when you’re planning, but once you get your bearings you’ll realise all these gorgeous attractions combine beautifully. From snorkelling on the coral reef to wandering through the ancient rainforest and visiting coffee plantations in the hills, there’s plenty to do here.
For a better overview, we’ve put together a list of places that definitely shouldn’t be missing from your itinerary. You can arrange them exactly according to whether you’d rather relax on the beach with a great cocktail in hand or you’re more drawn to discovering Indigenous culture.
1. Cairns Esplanade and Lagoon
The Cairns Esplanade is unmistakably the beating heart of the whole city, where locals and tourists gather from early morning for laid-back strolls. You’ll find kilometres of neat pathways pleasantly shaded by mature trees, free public barbecues and countless benches with ocean views. It’s exactly the place you head to feet-first after a long flight. Before you know it, you’re sitting on a bench looking out over the ocean and your brain finally stops obsessing over departure times.
The main draw of this sprawling promenade is the enormous public lagoon with filtered seawater. This pool provides safe swimming with no threat of crocodiles or jellyfish, and entry is free. As I mentioned, though, in the summer of 2026 the lagoon underwent more extensive maintenance and was temporarily closed. So it’s best to check its current status on the city website before your trip so you’re not disappointed on the spot.
As you stroll along this beautiful promenade you’ll surely notice a new addition — the giant Ferris wheel announced in 2026. From its glass cabins you’ll get a fantastic view not only of the city itself but also of the forested hills in the background and the boats setting out towards the Great Barrier Reef. Around the promenade you’ll find a huge number of excellent cafés where you can grab a cracking flat white.
2. Night Markets and tropical fruit
As soon as the sun sets in Cairns, the whole city comes alive with a completely new and fascinating energy. Your footsteps should definitely lead you to the popular Night Markets, which open every early evening right in the city centre and offer an absolutely wonderful blend of Asian and Australian culture. These covered markets burst at the seams with stalls selling local souvenirs, handmade jewellery and clothing you won’t easily find elsewhere.
Besides shopping, the night markets are renowned for their great food and enormous choice of fresh treats. Taste the local mango — what they sell here has little in common with the supermarket stuff back home. The juicy mango, sweet papaya or exotic lychee here taste so good you’ll remember them long afterwards. If you love Asian cuisine, you’ll find loads of stalls with excellent vegetarian noodles and fresh spring rolls.
If you’d like to experience the atmosphere of a classic daytime market, head to the famous Rusty’s Markets on the weekend. It’s a huge market of tropical fruit and vegetables where seemingly all the locals do their shopping. Stop at the stalls with freshly pressed sugarcane juice or buy a huge bunch of local bananas for a few dollars for your afternoon outings.
3. Train to Kuranda and cable car back
One of the most iconic experiences of the whole region is the journey to the mountain village of Kuranda, hidden deep in the rainforest above the city. Travellers agree without a doubt that the ride on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway is an absolute must. This old train slowly climbs the steep mountain slopes, passes through dark tunnels and offers utterly breathtaking views of the deep Barron Gorge. A ticket costs around 58 AUD (about €35).
For the journey back down into the valley, definitely plan to take the modern Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. This unique cable car glides you just above the very tops of the rainforest, a view you won’t get anywhere else in the world. During the ride you can get off at two intermediate stations, walk along wooden boardwalks through the forest and hear a little about the region’s unique nature. A cable car ticket costs 74 AUD (roughly €45).
💡 Tip: The very best option is to buy a combined ticket for both attractions, which costs around 145.50 AUD (about €87). In the morning you set out from the city on the romantic train, enjoy the village, and in the afternoon return by scenic cable car — it takes up a big part of the day, but it’s absolutely worth every penny.
4. Kuranda: butterflies, koalas and birds
The village of Kuranda itself was once the centre of the hippie movement and to this day retains a fairly quirky, laid-back atmosphere. You’ll find two different markets full of local products here, but most travellers agree that 2 to 3 hours is plenty to see the village itself. Don’t expect any wilderness — these days it’s a fairly touristy place full of souvenir stalls, cafés and small galleries of Indigenous art.
