Cairns Travel Forum

Hows the going lads and lasses! Me(25) and my girlfriend(26) are going to be arriving in Cairns on January 25th and will be staying for 4-5 days. First time in that part of the world so looking for any tips on anything - "must see" things to do; nice restaurants; nightlife etc. Sorry that its so general but any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Hi and welcome to VT,

You could start reading the TravelGuide about Cairns on this website. I'm sure you will find '1000' ideas what to do and see:
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Australia_and_Oceania/Australia/State_of_Queensland/Cairns-1878548/TravelGuide-Cairns.html

happy travels
Jaap

Welcome to VT.
The best place to start is the Cairns pages right here on VT. Apart from general info there are many Tips detailing things to do, places to visit, restaurants, nightlife etc.

Hi, from Cairns:)

There are 2 things that I feel are a must do when you vist this area.
One being the reef, that is the OUTER reef trip and also the trip from Cairns to Cape Tribulation, via Mossman Gorge.
The first one ( reef trip) can be done with a number of companies, I always reccommend the Quicksilver outer reef experience. It's a great day out. They go out every day of the year, unless the weather is really bad:)
The second one, the trip from Cairns to Cape Trib is a great one to do yourself.Self drive, hire a car and do the day trip. Leave Cairns early, say around 6.30am, call into Port for breakfast( one hour drive) then head to Mossman Gorge, great place , beautiful. Here you can spend an or so walking under the rain forest canopy. The onto the Daintree river crossing...bardge...then onward and upward to Cape Tribulation...all raods are sealed.

The restaurants in Cairns are along the Esplanade as well as along the Marina area. This is easy to find, once you are here.
There are a number of night clubs, once you arrive here you will be able to check out these.
I think the Seafood Buffet at the Cairns International Hotel is VERY good value for money...62.50Aus per head and you can dine all night...really good.


I think the Botanical Gardens are great to visit....
Also an area called Crystal Cascades...thlils one needs a car to visit...not far out of Cairns, but no public transport.

A visit to the Northern Beaches is a nice way to spend a day...Palm Cove is one.

The Atherton Area is also a great thing to do...you can do this in a hire car or grab a day tour....self driving a better way to go...grab maps when you arrive. Heaps of tourist info places around.

NOW...I have not read any of the previous answers, but I bet a very low valued Aussie Dollar that someone has mentioned the weather!!!!
Yes, it's the wet season, which means it can be wet!!!It can rain....bucket loads, then the sun can come out and you will melt!!!:)
In Jan it can be wet two days fine one or the reverse.
You will not be able to swim anywhere at the beaches, you will have to swim between the stinger net area.99% of accommodation have pools where you can swim, or there is a fantastic swimming pool along the Esplanade.
When it rains it doesn't get cold, it just rains...lol

Also, if it is raining bucket loads, be very careful driving, all roads are sealed, but the water builds up quickly.
And yes, we can have cyclones at this time of year, but don't panic, we didn't have one last year, they don't come every year and if they do, you will find a pub or two to have a drink and let it pass:):)

Other than that, have a great time in Paradise....

Damn, I lost the bet!!!!Oh well the dollar ain't woth much anyway:) Unless you are coming from UK or America:)

Anne12 has pretty much nailed it but can I add the Atherton Tablelands is rally a must see in my view. There is fantastic scenery all through with mountains lakes and the magnificent Milaa Milaa falls. Do yourself a favour and go there.

Thanks for all the tips,especially the extensive rundown from Anne12. We will do our best to see and do as much as possible. And dont worry,we are well used to rain-we are from Ireland!

Thanks eggboy for the info on the Atherton Area. Sounds like a must see alright.