Public listings checked 25/10/2026. Dates use each event’s local time. Check organiser details before travelling.
Explore the region
Discover Cairns and the northern beaches through to Palm Cove. Kuranda is a separate day-trip destination; reef and rainforest travel depends on access, transport and conditions.
Listings across Cairns, Cairns City, Edge Hill, Kuranda, Manunda, Palm Cove, Parramatta Park, Redlynch, Smithfield.
Attractions and places to visit
60 places in this selection. Opening hours, access and admission vary; check the place details.
Orchid Plaza is home to Cairns' most diverse selection of regional Asian cuisine, cafes, retail, health, massage, beauty, tours, training and services.
Orchid Plaza is a vibrant, multi‑level boutique shopping and dining precinct nestled in the heart of Cairns central business district. It's best known for its bustling food hall, where a mix of Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Korean, Indian, Vietnamese, and Malaysian eateries offer affordable, authentic Asian cuisine - perfect for travellers seeking a quick, flavourful meal.
The centre's open‑air atrium is airy and light, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Beyond food, it houses over 30 specialty stores including pharmacies, beauty and massage outlets, travel agencies, souvenir and gift shops, plus professional services and free Wi‑Fi.
Open daily until late and close to the Esplanade, public transport, and local attractions.
Orchid Plaza is a go‑to spot for casual dining, last‑minute shopping, or simply enjoying a laid‑back break in tropical Cairns.
The Cairns Art Gallery is one of Australia’s leading public galleries recognised for the excellence of its programs and collections relating to the unique heritage and living culture of North Queensland in the context of the world’s tropic zone and the Asia Pacific region.
The Cairns Art Gallery was established in 1995 as a not-for-profit company. It is now one of the largest public galleries in regional Queensland and is located in one of the few remaining heritage buildings in Cairns. As a major cultural destination, the Gallery presents regional, national and international art exhibitions, with a particular focus on the breadth and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art from Far North Queensland.
The Gallery is nationally recognised for its ambitious program of changing exhibitions that support artistic dialogues and collaborations between visiting Australian artists, artists living and working in the Far North, and artists living and working in the world’s tropic zone.
The Gallery Shop stocks a wide range of unique and exciting gifts, including jewellery, home wares, artists’ ceramics and textiles, children’s books and toys, art books, prints, cards and postcards.
The Gallery and Shop are open seven days a week and entry is free.
The Cairns Lagoon is a popular swimming facility located along the Cairns Esplanade in the Central Business District. This 4800 square metre saltwater swimming lagoon offers an all-year-round safe swimming location. Entry to the Cairns Lagoon is free and provides excellent barbecue facilities, perfect for birthday parties or afternoon family dinners.
Lifeguards are on duty while the Lagoon is open. Wheelchair access to the Lagoon is available. For assistance please ask the Lifeguards.
Experience one of Australia's most spectacular rail journeys aboard Kuranda Scenic Railway. Travel through the heart of Din Din (Barron Gorge) National Park and discover the ancient tropical rainforest of Australia's Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
Immerse yourself in the journey where breathtaking scenery, towering waterfalls and deep ravines unfold. Rising from sea level to 327 metres, the train winds its way through 15 hand-made tunnels and over 55 bridges to the mountain village of Ngunbay (Kuranda), meaning 'place of the platypus'.
This heritage-listed railway line, which opened in 1891, is an engineering feat that has stood the test of time. Learn more about the cultural significance, history and points of interest with audio commentary on the train or via the app (audio and text).
This immersive journey takes approximately two hours one way. You can depart from Cairns, Freshwater or Kuranda railway stations. To enhance your experience, complement your railway adventure with one of our Kuranda day tour packages.
UnderArt Gallery is a vibrant, locally owned gallery in the heart of Cairns, celebrating the creativity of Far North Queensland artists and makers. Visitors can explore an ever-changing collection of original artworks, handcrafted jewellery, ceramics, sculptures, and unique gifts, with many pieces inspired by the region's natural beauty and tropical lifestyle. More than just a gallery, UnderArt offers the opportunity to meet local artists, discover one-of-a-kind creations, and support the local creative community. Whether you're searching for an authentic Australian souvenir, or a special gif, UnderArt Gallery provides a warm, welcoming space where art, craftsmanship, and creativity come together. A visit offers an inspiring glimpse into the talent of the region, making it a unique attraction for both visitors and locals alike.
Vie Spa at Pullman Cairns International is a place where your wellness is nurtured to harmonise with your inner self, a place where care is personalised, and life is celebrated.
