Cairns 7 Day Itinerary for Your First Visit

by | Last updated Oct 22, 2024 | Discover Australia Now, Queensland | 12 comments

swim in the Cairns lagoon during your Cairns 7 day itinerary

 

So you’re off to Cairns, Tropical North Queensland for 7 days. Whether you are travelling solo to Cairns, in a couple to Cairns, visiting Cairns with a group of friends or heading to Cairns on a family holiday with kids, there is something for everyone to see and do in and around Cairns. Most people head to Cairns and use it as a base to visit the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and the oldest rainforest in the world, but Cairns has so much more to offer. 

This post is divided into two sections. In the first section I will run you through the best things to see and do in and around Cairns during a 7 day Cairns itinerary. And in the second section I will help you organise your Cairns 7 day holiday to make the most of your week in Cairns. Let’s get ready to visit Cairns, Queensland.

 

Fun fact: Did you know that Cairns is listed as the fourth most popular tourist destination to visit in Australia after Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane!

 

Cairns 7 Day itinerary Overview

 

Day

1 – arrive and get the lay of the land
2 – walk around Cairns – hop on hop off bus – cruise
3 – Dive the Reef – day trip to Green Island
4 – Kuranda Railway – Skyrail to Kuranda – Atherton Tablelands
5 – hire a car and head north to see beaches – Palm Cove & Hartleys Croc Cruise (optional)
6 – Port Douglas & The Daintree Rainforest
7 – revisit Cairns, shop till you drop and say goodbye

 

Day 1: Arrive and Explore The City

Let’s kick off day one of this 7 day Cairns itinerary by arriving in Cairns, checking in to your accommodation and starting to get your bearings. Put your walking shoes on, maybe wear your swimmers and take a towel and go for a walk around Cairns. Perhaps visit The Cairns Esplanade and walk its 2.5km length sowing some of the best views of Cairns. There is also a free public saltwater swimming pool or lagoon that provides a safe swimming space away from the risks of sharks and crocodiles. Yes, these are a risk in Cairns as Cairns is built on an estuary with some animals/fish wish sharp teeth! After a long day of travel, a dip in the lagoon might be the best options, unless you dive into your accommodation’s pool.

Note, the Lagoon is often closed during the winter months of July and August for maintenance.

There is also a park area near the swimming pool with free BBQs. This could be perfect for dinner by the water on your first night!. But you could also explore the coastline via a 5km boardwalk that provides great views back over Cairns city and the coast. Don’t get too close to the water as you just don’t know what might be lurking. Had enough of walk, then finish your first day in Cairns with a nice meal out or back at your hotel.

 

Day 2: Full Day Getting to know Cairns

 

Cairns Marina - visit on a walk along Cairns Esplanade.

discover Cairns Marina on a walk along the Esplanade

 

Today, day 2 of your one week in Cairns spend a full day getting to know Cairns. You could walk along the main shopping street for some retail therapy. Perhaps visit the Cairns Botanic Gardens. Here you will discover 10 unique landscapes including the Aboriginal Plant Use Garden and the Rain Forest Boardwalk. Maybe check out the fish in Australia’s only 10m deep Reef Tank at the Cairns Aquarium. It allows you a sneak peek of what lay offshore in the Great Barrier Reef which you will be visiting on your week in Cairns. Or visit the Cairns Marina and check out all the boats.

If you are in Cairns on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, pay a visit to Rusty’s Market in the CBD. You will be able to pick up many goodies to eat during your holiday in Cairns. I enjoyed seeing some of the wonderful tropical fruits like black capote, jackfruit and rambutan. I hadn’t seen or heard of them before! There is also plenty of bric-a-brac and speciality products to check out. Maybe end your second day in Cairns at Hemingway Brewery. This is a short walk from the Esplanade. As well as a great place to enjoy an evening drink, it does some pretty good food too. And if visiting Cairns with kids, they are welcome to enjoy the food too.