What you definitely shouldn’t miss in Kuranda, though, are the local sanctuaries and wildlife parks. The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is well worth a visit (by its own account the largest butterfly aviary in the whole Southern Hemisphere). An incredible 1,200 colourful butterflies flutter around here, and entry costs an adult 25 AUD (about €15). Trust me, when a giant blue Ulysses butterfly lands on you, it’s a truly magical experience.
If you love animals, you can also visit Kuranda Koala Gardens, where for an entry fee of 24 AUD (€15) you’ll see plenty of Australian endemics. Right next door is Birdworld with sixty species of exotic birds you can feed straight from your hand. If you plan to visit several of these wildlife attractions at once, it’s worth buying a combined ticket for all three parks, starting at 35.50 AUD (roughly €21).
5. Barron Falls
Once you’re in the Kuranda area, don’t miss the lookout over the majestic Barron Falls. These impressive falls plunge into an incredibly deep, forested gorge and the sight of them is truly stunning. The viewing platforms are completely free to access, both from the national park and directly from the Skyrail cable car and historic train stations. So you can photograph them from several completely different, dramatic angles.
I have to be completely honest with you, though, about exactly what you’ll see on the spot. While during the wet season Barron Falls thunder mightily under the rush of an enormous mass of water, for the rest of the year only a fairly modest trickle remains. In the dry season the water is diverted into a local hydroelectric plant, so if you come in September or October, don’t expect the overwhelming torrents you often see in professional promotional photos.
Despite this, a stop at Barron Falls is clearly worth your time. Just the geology of the deep gorge carving into the world’s oldest rainforest is fascinating in itself. Huge, colourful exotic birds often flit around the lookouts, and from the information boards you’ll learn plenty of interesting facts about the history of building the local railway, which in its day ranked among the engineering marvels.
6. Trip to the Great Barrier Reef
Being in Cairns and not heading out to the Great Barrier Reef would be a huge travel sin. This incredible natural phenomenon is visible even from space, and travellers repeatedly call snorkelling here one of the most powerful experiences in all of Australia. Dozens of different boats set out from the local harbour every day, taking you either to the closer islands or straight to the so-called outer reef, where the corals are in the very best condition.
Choosing the right boat and location can be quite a puzzle, because there really are loads of options and prices vary greatly. If you want specific tour prices, the differences between the islands and the outer reef, and detailed tips on how to pick the right tour for you, check out our separate article The Great Barrier Reef: trips, prices and how to experience it, where we’ve broken it all down in detail.
I’ll just add that if you suffer from seasickness, definitely take some medication before the cruise, because the ocean can sometimes get pretty wild. On the reef you’ll see huge sea turtles, reef sharks and, if you’re lucky, you’ll meet the friendly giant Māori wrasse, nicknamed Wally here. The underwater world experience here is simply unforgettable.
7. Crystal Cascades
When you’ve had enough of the salty sea and long for a proper refresh, head to the popular Crystal Cascades. These gorgeous freshwater pools are located just 15 to 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Cairns and offer completely safe swimming without crocodiles. The locals absolutely love this place, and on weekends whole families come here for picnics and barbecues.
From the large car park a very comfortable, paved path runs alongside the cascades right through the lush rainforest. Along the way you’ll pass several different natural pools and smaller waterfalls where you can cool off as you like. The water flowing down from the mountains is beautifully cold and refreshing even in the middle of the tropical summer, so it’s guaranteed to revive you after a demanding day in the hot city.
💡 Tip: Entry to the pools is completely free and by the car park you’ll find well-maintained public barbecues. I recommend buying fresh cheeses, vegetables and bread at the supermarket beforehand, taking a dip in the crystal-clear water and then having a proper afternoon picnic right in the middle of the rainforest, just the way the locals love to do it.
8. Babinda Boulders
About 60 kilometres south of Cairns lies another fascinating place called Babinda Boulders. It’s a beautiful stretch of river that carves its way through enormous, smoothly polished granite boulders. According to an old Indigenous legend, these giant stones formed from the tears of a heartbroken girl named Oolana, who lost her beloved here. The whole place feels incredibly mystical, and the forest around the river is full of enormous ferns and ancient trees.
