This five-day Cairns itinerary ensures you experience the best holiday in Tropical Queensland, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Daintree Rainforest.
Most people know Cairns as the gateway to two of Australia’s most iconic destinations – the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the world, and the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest rainforest on the planet.
But what makes the capital of North Queensland a popular tourist destination is its mix of nature, urban amenities, and rich cultural heritage.
Beyond Cairns CBD, you can take a road trip to Port Douglas, arguably the most luxurious town in Tropical North Queensland.
Further along is Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef in a spectacular fusion of land and sea.
Not interested in a road trip? No fuss. Cairns is a popular base for several tours across Far North Queensland.
Take your pick: a crocodile cruise on the Daintree River, a scenic flight over sparkling beaches, or a snorkeling excursion on the Great Barrier Reef.
The only downside of visiting Cairns is not knowing what to do. Not for lack of activities but for the overwhelming abundance of them.
We’ve put together this 5-day Cairns itinerary so you can experience the best of the city and the natural wonders of Tropical North Queensland without missing anything.
Explore, unwind, and fall in love with Cairns and the rest of Tropical North Queensland!
How many days in Cairns is enough?
We think five days in Cairns hit the spot. You can do a lot with a five-day itinerary in Cairns and see the best of Tropical North Queensland without feeling rushed.
Spend a day exploring the Great Barrier Reef, another trekking the Daintree Rainforest, and you’ll still have time to take a scenic road trip to Port Douglas or explore the city.
With two extra days in Cairns, you can visit the nearby islands or learn about the culture of the local indigenous people in Kuranda Village.
Ultimately, five days strike the perfect balance. You have enough to enjoy the attractions without feeling like you overstayed!
How To Spend A Perfect 5 Days in Cairns Itinerary
Cairns is an excellent base for exploring Tropical North Queensland, not only because of its location but also because it offers the conveniences of a thriving city.
Still, to many travelers, the highlight of their Cairns trip is the surrounding area–whether it’s the forests in Cape Tribulation or the beaches in Port Douglas.
This itinerary lets you enjoy the natural wonders of North Queensland without leaving out the charms of its capital, Cairns.
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
Day 1
You’ve likely just arrived in Cairns. Ease into your new surroundings and store energy for the upcoming days.
Morning: Explore Cairns City Center
Spend a peaceful morning at the Cairns Botanic Gardens. The gardens have the most extensive collection of tropical plants in Australia.
Stroll down the Rainforest Boardwalk, a 7-km loop trail that showcases tropical flora. The hike takes about 1.5 hours.
|If you want to capture the garden’s tiny critters in images, check out this insect photography tour.
Next, head to the Cairns Aquarium. Marvel at the aquatic wildlife of the Great Barrier Reef and the fresh waters of the Wet Tropics Rainforest.
Afternoon: Road Trip to Palm Cove and Port Douglas
Palm Cove is a quaint town 30 minutes north of the city center.
Wander around the famous Palm Cove Beach, named after the towering palm trees that line its shore.
Swap palm trees for melaleucas (a.k.a paperbarks) on a walk down Williams Esplanade. The 500-year-old trees are a natural landmark of Palm Cove, and rows line the beachfront promenade.
From Palm Cove, continue your road trip to Port Douglas, 45 minutes away.
A posh seaside town, Port Douglas is known for its world-class dining, luxurious resorts, and upscale shopping. But if you prefer somewhere serene and secluded, head to Four Mile Beach.
With its stretch of golden sand, crystal clear water, and swaying coconut trees, Four Mile Beach is the perfect picture of a tropical getaway.
Walk further away from the main area to find a quiet spot. End your day with a breathtaking sunset at the beach.
Evening: Esplanade
The drive back to Cairns takes an hour. By the time you reach the city, you must be hungry.
Go to the Cairns Esplanade for plenty of dining options. Check out Prawn Star, a seafood restaurant specializing in oysters and tiger prawns.
After dinner, ramble around the Esplanade. Head to Marlin Wharf to watch ferries depart for tours or ride the 35-meter-tall Reef Eye for 360-degree city views.
Late Night: Drinks and Unwinding
In the mood for a nightcap? Enjoy a drink in one of the bars. Hemingway’s Brewery serves excellent craft beer, Three Wolves is a hidden gem for whiskey, and The Pier Bar offers tropical cocktails.
