4 days in Cairns

Savour tropical treats and gourmet bush foods in the sunshine at the colourful Rusty’s Markets. Open from Friday to Sunday, this Cairns icon is the perfect place to chat with locals and experience fresh regional cuisine.

Australians are known for their love of coffee and smashed avocado – and you’re sure to share in the obsession after a meal at Caffiend Café. Take a seat in the quirky, art-filled space and indulge in flavourful local dishes and rich, creamy coffee.

Cruise along the river with Mandingalbay Ancient Indigenous Tours to reach an Indigenous Protected Reserve. Traditional Custodians will guide you through teachings of the local culture and Country of the Mandingalbay Yidinji people.

Explore the sites of the city during an afternoon with Cairns Discovery Tours. Visit a Heritage-Listed cathedral, take a tour through the Cairns Museum and wander the tropical oasis of Cairns Botanic Gardens.

From trendy breweries to rooftop bars, stunning views are on show at many of Cairns’ bars and restaurants. Pop into Hemingways’ Brewery for craft beer by Trinity Inlet, or laze on the lawn with a cocktail in hand at Salt House.

A day out on the water with Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel offers spectacular experiences even before you swim among the corals. Hear the creation story of the reef from Indigenous Sea Rangers and tap along to performances using Aboriginal instruments.

Join a cruise to Green Island to immerse yourself in unspoilt rainforest and white sandy beaches. Spend the day swimming, snorkelling and laying on the shore in this slice of tropical paradise.

Soak in the sights on a 45-minute ferry ride to Fitzroy Island, a haven for all things adventure. Here, you can spend the day hiking, kayaking and snorkelling before enjoying a cocktail at one of Fitzroy Island Resort’s stylish bars and restaurants.

Get a whole new view of the magnificent coral reef aboard a scenic flight with Nautilus Aviation. For something extra special, you can even land on the white sand of Vlasoff Cay and have a picnic in the middle of the ocean.

Zoom through the water, passing vibrant coral and curious sea creatures on your very own Scuba Doo marine scooter during a Great Barrier Reef day tour with Great Adventures. It’s a truly unique way to experience the reef.

Soar above the rich rainforest canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to soak in sweeping views on your way to Kuranda, a gorgeous mountain town with quaint local boutiques and relaxed al fresco restaurants.

Wander into Kuranda Koala Gardens to meet the furry Aussie icons as they rest among the trees. Aside from koalas, the property is also home to animals such as wombats, kangaroos and freshwater crocodiles – plenty of new friends to adore.

Rainforestation Nature Park’s Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience is a brilliant way to get hands on with local culture as you learn to throw a spear or boomerang, paint using traditional symbols and witness an Aboriginal dance performance.

Embark on a journey through the abundant rainforest aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Peering out the window, you’ll be in awe of the brilliant green forest, cascading waterfalls and jaw-dropping peaks.

From Wednesday to Sunday, stop in at Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets for a truly unique shopping experience. Beneath the rainforest leaves, you’ll find rows of stallholders selling local creations, from quirky artworks to funky accessories.

Float in total serenity along a river through the rainforest with Back Country Bliss. Stretch out on your back and watch as you pass beneath the canopy, or pull on a snorkel to keep your eyes peeled for water dragons, fish and maybe even a platypus.

Join Walkabout Cultural Adventures in the place where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the mudflats alongside a local Kuku Yalanji guide, learning to hunt for mud crabs and forage for bush foods.

Spend a night in luxury at Silky Oaks Lodge. Tucked within the depths of the Daintree Rainforest, this eco-conscious accommodation boasts an enriching day spa, a Treehouse Restaurant and incredible access to the surrounding natural wonders.

Take a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk alongside a local Kuku Yalanji guide to see the rainforest through a new lens. Begin your day with a cleansing smoking ceremony before listening to Dreaming stories and learning to identify food and medicine sources.

Embark on a nocturnal tour to watch the rainforest come alive at night. Cruise along the Daintree River before dining beneath the canopy, then head out on a night walk to spot nocturnal creatures emerging in the cool evening air.