Swimming is allowed here, but you must be extremely careful and swim only and exclusively in the main marked pool right at the start of the trail. The water here is calm, crystal-clear and, above all, completely safe from crocodiles. You can swim among the smaller boulders and enjoy the view of the dense forest towering high above your head like a green canopy.
⚠️ Strong warning: About 700 metres downstream is a stretch called Devil’s Pool, where swimming is strictly forbidden. Don’t be tempted by the calm surface of the water — beneath it lurk extremely treacherous currents that will pull you under the rocks. This sinister stretch has already claimed dozens of lives, so only look at it from the safety of the raised viewing platform and under no circumstances climb over the fence.
9. Josephine Falls and the natural water slide
A little further south, roughly 75 kilometres from Cairns, you’ll discover some of the most fun waterfalls in all of Queensland. Josephine Falls are famous for their amazing natural water slide made of smooth granite, down which you can safely slide straight into the refreshing pool below. It’s huge fun not only for kids but for adults too, and you can easily spend several hours here.
Very strict safety rules apply here too. You may only swim in the lower pool, while access to the upper cascades is forbidden because of the strong currents. Local authorities warn against so-called flash floods, when the water level can unexpectedly rise within a few minutes due to heavy rain high in the mountains, even if the sun is shining where you are. The falls are occasionally closed temporarily because of these conditions.
From the car park a leisurely walk through the forest leads to the falls (about 700 metres — you can easily manage it even in flip-flops), so don’t forget to pack plenty of water and insect repellent. And if you take photos, a polarising filter will do a great job here: the contrast of white foam, dark stones and green trees is really rewarding.
10. Waterfall Circuit on the Atherton Tablelands
The Atherton Tablelands area lies high in the hills above the coast and offers a completely different world from the scorching beaches. The area’s biggest draw is the famous Waterfall Circuit, a roughly 17-kilometre loop that takes you past the most beautiful waterfalls in the region. You’ll definitely need a rental car for this trip, but trust me, the investment absolutely pays off.
The crowning jewel of the whole circuit is undoubtedly Millaa Millaa Falls, which plunges from a height of 18.3 metres and is one of the most photographed spots in all of Australia. Swimming is allowed right beneath the waterfall, and it really is a fantastic experience to swim under the falling veil of water. Entry to this and the other waterfalls on the circuit is completely free, which makes it a great full-day trip for people on a tighter budget.
Besides Millaa Millaa, don’t miss the nearby Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls, which aren’t as famous for swimming but offer absolutely wonderful wild nature. The humidity on the Tablelands is a little more pleasant than down on the coast, so it’s much easier to breathe here and walks in the forest are significantly more bearable.
11. Crater lakes, platypuses and the Curtain Fig Tree
Besides waterfalls, the Atherton Tablelands plateau hides other amazing natural wonders connected with ancient volcanic activity. You should definitely stop at the volcanic crater lakes Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine. Because no inflows from surrounding rivers feed these deep lakes, no crocodiles live in them at all, so you can enjoy completely safe and wonderful swimming in the crystal-clear fresh water surrounded by dense forest.
At Lake Barrine I recommend visiting the historic Lake Barrine Teahouse, open daily from 9 am to 3 pm. You can have excellent tea with homemade cakes here and buy a ticket for a scenic cruise on the lake at the same time. Nearby, don’t miss the astonishing Curtain Fig Tree either. It’s an enormous ancient fig tree whose roots fall several dozen metres down to the ground, forming an incredible wooden curtain. Access to it is free via a wooden boardwalk and wheelchair accessible.
If you long to see one of the planet’s strangest animals in the wild, head to the little town of Yungaburra to the viewing platform on Peterson Creek, where you can watch wild platypuses. This lookout is freely accessible for free, and it’s generally recommended to come here either early at dawn or, conversely, just before dusk, when these shy little animals are most active. It’s a bit of a lottery, but when it works out, it’s an unforgettable moment.
12. Paronella Park: a Spanish castle in the rainforest
About an hour and a half’s drive south of Cairns you’ll find a Spanish castle in the middle of the tropical rainforest (and no, you’re not reading that wrong). Paronella Park is an incredible Spanish project built in the middle of the tropical rainforest right next to a roaring waterfall. This dreamlike project was begun by Catalan immigrant José Paronella in the 1930s as a huge public amusement park that included a cinema, a luxurious ballroom and even the first private hydroelectric plant in Queensland.
