Scenic adventures and things to do in Cairns
Mention Australia and its urban cities immediately springs to mind. But the country has more to offer than just a concrete jungle. Adventurers looking for exciting things to do can head to Cairns where they can choose from a myriad of activities in the picturesque city and surrounding hinterland.
Before setting on your adventure, it's important to choose a comfortable place to stay. If you're looking for a local favorite, Villa Capri is an excellent choice. You can find more about it at Villa Capri http://villa-capri.queenslandhotelmotel.com/en/.
So whether you're an avid hiker who wants to conquer the world's tallest natural 'pyramid' or a thrill-seeker who dares to get up close and personal with crocodiles, these 10 adventures in Cairns would be right up your alley. Don't forget your cameras as the views from these locations are a feast for the eyes.
If you're contemplating an option outside of Cairns or simply want to explore more places in Australia, tophotels.com provides a comprehensive list and reviews of premier Australian hotels guaranteed to match your wanderlust.
1. Canyoning in Behana Gorge
There's climbing, and then there's the opposite, which is called canyoning. For those unfamiliar with the activity, it involves descending a fast-flowing mountain stream using techniques such as abseiling and climbing among many others.
One of the gorges you can climb in Cairns is the Behana Gorgeand the benefits of Canyoning in Cairns will ensure you do it in one piece. Each trip will see you abseiling at least twice, making rock jumps up to 12m long and entering deep pools - although these are weather dependent.
Each booking will include a return shuttle bus journey and safety equipment such as helmets, harnesses and lifejackets
Prices: AUD 189/person (S$187) [8 years old and above only].
2. Take a hot air balloon ride over the Atherton Plateaux
We can't yet flap our wings like birds to fly, so the best way to see Mother Nature's beauty from the sky is on a hot air balloon. Just south-west of Cairns is Atherton Tabletop where Hot Air Balloon Cairns take off from.
During your 40-minute hot air balloon ride, you'll have a front row seat to Mareeba's vast and lush landscape. Each ticket also includes a digital photography package to capture your journey amongst the clouds and a glass of sparkling wine or juice on reaching the ground.
Address: 345 Byrnes Street, Mareeba Heritage Centre, Mareeba 4880
Prices: Ticket prices from AUD 299/adult (S$296) and AUD 259/child ($256).
Hot Air Balloon Cairns website
3. Discover secret islands to feel like a castaway
You're not limited to holidaying solely on the Australian mainland on your trip to Cairns, especially as the region is packed with secret islands off the beaten track. Those with a day to spare can head to Fitzroy Island. There is a day ferry to the island which offers snorkelling options so you can make the most of your time in the crystal clear waters.
Once you've disembarked the ferry, there's plenty to do on and off the shores of Fitzroy Island. Those who like to be on solid ground can walk one of the 4 walking trails the island has to offer; the shortest is a 25-minute trek while the longest is a 3-hour round trip for hikers with tons of stamina.
You can also swim and dive around Nudey Beach see the fringing coral reefs. Just a few metres from the beach, it's easy enough for beginner swimmers and even children to discover part of the Great Barrier Reef.
Fitzroy Island Adventures Ferry
Address: Cairns City, Reef Fleet Terminal, Queensland 4870
Prices: AUD85/adult (S$85) & AUD56/child (S$56)
4. Ride the rivers of the rainforest
If you've only ever ridden on a sampan on the Singapore River, this is your chance to step out of your comfort zone and go river tubing in Cairns. The Behana Gorge and Mulgrave River are both natural rainforest rivers and you can soak up all the scenery from a tube.
There's no need to worry, as this is a scenic ride accessible to everyone from 5 to 70, not one of those fast-paced water park rides that will drench you from head to toe. 2 slots are available daily: 7.45am-12pm and 1.45pm-6pm.
Prices:
Adults: AUD95/person (S$94)
Children: AUD 75/person (S$ 74)
Family (2 adults and 2 children) : 330 AUD (326 S$)
5. If you dare, spot crocodiles on a wildlife cruise
The bold and brave who have no qualms about Australia's reputation for spooky critters can head 40 minutes north of Cairns to The Adventures of Hartley's Crocodile. Their daily lagoon cruises are your best chance to come face-to-face with the reptiles with just one pane of glass protecting you from their jaws.
Other activities you can take part in in the park include a visit to the farm, feeding the crocodiles and observing their signature. Crocodile attack show.
Address: Captain Cook Highway, Lot 4014, Wangetti 4877
Opening times: 8.30am-5pm, daily
Admission:
Adults: AUD 43/person (S$ 42)
Children (aged 4-15) : 21.50 AUD (21.30 S$)
Family (2 adults and 2 children) : 107.50 AUD (106.50 S$)
6. Parachute to the Great Barrier Reef from 15,000 feet in the air
For those who think hot air ballooning isn't enough, they can choose to go even higher and skydive over Cairns to get their kicks instead. Skydiving Cairns has experienced instructors who will take you tandem skydiving, so even those who are only a a bit nervous shouldn't sweat too much.
