5 best things to do during your holiday in Cairns, Queensland
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If you are looking for a trip that will fulfil your tropical holiday needs without having to leave the country, look no further than Cairns.
Having access to two world heritage sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest is a major drawcard for many travellers.
The Tropical Far North Queensland city offers a long list of attractions to make your stay extra special. And when you book them through Escape Deals you can save an extra 5 per cent by using the code ILOVEESCAPE.
It's not the only place running fantastic deals on Cairns activities. Water babies can explore two outer reefs for the price of one on this Great Barrier Reef + Green Island 1 Day Tour Combo from Experience Oz.
As for your accommodation? Luxury Escapes has your back with 50 per cent off rooms at the award-winning The Reef House. This adults-only retreat is 25-minutes from Cairns but feels worlds away and offers 28 complimentary experiences to help you unwind - including sunrise yoga and a cocktail making masterclass. "The inclusions that you get as well are mind blowing, each and every day there was something on and something to get involved in," says one couple. "We had a faultless amazing stay here and can't wait to come back!!" says another.
Still stuck on what to do, see or go on your next trip to North Queensland - here are more of our favourites.
BEST THRILL-SEEKING ACTIVITY IN CAIRNS
Giant Swing Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett, Escape Deals, $95
Those that are looking for a bit of extra excitement with their holiday you can’t go past the giant jungle swing at Skypark Cairns.
Situated just 20 minutes north of Cairns City in the heart of the World Heritage Rainforest is the only multi-person giant swing in Australia.
The swing can reach speeds of up to 120km/h in just 3.5 seconds and can accommodate up to three people at a time.
Afterwards you can relax with a drink and bite to eat or take a walk up to the top of Cairns’ highest viewing platform and take in all the spectacular sights the region has to offer.
BEST DAY TRIP TO THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour from Cairns, Klook, from $249
Would it really be a trip to Cairns without heading out to the Great Barrier Reef?
Whether you are a first time snorkeller or experienced diver getting out and seeing first-hand the beauty of the reef is an experienced that can’t be matched.
This tour allows you to enjoy five hours on the outer Great Barrier Reef while also exploring two exclusive reef sites.
All equipment and tuition is included on the tour to suit whatever your snorkelling or diving skill level might be.
The tour also offers a delicious barbecue lunch to have on the boat after you are done in the water.
On your journey back to land you can enjoy a free glass of wine, cheese, fruit platter and live music.
BEST WAY TO SEE THE REEF FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
30 Minute Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight, RedBalloon, $399
If you would prefer to take in the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from the air then this experience is for you.
It is hard to comprehend the sheer size of the reef until you look down upon it for yourself.
Departing from Cairns, this half an hour scenic flight will see you soar over iconic sights such as Arlington Reef, Vlasoff Cay and Green Island.
If you are lucky you might even be able to spot some of the region’s diverse marine life, such as manta rays, green turtles, dugongs, sharks and if in season, whales.
BEST WAY TO EXPLORE THE REGION’S UNIQUE TERRAIN
This tour is perfect for travellers who really want to immerse themselves in all Tropical North Queensland has to offer.
Driving away from the reef, this two-day tour other travellers take you from Cairns through the dense rainforest and into arid outback terrain.
On day one, you'll sail down the Daintree River, walk down quiet beachfronts and drive over the Alexandra Range before popping into Mossman Gorge for a dip in its freshwaters.
On day two you'll set your sights on the outback. Start your day with a fresh cup at Skybury Coffee Plantation then be regaled by Dreamtime Stories enroute to the Chillagoe Caves where ancient limestone hides ancient fossils. It's a trip you won't soon forget.
BEST TOUR TO GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THE WILDLIFE
Kuranda & Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure, Wotif, $262
If you want to see more of Cairns’ spectacular wildlife then look no further than this unique day tour in Kuranda, a mountain village just outside of Cairns.
The full-day excursion offers pick up from most Cairns hotels and will take you on board the Kuranda Scenic Railway for an amazing journey through hand-hewn tunnels and over bridges that span spectacular gorges.
When you arrive in Kuranda you will be able to avoid the lines at the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway where you will feast your eyes on spectacular views of the rainforest canopy.
Later you will board the coach to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, where you can see the crocodiles who make Tropical North Queensland their home.
Here you can also experience park highlights like the Wetlands Cruise, Crocodile Attack Show, and Snake Show before your return transfer departs for Cairns.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO CAIRNS?
Cairns’ dry season starts in April and runs through to October, which is the period most people will want to visit due to the pleasant weather conditions.
If you are looking for a balance between affordable accommodation, warm dry weather and less crowds then April to September is an ideal time to visit Tropical North Queensland.
WHAT IS CAIRNS FAMOUS FOR?
The city in Tropical Far North Queensland has grown in popularity given its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest – the oldest rainforest in the world.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE 'MUST SEE' SPOTS IN CAIRNS?
Having two world heritage listed sites in such close proximity to each other offers travellers a great opportunity to tick snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef and a tour of the Daintree Rainforest off their bucket-list.
Cairn’s Skyrail also provides an opportunity to see unparalleled views of the region.
To save even more on holiday, check out news.com.au Coupons for the best discounts and deals at stores like Luxury Escapes, Expedia and Wotif.
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