From the moment you enter this sanctuary you will feel a wave of calm wash over you. The spa suites, relaxation areas and grounds will add to the total experience. Escape to Vie Spa and leave feeling restored, revived and inspired.
Experience Cairns from the water with JetSki Cairns Tours & Rentals, offering guided jet ski tours from Cairns Marlin Marina. No jet ski licence and no previous experience are required for our guided tours — complete beginners are welcome, with a safety briefing and riding instruction before departure.
Choose from 30-minute Cairns jet ski tours, crocodile-spotting tours through Trinity Inlet, coastline adventures, sunset rides and longer island and reef experiences. Ride your own Sea-Doo and explore the tropical waterways, mangroves and coastline surrounding Cairns with an experienced local guide.
Looking for things to do in Cairns today? Last-minute jet ski bookings are welcome, with same-day availability when spaces remain. Our central Cairns departure point makes it easy to add a jet ski adventure to your holiday, even if you've never ridden before.
No licence. No experience needed. Just book, arrive and ride.
Whether you're searching for jet ski hire in Cairns, a guided Cairns jet ski tour, crocodile spotting, or an unforgettable adventure on the water, JetSki Cairns has options from quick 30-minute rides to extended tours.
Where luxury meets excitement.
Experience five-star luxury combined with thrilling gaming and world-class entertainment, the ultimate destination in Cairns! Whether planning a romantic getaway, a lively night out with friends, or simply enjoying great live music over expertly crafted cocktails, there is something for everyone. Guests can indulge in award-winning dining options and discover why this is the premier entertainment hotspot in Cairns.
An exciting range of table games includes Blackjack, Roulette, Mini and Midi Baccarat, Reef Routine, Sic-Bo, Rapid Roulette and the Money Wheel. The Casino in Cairns Australia holds over 450 state-of-the-art gaming machines plus a TAB Mega Wall and dedicated Keno Lounge.
The Reef Hotel Casino supports safer gambling. Always gamble responsibly.
Cairns Koalas and Creatures is conveniently located in the heart of Cairns, providing a family and education-focused experience through Australia's diverse landscapes.
From the vibrant Great Barrier Reef, tranquil mangroves, rich woodlands, tropical rainforest to the rugged Outback, learn about the importance of protecting Australia's natural heritage.
Enjoy a unique Koala Experience. Get up close and personal with these Australian icons and learn more from devoted keepers. Purchase a souvenir photo with one of the koalas to capture the enchantment.
Discover the fascinating world of water through interactive exhibits that teach about the water cycle, buoyancy, flow, and the vital role water plays in the environment with the Water Science Zone.
Situated north of Cooktown, close to the Queensland cape, Great Detached Reef is a large complex of several reefs sitting on an old fossil mountain range. With roughly 46 kilometres of edge, wall diving is spectacular here, with steep cliffs dropping down to over 400 metres and small caves scattered across the reef walls.
Barracuda, trevally and sharks, along with schools of basslets, fusiliers and sometimes blue-lined snapper, peer over the edges of the Great Detached Reef, while moray eels, lobster, shrimp and nudibranch pocket the coral and rock surfaces. Large potato cod as well as manta rays and turtles are also frequent visitors.
Osprey Reef is one of the most spectacular dive sites in the world, located off Cairns in the Coral Sea. The North Horn site on the reef is a remote sea mount rising 1000 metres from the ocean floor.
There are spectacular wall drop-offs, amazing visibility and a popular shark-feeding location. The northern most point attracts many reef fish and many pelagic species including barracuda, dogtooth tuna and mackerel. White-tips and Grey Whalers cruise off the wall and Hammerheads and Oceanic Silver tips often come in from deep water to check out the action.
The Cairns Convention Centre is an award-winning venue located on the shores of the Great Barrier Reef. The Centre's offerings include a 2,330-tiered seat auditorium and a 5,000-seat arena.
These spaces are perfectly suited for a variety of events, from sports and concerts to art exhibitions and large gala dinners. It can also host Conferences for up to 2,500 delegates, with various breakout and gala dinner options. It offers a 440-seat plenary, exhibition area, 500-person ballroom, multiple meeting rooms, an outdoor terrace overlooking the breathtaking Trinity Outlet. The Centre's prime location with proximity to International Cairns Airport and world-class facilities, makes it an ideal choice for any event.
Managed by global venue management company, ASM Global, the Cairns Convention Centre embodies the essence of a world-class convention centres located in one of the world's most desired destinations.
