Cairns has so much to offer as you’re about to discover in our ultimate 7 day Cairns itinerary!
Known as one of the most popular gateways to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, is a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Dive into the world’s largest coral reef and immerse yourself in true QLD tropical weather with this 7-day itinerary.
7-Day Cairns Itinerary
Day 1: Settling In
Morning:
- Check-in at your hotel. We recommend Shangri-La or Crystalbrook Riley. Shangri-La with the better location but Riley with the better room interiors (in our opinion). It is hard to beat the Panoramic Sea View Suite at Crystalbrook Riley to enjoy unrivalled vistas of the Coral Sea!
Afternoon:
- Relax around hotel pool, wander the streets and take it easy settling in!
Evening:
- Sunset Dinner at Dundees on the Waterfront. Renowned for its seafood, steaks, and pastas, this restaurant offers a fantastic introduction to Cairns dining and is our favourite spot!
Day 2: Fitzroy Island
All Day:
- Embark on a boat ride to Fitzroy Island. Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island has previously won best beach in Australia!
- On the other side of the island, go snorkelling near Bird Rock amidst the vibrant coral gardens, where marine wonders come alive. Guided tours (if needed) offer both safety and insightful snippets about the marine ecosystem.
Evening:
- Return to Cairns and choose from an array of restaurants for dinner. Tha Fish is always a safe bet!
Day 3: Green Island
All Day:
- Set sail to Green Island, another gem in the Great Barrier Reef. This rainforest-clad coral cay offers unique snorkelling and diving experiences.
- Engage in another snorkelling session, exploring different coral formations and spotting diverse marine wildlife.
Evening:
- Return to Cairns and choose from an array of restaurants for dinner. Piato offers great seafood selections!
Day 4: Daintree Rainforest
All Day:
- Hire a car and drive into the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest.
- Mossman Gorge: Begin your day with a visit to Mossman Gorge. Located within the southern part of Daintree National Park, Mossman Gorge offers a glimpse into the ancient rainforests of Australia. Dip into the crystal-clear waters for a refreshing swim.
- Crocodile Tour: Embark on a river cruise for a crocodile spotting adventure. The Daintree River is home to both saltwater and freshwater crocodiles along with heaps of other species of Australian Wildlife.
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: Experience the world’s oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest from above! Board the Skyrail and glide meters over the canopy, immersing yourself in an ancient landscape and enjoying breathtaking views of the rainforest, Cairns, the Coral Sea, and tropical hinterland. There are two stations en-route where you can alight, enjoy a walk in the rainforest, and visit the Rainforest Discovery Zone.
- Daintree Discovery Centre: If time allows, visit the Daintree Discovery Centre. It provides a wealth of information about the region’s history, flora, fauna, and conservation efforts.
Day 5: Waterfalls, Port Douglas and Palm Cove
Morning:
- Millaa Millaa Falls: Begin your day with a visit to the most iconic waterfall in the region. Perfect for a refreshing swim, this cascading natural beauty is also a popular backdrop for photographs.
- Zillie and Ellinjaa Falls: Next, journey onwards to these neighboring waterfalls. Listen to the soothing sounds of rushing water, enjoy picnic spots, and take short walks around the areas to bask in the beauty of the tropical rainforest.
Afternoon:
- Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas: One of Australia’s longest stretches of beach, it’s perfect for a relaxing stroll, with golden sands meeting the Coral Sea.
- Shopping and Galleries: Wander the streets of Port Douglas and explore its boutique stores. Delight in local arts, crafts, and fashion, and perhaps pick up some souvenirs to take back home.
Evening:
- Beachfront Dinner: As the sun starts setting, head back to Palm Cove. With a myriad of dining options along Williams Esplanade, dining at Nu Nu you can listen to the gentle waves while enjoying a delectable meal.
- Evening Stroll: After dinner, take a leisurely walk on the beach. The moonlit Coral Sea paired with the silhouettes of paperbark trees provides a perfect backdrop.
Day 6: Snorkelling & Scuba Diving
Morning:
- Join a full-day snorkelling tour via boat. Explore the lesser-known snorkel spots of the Great Barrier Reef, each with its unique marine inhabitants.
Afternoon:
- Dive deeper with an optional introductory scuba session, experiencing the reef from a different perspective.
Day 7: Departure
Morning:
- If time allows, take a refreshing dip in the hotel’s pool and get ready for check out!
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