Your Ultimate Cairns Bucket List Guide

Continue reading for each of the top Aussie Bucket List experiences and destinations that you must see and do when travelling to Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia. The best thing about this list of things to do, is that the majority of them are free!

ABOUT DESTINATION

Image credit: Fitzroy Island Resort

Cairns is located in the far north of Queensland, Australia and is top of many Aussie Bucket List's, and for good reason. Whether your ideal holiday consists of adventurous activities, relaxation or family time, there really is something for all to enjoy. With the spectacular ancient tropical Daintree Rainforest to the west and the Great Barrier Reef lining the entire Cairns coast, this is one Aussie city worth visiting.

LOCATION

Cairns is located right toward the top of the east coast of Australia in Far North Queensland. Approximately 3 hours flight from Sydney, and 2 hours flight from Brisbane.

CLIMATE

Cairns has a tropical climate, with two distinct seasons, wet season and dry season. 

Dry season - May to October with an average daily temperature of 26.2 degrees Celsius (73.4F).

Wet season - November to April with an average daily temperature of 31.7 degrees Celsius (86F).

HOW TO GET HERE

Cairns has both a domestic and an international airport. Cairns domestic airport has daily flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with Australia's top airlines including Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar.

TOP Aussie BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCES

1 - Josephine Falls

Image credit: Tourism and Event Queensland

Josephine Falls is a scenic waterfall fed by rains falling on Queensland’s highest peak, Bartle Frere, which looms above this popular picnic area in Wooroonooran National Park. Josephine Creek starts as a gentle trickle high on the south-east side of the summit of Bartle Frere. By the time it has travelled the 7.5 kilometres to the smooth granite boulders of Josephine Falls, it is a thundering torrent that will take your breath away.

Enjoy the 1.2 kilometre return walk through lush, world heritage-listed rainforest to viewing decks over the picturesque falls. Stay clear of the restricted access area as serious injuries and deaths have occurred here. Penalties apply. Water conditions can be unpredictable and hazardous. Obey all safety signs and only swim in the designated area.

Add Josephine Falls to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

2 - Nudey Beach

Image credit: Fitzroy Island Resort

Nudey Beach is a must-see Aussie Bucket List destination located on Fitzroy Island, off the coast of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. Fitzroy Island is popular for day trips due to its proximity to the coast. Fitzroy Island is a national park island with a small portion occupied by Fitzroy Island Resort. Fitzroy Island has a steep mountain and two main walking trails that lead to beautiful lookouts. The island is nestled in amongst the Great Barrier Reef, surrounded by coral and rich colourful marine life and is covered in tropical rainforest, of which 95% is listed as a protected National Park.

Sheoak, Indian Beech, Native Nutmeg, Tamarinds and Turpentine as well as native orchids are just a few examples of the exotic flora you'll find on bushwalks through the island. Try the Secret Garden Walk for a short walk amongst the rainforest, or the Lighthouse and Summit Trail for a steep walk to the lighthouse for expansive views out to Little Fitzroy Island. Fitzroy is almost completely surrounded by coral reef, making it an excellent place for snorkeling. The most popular spot is Nudey Beach, which is only about one kilometre from the resort.

See HERE for further information and to add Nudey Beach to your Aussie Bucket List.

3 - Murray Falls

Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Murray Falls is an Aussie Bucket List natural attraction located virtually half way between Cairns and Townsville in Far North Queensland. Murray Falls, within Girramay National Park, is one of north Queensland’s prettiest waterfalls, with large volumes of water racing over naturally sculpted granite boulders.

Rainforested mountains and tropical lowlands meet in the attractive foothills of the Kirrama Range. The clear waters of the Murray River cascade over boulders into rock pools in this picturesque spot, within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

Enjoy a picnic in the grassy and shaded day-use area by the river. Stroll along the boardwalk to a viewing platform near the falls.

For the more adventurous, take moderately graded 1.8 kilometre return walk through a cool rainforest gully, and then up into open forest and spectacular views over the falls and Murray Valley. Look for wallabies, possums and a variety of reptiles. Bring binoculars and watch for many colourful birds.

Enjoy colourful wildflower displays in spring. Access the river from the day-use area but take care as the water is often fast flowing and the rocks slippery, however access to the river upstream of the day-use area is not permitted. Slippery rocks make it dangerous and serious injuries have occurred.

See HERE for further information and to add Murray Falls to your Aussie Bucket List.

4 - Crystal Cascades

Image credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Crystal Cascades is a series of water holes and waterfalls in a section of Freshwater Creek only a short 20 minute drive from Cairns Central Business District. Shaded by rainforest canopy and surrounded by impressive granite boulders, the pools stay cool throughout the year even in the warmer months. There's a short 1.5 kilometre paved trail that leads to several swimming holes culminating at a waterfall at the end of the track.