Unfortunately the whole park was later devastated by fires and floods, but since 1993 it has been undergoing sensitive restoration, and today it’s an absolutely magical place to visit. Basic entry for an adult costs 62 AUD (about €37), and a huge bonus is that this price also includes an amazing night tour. During it, the whole castle and waterfall are lit by electricity from the original historic generator, creating an absolutely goosebump-inducing atmosphere.
The grounds are open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, and for families they offer discounted entry at 182 AUD (about €109), valid until spring 2027. A walk among the moss-covered columns and crumbling staircases in the middle of lush greenery is enormously romantic. It’s a piece of beautiful European history lost in the middle of the Australian wilderness — it would be a sin to miss it.
13. Palm Cove and the northern beaches
About 25 kilometres north of Cairns lies the wonderful resort of Palm Cove, which offers exactly the idyllic beach atmosphere you won’t find in the city centre. The renowned magazine Condé Nast Traveler even named the beach at Palm Cove the best beach in the world for 2024, which speaks for itself. You’ll find the gorgeous Williams Esplanade promenade here, shaded by mature palms and lined with plenty of excellent boutiques and cafés.
Palm Cove is absolutely ideal for couples and people looking for resort calm without the backpacker crowds. A huge advantage of this beach is that it’s fitted with protective stinger nets from November to May, so you can swim in the sea here relatively safely. The sea is also usually very calm and practically invites you to relax with a book in hand.
If you have a car, definitely drive along the other northern beaches too, such as Trinity Beach or Kewarra Beach. These spots are a little less known than Palm Cove but offer a very similar atmosphere with much more peace and quiet. Along the way you’ll also pass the popular Ellis Beach, which is beautiful to look at and has a nice campground with a barbecue, but remember that swimming outside the marked net here is definitely not safe.
14. Port Douglas: Four Mile Beach and Sunday Markets
If you continue even further north, you’ll reach the beautiful resort of Port Douglas, which serves as the main gateway to the Daintree Rainforest. The town’s greatest jewel is the famous Four Mile Beach, a huge, endlessly long beach lined with coconut palms. On its northern side rises Flagstaff Hill, up which a roughly 1.5-kilometre scenic trail leads. From its summit you’ll get a breathtaking 180-degree view over the whole bay and the nearby Low Isles.
If you can choose when to visit Port Douglas, definitely plan your visit for a Sunday, when the famous Sunday Markets take place here in Anzac Park. These markets run every Sunday from 8 am to 1:30 pm and feature over 150 stalls of local produce. Local artists sell gorgeous handmade souvenirs, jewellery and clothing here, and of course you can buy plenty of fresh treats from local farmers.
Port Douglas is much more intimate, exclusive and expensive than Cairns, but the atmosphere is simply worth it. The town has no tall buildings — under a local ordinance no house may be taller than the tallest palm in town ☺️. You’ll find plenty of luxury restaurants, boutiques and also a harbour from which the best catamarans set out to the Great Barrier Reef.
15. Breakfast with the birds at Wildlife Habitat
For all animal lovers and families, a visit to the Wildlife Habitat park in Port Douglas is an absolute must. It’s not a classic zoo but rather a huge interactive park divided into several ecosystems that you walk through freely. Basic entry costs 50 AUD (€30) for an adult, and a huge benefit is that this ticket is valid for a full five days, so you can return here anytime during your holiday.
The very best experience you can treat yourself to here, according to travellers, is the so-called Breakfast with the Birds & Koalas. For a surcharge you’ll enjoy a rich morning feast right in the open aviary, where dozens of colourful exotic birds fly freely around you. This special morning experience costs roughly 90 AUD (about €54) and you should definitely book it well in advance, as it often sells out.
During your walk through the park you’ll see huge crocodiles, adorable koalas, rare tree kangaroos, and you can hand-feed free-roaming eastern grey kangaroos. The whole park places enormous emphasis on education and protecting endangered species, so the local keepers will tell you plenty of fascinating facts about how these unique animals survive in Australia’s harsh conditions.
