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Attractions

Any time of year is a good time to visit Cairns due to its tropical climate and, with a multitude of outdoor activities and natural attractions on its doorstep, it's a nature lover's dream come true.

Meet some of Australia's indigenous animals such as the crocodile, red panda or koala at Wildlife Zone or the Cairns Tropical Zoo, ride the gondolas above a canopy of the rainforest over magnificent waterfalls and gorges, to the village of Kuranda on the Skyrail, one of Cairns' most popular attractions, or pick out some stunning opal jewellery at Quilpie Opals.

Visitors keen on venturing out of the city should head straight for the coast where the Great Barrier Reef awaits avid snorkelers and divers, while the verdant Wet Tropics of Queensland, the oldest tropical rainforest still surviving on Earth are best explored on horseback or from the treetops and the nearby Cape Tribulation is an outdoor enthusiasts paradise, with activities like kayaking, snorkelling, jungle surfing and river cruising on offer. The Whitsunday Islands, of which 70 percent has been declared a national or marine park, boasts the resort village of Airlie Beach and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.

Opal bracelet

Quilpie Opals

Australia is known for producing the world's finest opals, with 95 percent of the world's production of these gems originating from rich mineral deposits in New South Wales, South Australia, and Quilpie in Western Queensland. Quilpie Opals has opened a retail store in Cairns, which...  see full details



Kuranda railway

Kuranda Railway

The 100-year-old Kuranda rail line stretches upwards for 21 miles (34km) from Cairns to Kuranda through tropical rainforest, winds through 15 tunnels and 98 breathtaking curves, and traverses 40 bridges, including one that spans the awesome Barron River Falls. The scenic trip is a...  see full details


Cairns travel Forum