There is also a barbecue and picnic area with toilet facilities, all maintained by Cairns Regional Council. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, both in the water and on the banks. Most animals will steer clear of visitors, but the goannas might snatch food if they get the chance. Warning: There may be hidden submerged rocks in nearby pools – obey the signs and warnings.

See HERE for further information and to add Crystal Cascades to your Aussie Bucket List.

5 - Zillie Falls

Image credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Zillie Falls are spectacular falls located on the Waterfalls Circuit with Millaa Millaa and Ellinjaa Falls. There is a lovely viewing platform at the base of the falls where you can enjoy a view of the cascading water and rapids.

It's a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic lunch or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. A colony of Flying Foxes are often spotted near the car park, so keep your eyes out!

See HERE for further information and to add Zillie Falls to your Aussie Bucket List.

6 - Windin Falls

Image credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Located in Wooroonooran National Park, Windin Falls boasts unparalleled views over the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Accessible via the Old Cairns Track, the falls is an approximate 90 minute hike each way. Exercise extreme caution and stay back from the edges. There is a natural infinity pool at the top of the falls that drops deep into the valley below.

The track can be quite muddy at times.

See HERE for further information and to add Windin Falls to your Aussie Bucket List.

7 - Walshs Pyramid

Image credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Located at the northern end of Wooroonooran National Park and 25 kilometres south of Cairns, Walshs Pyramid is a granite core left standing in the form of a pointed hill.

The track up Walshs Pyramid is steep and rocky, with stunted vegetation that offers no shade. Although a difficult track, walkers who make it to the summit are rewarded with stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding ranges and local landscape.

The track is 6 kilometres return and you should allow five to six hours to complete the walk. It is recommended that walkers take plenty of water, wear sunscreen and a hat, and start the walk in the morning to be sure of returning before it gets dark.

See HERE for further information and to add Walshs Pyramid to your Aussie Bucket List.

8 - Vlassof Cay

Image credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Vlasoff Cay is a Tropical North Queensland bucket-list attraction just north of Green Island. It is a picturesque sand bar on Vlasoff Reef, an outer reef of the Great Barrier Reef. Day tours by boat operate regularly. These include diving and snorkeling opportunities because this area makes for one beautiful dive site.

Heli tours also fly to and land on the white sandy cay. These tours are also catered with lunch for your private enjoyment.

See HERE for further information and to add Vlassof Cay to your Aussie Bucket List.

9 - Tully Gorge Lookout

Image credit: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services

The Tully River plunges down the Cardwell Range, through a densely forested gorge. Part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Tully Gorge National Park offers camping, picnicking in pleasant surroundings, challenging hikes and spectacular views. You can explore both sections of the park from a variety of locations.

In the Tableland section, watch as the Tully River plunges into the deep gorge from the Tully Gorge lookout, and follow the River walk to the river above the falls (and below the dam wall). On the coast in the Tully section of the park, near Tully, set up camp in of the two camping areas and explore the surrounding area. Tackle the challenging track to the 678m summit of Mount Tyson for amazing views along the coast, or take a leisurely stroll along the Butterfly walk (best between September and February). Relax and enjoy a picnic at Alligators Nest and Tully Gorge day-use areas, and throw a line in the river to try your luck.

See HERE for further information and to add Tully Gorge Lookout to your Aussie Bucket List.

10 - Spring Creek Falls

Image credit: Tropical Tablelands Tourism

Hidden away in the secluded Mowbray Valley, Spring Creek Falls is a popular swimming spot amongst the locals. At the end of Spring Creek Road lies the beginning of the walk to the falls. With no specific path, simply follow the creek along to the falls – there’s plenty of small waterholes and waterfalls along the way. Exercise caution on the uneven and rocky ground on your way up. Once arrived, relax and enjoy a swim in the deep rock pools.

Be sure to bring plenty of water and some food up with you as the trek is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours each way.

See HERE for further information and to add Spring Creek Falls to your Aussie Bucket List.

11 - Ponytail Falls

Image credit: Tropical Tablelands Tourism

Located in the tropical Far North Queenslandrainforest along the Tully River, Ponytail Falls is the perfect place to spend those hot, humid days. There’s two ways to reach Ponytail Falls – drive or raft. By car, follow the river downstream from Cardstone Weir and look out for the number 11 painted on the road. For a more adrenaline-pumping mode of transport, try white-water rafting and admire the falls from the embankment overlooking the falls.

See HERE for further information and to add Ponytail Falls to your Aussie Bucket List.

