Get ready for an adventure holiday you’ll remember forever when you visit Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. There are so many fun adventurous things to do in Cairns from river rafting and bungee jumping to SUP and kayaking, ziplining, spotting crocs and exploring the reef – there are so many fun adventures to have in and around Cairns. Whether you’re holidaying in Cairns with family or adventuring in Cairns with friends, and if you want thrills or chills there is something for you!
If you’re heading north to Cape Tribulation here are our recommendations for fun in Cape Trib, our post on waterfalls and adventures in the Atherton Tablelands and the best things to do in Port Douglas.
We stayed at the Sebel Cairns Harbour Lights which we loved – it is in an amazing location, has a great rooftop pool and it had a kitchenette so we could make meals at home which really was a game-changer – plus there are awesome restaurants and cafes just below the hotel if you want to step out. You can find more Cairns accommodation here.
And now, here are our top seven adventures in and around Cairns:
Babinda SUP and kayaking adventure
For a more leisurely adventure around Cairns, spend around two to four hours kayaking and SUPing at your own pace down the beautiful Babinda River in Wooroonooran National Park, about a 50 minute drive south of Cairns (if you’re driving up to Cairns stop in here on your way!). The water here flows down from the mountains and is crystal clear, with some fun rapids to navigate, rope swings to jump from and sandy beaches to pull over as you float, padding and swim down. Take a snorkel and spot fish and turtles – and maybe a platypus – as you cruise down this beautiful waterway. We had so much fun on this adventure that we will be going back again soon.
Cost: $50 for a SUP hire and single kayak hire.
Open: Seven days a week (depended on rain)
Age: Kids from 2 and up
Find out more and book at Babinda Kayaking.
River Drift snorkelling on the Daintree River (croc free!)
Have a fun half day adventure snorkelling and floating – on big lilos – down a croc-free section of the Daintree River in the Daintree Rainforest. It’s so much fun, and there are a few rapids to go down plus floating under the canopy of lush green trees is just so peaceful and beautiful. Once you’re suited up (wetsuits, snorkel and mask and booties are provided) you carry your lilo up-river, learning about the rainforest along the way. In the water you have a quick snorkel and float lesson and then you’re off down the river and the rapids. We LOVED this adventure and had a lot of fun. There’s less time in the water than the Babinda SUPs but Emmie was perfectly satisfied with the length of the float/snorkel so I reckon it suits all ages for duration. You can meet at Mossman or if you’re staying in Port Douglas you can get a pick up.
Find out more and book your River Drift Snorkelling adventure here.
Cost: $120 for adults and $100 for kids
Pick up: From Port Douglas or meet at Mossman
Duration: About three hours
Age: From 3 years old
Best time to visit: All year round, April to November is most suitable for young kids.
Bungee and Giant Swing at AJ Hackett in Cairns
One of the best adventures in Cairns has to be the bungee and giant swing (I assume, I was too scared to do it). Emmie was super brave and did the Giant Swing
here at AJ Hackett but didn’t end up doing the bungee jump although she stood up there at the jump point for a bit contemplating it. If I’d known parents etc could go up to the platform with them I would have gone with her, TBH I did find AJ Hackett just a little disorganised with information at the front desk. I didn’t feel like they gave us all the information we needed – however the girls had a great time and I felt confident with the safety operations.
The epic bungee jump is 50 metres high and above a natural lagoon – the views are fabulous and with pumping music, a bar and viewing areas there’s an awesome energy and it’s fun to watch people jump as you wait for your friend or for your turn.
Emmie loved the giant swing but my heart stopped as she free fell from 45 metres at 120km an hour. The really fun part is that once you’re at the top and ready to go it’s up to you to pull the rope to release you for your fall. You can pay a little extra for a GoPro video package too, and IMO it’s worth it. Emmie’s swing video is so awesome, all packaged up to music!
You can buy each ticket separately or by a Giant Swing and Bungee combo which saves around $40.
And, of you don’t jump like Emmie you get a voucher and 12 months to come back and try again!
The activities here are really popular so make sure to book before you go.
Cost: Bungee $139, Giant Swing $99, Combo $199
Location: McGregor Road, Smithfield, about a 20 minute drive from Cairns City
Opening hours: Every day 10am – 5pm
Age: The minimum age for bungee jumping is 10 years old and you have to weigh more than 45kg. If you’re less than that you can tandem with a friend or crew.
Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome
Right in Cairns city this zipine and high rope climbing course is challenging, fun and a lot of laughs – and if I can do it anyone can. It’s one of the best things to do in Cairns city and is easy walking distance from hotels. With a helmet and harness on you climb over scary and somewhat difficult obstacles above a beautiful rainforest and animals including a HUGE croc at the end of the course – you zipline right over him!
You simply buy the entry to the dome and then add on activities. We did the Mid Zoom and Hi Zoom and Emmie did the power jump, and there’s also a dome climb that goes around the outside of the building, rope climbing and you can get your photo with a koala – we don’t really like that though. There are wildlife shows on the hour too, which is so helpful if you have kids and not all of them want to – or can – do the course. There’s definitely enough to keep them entertained.
Book your discounted tickets here and you can find out more here.
This has to be one of the best things to do with kids in Cairns (its challenging and they love laughing at mum and dad going around, right?). We had the BEST time here and I will do it again.
DURATION: Anywhere from one to three hours.
AGE: Minimum six years old and 120cm tall, and less than 120kg. For Hi Zoom you have to be 140cm tall.
WHERE: In the Reef Hotel Casino building between Abbott and Wharf Streets
Make sure to wear enclosed shoes (you can hire them if you don’t have any) and pants or shorts.
Cruise the Reef
When you’re in Cairns it’s a great opportunity to head out to the Great Barrier Reef on a day trip. Many operators have excellent tours which include meals and drinks, snorkel gear, noodles and floaty equipment. Remember that around October – May is stinger season and you will need to wear full body stinger suits while you’re out on the reef. Safety first – and these box jelly fish and Irukandji can be deadly! Otherwise plan your trip for a time when the water is stinger free.
Our favourite trip is with Ocean Safari from Cape Tribulation, – but there are heaps of reef cruises in Cairns to choose from here.
Croc Tours
Wat is a trip up north without a croc tour! The most well known is Hartleys Crocodile Adventure which is a educational park and tour that gets you up close and learning more about these Jurassic and terrifying creatures! Buy your discount general admission tickets here
Half-Day Barron River Rafting Experience from Cairns or Port Douglas
This looks particularly full on but it’s next on our list when we get back to Cairns again! If you’re after adventure this river rafting is for you – especially during wet season when the river is raging. We will wait til it’s much calmer.
Find more Cairns activities here and below:
Klook.com
And have the best time!