Two Weeks in Cairns

Nestled between the rainforest and the north east coast of Queensland is the tropical oasis of Cairns. Historically, Indigenous tribes traveled through the area on nomadic routes, using the resources to support their tribes. Later, Europeans settled the area for sugar plantations and as a trading hub to other surrounding areas. In World War II, Cairns was an important military base and many Australian and American troops were stationed there. Today, Cairns is a hub for tourism, especially as a jumping off point for the Great Barrier Reef. The tropical climate and diversity of nearby ecosystems makes it the perfect destination any time of year. 

The lush, tropical north provides endless opportunities for adventure. It is a fantastic base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. There are stunning beaches, lazy rivers, waterfalls, lush rainforests, and tons of wildlife. Visitors can appreciate the hiking trails, white water rafting, fine dining and shopping, sunset cruises, sailing, fishing, and outback adventures. With so much to offer, it is easy to spend two weeks or more exploring Cairns and the surrounding areas. We recommend renting a car and planning to stay a few nights outside of Cairns to maximize your time. Here are some things we think should not be missed: 

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Cairns 

Arrive in Cairns and check in to your accommodations. If you have time, take a stroll along the Promenade, admire the Cairns Lagoon, and treat yourself to a relaxing dinner at the Waterbar and Grill Steakhouse. 

Day 2-3: Take an Overnight Sailing Trip to the Great Barrier Reef

An overnight visit to the GBR is not to be missed. The extended length of time out on the water means you can travel further into the isolated outer reef and take your time exploring several different dive sites. Sleeping in a small boat surrounded by miles of uninhabited ocean is exhilarating. Watching the sun set and the stars come to life is peaceful and humbling. When the boat goes to sleep all you can hear is the lapping of waves against the hull. Daybreak brings in a little rain, and a little sunshine, and a dawn dip into the deep waters. The corals here are vibrant hues of orange, purple, yellow and green. The diversity of fish and animals is staggering- so many species compacted into one ecosystem, bursting with color and going about their jobs. I saw a huge sea bass getting its teeth cleaned, and he was so annoyed to be interrupted he swam right up to me, almost nose to nose, and just stared me down. We loved the gigantic clams, hundreds of years old, especially when they closed their shell at the hint of our shadow swimming over. There were clownfish in their anemones, several species of parrotfish, and massive coral trout. I even saw a reef shark off in the distance, which thankfully did not come close enough to be identified. It was fascinating just to observe the ebbs and flows of the underwater world, sit and wonder at the beauty of the coral towers, and meditate in the silence of only my own breath. 

Day 4: Explore Palm Cove and Ellis Beach

After a long couple of days out on the reef, take a slow morning and a leisurely walk along to Ellis Beach. Known for its long sandy half moon shape, this is the perfect place to appreciate the laid back pace of Queensland. There is a small bar and grill, and rarely crowded. Take a book and let yourself sink into a quiet vacation mode with the sea softly churning and the rainforest at your back. In the afternoon, head in to the local town of Palm Cove. There are plenty of adorable shops, restaurants, and stellar ice cream along the beachfront Main Street. A meandering path lined with hundreds of palm trees line the sand, offering a shady, fragrant stroll. On your way back to Cairns, and if your accommodations include a kitchen, we highly reccommend you stop at Marsh Butcheries for the BEST fresh meats and sides to cook up for dinner one night. 

Day 5: Day Trip to Fitzroy Island

The islands of Fitzroy and Green are located just off the coast of Cairns, about a 45 minute ferry ride in either direction. Both are known for their white sandy beaches and off-shore snorkeling and diving opportunities. We went to Fitzroy Island and enjoyed our relaxing day there. We started with a nice walk through the coastal rainforest to Nudey Beach, which is not actually a nude beach. The walk is mostly paved but there are several stair sections made of uneven rocks. Sweeping vistas abound at every turn, framed by lush ferns and giant palm fronds. Mangroves line the sand with a few driftwood swings and boulders to climb, while the turquoise water gently rolls against shore. Back at the ferry pier, we enjoyed a yummy seaside lunch at Foxy Bar. In the afternoon, we explored the other side of the island, past the turtle rebahilitation lagoon and down to the lighthouse, where we found a stretch of soft sand to have a nap and snorkel session. It was a bit windy that day, so the water was milky, but there were still tons of great fish to be found, and surprisingly different species than out of the reef. Either island would be a great day trip, and definitely not something you should skip. 

