How to spend the weekend in Cairns

Cairns is a sunshine paradise, bursting with lush greenery, soft sand beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Even a weekend is enough to recharge for your job back home, with the sun melting your troubles away.

The city of Cairns is overflowing with sites, and the outer areas are littered with famous attractions. To help get you on your way we’ve curated the perfect weekend for you! So, pack your carry on and get ready for a weekend you won’t soon forget.

• Friday Night

  After a long day of travelling to Cairns, head straight for the ocean as soon as you arrive. Hop aboard the Cairns harbour cruise and have your muscles relax after your long and squishy flight. See the sunset over the ocean horizon and marvel at the city slowly coming to life. The bright lights of the buildings match the stars glittering above, with new unique animals slowly emerging to frolic in the night. The boat will cruise you through the calm waters, which are surrounded by the famous mangrove trees. Sit back, unwind, and enjoy the breeze in your hair as you watch the ocean change colour from the setting sun. Once you’ve made it back to land, head out for dinner at one of the city’s amazing restaurants. The seafood here is some of the freshest in Australia so don’t miss your chance to indulge!

• Saturday Day

  Saturday is when you are most motivated for adventure, so it’s the best time to enjoy the most physically demanding experience. Listed as the biggest living things on the entire planet, a visit to the Great Barrier Reef is on everyone’s bucket list. Hop on a boat in the morning and set off for the outer ocean. You can swim, snorkel, or scuba dive the reef, discovering the colourful creatures that whizz through this underwater paradise. Even if you aren’t the best swimmer, tours can offer a glass-bottom boat tour, which lets you see the reef without ever having to touch the water. Qualified instructors will help keep you safe in the water and ensure you get the chance to see all the beauty of this area.

• Saturday Night

  After a full day in the salt water, head back to the mainland. Stop off at the Cairns night markets to do your souvenir shopping, buying all your friends the local arts and crafts. After this head to one of the many restaurants littering the coast area, perfect for a delicious wine to go with your delightful cuisine. After filling your belly to the brim, head to the beach and enjoy a romantic walk down the soft sands, finishing your night off with the soft sounds of the ocean. You’ll be exhausted from a day on the reef, so head back to your hotel for a much needed sleep!

• Sunday Day

  Just outside of Cairns lies the sprawling highland plateau of the Atherton Tablelands. A nirvana chock full of greenery, mountaintops, and mesmerising waterfalls. With the famous Millaa Millaa Falls, Cathedral Fig Tree, and the Volcanic Crater Lake Barrine, every section is bursting with iconic attractions. Lush walking tracks filled with unique wildlife will fill your day, so remember to pack your walking shoes!

And just like that your weekend in Cairns has come to an end. It’s time to pack your bags again and head to the airport ready to go home. You’ll be so disappointed you have to leave you’ll have your next trip planned before you’ve even left!

Related article: Visiting Cairns on a Budget