16. Mossman Gorge
Right beyond Port Douglas the magical world of the Daintree Rainforest begins, and the first stop you’ll encounter here is the beautiful Mossman Gorge. This area is home to the Indigenous Kuku Yalanji people, and a river runs through it, carving its way through enormous granite boulders surrounded by impenetrable greenery. It’s probably the gentlest and safest entrance into the wild rainforest, ideal even for families with smaller children, because you’ll find superbly maintained wooden boardwalks here.
An eco-friendly shuttle bus takes you into the gorge itself from the modern visitor centre, to minimise car traffic in the forest. Travellers highly recommend paying extra for the special Dreamtime walk with a local Indigenous guide, starting at roughly 105 AUD (€63). During this walk the guide will introduce you to traditional rainforest survival techniques, show you medicinal plants and, at the end, you’ll enjoy a traditional smoking ceremony.
The water in the Mossman River is incredibly clean and refreshing, and in certain marked sections swimming is allowed. Always follow the current instructions at the visitor centre, though, because after heavy rain the currents in the river can be dangerously strong. Definitely bring comfortable shoes and strong repellent here, because the local mosquitoes can be pretty annoying at times.
17. Daintree River: crocodiles and the Discovery Centre
The road further north brings you to the Daintree River itself, known above all for its huge population of wild saltwater crocodiles. The absolute best way to see these prehistoric creatures with your own eyes from a safe distance is to take an organised river cruise. The company Solar Whisper offers eco-friendly cruises on solar-powered boats from roughly 30 AUD (€18) per hour, and the captains have such a trained eye that they’ll surely find crocodiles on the banks for you.
Right beyond the river, definitely stop at the Daintree Discovery Centre. It’s a great introduction to the world of the rainforest, and for those 41 AUD you get a lot. For an entry fee of 41 AUD (about €25) you’ll get an audio guide and can walk along suspended boardwalks high in the treetops. The biggest draw is the massive Canopy Tower lookout, with 112 steps leading to the top, from where you’ll see the forest from a completely different bird’s-eye perspective. For children there’s a great interactive trail with dinosaur models.
💡 Tip: Before you cross the river by ferry further north, don’t forget to fill up your car and buy the food and drink supplies you need. Beyond the Daintree River shopping options are very limited, prices soar and mobile signal starts to become quite unreliable, so downloaded offline maps will definitely come in handy.
18. Cape Tribulation: where the rainforest meets the reef
The final and, at the same time, most adventurous stop on our route is the famous Cape Tribulation. It’s exactly the place where the rainforest giants lean right down to the sand and meet the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. The main beach in this area is the gorgeous Myall Beach, which you reach via forest boardwalks. Swimming in the sea here is unfortunately an absolute no-no, though, because of crocodiles and stingers. Better to just stroll along the sand and hunt for colourful shells.
While you’re here, definitely go for a walk along the wooden Dubuji Boardwalk, which leads you through dark mangrove groves. During the walk keep your eyes peeled, because endangered southern cassowaries live here — huge birds resembling dinosaurs. And don’t forget to stop at the Daintree Ice Cream Company, where for a few dollars you’ll get a cup with four kinds of excellent ice cream made directly from tropical fruit grown in their own orchard.
Most tourists manage to visit Cape Tribulation in one day and rush back to Cairns in the evening. According to the locals, though, that’s a huge shame, and it’s ideal to stay here at least one night. In the evening most of the buses leave, the forest falls incredibly quiet and you can enjoy the sight of a perfectly starry sky without any light pollution. Beyond the cape the rough Bloomfield Track begins, but you may only continue there with a 4×4 vehicle.
For the brave: adrenaline in the tropics
Northern Queensland isn’t only about peaceful rainforest walks — it also serves as the unofficial adrenaline capital of all Australia. If you’ve got nerves of steel, head out for wild rafting on the Tully River. Experienced instructors from the company Raging Thunder will guide you through grade 3 to 4 rapids here. A full-day trip costs roughly from 240 AUD (about €144). For families and beginners the calmer Barron River near Cairns is a better choice, where a half-day trip starts at 165 AUD (€99).