After day one, you’ll have made the most of Cairns.
Alternative: Half-Day Cairns Sightseeing Tour
If you’re not up for a road trip and prefer to learn about Cairns’ history and cultural heritage, opt for a city sightseeing tour with an expert guide!
Read next: 16 BEST Cairns Day Trips Not to Be Missed
Day 2
The Great Barrier Reef is perhaps one of the reasons you’re in Cairns. This World Heritage Listed Site is a dream destination for many, not just for marine life lovers but also for sun worshippers and even non-swimmers. Spend a full day trip here to make the most of your time!
Full-day: Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef makes up 10% of the planet’s coral reef system, so massive you can see it from space.
While you can charter a boat or bring a small vessel to explore the Great Barrier Reef, we highly recommend you book a guided tour with a reputable operator.
As the reef is a protected marine area, you need a permit to access it. Your tour will take care of this. They will also ensure you have a great time while protecting the delicate ecosystem.
You can pick an action-packed snorkeling and diving tour or a relaxing Great Barrier Reef cruise.
Many Great Barrier Reef tours depart from the Cairns Marina. They typically last the entire day, leaving at 8:00 AM and returning at 5:30 PM. They also include lunch and snorkeling equipment.
Not a swimmer? You can still enjoy the Great Barrier Reef. Some trips offer a glass-bottom boat tour, so you can see marine life even if you don’t go into the water.
For those who don’t want to go on a cruise but still want to see the Great Barrier Reef, a scenic flight over the reef is a fantastic option.
Night: Cairns Night Markets
If you still have energy to burn after your Great Barrier Reef day tour, visit the Cairns Night Markets, a 10-minute walk from the Esplanade. Buy souvenirs, try street food, and enjoy live music.
Day 3
After an action-filled day two, you can enjoy a more laid-back tropical island tour. A popular day trip from Cairns is Fitzroy Island.
Fitzroy Island is 97% a protected national park. Most of the island is untouched rainforest fringed by pristine beaches.
Before you head to Fitzroy Island, here are some details you might need to know.
To get to Fitzroy, take the ferry at the Cairns marina or book a full-day tour. Three companies service the island – Fitzroy Island Adventures, Fitzroy Flyer Ferry, and Sunlover Reef Cruises.
The ferry departs from Cairns as early as 8:00 AM. The last trip from Fitzroy is usually at 5:00 PM.
If you choose to stay overnight, Fitzroy has a resort (the only one on the island) that offers standard and luxury rooms. There’s also a campground with camping gear for rent.
The island has limited dining options. It only has two, Foxy’s Bar and Cafe and Zephyr Restaurant, which is exclusive to resort guests. But there’s a small convenience store that sells snacks, packed meals, and drinks.
You can bring your own food to the island. Booze, though, is not allowed.
Morning: Fitzroy Island
Catch the first boat to Fitzroy and enjoy the scenic 45-minute trip to the island. You’ll arrive at the aptly named Welcome Bay.
Welcome Bay is Fitzroy’s main beach and a popular snorkeling spot. You can plunge into the balmy waters and snorkel right off the shore.
If you want to see more impressive corals, head a little further to White Boulder or Shark Fin Rock (don’t worry, there are no sharks there.) Both are on the northern end of Welcome Bay.
Another famous snorkeling spot is Nudey Beach. To get there from Welcome Bay, take the 15-minute trail through a dense rainforest.
Once you arrive at Nudey Beach, you might not want to leave. Yes, it’s that beautiful! And no, it’s not a nudist beach.
Bring out your lunch. The beach is the perfect setting for a seaside picnic.
Afternoon: Hiking trails
You can stay on Nudey Beach and snorkel. But if you want to see more of the island, gear up for a scenic hike.
Fitzroy has three other main hiking routes: the Lighthouse Track, Secret Garden Walk, and Summit Loop.
If you’re looking for a challenge, go for the Summit Loop. This 4-kilometer circuit courses through steep inclines, leading up to the national park’s highest point.
On the other hand, the 700-meter Secret Garden Walk is the better option for those who prefer a leisurely hike through the lush rainforest.
