# The best things to do in Cairns

The Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda and the Daintree: what not to miss from Cairns according to travel blogs.

- 1271 votes · 12 items
- Aug 19, 2025 · Zoe King
- https://even.best/en/l/2269/the-best-things-to-do-in-cairns

## Top 12

1. **Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef** (144 · ▲153 ▼9) — Day trips to the outer reef from the marina.
2. **Skyrail Rainforest Cableway** (102 · ▲114 ▼12) — Cable car over the canopy back from Kuranda.
3. **Daintree Rainforest** (98 · ▲110 ▼12) — The ancient rainforest where it meets the reef.
4. **Kuranda Scenic Railway** (95 · ▲109 ▼14) — Historic train up through rainforest gorges.
5. **Cairns Esplanade Lagoon** (80 · ▲91 ▼11) — Free saltwater pool on the waterfront.
6. **Green Island** (72 · ▲84 ▼12) — Coral cay 45 minutes by boat.
7. **Rusty's Markets** (64 · ▲81 ▼17) — Weekend markets of tropical fruit.
8. **Cairns Botanic Gardens** (56 · ▲76 ▼20) — Rainforest boardwalks near the centre.
9. **Fitzroy Island** (56 · ▲70 ▼14) — Island with beaches and a turtle rehab centre.
10. **Palm Cove** (52 · ▲72 ▼20) — Palm-lined beach north of the city.
11. **Crystal Cascades** (49 · ▲67 ▼18) — Swimming holes in the rainforest near town.
12. **Atherton Tablelands waterfalls** (45 · ▲65 ▼20) — Millaa Millaa, Zillie and Ellinjaa falls.

How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.