If you prefer heights, a completely unique experience is a hot-air balloon flight over the Mareeba plateau at dawn. A thirty-minute flight costs 450 AUD (or 495 AUD including a morning hotel transfer), and the view of the waking Australian wilderness with kangaroos bouncing below you is simply priceless.
For real thrill-seekers, the city offers the popular Skypark Cairns, hidden in the rainforest. You’ll find the world’s very first tower built specifically for bungee jumping, and a leap into the chasm costs roughly 189 AUD (about €113). And if even that isn’t enough for you, at nearby Mission Beach you can try a tandem skydive landing right on the beach from 385 AUD (€231), with the transfer from central Cairns included in the price.
Where to go next
If you’re planning a wider trip around Australia and wondering where to head next, we’ve prepared more detailed guides for you. Here are the articles that might come in handy for planning your next Down Under adventure:
- Holiday in Australia: 30 most beautiful places + practical tips
- Road trip around Australia: visas, routes, prices
- Sydney, Australia: 31 tips for what to see and do
- Brisbane, Australia: 20 tips for what to see and do
Frequently asked questions
Where to stay in the area: Cairns, Palm Cove, or Port Douglas?
Cairns is the cheapest and busiest option, ideal as a base for daily excursions and cruises, but it lacks a natural beach. Palm Cove offers a romantic atmosphere with a beautiful beach, while Port Douglas is a more luxurious resort destination that’s closest to the Daintree Rainforest. Many people choose to split their stay between two locations.
How many days should I allocate for Cairns and the surrounding area?
The absolute minimum for visiting the reef, rainforest, and Kuranda is 4 to 5 days at a fairly brisk pace. However, if you also want to explore the waterfalls of the Atherton Tablelands and enjoy some relaxation on the beach, I recommend dedicating a full week to the region.
Do I need a rental car for getting around?
You can easily reach Kuranda or the Great Barrier Reef thanks to organized tours. However, if you want to explore the waterfalls on the Atherton Tablelands, a car is absolutely essential, as there is no public transport there. For the Daintree Rainforest, a car is advantageous for greater flexibility.
Where can I swim safely without crocodiles?
You can safely swim in the public lagoon on the Esplanade in Cairns (but check its current status) or in the ocean at beaches equipped with protective nets against jellyfish. Completely safe are also freshwater pools in the rainforest, such as Crystal Cascades or designated spots at Babinda Boulders.
When is the best time to visit and what is the wet season?
The best weather is from May to October during the so-called dry season, when there is less rainfall and lower humidity. The wet season (December to April) brings extreme heat, humidity, and heavy rains, but the rainforest is at its greenest during this period and the waterfalls are at their absolute peak.
Is the village of Kuranda a tourist trap?
The ride on the historic train and scenic cable car is definitely worthwhile and offers incredible views. The village of Kuranda itself is nowadays quite heavily geared towards tourists, so most travelers only spend 2 to 3 hours there, checking out the markets or animal parks before heading back.
Can the Daintree Rainforest be done in one day?
Technically it’s possible and many organized tours do it that way, but it’s quite rushed. The ideal option is to head to the Cape Tribulation area with a rental car, explore the rainforest at a leisurely pace, and spend at least one night there.
What’s the reality with crocodiles?
Saltwater crocodiles live along the entire coast and in river estuaries. If you respect warning signs, don’t swim at night, avoid murky waters near rivers, and only enter the ocean within designated netted areas, the risk of an encounter is absolutely minimal. Locals live with this rule without any problems.
What to do in Cairns with children?
Kids will be absolutely thrilled by a cruise on the Daintree River, where they can see wild crocodiles from the safety of the boat. Also great are the interactive boardwalk at the Daintree Discovery Centre, feeding parrots at the Wildlife Habitat, safe swimming in the artificial lagoon, and a gentle rainforest walk at Mossman Gorge.
How far is the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns?
Fast catamarans will take you from the port in Cairns or Port Douglas to the outer edges of the reef in about 90 minutes. Shorter trips to closer islands, such as Green Island or Fitzroy Island, take approximately 45 minutes by boat.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