You can also kayak, stand-up paddle board, or join a glass bottom boat tour. Drop by the Turtle Rehabilitation Center near the campground and learn about the island’s conservation efforts.
Evening: Return to Cairns
Be sure not to miss your ferry, or you’ll spend the night on the island.
Back in the city, head to Tha Fish for delectable seafood or Villa Romana for a hearty Italian dinner.
Plan the ultimate Queensland adventure with our Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Itinerary!
Alternative: Green Island National Park
If you’re an avid snorkeler, or traveling with kids, book a Green Island tour instead.
The island is smaller and has fewer activities, but its underwater scenery is incredible. The beaches are also more calm and shallow, which are better for young children!
Day 4
Two days in a row of sea, sand, and snorkel will make anyone feel beached out. For day four, we’re shifting the scenery to the stunning Daintree Rainforest.
If you have a rental car, you can go on a road trip via the Captain Cook Highway to Port Douglas, then to the Daintree National Park.
If you don’t have a vehicle, you can still enjoy the national park on a Daintree full-day tour.
Morning: Mossman Gorge and Daintree Discovery
Depart Cairns around 7:00 AM, as you’ll have a long road trip to Daintree.
Halfway into your road trip from Cairns, make a quick stop at the Trinity Bay Lookout in Port Douglas. Take a few photos and stretch your legs.
About 25 minutes from Port Douglas is Mossman Gorge, your first glimpse of the Daintree Rainforest.
Mossman Gorge covers 56,000 hectares of tree-covered mountains, waterfalls, and swimming holes. It’s home to the Kuku Yalanji people, the traditional owners of the Daintree Rainforest.
Park your car at the Visitors’ Center, then take the shuttle bus to the starting point of the walking trail.
You can do a self-guided walk on the 2.4-km loop track, which takes an hour to complete.
Alternatively, join the 90-minute guided Dreamtime Walk and learn about the Australian aboriginal culture, often considered the world’s oldest living culture.
If you’re not afraid of the chilly water, jump right into the crystalline natural swimming pool.
Spend one to two hours at Mossman Gorge before continuing north.
Late Morning: Daintree Rainforest
After a 20-minute drive from the gorge, you’ll reach the Daintree River Crossing. The only way to access the heart of the Daintree Rainforest is by ferry.
The Daintree River is crocodile-infested, and you might spot these ferocious creatures as you cross.
After a 15-minute ride, you’ve arrived in the depths of the oldest rainforest in the world.
Make your first stop at the Alexandra Lookout. Here, you’ll see the Daintree River merge with the sea. If you arrive early, you might be able to buy fresh tropical fruits from a pop-up stall in the parking lot.
Next, head to the Daintree Discovery Center. Climb the 23-meter-high canopy tower or hike the 11-meter-high walkway on the treetops.
For lunch, check out Daintree Cafe.
Afternoon: Cape Tribulation, Rainforest Boardwalks, and Beaches
After lunch, drive to Cape Tribulation, about 35 minutes from Daintree Discovery.
A remote headland, Cape Tribulation is known as the only place where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites touch.
To get to the Cape Tribulation beach, follow the 600-meter Kulki Boardwalk, which leads to the shore along the Coral Sea. Stroll on the coast and bask in the views.
You might also want to check out Myall Beach and Thornton Beach. Both lie south of the Cape Tribulation beach and offer mesmerizing views of the reef and rainforest.
On your way back, drop by the Daintree Ice Cream Company. Sample unique flavors of exotic fruits grown in the shop’s orchard.
Walk off the calories on one of the boardwalks. Our favorite is the Jindalba Boardwalk at the base of the Alexandra Range, just three minutes from the Daintree Discovery Center.
It has two hiking trails. The 650-meter loop (30-45 minutes return) features a structured platform through the rainforest.
The other trail is 3 km long (takes at least an hour to complete) and has no structures. It’s most suitable for hikers with experience.
Other popular boardwalks are Marrdja and Dubuji, the jungle of vines. If you have extra time, you can explore them to see fascinating fauna, including the shy cassowary birds.
Head back to Daintree River to catch the 5:00 PM ferry. You might see the sunset on your boat ride.
Evening: Cairns
Stop for dinner in Port Douglas on your drive back to the city.
Day 5
From cable cars to waterfalls and a little shopping, our last day in Cairns is full of scenic views and relaxation.