If you don’t want to walk around Cairns all day, check out this half day tour.

 

Day 3: Do A Great Barrier Reef Tour

 

Green Island Glass Bottom Boat.with people looking through the glass at the marine life below.

visit Green Island and check out the Great Barrier Reef on a glass-bottom boat

 

You cannot visit Cairns and not do a half or full-day tour out to the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is usually on people’s bucket list. There are many great tours you can undertake that can involve snorkelling, scuba diving and visiting off-shore islands. One of the most popular islands to visit is Green Island that lays 28km off the coast of Cairns. Around a 2 hour boat ride, a visit to Green Island allows you to discover a small tropical island in the Great Barrier Reef. You can swim, snorkel and check out the beautiful Great Barrier Reef from a glass-bottom boat during your visit. Seeing the ‘reef’ is one of the best things to see and do while in Cairns for kids of all ages!

Book your full day tour of Green Island here.
For a half day tour to Green Island, check this one out.
Want to see Green Island from the air – you won’t be disappointed with this airplane 45 minute tour. Or what about a 30 minute helicopter ride over Green Island.

 

Day 4: Kuranda Railway and/or Skyrail

 

Cairns Kuranda Railway
Kuranda Railway Station.

My family took the Kuranda Railway up to Kuranda to see Barron Falls

 

Next up on your fourth day in Cairns itinerary is a trip to Kuranda and the Barron Falls via the historic Kuranda Railway and/or the Skyrail. Barron Falls are truly amazing. It will depend how much rain there has been as to whether the water over the falls can be thunderous or just a trickle.

There are two ways you could take to get you to Kuranda. Either take the historic Kuranda Railway or go over the tree tops in the Skyrail. You could take one up there and the other back. Or you can self-drive or go on a tour.

On the Kuranda Railway you will wind your way up through the rainforest. You pass through 15 tunnels and over 37 bridges to reach Kuranda Railway Station some 2 hours later. You will get some fabulous views back over Cairns and surrounds along the way. 

In 1995 Skyrail opened to the public. Skyrail is a 7.5km cable car starting in Smithfield (north of Cairns) that takes you over the rainforest and waterfalls to Kuranda. The Skyrail makes two stops along the way to Kuranda. The first stop is Red Peak Station. Here you can opt for a walk with a knowledgeable ranger who shares insight about the flora and fauna of the region. And you can do it solo as there are signs along the way. Next stop is Barron Falls Station. Here you can enjoy panoramic views of the impressive Barron Falls. There are several lookouts to get amazing views of the waterfall and rainforest. Then on to Kuranda where you walk around the cute village before catching the train or skyrail back to Cairns.

Book your Kuranda railway and Skyrail experience here.

 

Day 5: Discover the beaches of Cairns

 

Double Island from Ellis Beach, Queensland.

yep, that’s me checking out Double Island from Ellis Beach

 

Today hire a car and hit the road visiting many of the beautiful beaches north of Cairns. I loved doing this and highly recommend you add it to your Cairns itinerary. Cairns itself doesn’t have have a beach as it is built on the huge estuary of Trinity Inlet. As I associate this part of the world with sitting on a beach, I like to visit some. The best beaches, all ten of them are located north of the city. Beaches to visit include Trinity Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Ellis Beach and Palm Cove. There are plenty of resorts with day spas and water sports to enjoy. Sitting on a beach not your thing! Then you can sit in one of the cafe’s overlooking the ocean or enjoy some fish and chips on the beach.

At Palm Cove you could walk along the beach or esplanade and check out the jetty at the northern end of the town. Perhaps visit Hartleys Crocodile Adventures about a 15 minute drive north of Palm Cove. This wildlife parks gives you the chance to see crocodiles, koalas and other native Australian animals.