12 - Pepina Falls

Image credit: Tropical Tablelands Tourism

The picturesque Pepina Falls are best to view at the end of the wet season. The wet season, sometimes known as the green season, runs from January to the end of April most years.

Located in a little seen area off the Old Palmerston Highway (the scenic route between Millaa Millaa and Ravenshoe) on Maalan Road. The little 'Pepina Falls' sign by the Middlebrook Creek bridge is easy to miss!

See HERE for further information and to add Pepina Falls to your Aussie Bucket List.

13 - Nandroya Falls

Image credit: Tropical Tablelands Tourism

The Nandroya Falls Circuit is part of a network of walking trails in the Palmerston section of Wooroonooran National Park, in Far North Queensland. Beginning at the Henrietta Creek campground, the trail to the falls runs about 6.6 kilometres, winding approximately 700 metres into the rainforest before forking to form a circuit. The right-hand fork is about two kilometres longer to reach Nandroya Falls offering scenic views, small rock pools, smaller waterfalls and rapid streams along the way.

The two routes meet just below the picturesque falls, the perfect place to relax and swim and enjoy the Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest before the return journey.

See HERE for further information and to add Nandroya Falls to your Aussie Bucket List.

14 - Millstream Falls

Image credit: Karl Seelig ©Tourism and Events Queensland

Plunging over the edge of a columnar basalt lava flow, Big Millstream Falls is reputedly the widest single-drop waterfall in Australia. A walking track leads to a viewing area over the falls. Here, in the rain shadow of the Great Dividing Range, the dry, open woodland vegetation is dominated by eucalyptus trees.

A separate entrance to the park leads to Little Millstream Falls. View these beautiful falls from just near the car park or take the steep and narrow track to their base.

The park has a rich World War II history. Step back in time to the early 1940s, when the Tablelands were dotted with training areas for up to 100,000 Australian troops. You can follow the World War II heritage walk and see the remains of the camp sites that were constructed for the Battalions of the 7th and 9th Divisions between 1943 and 1945. See the remains of tent sites, corduroy roads, training and parade grounds, trenches and other reminders of the time spent here.

See HERE for further information and to add Millstream Falls to your Aussie Bucket List.

16 - Millaa Millaa Falls

Image credit: Tropical Tablelands Tourism

The spectacular Millaa Millaa Falls are surrounded by lush rainforest located on the Waterfalls Circuit, along with Zillie and Ellinjaa Falls. The falls cascade perfectly to a pristine waterhole below where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool water. There's also a lovely grassy picnic area for you to relax. Millaa Millaa Falls are one of the most photographed in all of Australia, so make sure you bring your camera. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a platypus!

See HERE for further information and to add Millaa Millaa Falls to your Aussie Bucket List.

17 - Green Island

Image credit: Tropical Tourism North Queensland

This small rainforest-clad coral cay is surrounded by coral reefs and is one of the Great Barrier Reef's most popular destinations. A true coral cay, it was formed over thousands of years by the build-up of sand and coral rubble deposited on the calm side of a platform reef. Tropical vine forest covers the island. Palm-fringed sandy beaches slope gently to the clear, blue-green waters of the surrounding reef, which is within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Stroll around the island's boardwalks to explore the rainforest and birdlife and find out about the island's colourful history. Walk around the island's beaches to view seabirds and enjoy views over the reef. Relax on the beach and listen to the birds in the forest behind you. Take a break from the beach and picnic on tables placed in the cool shade of the forest. Swim or snorkel or paddle a kayak in the clear reef waters. Go for a ride in a glass-bottomed boat or join a guided nature walk. Also, be sure to visit the Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat.

See HERE for further information and to add Green Island to your Aussie Bucket List.

18 - Fitzroy Island

Image credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Fitzroy Island National Park is rugged with diverse landscapes featuring granite outcrops, open woodlands, rainforest, mangroves and coral beaches. This island national park, close to Cairns on the mainland, and its surrounding waters form part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Fitzroy Island, named by Lieutenant James Cook, has an interesting history as a quarantine station for the Palmer River Goldfields in the late 1800s, and later as part of an Aboriginal mission growing fruit and vegetables.

Explore the rainforested Secret Garden track (one kilometre return) or walk to Nudey Beach (1.2 kilometres return) to relax in the shade, swim and snorkel. Tackle the 3.6 kilometre return Lighthouse track to the lighthouse, which offers spectacular views of the ocean and, in winter, migrating humpback whales. Look for birds such as rose-crowned fruit-doves and metallic starlings and large goannas. Challenge yourself on the 3.6 kilometre return boulder-strewn Summit track which climbs through woodland to the island's summit (269 metres) where slabs of granite and windswept casuarina trees frame magnificent views over the island, surrounding reefs and mainland.