Morning: Kuranda Scenic Railway and Kuranda Village
One of the most popular ways to reach Kuranda is via the Scenic Railway. The track weaves through rainforests as it climbs roughly 328 meters above sea level to the village.
Head to Cairns Central Railway Station to board the train. The first trip from Cairns is at 8:30 AM.
Enjoy your 1.5-minute ride through the Barron Gorge National Park. The train stops briefly at Barron Falls Station so passengers can see the cascades from the lookout.
Mid-morning: Arrive in Kuranda Village
The Heritage Markets is Kuranda’s main draw. But it also has a butterfly sanctuary, an aviary, and a small wildlife park with koalas.
You don’t have to see all these attractions on your day trip. Two hours is enough to get a feel of the village. You might want to eat lunch at the rustic-chic Frogs Restaurant before leaving.
Read next: The Best Australia Travel Tips
Afternoon: Skyrail
Board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway after lunch.
The cableway spans 7.5 kilometers and glides above the rainforest. A one-way trip takes around 1.5 hours.
The gondolas will stop at the Red Peak and Barron Falls Stations. Get off and relish the views from the lookouts.
The trip ends at the Smithfield Terminal. Skyrail provides bus transfers to selected areas.
You can also take the bus (28 minutes travel time) from the Skyrail Base Station to Cairns. Service is available Monday to Friday and departs hourly.
Please note that you should book the Scenic Railway and Skyrail in advance. Tickets are not available to purchase on-site.
For a hassle-free trip, you can opt for a self-guided railway and Skyrail tour, which includes pick-up and drop-off in Cairns.
ALTERNATIVE: White water rafting
If you prefer a more thrilling experience, consider white water rafting in the Barron River. Or, for a combination of nature and adventure, check out this rainforest and waterfalls tour.
With these half-a-day activities, you will still have time to visit Rusty’s Market before it closes at 4 PM. Try out the fresh produce or shop for souvenirs.
Have more time? Check out our guide to THE 9 BEST Cairns WATERFALLS (Less than 1-hour FROM TOWN)
Cairns Travel Guide
Before you pack for Cairns, here are some travel tips to help you know the best time to visit the city, how to get around, and where to stay.
When to Visit Cairns
The best time to visit Cairns is between May and October.
If you’re snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, the sea is calmer, with better underwater visibility. It’s also outside stringer season, meaning safer swimming experiences.
Some areas in Daintree, like Cape Tribulation, are inaccessible during the wet season due to road closures caused by flash flooding. May to October have the driest days. You’re unlikely to encounter travel disruptions due to heavy rain.
Lastly, it’s off-season, so crowds are fewer, and prices are lower.
Plan your trip to Australia with our complete travel guide!
Getting Around Cairns
Cairns has public buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services that link it to nearby towns like Palm Cove.
You can easily navigate the CBD on foot as most attractions are within walking distance. Bike hire is also available.
For longer trips (i.e., Daintree Rainforest), you’ll need to rent a car. Another option is to book a guided tour.
There are shuttle buses from Cairns Airport to the city. If convenience is your priority, you can hire a transfer service to or from the airport.
Where to Stay in Cairns
Cairns has plenty of accommodation options. The CBD is for those who want to stay where the action happens, while Palm Cove is for travelers seeking resort-style vibes.
For convenience and accessibility, we recommend staying in the CBD.
Best Budget Hostel in Cairns – Travellers Oasis
The award-winning Travellers Oasis, a short walk from the CBD, is for budget-conscious tourists looking for a comfortable, safe, and well-appointed home away from home.
Accommodation options include shared dormitories, private rooms, and deluxe double rooms. It also has three kitchens, barbeque facilities, garden, and swimming pool.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Cairns – Abbott Boutique Hotel
Abbott Boutique Hotel is a 4-star accommodation right smack in Cairns CBD. It features spacious, air-conditioned rooms, with some boasting gorgeous city views. There’s also a shared, non-smoking lounge for those who want to unwind.
Best Luxury Hotel in Cairns – Crystalbrook Flynn
Treat yourself to an indulgent stay at Crystalbrook Flynn. This 5-star hotel features elegant rooms, a buffet breakfast, private parking, fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, and a restaurant.
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