10 TOP Things to Do in Cairns August 2026

A coastal promenade with a pebbly beach, palm trees, and modern buildings in the background.

A turquoise beach with large rocks and dense green foliage.

A beach with large rocks and clear turquoise water.

An aerial view of a small island surrounded by clear turquoise waters and coral reefs.

A beach lined with tall palm trees, a sandy shore, and a calm sea with distant mountains.

Things to do

Half-Day Green Island, Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Big Cat Green Island - Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise

£64

per adult

86% of travellers recommend

relaxing at the deck of a ship in Australia

Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour

£144

per adult

96% of travellers recommend

Combo image of attractions for activity in Cairns

Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail Tour

£77

per traveller

90% of travellers recommend

passengers aboard amphibious DUKW drive through jungles in Cairns

Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest

£18

per adult

80% of travellers recommend

Kuranda Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise

£16

per adult

Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets

£150

per adult

98% of travellers recommend

Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Agincourt Reef Cruise

£102

per traveller

94% of travellers recommend

Half-Day Kuranda Skyrail & Rail Tour

£114

per adult

82% of travellers recommend

All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef

£136

per adult

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What to do in Cairns

Stay near popular Cairns attractions

A large public swimming pool with people swimming and playing, surrounded by buildings and mountains in the background.

Cairns Esplanade

9.2/10 (7,071 reviews)

Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.

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