Stay overnight in the resort's camping area or unit accommodation.

See HERE for further information and to add Fitzroy Island to your Aussie Bucket List.

19 - Fairy Falls

Image credit: Tropical Tourism North Queensland

Fairy Falls is a picturesque waterfall, found tucked away in the dense rainforest close to Crystal Cascades. The track begins just to the left of Crystal Cascades car park. Follow the path along for approximately 15 minutes. When the track forks, be sure to stick to the creek and don’t head uphill. Keep a look out for stinging plants that are found along the track, there are warning signs in place to help identify these plants.

See HERE for further information and to add Fairy Falls to your Aussie Bucket List.

20 - Emerald Creek Falls

Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

The picturesque Emerald Creek Falls forms a series of cascades over smooth granite boulders and contrasts starkly with the surrounding dry, rocky landscape of the forest. Emerald Creek rushes out of the rainforest-clad heights of the Lamb Range and down into open eucalypt woodland. Here the waters of the creek tumble over granite boulders, forming the picturesque falls that plunge into placid pools. Bottlebrush trees sprout from between the rocks, their red flowers giving a splash of colour to the scene in season. Smooth-barked water gums lean over the creek, the trunks of some interestingly twisted by the battering of floodwaters.

Picnic in the day-use area and cool down in the nearby creek. Follow the moderate 1.9 kilometre track to a lookout over the falls with scenic views, not only of the falls, but also back along the valley and across the northern Atherton Tableland. Near the creek, look for dragonflies and damselflies. You may even see the giant petalurid dragonfly, the largest dragonfly in Australia.

Stay on the track and behind safety fences at all times.

See HERE for further information and to add Emerald Creek Falls to your Aussie Bucket List.

21 - Ellinjaa Falls

Image credit: Tropical Tablelands Tourism

Ellinjaa Falls are picturesque falls that are part of the Waterfalls Circuit along with Millaa Millaa and Zillie Falls. Enjoy the sound of the water rushing over a series of lava columns as you have a picnic lunch. There's a 200 metre walkway to the base of the falls where turtles and platypus are often spotted. The falls are a great spot for swimming. There's also a little ledge hidden behind the falls that you can sit on to take in the scenery.

See HERE for further information and to add Ellinjaa Falls to your Aussie Bucket List.

22 - Dinner Falls

Image credit: Tropical Tourism North Queensland

Dinner Falls is a circuit located on a section of the upper Barron River. The circuit contains sections of plunge, segmented and cascading falls, with a picnic area for visitors. The path to Dinner Falls adjoins the walk to the crater at Mount Hypipamee National Park. There is a 400 metre bitumen walking track through the rainforest that leads to a viewing platform above the crater. There is also a viewing area for Dinner Falls located further upstream along the river.

See HERE for further information and to add Dinner Falls to your Aussie Bucket List.

23 - Davies Creek Falls

Image credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Davies Creek Falls, a magnificent waterfall cascading over huge granite boulders; the impressive Clohesy River fig tree; pleasant camping and purpose-built mountain bike trails are features of these national parks. Dinden National Park straddles the Lamb Range, the string of mountains behind Cairns. Rainforest cloaks the wetter eastern side of the range while eucalypt woodland covers the drier rain-shadowed western slopes. Davies Creek National Park is adjacent to Dinden on the western side of the range.

Stay at Davies Creek or Dinden camping areas and enjoy one of the many walks ranging from 1.1 kilometres return to the more strenuous 12.3 kilometre Kahlpahlim Rock circuit. Relax on the sun-warmed water-sculpted rocks beside Davies Creek or refresh with a dip in the cool clear waters of the creek. Enjoy the scenic drive along Clohesy River Road to visit the Clohesy River Fig and marvel at this magnificent tree on the 300 metre return boardwalk.

Access is only by four-wheel-drive vehicles and the creek crossings may be impassable after rain. Take a scenic 33 kilometre return drive along Clohesy River Road to explore Shoteel Creek and Clohesy River valleys.

See HERE for further information and to add Davies Creek Falls to your Aussie Bucket List.

24 - Chillagoe-Mungana Caves

Image credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Featuring spectacular limestone caves, small galleries of Aboriginal rock art, jagged limestone outcrops and an historically significant mining site, this park is rich in natural and cultural heritage. The Chillagoe landscape began to form about 400 million years ago, when the area was covered by a shallow sea. Today that limestone towers over the surrounding plains as outcrops while underground, caves and caverns created by dissolving of the limestone are decorated by stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones.

