Cairns trip planner
Create a fully customized
day-by-day itinerary for free
Cairns
The Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
A neat, cosmopolitan city of shaded plazas and laid-back neighborhoods, Cairns serves as a popular base for exploration of the surrounding region and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as a center for watersport activities like surfing or waterskiing. The city has an easygoing, unpretentious atmosphere that makes it easy for visitors to adjust to local life. Much of the appeal of Cairns comes from its backdrop of forested hills and flanked by attractive beaches. Cairns is in Cairns Region. Take a look at our Australia trip itinerary maker app to refine the details of your trip to Cairns.
Create a full itinerary — for free!
Plan your trip to Cairns
Get a personalized plan
A complete day-by-day itinerary
based on your preferencesCustomize it
Refine your plan. We'll find the
best routes and schedulesBook it
Choose from the best hotels
and activities. Up to 50% offManage it
Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.
Top Cairns tours
Side trips from Cairns
Hidden gems in Cairns
Shopping in Cairns
Places to visit with Cairns
Load more
Recently planned trips to Cairns
18 days in Australia
BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM
November, culture, outdoors, relaxing, shopping, wildlife, popular sights
PREFERENCES: November, culture, outdoors, relaxing, shopping, wildlife
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
22 days in Australia
BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM
February, popular sights
PREFERENCES: February
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
19 days in Australia
BY A USER FROM INDIA
March, popular sights
PREFERENCES: March
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
10 days in Australia
BY A USER FROM INDIA
March, popular sights
PREFERENCES: March
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
7 days in Cairns
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
June, popular sights
PREFERENCES: June
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
5 days in Cairns
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
January, popular sights
PREFERENCES: January
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
View more plans
Message from Tourism Australia
The gateway to Queensland's tropical north, Cairns is a laid-back city best enjoyed outdoors. Visit Cairns for the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest, but don't miss the great things to do in and around town. You'll find brilliant cafés, bustling markets and plenty of beaches nearby. Relax by a resort pool or spend your days exploring this tropical oasis. International flights arrive at Cairns Airport, a 10 to 15 minute drive from the city centre. In Cairns you'll find plenty of activities to get your heart racing.
