Cairns Itinerary: How to See the Great Barrier Reef & Rainforests

Cairns is a laid-back tropical city in Far North Queensland, best known as the gateway to two of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders—the Great Barrier Reef and ancient rainforests. We spent 4 days in Cairns, which felt like the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.

While it’s possible to pack in more activities, 4 days allowed us to experience the highlights without feeling rushed. From underwater reef adventures to scenic rainforest views and relaxed marina walks, Cairns truly offers something for every kind of traveler.

Flying into Cairns ✈️

Cairns is well connected by domestic flights within Australia, making it easy to add to any Australia itinerary.

We flew from Melbourne to Cairns, a comfortable 3.5–4 hour flight.

Popular Domestic Airlines

• Jetstar – Budget-friendly with frequent deals
• Virgin Australia – Good balance of comfort and pricing
• Qantas – Full-service option with generous baggage allowance

Flights operate regularly from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and other major cities. Booking early helps secure the best fares, especially with Jetstar and Virgin Australia.

Tip: Try to arrive by early afternoon so you can enjoy a relaxed marina walk and dinner on your arrival day.

Things to Do in Cairns

Cairns is packed with both land and water activities, making it one of the most versatile destinations in Australia.

🌿 Day Trip to Kuranda Village (10 AM – 4 PM)

A visit to Kuranda Village is one of the most scenic and enjoyable day trips from Cairns. Surrounded by rainforest, this charming village is known for its relaxed vibe, local markets, boutique shops, cafés, and wildlife experiences like koala encounters.

Best way to visit Kuranda (Highly Recommended):

• Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (one way): Incredible aerial views of rainforest canopy, waterfalls, and Barron Gorge
• Kuranda Scenic Railway (return): A historic train ride through tunnels, bridges, and lush landscapes

Doing Skyrail one way and the Scenic Railway the other gives you a full 360-degree view of this beautiful region and is the best way to experience Kuranda.

🐠 Full Day at the Great Barrier Reef (Top Highlight!)

A full day at the Great Barrier Reef was the absolute highlight of our Cairns trip and something I would highly recommend.

Although December can bring occasional rain, we were lucky to have perfect weather, allowing us to enjoy all activities.

Activities included:

• Snorkelling among colorful coral reefs
• Glass-bottom boat ride
• Semi-submarine tour
• Underwater observatory
• Optional scenic 10-minute helicopter ride 🚁

The helicopter ride (approximately USD $100) was expensive but totally worth it for the aerial view of the reef—we even spotted a shark and stingray from above.

Reef Tour Operator:
We chose Reef Magic Cruise Tours, based on strong TripAdvisor reviews. They were professional, punctual, and extremely well organized. The tour also included a buffet lunch with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Cost:
Reef Magic full-day cruise: approximately AUD $249–$289 per adult, depending on season and inclusions.

What Does a Full Day at the Reef Look Like?

• 8:15 AM: Boarding at the Reef Fleet Terminal
• 9:00 AM: Departure from Cairns
• ~90-minute boat ride to the outer reef
• 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM: Time on the pontoon

All activities—snorkelling, scuba diving, submarine rides, helicopter flights—start from the pontoon, making it extremely convenient. You return to Cairns in the late afternoon after an unforgettable day.

🌊 Marina Walks & Cairns City Center

The Cairns Marina and Esplanade area is perfect for relaxed evening walks, dining, and shopping. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés along the waterfront.

If holding a koala is on your bucket list, the city center also has places where you can take photos with koalas, making it easy to add to your itinerary.

🏍️ Jet Skiing Adventures

Jet skiing is a popular adventure activity in Cairns. Tours operate near the Reef Fleet Terminal and typically include:

• 1-hour jet ski rides
• Riding through mangroves
• Possible crocodile spotting 🐊

A fun and adrenaline-filled way to explore the area.

🌳 Daintree Rainforest (Optional)

While we didn’t visit the Daintree Rainforest, it’s one of the most famous attractions near Cairns. Considered one of the oldest rainforests in the world, it offers guided tours, river cruises, and wildlife experiences. If you have extra time, this is a great addition.

Where to Stay in Cairns

The Esplanade area is one of the best places to stay in Cairns. It offers:

• Waterfront views
• Plenty of dining options
• Walking distance to the Reef Fleet Terminal

Since Great Barrier Reef tours depart early (boarding starts around 8:15 AM), staying nearby makes mornings stress-free.

Where we stayed:
Hilton Cairns – Just a 3-minute walk to the Reef Fleet Terminal and perfectly located for exploring the city.

Sample 4-Day Cairns Itinerary

Day	Plan	Highlights
Day 1	Arrive in Cairns	Hotel check-in, marina & Esplanade walk, waterfront dinner
Day 2	Kuranda Village	Skyrail one way, village exploration, Scenic Railway return
Day 3	Great Barrier Reef	Snorkelling, submarine, observatory, optional helicopter ride
Day 4	Relaxed Day	Jet skiing OR koala photos, shopping, cafés

Budget Breakdown (Per Person – Approximate)

Expense	Cost (USD)
Flights (Melbourne ↔ Cairns)	$150 – $300
Hotel (4 nights)	$200 – $350 per night
Kuranda Skyrail + Scenic Railway	$75 – $90
Great Barrier Reef Tour	$175 – $250
Helicopter Ride (Optional)	~$100
Jet Skiing (Optional)	$120 – $150

Best Time to Visit Cairns

We visited in December, which is peak summer. While it can be hot and humid with occasional rain, we still had an incredible experience and perfect weather on reef day.

Locals suggested July as another great time to visit, offering:

• Cooler temperatures
• Less humidity
• Comfortable conditions for outdoor activities

Cairns is the kind of destination where adventure meets relaxation. Whether it’s floating over coral reefs, gliding above rainforests, or simply enjoying waterfront sunsets, Cairns delivers unforgettable experiences in just a few days.

If you’re planning an Australia trip, Cairns absolutely deserves a spot on your itinerary.