The Great Barrier Reef

One of the 7 Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef lies just off the coast of Cairns. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a network of 900 dreamy tropical islands and 2900 reefs. Together they make up the world's biggest coral reef system and one of the globe's best diving locations.

Diving, snorkelling or looking through the transparent floor of a semi submersible, glass-bottomed boat, you'll uncover 1625 species of beautiful fish in just about every vivid colour combination possible. Amongst the waters there are also 30 whale and dolphin species, 134 species of sharks and rays, 7 species of endangered turtles, 30 marine mammals and more. Overhead, 23 species of seabird populate the sky.

Cruise through the Reef, weaving amongst the isles, with essential stop-offs at the Whitsunday Islands and Michaelmas Cay, two of the Reef's most popular tropical islands.

For romance in spades, fly over the infamous heart-shaped reef as you pop the question – a photo guaranteed to set your Instagram alight on your return. For divers, the Agincourt Reef is your place of pilgrimage with over 16 different dive sites making it a top location for world-class diving and snorkeling.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Enter the rainforest on the exhilarating Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for astonishing all-round views, including through the glass floor. Take the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway further into the Daintree or choose it for the start of your journey. Established in 1891, you'll wind through the rainforest, on a majestic expedition over mountains, past waterfalls, past Barron Gorge and on to Kuranda village in the midst of the rainforest.

Whichever route you take, you'll end up deep in the rainforest where you'll find the Rainforest Discovery Zone, Red Peak, Barron Falls, The Edge Lookout and the CSIRO Rainforest Interpretation Centre – a collection of fun ways for the whole family to enjoy uncovering more about the rainforest.

And that's just the beginning.

Pamagirri Experience

Alternatively, the award-winning Pamagirri Experience is an explosion of Indigenous culture, with traditional dance, boomerang throwing, digeridoo playing, bush walks and more, all taking place in the midst of the rainforest. For animal wildlife, the Koala and Wildlife Park lets you get up close and personal with koalas, wombats, cassowaries, dingoes, saltwater and freshwater crocodiles. There's also Birdworld, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and more.

Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout.

For a deep-dive into some of the ancient customs of local Indigenous people take the Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout. Learning about totems, body painting, rainforest survival, traditional shelters, implements and more, is a fascinating introduction to one of the oldest cultures in the world.

Other ways to enjoy the rainforest include: birdwatching, fishing, hiking trails, boat tours and watersports. There are also ancient caves to explore plus Mossman Gorge, waterfalls and all sorts of other excursions by local Kuku Yalanji people who have always called the Daintree Rainforest home.

For nocturnal animals, take a tour across Cape Tribulation, a magnificent junction of habitats where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.

The Atherton Tablelands

Completing the trilogy, Cairns' third gem is the Atherton Tablelands. This outback savannah is the source of much of Australia's tropical fruit and fresh produce. Here you'll find fertile farmland, wetlands, open savannah and untouched rainforest scattered with mountains, waterfalls, wildlife, volcanoes, ancient limestone caves, lakes, tiny villages and more.

Rainforest walks, cave exploration and the Waterfall Circuit are popular ways to explore the area. A hot air balloon ride is a phenomenal way to survey the region in its full glory whilst the Crystal Caves are an opportunity to see natural prehistoric crystals and fossils up close.

Curtain Fig Tree

Not to be missed is the jaw-dropping Curtain Fig Tree, thought to be over 500 years old and nearly 50m tall, it's one of the biggest trees in Australia.

Other attractions

Beyond its sensational landscapes, in the city itself there's lots to do. The Cairns Aquarium puts marine life from the Great Barrier Reef at your fingertips whilst the Cairns Zoo and Wildlife Dome makes animal fun for all ages easy. Cairns Botanic Gardens has activities for all ages and the Esplanade Lagoon is a saltwater pool surrounded by sandy beach to provide safe swimming for anyone.

The city is a hub of historic and contemporary creativity with lots of galleries and museums plus bars, oceanside restaurants, watersports and markets to keep you busy.