What to do in Cairns in 3 days

Only have three days to squeeze everything in during your trip to Cairns?

Work out the essential stops along the way and how to plan your three-day itinerary without losing steam!

• Day One: Daintree Rainforest

  While you are buzzing from the excitement of reaching Cairns, head out for the biggest day adventure on offer. Only a couple of hours away from the city, the Daintree Rainforest is an ancient region home to historic plants and unique wildlife. Spend the day trekking through the thick greenery, enjoying a boat cruise down the Daintree River, and even seeing the iconic Cape Tribulation beach. Make sure to lace up your walking shoes as this day is filled with endless walks and discoveries, seeing exceptional animals roaming about and ancient natural wonders hidden in the deep of the forest. Head back to the city before sunset and dine at one of the beachfront restaurants to celebrate your return to reality, sipping on a summer cocktail and enjoying the beach sunset.

• Day Two: The Great Barrier Reef

  

  Get up bright and early and hop on a day trip out to the Great Barrier Reef! The boat will sail through the waters to reach a number of spectacular reef spots, with each reef home to a unique ecosystem of marine life, from colourful coral, tropical fish, to even a few iconic ocean animals. Choose to snorkel or scuba dive (or both!) during your day trip and immerse yourself in this truly extraordinary underwater world! The tour usually lasts the entire day, with both morning tea and lunch including in the tour price. The boat will head back to the marina just before night falls, letting you enjoy a night out on the town as you explore Cairns’ bars and clubs lining the CBD streets!

• Day Three: Discover the Cairns City

  Your last day in Cairns should be spent seeing the city’s highlights. After your first two jam-packed days here, you can relax and enjoy the many attractions and activities the city has to offer, depending on your and your group’s interests. If you would prefer a serene day in this tropical region, you can head to the man-made lagoon in the CBD for a beach day without the travel frustrations. Otherwise, you can head to the nearby lookout points dotted along the edges of the city, to take some snaps of the entire region! Or you can head to the popular cafes or restaurants and enjoy a seafood platter for lunch as you sip on some bubbly to finish the trip off right!

Related article: Cairns Tours Are Available to Book Now