Things to do in Cairns

Not Just Any Hotel – Only the Best Things to do in Cairns, Selected for You!

Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025
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Cairns Convention Centre

9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Business Center
Wharf St. (at Sheridan St.)
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Cairns Convention Centre is a premier event venue in Cairns, Australia, known for its modern facilities and proximity to natural attractions.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Entry is free for exhibitions; specific events may have ticket fees.

Cairns Magistrates Court

9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Public Building
21 Sheridan St.
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Cairns Magistrates Court serves the community of Cairns, providing justice services since 1905. It features distinct architecture and a significant historical role in the region.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Free. Public access is generally allowed without charge.

Good (511)

Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome

10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Zoo
The Reef Hotel Casino
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Cairns Rainforest Dome is a wildlife park in Cairns, Australia, featuring zip lines, rope climbing, and interactive wildlife shows with crocodiles and koalas.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Paid. Prices vary; children and family packages available.

Good (3077)

Cairns Botanic Gardens

7:30 AM–5:30 PM
Park
Collins Avenue (McCormack St)
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Cairns Flecker Botanic Gardens showcases diverse tropical flora. Explore the Gondwana Heritage Garden, Rainforest Boardwalk, and more in a serene environment.

Duration: More than 3 hours.

Free. Guided walks and some special events may have fees.

The Center of Contemporary Arts

10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Theater
96 Abbott st (Florence st)
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The Center of Contemporary Arts in Cairns hosts dynamic exhibitions, performances, and events showcasing contemporary art and culture, featuring varied artistic disciplines.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Cairns Central Shopping Centre

Mo-We,Fr,Sa 09:00-17:30; Th 09:00-21:00; Su 10:30-16:00
Mall
Spence St. (McLeod St.)
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Cairns Central Shopping Centre, located above Cairns Central Railway Station, is the largest shopping mall in the region, featuring diverse retail stores and a large supermarket.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free. No entry fees are required.

Good (200)

The Cairns Museum

10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Museum
City Pl Shields St School of Arts Building
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The Cairns Museum in Cairns, Australia explores local history through five galleries, showcasing Aboriginal culture, WWII, tourism, and tropical living.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Good (20)

Cairns Regional Council

8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Public Building
119 Spence St.
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Cairns Regional Council governs the vibrant Cairns area in Australia, focusing on community services, infrastructure, and local development for residents and visitors.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some specialized events may require a paid ticket.

CQUniversity

8:00 AM–5:00 PM
University
42-52 Abbott Street
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CQUniversity in Cairns, Australia, offers diverse programs across various fields, emphasizing innovation and community engagement in higher education.

Duration: Approximately 1–2 hours for a campus tour.

Free for campus tours; specific course-related events may require a fee.

Good (306)

St Monica's Cathedral

9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Church
181 Abbott Street
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St Monica's Cathedral in Cairns features stunning Gothic architecture and serves as an important religious and cultural site in Far North Queensland, Australia.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance and community programs.

Good (273)

Munro Martin Parklands

10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Park
Corner Florence Street and Sheridan Streets
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Munro Martin Parklands in Cairns features a community gathering space with an outdoor performance area, tropical landscaping, and facilities for various events.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Good (10)
The Pier Shopping Centre
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ZOO To You HQ Wildlife Discovery Centre offers an immersive wildlife experience featuring Australia’s unique animals, wildlife shows, and interactive photo opportunities.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

$8 per person, $4 for children 7 years and under. Some activities may incur additional fees.

Cairns Golf Club

6:30 AM–6:00 PM
Golf Course
Australia
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Cairns Golf Club in Australia features an 18-hole championship course surrounded by tropical landscapes, offering a challenging game for golf enthusiasts of all levels.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

Paid. Adult: AUD 40; Child: AUD 20. Discounts for members and senior citizens available.

Good (71)
Collins Ave
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Mount Whitfield Conservation Park in Cairns, Australia, features extensive walking tracks through pristine rainforest, offering scenic viewpoints and nature experiences.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Good (45)

KickArts Contemporary Arts

10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Museum
School of the Arts
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KickArts Contemporary Arts in Cairns features rotating exhibitions of local and national artists, focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, plus a unique shop for handcrafted items.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Good (1)

Cairns Performing Arts Center

10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Theater
9 - 11 Florence Street
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Cairns Performing Arts Center features innovative performances across multiple spaces, hosting theater, music, dance, and more in Cairns, Australia.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Varies. Some events are free, while others require tickets.