Day 6-8: Road Trip to the Tablelands via the waterfall circuit and Kuranda 

On day 6, wake up early for a road trip! Take the A1 south out of Cairns to Babinda Boulders. Spend a little time playing in the pools there before proceeding about an hour to Milla Milla for the Waterfall Circuit. This self-drive loop takes you past three easy to see waterfalls; Milla Milla, and. The whole drive with the three stops could take you an hour to three hours depending on how much exploring or swimming you would like to do. Make your way to Atherton or Mareeba (about 1 hour drive) to spend the night. If you have extra time or you like to pack your days full of adventure, there are a few things to note: Josephine Falls is a beautiful place to stop between Babinda Boulders and Milla Milla, but it’s a little out of the way. Also, Yungaburra is a glorious little town between Milla Milla and Atherton, but also a bit out of the way. The draw here is a massive Curtain Fig tree to visit and observing real platypus in their natural habitat at the Platypus Viewing Platform. We actually stayed right outside of Yungaburra in an Airbnb, and loved it, but it makes the drive on the following day longer to do so. 

Day 7 will be another long car day, down into the Australian Outback! Drop off the other side of the tablelands to the lowlands. We highly recommend Granite Gorge Nature Park, where you can get up close with the wild and friendly wallabies. It will make your day to see them hopping around, playing with their friends, and eating out of your hand. We also really wanted to make it to the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves, which is deep into the outback, but we got started too late and did not go that far. If you can add it to the itinerary this day, it looks very cool and would give you a nice view of the traditional outback experience. If you skip it, you’ll have time back in town to go to Mt. Uncle Distillery or Coffee Works. After your adventure, make your way back to the tablelands and stay in Mareeba this night. We recommend watching sunset at the Mareeba Golf Course so you can see all the wild kangaroos out for their evening jaunt before heading to bed. 

Day 8 completes your tableland experience and winds you back through the rainforest to Cairns, by way of Kuranda. It is only about a 30 minute drive, but give yourself ample time to stop in this adorable tourist town as there is much to see. Kuranda’s Koala Garden is a nice place to stop in and see koalas up close, and feed the kangaroos. The village has an extensive market for all kinds of Aussie souvenirs, and plenty of cafe’s and restaurants to offer. After your visit, finish your drive down the mountain and back into Cairns, or continue on to Port Douglas.  

Day 9: Port Douglas

Port Douglas is an adorable village, home to Four Mile Beach, excellent restaurants and cute boutiques. It is a bit more upscale and much smaller than Cairns, but bigger than Palm Cove. You can take a guided cultural tour led by the Kuku Yalanji indigenous people, or take a crocodile spotting tour. This is another quiet day to relax and unwind while breaking up the exploring. 

Day 10-11: Daintree Rainforest

Day 10- Your mission today is to stay overnight in Cape Tribulation. You can choose to start your morning at the Mossman Gorge Visitor Center, take a tour of Mossman and attend an indigenous smoke ceremony. Or just drive north taking the river car ferry and head towards the Daintree Discovery Center. We found it to be a bit expensive, but it is an informative stop if you like that sort of thing. If you are more interested in just “getting out there” then there are several short walks you can experience along the way to Cape Trib. These are; Noah Valley Rainforest Reserve, Dubuji Boardwalk, and the Kulki Rainforest Walk. Kulki beach is the place the rainforest meets the reef system, and is a bountiful lookout lined with mangrove forests. In the evenings, you have a good chance of catching a Cassowary in the area.

Day 11- You can take another snorkel/dive trip out to the GBR from Cape Trib this morning if you would like another perspective of the reef, or you can begin to make your way back south. If you skipped it on the way up, make sure you stop at the Daintree Ice Cream Company today. Alternatively, if you did not stop in Mossman Gorge on your way up, you have another chance here on the way back. Otherwise, you can stop back at Port Douglas for a relazing evening and dinner. 

Day 12: White Water Rafting

On your way back to Cairns, stop to get your adrenaline pumping at Baron Gorge with White Water Rafting.  Don’t forget to stop and check out the crocodiles under the Mowbray River Foot Bridge en route! Likely you will spend tonight and your last night back in Cairns. 

Day 13: Deep Sea Fishing

This is the one thing I wish we could have fit into our itinerary. We had so many recommendations to go out deep sea fishing with Cairns Reef Fishing, and I am sure it would have be epic. Of course you can spend your last day piddling around Cairns, but why not go out with a bang?  

Day 14: Going Home

It’s time to take all your memories and head home. Or if you are like us, all your extra suitcases packed with souvenirs. We hope you enjoyed this magical destination as much as we did!