The lively city of Cairns is the official gateway to Queensland’s lush tropical north. Cairns is home to a clutch of UNESCO World Heritage sites, which include Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. The numerous beaches in Cairns which are locally known as the Northern Beaches are ideal for water sports like swimming, snorkeling, para-sailing and diving. The local food scene in Cairns is extremely vibrant as well. Some of the top attractions of Cairns include the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest and Cairns Botanic Gardens. To discover more about the unique things you can do in this gorgeous city, read on.
Here Are 6 Unique Things To Do In Cairns:
1. Snorkel The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef, which has been voted as one of the seven wonders of the natural world, is the world’s largest reef system. The Great Barrier Reef which is located on the north east coast of Australia, off Queensland, comprises of a whopping 2900 individual reefs and 900 islands which extend for over 2,300 kilometers. People visit the Great Barrier Reef, the largest living structure in the whole world, to experience its breathtaking natural beauty and diversity. Diving, snorkeling, sailing, scuba diving and / or island hopping are some of the popular adventure activities that tourists can partake of at the Great Barrier Reef.
2. Enjoy The Awesome Natural Scenery Aboard The Kuranda Scenic Railway
The Kuranda Scenic Railway, which has been described as one of the best train journeys in the world, is a railway line that extends from Cairns, to the small town of Kuranda. The Cairns Kuranda Railway line was laid between 1882 and 1891. This railway journey lasts for approximately one hour and forty five minutes and covers a distance of almost 34 kilometers. As the Kuranda Scenic Railway makes its way through lush tropical forests visitors can enjoy a journey that is replete with beautiful waterfalls, steep ravines, dense rain forests and unique wildlife.
3. Explore The Daintree Rainforest
A visit to Cairns is incomplete without touring the gorgeous Daintree Rainforest. This spectacular rainforest is located approximately two hours north of Cairns. The Daintree Rainforest is spread over an area of 1200 square kilometers. A visit to Daintree Rainforest allows one to study the unique flora and flora of the region. Typical day tours to Daintree Rainforest comprise of visits to Mossman Gorge, Daintree River, Port Douglas and Daintree Village.
4. Visit The Cairns Botanic Gardens
The Cairns Botanic Garden is located in Collins Avenue, Edge Hill which is approximately five kilometers from the city center. This lush garden is spread over 38 hectares. This Cairns Botanic Garden, which has the unique distinction of being the only wet tropic botanic garden is Australia, was founded back in 1886. Some of the top attractions of this botanic garden include the Orchid House, Centenary Lakes, Tanks Art Center and the Mount Whitfield Conservation Park.
5. Laze Around At Trinity Beach
The award winning, Trinity beach is located just a short twenty minute drive from Cairns City Center. This beach which is nestled between two headlands is extremely popular among locals and tourists alike for its immense stretch of white powdery sands and azure blue waters. The casual atmosphere of the beach further enhances its overall appeal. Trinity beach is ideal, for popular water sports like diving, swimming and snorkeling. There are numerous takeaways and restaurants around Trinity beach.
6. Travel Aboard The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
The best way to experience Cairns like never before is aboard the Skytrail Rainforest Cableway. The Skytrail Rainforest Cableway was officially inaugurated on August 31, 1995. A trip on Skytrail which extends for over 7.5 kilometers will definitely give a high to adrenaline junkies. Visitors who travel aboard this amazing gondola can enjoy panoramic views of the tropical rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef.