Maybe in the afternoon drive some 43km north to Port Douglas. Take the Captain Cook Highway which is a great scenic road trip that hugs the coastline and has many hair-pin bends and plenty of lookouts to stop at to marvel at the fabulous views. And on to Port Douglas, known as the resort capital of Australia. Maybe stop at the Crocodile viewpoint on your way into Port Douglas, overlooking the Mowbray River. I was told you can often spot crocodiles sunbaking on the riverbanks at low tide – I think it was high tide as I drove in because I didn’t see any!

You could include in your 7 days in Cairns itinerary a night in Port Douglas, as you will be closer to the Daintree Rainforest, which is the next destination on your week long Cairns visit. But you don’t have to, you can return to Cairns and make the 2.5 hour drive to Port Douglas and the Daintree tomorrow.

 

Day 6: Visit Port Douglas and the Daintree Rainforest

 

Walk the boardwalk through the Daintree Forest.

walk along the boardwalks discovering The Daintree Forest

 

Today, day 6 of this 7 day Cairns itinerary sees us discover Port Douglas and the Daintree Rainforest. You may have stayed overnight in Port Douglas so you can have extra time in the Daintree. If not, a Cairns day trip will allow plenty of time to discover the beautiful rainforest. 

If you stayed in Port Douglas overnight, 20 minutes north is Mossman Gorge. Well worth stopping here taking in a guided tour with the local indigenous people. Perhaps enjoy one of the many walking trails or swim in the crystal-clear waters of the gorge.

In the Daintree Rainforest you will find trees that are older than those found in the Amazon Rainforest. Wow, that is more than 130 million years old so I am told. One of the best ways to visit the rainforest, apart from taking one of the many walks is a cruise down the Daintree River. There is plenty of wildlife that live amongst the mangroves including birds, frogs and estuarine crocodiles. Book your Daintree River cruise here.

Try to visit the Daintree Discovery Centre, where people of all ages discover interesting facts about the fauna and flora making the Daintree Rainforest unique. Walk the aerial walkway through the treetops getting a different perspective of the rainforest. Then stroll along the network of rainforest boardwalks. 

Some 40km north of the Daintree is Cape Tribulation. The remote headland of Cape Tribulation is where the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef meet. Yep, the rainforest goes right down to the coast and is only separated from the water by a thin strip of sand. It is quite spectacular to see. And a great way to end your day visiting the Daintree before returning to Cairns.

You can hire a car and drive to visit the Daintree or you can go on a day tour from Cairns. Check out this day tour.

 

Day 7: Say Goodbye to Cairns

 

Spend your last day in Cairns visiting places in Cairns you may have missed in your first couple of days. Perhaps do some souvenir shopping to take home before saying goodbye to Cairns.

Now you know how to spend your time in Cairns during your week long Cairns holiday, it is time to organise it.

 

Organise Your 7 Day Cairns Itinerary

 

Best time to Visit Cairns

 

Is there a best time to visit Cairns? You can visit Cairns year-round but the best time depends on what you want to get from your Cairns holiday. Plus, it depends on when you can have your holiday! If you are wanting to know the best time to visit Cairns, well that is during the dry season of the months of May to October. This is the most popular time to visit Cairns and Tropical North Queenslands as the weather is typically warm and sunny with low rainfall and humidity. Temperatures can be a pleasant 17 to 26 degrees Celsius. Great temperatures for exploring the reef and the rainforests. 

Of course you can visit during the wet season of the months of November to April but this is when the temperatures are high with increased humidity and rainfall. There can even be a cyclone or two during this time. Stingers will also be out in force in the water making it unpleasant for swimming unless you wear a stinger suit. However, if you have come to see the waterfalls of Far North Queenslands, they should all be flowing from the rainfall. You will also encounter the long summer school holidays in Australia so Cairns can be busy with Aussie tourists on summer holidays.

 

How to Get to Cairns

 

Cairns can be reached in a number of ways. Many fly into Cairns and if you are looking for a good airfare, check out Skyscanner. Many drive to Cairns as it is linked to other major cities on the Bruce Highway. Overseas visitors including working holiday maker backpackers will drive Sydney to Cairns.

