Epic Waterfalls, Wild Swimming & World Wonders - The Ultimate List of Sure-Fire Fun in Cairns

Cairns in Tropical North Queensland has long been touted as family-friendly and I wholeheartedly agree! The multitude of things to do in Cairns with kids is amazing and its proximity to two wonderful World Heritage-listed attracted in the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest make it an ideal base for getting out and exploring some of the best that Australia has to offer.

Swim in the Cairns Lagoon

The Cairns Lagoon is a winner for all ages. Situated on the foreshore in Cairns, the salt-water filtered lagoon provides safe swimming all year round. Younger kids can play in the shallow water and sand and all ages can enjoy splashing around under the fountains. There is plenty of grass to spread out on and the toilet and shower facilities are close by and excellent. Entry is free !

Cairns Lagoon

Credit: Jessica Palmer

Hit the Road and Visit the Northern Beaches

Although the beach in Cairns itself is … well, yuck … the Northern Beaches make up for it! Choose from Holloways Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Trinity Beach, Palm Cove, Kewarra Beach, Newell Beach, Ellis

Palm Cove

Credit - Jessica Palmer

Ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Scenic Railway to Kuranda

Ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway on a day trip to Kuranda and return via the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Alternatively, make the trip by rail and return by skyrail. Kuranda is known as the ”Village in the Rainforest” and there are plenty of things to do while you’re there. Check out the Rainforestation Nature Park, Tjupakai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Koala Gardens, Butterfly Sanctuary and have lunch at one of the cafes.

The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Credit - Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Spend a Day on Stunning Green Island

Only 45 minutes from Cairns, Green Island is an amazing day trip. Families can expect great snorkelling, shallow waters for the kids, rainforest walks and great facilities and restaurants.

Aerial view from the jetty at Green Island

Credit - Jemma Craig/Tourism & Events QLD

Enjoy Mossman Gorge and Visit the Mossman Gorge Centre

Located 80km north of Cairns in the southern part of the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park, Mossman Gorge is just stunning. This is a ”must do” when it comes to nature-based activities in Cairns with kids! Families can stroll the self-guided walks in the Daintree National Park at their own pace before relaxing around the edges of the Mossman River.

Climbing over the boulders at Mossman Gorge

Credit - Jessica Palmer

Shop for Gifts at the Cairns Night Market

Every night when the sun sets, the Cairns Night Market springs to life with over seventy retail outlets and plenty of yummy food options. ​The outlets range from bargain bracelets to authentic indigenous artwork to having your feet nibbled on by fish! Located opposite the Cairns Lagoon, the Cairns Night Market is a great stop to grab some last-minute gifts.

Cairns Night Market

Credit - Andrew Watson/Tourism & Events QLD

Swim and Picnic at Babinda Boulders

Located 65 km south of Cairns, Babinda Boulders is a great day out for a picnic and freshwater swim. The boulders are a popular swimming hole and are just perfect for beating the tropical heat. The creek is lined with massive boulders and the water is crystal clear, surrounded by lush rainforest.

Babinda Boulders

Credit - Tourism & Events QLD

Zipline Over a Crocodile at Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome

Located in Cairns city above the Reef Hotel Casino, The Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome features a challenging ropes course set in a wildlife park. Try out the ropes and a 15-metre power jump or zip line over Goliath the crocodile! Families can also cuddle a koala, watch the keepers feed Goliath and hold a snake. Kids need to be at least six years of age and at least 120cm tall to join in the Zoom activities.

Cairns Zoom & Wildlife Dome

Credit - Tourism & Events QLD

Visit the Daintree Discovery Centre

Located 120km north of Cairns, the Daintree Discovery Centre is a wonderful way for families to learn about and experience the world’s oldest rainforest. Kids will love the Jurassic Forest which features animated dinosaurs and megafauna that roamed the ancient rainforests of Australia.

Strolling the aerial walkway at the Daintree Discovery Centre

Credit - Jessica Palmer

Go Snorkelling on a Great Barrier Reef Tour With Great Adventures

Great Adventures will take you out to their stable reef activity platform where you can snorkel directly from the platform (gear supplied). There is also a semi-submersible coral viewing tour that departs regularly and an underwater observatory that's open throughout the day for coral and fish viewing. A hot and cold lunch is included and when you need a break from snorkelling, just relax on the sundeck and take in the views.

Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef

Credit - Tourism & Events QLD

Swim at Josephine Falls

Located 75km south of Cairns, Josephine Falls is a popular swimming hole for both locals and visitors. After a 1.2km walk to the viewing platform at the top of the waterfall, families can then backtrack to swim in the clear water, surrounded by rainforest with a cascading tiered waterfall in the background.

A swimming hole at Josephine Falls

Credit - Jessica Palmer

Skim Stones and Swim at Crystal Cascades

Only 20km from Cairns CBD, Crystal Cascades is a series of water holes and waterfalls in a section of Freshwater Creek. The swimming holes are surrounded by rainforest and large granite boulders and are accessible via a 1.5km paved walking path. Like most of the other freshwater swimming holes in Tropical North Queensland, the water is cool!

The Crystal Cascades

Credit - Jessica Palmer

Stroll the Cairns Esplanade

At some point during your visit to Cairns, you will find yourself strolling the Cairns Esplanade. It’s just lovely! Buzzing with activity, the esplanade is suitable for families with a wide, even footpath. Here is where you will find the Cairns Lagoon, playgrounds, exercise equipment, grassy areas and Muddy’s playground, a popular spot for families.

Cairns Esplanade

Credit - Jessica Palmer

Experience the Collision of Two UNESCO World Heritage Listed Sites

Cape Tribulation is particularly special as it’s where the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef collide, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites! Located 142km north of Cairns, visitors will find two interpretive walks in the Dubuji Boardwalk and the Madja Botanical Walk.

Myall Beach - Cape Tribulation

Credit - Jessica Palmer

Enjoy an Underwater World at The Cairns Aquarium

Families visiting the Cairns Aquarium will be guided through ten amazing North Queensland ecosystems as they follow the journey of a drop of rain as it descends from the Cairns mountain ranges into the rainforest, lagoons and finally into the Coral Sea. This aquarium is the only one in the world dedicated to the habitats of tropical North Queensland.

Cairns Aquarium

Credit - Tourism & Events QLD

Go on an Adventure With Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

Located 40km north of Cairns, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is the best place to see crocodiles and local wildlife in Far North Queensland. The best part? A crocodile spotting boat cruise is included as part of the admission fee! It’s not all about the crocodiles though. There are koalas, kangaroos, wombats, colourful snakes and lizards, cassowaries, a komodo dragon and much more.

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures

Credit - Tourism & Events QLD

Discover the Living History of Australia’s Indigenous People

Located only 15km from Cairns, a visit to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park will provide families with an insight into the traditional way of life as told by the Aboriginal people. Listen to their stories of earth’s creation that have been passed down through the generations and watch the music and dance performances. Learn how to play the didgeridoo, throw a spear and even catch a boomerang! This is a great way for kids to learn about and experience the local Aboriginal culture.

Tjapukai Creation Story

Credit - Adam Bruzzone

WHERE TO STAY IN CAIRNS

Budget-conscious families will love the Cairns Central YHA. The YHA allows you to self-cater in a shared kitchen and enjoy a family room with en-suite and free WiFi.

Five-Star families will love Riley a Crystalbrook Collection, which has a great location close by to the Cairns Lagoon.