There are two freefall heights to choose from: 7,500 feet and 15,000 feetYou'll fly high as a bird until you're at around 4,000 feet, which is usually when the parachute cord is pulled. And while most skydiving adventures will take between 3 and 4 hours, unexpected weather conditions can make it an all-day affair. Don't pack too much into your day if you opt for this.
Prices: From AUD 219 (S$ 216) for a tandem skydive.
7. Swing at 120 km/h at AJ Hackett's Skypark Cairns
AJ Hackett is known for his adrenaline-pumping rides and his fans Sentosa Outpost will be pleased to know they have a Skypark in Cairns too. The humble playground swing we all know and love has been transformed into a giant swing that goes from 0-120km/h in just 3.5 seconds. Wooosh.
Of course, thrill-seekers can also get their hearts racing by bungee jumping from Australia's only bungee jump, which is 50m from the ground here. It's a slightly bigger than the 47m high jump at Sentosa. They even have a board that daredevils can walk on to recreate their best pirate fantasies.
PS Skypark is an all-weather attraction that will get your heart racing come rain or shine.
Address: End of McGregor Road, Smithfield 4878
Opening times: 10am-3pm, daily
Prices:
Bungee jumping : AUD 139/person (S$137)
Giant swing : AUD99/person (S$98)
Walk the plank: AUD49/person (S$48.50)
Skypark Cairns website by AJ Hackett
8. Travel deep into a rainforest on a scenic rail ride
After all that action, one way to unwind is to hop on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. The 34km train journey winds through the wet tropics, World Heritage-listed rainforest of Far North Queensland, and passengers will pass spectacular waterfalls and vast gorges on the way to the village of Kuranda.
Those who want to count can also look out for the 55 bridges and 15 tunnels that the train will cross in 1 hour and 25 minutes. This definitely belongs to the top few things to do in the country.
Prices:
One-way: AUD 50/adult (S$49), AUD 25/child (S$24), AUD 125/family of four (S$123)
Return: AUD 76/adult (S$ 75), AUD 38/child (S$ 37), AUD 190/family of four (S$ 188)
One-way: AUD99/adult (S$98), AUD74/child (S$73), AUD321/family of four ($317)
Return: AUD174/adult (S$172), AUD136/child (S$134), AUD582/family of four (S$576)
Departure times:
From Cairns : 8.30am & 9.30am
From Kuranda : 2pm & 3.30pm
9. Climb the highest natural "pyramid" in the world
We often associate pyramids with the man-made ones in Egypt. But a 30-minute jaunt from Cairns is Walsh Pyramidthe world's tallest free-standing natural pyramid at 922m high. Those with stamina can attempt the 6.2km hike to its summit with a round trip averaging around 4-6 hours.
Once you reach the top, you can expect picturesque 360-degree views of the surrounding area, including sugar cane fields. Some hikers who have made the climb have also said that the hardest part was the drive up, so we wouldn't worry too much about that. Just make sure you bring plenty of water and watch out for wet weather - you don't want to slip on the rocks!
How to get there: Drive south from Cairns to Gordonvale along the Bruce Highway A1. Head towards the Mulgrave River Bridge (Desmond Trannore Bridge) and after a few hundred metres turn right into Moss Road and follow the road to the car park on your left.
10. Snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef
With over 3,000 reef systems visible from space, it's no surprise that the Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world. Those wishing to see the reefs up close can book a tour with Ocean Safari.
You'll start the day with a thrilling 25-minute speedboat ride to the Daintree Coast at Cape Tribulation before settling in at Mackay and Undine Reefs. From here you can snorkel for snorkel for 2 hours alongside sea turtles, eagle rays and a variety of colourful tropical fish. Indoor aquariums never could.
All snorkelling equipment will be provided, and if you're staying in Cape Tribulation, you can also request free bus transfers to the pick-up point.
Prices:
Adults: 163 AUD (S$161)
Children: 104 AUD (103 S$)
Family: 485 AUD (480 S$)
Visit Cairns for an Australian adventure
While most people know Cairns as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, there's so much more to do in the city even when you're on solid ground. Travellers can take part in a wide variety of adventurous things to do, from skydiving to canyoning and even coming face to face with a crocodile. These activities can make hiking the Green Corridor feel like a walk in the park.
With the resumption of travel on Australia VTLit's easy enough to make a getaway Down Under, especially as Singapore Airlines starts direct flights to Cairns from 28th March Starting from. And once you've booked your seats and hotels, don't forget to pack sportswear, your favourite sunglasses and a trusty pair of hiking boots.