 

How to Get around Cairns

 

Cairns is a compact city so you can walk to many places. You can use the public buses with fares as low as 50c for a single trip. Check out info on using the local Cairns bus network at Translink. 

However, for day trips you could hire a car (check out rates and availability through DiscoverCars) or go on a tour. 

 

Where To Stay In Cairns

 

There are plenty of beautiful hotels and hostels available in Cairns and even some great caravan parks if you are bringing your own accommodation. I would recommend staying as close to the Cairns CBD as possible as you are within walking distance to the Esplanade and shops. But if you have a car you could stay at one of the beaches north of Cairns. For Cairns accommodation options check out options, availability and cost at Booking.com.

 

Booking.com

How to Spend 14 days in Cairns

 

If you have 2 weeks to spend in Cairns, why not extend your stay in Cairns to 14 days, there is plenty more to see and do.

Spend more days lazing by your accommodation’s pool or by one of the beaches north of the city. May take a day trip to Fitzroy Island, the Atherton Tablelands seeing many waterfalls – Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls or perhaps to the Undarra Lava Tubes.

 

Final Thoughts About Visiting Cairns for 7 Days

 

I hope this Cairns 7 day itinerary has given you a good idea about what you can squeeze into your week in this tropical paradise. With 7 days in Cairns, you’ll be able to get to know Cairns and see the highlights of this fabulous city and its surrounds in Far North Queensland! If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them in the comments.

 

Cairns 7 day itinerary pin - beach, lagoon, Kuranda Railway and Daintree Rainforest.

My Favourite Travel Resources that help me discover Australia.

* For accommodation stays I book a bed in a hostel through HostelWorld or a hotel room via Booking.com. For free accommodation I house sit through Trusted Housesitters.
* I purchase camping & caravanning gear through Caravan RV Camping, Amazon and BCF.
* If I need to rent a car I check out options at DiscoverCars.
* For clothing I am not loyal to any brand, but I do have a North Face jacket.
* When I need travel insurance I get a policy through World Nomads or SafetyWing.

 

12 Comments

  1. Michelle

    You have a terrific 7 days Cairns itinerary! I especially like day 5 – a beach day. I was in Cairns and Daintree some time ago, and your post reminds me how much I loved our trip.

    Reply
  2. Josy A

    Cairns looks amaaazing! I especially love the look of taking the Kuranda Railway up to Kuranda to see Barron Falls. And those beaches are just gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Cairns is a favourite Australian holiday spot of many. The Kuranda Railway is great, it is so scenic and fun to do. And yes, some of the beaches are gorgeous.

      Reply
  3. Tanya Turner

    Wow, there is such a great variety of activities to do and things to see in Cairns. I would 100% want to do the glass boat tour & snorkel at the great barrier reef!!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Cairns is a favourite holiday spot of mine. I loved the glass bottom boat, I had never seen anything like it before!

      Reply
  4. Katelynn K.

    I love train rides so the Kuranda Railway would absolutely make my list if I was planning a visit. Especially if we could take it to see a waterfall. Win win!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      I loved the Kuranda Railway as the views are gorgeous.

      Reply
  5. JODY JOSEPH

    Your itinerary sounds amazing! I would love to visit Cairns one day soon. Your article is so helpful for planning a great trip! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Thank you. I hope you get to visit Cairns and surrounds one day.

      Reply
  6. Catarina Vieira

    Such an amazing itinerary! The Daintree Rainforest really sounds like a must-visit.

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      The Daintree Rainforest is gorgeous and a must visit when visiting Cairns.

      Reply

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About Me

Bells Beach Surfing Recreation Reserve Sign shaped like a big white wave with Sharyn McCullum On the Great Ocean Road.

G’Day! Sharyn here, an Aussie discovering Australia. Let me show you around so you can discover Australia too.  Read my story here.



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