Got a few days in Cairns to chill? You lucky thing! It's a bit of a gem. Cairns is an epic place to stay on your Australian adventure tours with sun, sea and ancient rainforests not to mention the perfect place to let your hair down. Whether you plan to start or end your journey in this city you will not be disappointed Here is my must-do 4-day Cairns itinerary - let's have some fun!

What makes Cairns and its surrounding area so magical?

Far North Queensland at the top of the East Coast of Australia is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Cairns is a perfect gateway to explore the Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and the serene sandy beaches of Palm Cove. Its tropical climate sets the pace of your adventure and there are plenty of opportunities to cool off along the way. If you are planning to start your holiday in Cairns with a Cairns to Sydney or Cairns to Brisbane tour, or finish in Cairns with a Sydney to Cairns adventure tour or a Brisbane to Cairns backpacker tour, you'll want to make Cairns your base for several days so you can soak it all up, relax and get your adventure on. 

Adventure activities? Or chilled-out exploration?

Whether you're seeking thrilling day trips or leisurely afternoons, your Cairns trip can appeal to both your sense of adventure as well as be totally grounding. If you want to test your nerves bungee jumping or whitewater rafting, you got it! Or if you just fancy a tranquil stroll through the Cairns Botanic Gardens or a dip in the Cairns Lagoon, no problem, you can create an itinerary that excites and delights you. So pack your bags, embrace the tropical sun, and get ready to discover the natural wonders and vibrant marine life of this stunning east coast destination.

My Must-Do 4-Day Itinerary for a Cairns Adventure

Day 1: Arrival and Beach Bliss

• Morning: Arrive in Cairns and check into your accommodation. Relax by the pool, take a walk to the beach to scope out your location as well as soak up the tropical atmosphere.

• Afternoon: Explore the Cairns Esplanade, a bustling waterfront precinct with shops, cafes, and restaurants. If you are feeling energic you can rent a bike and cycle along the boardwalk, or just wander slowly by foot admiring the views.

• Evening: Start the night with a delicious seafood dinner at one of Cairns' waterfront restaurants, The Waterbar and The Backyard are pretty good choices and it's a pretty lively area for some drinks with an epic view.

Day 2: Get fresh with whitewater rafting

• Morning: Start the day off with a burst of adrenaline with white water rafting at Barron Gorge.  It's an exhilarating two hours of action that takes you through the heart of lush rainforest and down some mean-looking rapids. In the quieter times, you get to appreciate the view surrounded by towering rainforest trees and cascading waterfalls. Along the way, you learn how to navigate through challenging rapids and feel the ultimate rush of adrenaline as you conquer each wave. The guides are awesome and give you expert instruction and keep an eye on your safety throughout the whole experience. It was an incredible feeling of accomplishment but man I needed a beer afterwards.

• Afternoon: Just a short Uber or public bus ride away from the centre of town is Palm Cove, the perfect place to carry on exploring Cairns. This little village 30 minutes from Cairns has some beautiful luxury hotels but it's also the perfect place to have a dip in the sea, go kayaking or treat yourself to a massage after wandering around its streets. Or if you fancy being closer to home visit the Cairns Botanic Gardens, a peaceful oasis with beautiful tropical plants and flowers or scope out the Cairns Aquarium

• Evening: If Palm Cove is your vibe, carry on soaking up the atmosphere by enjoying a yummy Greek meal at El Greko or head back to Cairns for a bit of grub before a slightly early night before diving in the morning. If you like burgers by the way, Cairns Burger Cafe is hard to beat.

Day 3: Dive into the Great Barrier Reef

• Morning: Take a boat tour to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's natural wonders. Choose from various options, such as snorkelling, diving, or glass-bottom boat tours, to explore the vibrant coral reefs, colourful fish and marine life. If you don't feel like you want to get your feet wet you can treat yourself to a scenic flight for an incredible view over the reef.

• Afternoon: Return to Cairns and relax by the pool or explore the city's markets.

• Evening: After the epic dive you might want an early night but as my travel mantra goes 'you can't buy memories' so I say get out on the town! With a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from it would be sad not to. The Salt House is a pretty good bet for a great night out, sitting beside the marina it's a full night's entertainment with a restaurant and bar. A little insider tip - on weekends and Monday nights their dance floor heats up with sets from their resident Matt Caseli - ex Pacha Ibiza resident and epic House & Tech DJ.

Day 4: Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation

• Morning & Afternoon: Join a tour to Cape Tribulation, a three-hour drive from Cairns past Port Douglas. This stunning coastal area is where the rainforest meets the reef. This unique ecosystem offers a variety of activities for visitors. You can hike through the ancient Daintree Rainforest, explore the beautiful beaches, snorkel or dive in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef, or take a guided tour to learn about the local Aboriginal culture.

• I highly recommend choosing a tour that includes Mossman Gorge for an immersive cultural experience. Here you are invited by the local Indigenous people to attend a smoke ceremony to ward off bad spirits, after you're cleansed follow your guide through the rainforest to learn about their culture, the flora and fauna around you and their history. This experience gave me a deeper appreciation for how the rainforest and its people can work together in greater harmony.

• Other tours in Daintree can take you on crocodile cruises and along the quiet riverways to check out more of Australia's famous wildlife

• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a waterfront restaurant, savouring the delicious seafood and stunning views.

This itinerary offers a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences, allowing you to make the most of your time in Cairns. Remember to pack sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes, and don't forget to try some local delicacies like mud crab, crocodile, or kangaroo.

Get the best out of Cairns with a longer stay

Four days will give you a good taste of Far North Queensland but there are so many special places to visit it's definitely hard to pick a definitive list. Here are some other outstanding places to visit and activities worth considering.

Get Your Padi Certification & Dive the Outer Reef

If you are into scuba diving adventures, you can dedicate a day of travel to the lesser-dived Outer Reef of the Great Barrier Reef. The visibility to scuba diving here is much clearer than closer to the mainland. The Outer Reef is closer to the open ocean so you experience a wider variety of coral formations and deep gullies to spot some incredible sea creatures.

For those of you who aim to take your Padi certification so you can get the best out of the Great Barrier as well as dive the Outer Reef you need to plan for at least four days extra in Cairns.

Fitzroy Island

This gorgeous island is 45 minutes by ferry from Cairns. It's another great option for a day trip and gives you another way to experience the Great Barrier Reef. From here you can hire snorkels or kayaks or join a tour of the island and reef. There is also a scuba diving course you can join here to get the most out of the reef.

Hinchinbrook Island National Park:

Australia's largest island national park, featuring rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife.

Got your travel juices flowing? What are you waiting for?

Cairns, with its stunning natural beauty, ancient history and endless adventure opportunities, is a must-visit destination for any traveller. From exploring the Great Barrier Reef to discovering hidden rainforest gems and experiencing the vibrant city life, Cairns offers something for everyone. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, this tropical paradise is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Make it easy! Book a Stray Tour of the East Coast of Australia

Get your adventure spirit warmed up and thoroughly loved up on a Stray adventure tour of Australia. Our local guides take you on a journey off the well-worn track and through some incredible hidden gems of Australia. There are so many incredible things to see and do in Cairns from the epic adventure activities to enjoying magical surrounding landscapes and the Great Barrier Reef. Don't miss the adventure of a lifetime. Book Now!