Good (1373)

Muddy's Playground

9:00 AM–7:00 PM
Park
149 Esplanade
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Muddy's Playground in Cairns, Australia, is a modern splash playground featuring diverse play equipment, water areas, and picnic facilities, open daily year-round.

Duration: Around 2-3 hours.

Free. Some areas may close for maintenance on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Good (2)

The Pier Shopping Centre

9:00 AM–9:00 PM
Mall
1 Pier Point Road
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The Pier Shopping Centre in Cairns features over 50 specialty stores, dining options, and scenic views of the waterfront. A vibrant hub for shopping and leisure.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require tickets.

Good (5)

The Rocks Picnic Area

Open 24 hours
Park
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The Rocks Picnic Area in Cairns offers scenic views, picnic facilities, and access to walking trails in a natural setting, ideal for family outings and relaxation.

Duration: 1 to 3 hours.

Free. Barbecue facilities are available at no cost.

Raintrees Shopping Centre

9:00 AM–9:00 PM
Mall
Alfred St. (Koch St.)
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Raintrees Shopping Centre in Cairns, Australia, offers diverse retail options, convenience stores, and dining choices in a tropical setting, appealing to locals and tourists alike.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. No admission fee required to access the shopping centre.

Mount Sheridan Shopping Center

9:00 AM–9:00 PM
Mall
Barnard Dr.
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Mount Sheridan Shopping Center in Cairns, Australia, features a diverse range of shops, eateries, and services, catering to local and visiting shoppers in a convenient location.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some events or activities may require a ticket or purchase.

Good (19)

Cairns Airport

Open 24 hours
Airport
Airport Ave.
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Cairns Airport serves as a gateway to tropical North Queensland, connecting travelers to popular destinations like the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.

Duration: Less than 1 hour is suggested for transit.

Free to enter the airport; charges apply for parking and some services.

Good (7)

Coles Cairns Central

7:00 AM–9:00 PM
Mall
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Coles Cairns Central is a large supermarket in Cairns, Australia, offering a variety of groceries, fresh produce, and household items tailored to local needs.

Duration: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Free. No entry fee required.

Good (12)

Redlynch Central Shopping Centre

9:00 AM–9:00 PM
Mall
7-15 Larsen Rd
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Redlynch Central Shopping Centre is a premier retail destination in Cairns, Australia, featuring diverse stores, dining options, and community events.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free. No entry fee is required to shop or dine.

Good (1)

Kmart Cairns Central

9:00 AM–9:00 PM
Mall
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Kmart Cairns Central offers a diverse range of products from clothing to home goods, conveniently located in Cairns, Australia with ample parking and accessibility.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free entry, with prices applicable for specific goods purchased.

Good (1055)

Cairns Aquarium

09:00-17:00
Aquarium
5 Florence St
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Cairns Aquarium, located in Cairns, Australia, features diverse marine life and habitats unique to Tropical North Queensland, showcasing the Great Barrier Reef and more.

Duration: Around 2-3 hours.

Adults: AUD 39, Children (4-14): AUD 27, Family Pass: AUD 99. Discounts for students and seniors may apply.

Rondo Theatre

5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Theater
46 Greenslopes St
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Rondo Theatre in Cairns, Australia, hosts community plays and musicals regularly, located opposite Centenary Lakes in Edge Hill, 4.5km from the city center.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Affordable tickets for all performances, specific prices vary by event.

Daintree Air Services

9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Airport
Australia
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Daintree Air Services provides full-day tours from Cairns to Lizard Island, including snorkeling gear, gourmet lunch, and guided experiences.

Duration: Full day tours.

Paid. Prices vary by tour type and duration.

Cairns Mosque

1:00 PM–5:00 PM
Mosque
31 Dunn St
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Cairns Mosque, established in 2000, serves as a spiritual center for Muslims in Cairns, featuring modern architecture and cultural significance.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance and community programs.