Join a ranger on a guided cave tour to view splendid limestone formations. Ranger-guided tours to Donna, Trezkinn and Royal Arch caves operate daily, except Christmas Day. If you are adventurous and well-prepared you can explore other caves and Aboriginal art sites on your own. Walk the nine kilometre return track to Royal Arch bluff or the short 440 metre return track to Balancing Rock. Visit the viewing area at the Chillagoe Smelters and learn about the State's mining and industrial heritage dating back to the 1890s.

Located about 215km, or 3hr drive, west of Cairns in North Queensland.

See HERE for further information and to add Chillagoe-Mungana Caves to your Aussie Bucket List.

25 - Behana Gorge (Clamshell Falls)

Image credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Behana Gorge lies just a 30 minute drive south of Cairns. Part of the Cairns Regional Council catchment, Behana Gorge supplies Cairns with fresh water from the rainforest. With pristine swimming holes, breathtaking views and stunning waterfalls that flow into a deep granite gorge, Behana is a spectacular sight all year round.

It’s about a 45 minute walk along a sealed road running parallel to the creek to arrive at your final destination, Clamshell falls. Here you will find a beautiful waterfall with a cool swimming hole at its base. There are no facilities so bring water, snacks and sunscreen. It’s best to walk early morning or late afternoon when the sun isn’t as harsh.

See HERE for further information and to add Behana Gorge to your Aussie Bucket List.

26 - Barron Falls Lookout Track

Image credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

This walk is in the upper section of Barron Gorge National Park, accessed via Kuranda. Explore this elevated, wheelchair-accessible walkway, suspended high above the forest floor, as it winds through lush rainforest and open eucalypt forest canopy to Din Din Barron Falls lookouts. Find out about the nature and culture of Barron Falls and the gorge area from wayside signs. When you reach the lookout, enjoy views over the gorge and scenic Barron Falls.

In the wet months, you will be enveloped in a cloud of mist as the falls thunder spectacularly down the gorge. In drier times, enjoy the scenic falls as they tumble endlessly over water-sculpted rocks of the narrow gorge walls. Watch the gondolas on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway glide above the far-side of the gorge and, twice each day, watch the Kuranda Scenic Railway tourist train pull into the platform below the lookout.

Take care near the railway line. Toilets are located in the car park.

See HERE for further information and to add Barron Falls Lookout Track to your Aussie Bucket List.

27 - Babinda Boulders

Image credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Located in Wooroonooran National Park in the Goldsborough Valley, Kearneys Falls is part of a cascading tributary of the Mulgrave River. The Wajil Walk to Kearneys Falls begins at the Goldsborough Valley campground, winding through the towering rainforest until finally reaching a viewing platform at the base of the falls. Interpretive signage in the area will teach you about the local traditional Owners and their connection to the rainforest and wildlife.

Attractions of Goldsborough Valley include camping, fishing, rafting, swimming and walking tracks.

See HERE for further information and to add Babinda Boulders to your Aussie Bucket List.

28 - Great Barrier Reef

Image credit: Tourism Australia

Said to be the world's largest living structure and the only one visible from outer space, the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. The Great Barrier Reef stretches over 2,000 kilometres and is home to tens of thousands of species of brilliantly coloured fish, coral and other marine life including whales, dolphins and turtles. If diving is your passion, then this is your paradise.

The Great Barrier Reef is a divers Mecca, and the Whitsundays has companies catering for every skill level from student to novice to dive master. If snorkelling is more your style, then the warm shallow waters of the Great Barrier Reef in the Whitsundays provide some of the most colourful fish and coral formations anywhere in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. There are ample opportunities for beginner divers, inexperienced and experienced divers to experience the wonders of the underwater world in the Whitsundays.

The Whitsundays is recognised as having some of the best fishing in Queensland. Charter vessels operating out of Shute Harbour, Airlie Beach and the resort islands offer a variety of trips to the rich waters of the outer Great Barrier Reef.

See HERE for further information and to add the Great Barrier Reef to your Aussie Bucket List.

ACCOMMODATION

Find your dream accommodation on Hotels.com

We hope that you are able to tick many of these must-see Cairns and Far North Queensland experiences off your Aussie Bucket List soon! 

Written by Samantha Raine - Aussie Bucket List Founder & Travel Writer

Affiliate Disclosure: The link for accommodation options are with our affiliate Hotels.com and tour bookings are through our affiliate Viator (a Trip Adviser company) and Rezdy. Please note that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase (which we are very grateful for). This helps us to continue to write helpful blogs and create useful resources for our Aussie Bucket List community.

Please visit this page HERE for further information on our copyright and disclaimer guidelines.