Holiday at home: Best ways to experience Cairns

Cairns beach Australia

We’ve been through a lot this year and most of us are aching for a little escape from the monotony of the day-to-day, but with the current global climate ruling international travel out for a while, more Aussies are set to holiday at home this year—and what better destination to do it than Cairns!

With its gloriously warm weather, pristine beaches and beautifully lush rainforests, few places can compete with the natural beauty of this region of Far North Queensland.

If you’re thinking of heading north this holiday season and want some tips to help you get the most out of it, we’ve got you covered…

1.   Cruise the reef

Cairns is lucky enough to be situated in the heart of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World—the Great Barrier Reef. It should be a crime to visit Cairns and not spend at least one day out on the reef!

Unless you’re visiting between June and October when you’re less likely to encounter stingers in the water, opting for a breakfast or sunset cruise is generally the best way to go.

2.   Enjoy a dip at Crystal Cascades

Ever wanted to feel like you’re in a travel show and swim beneath a waterfall in a tranquil watering hole? Well, you can do it for real at Crystal Cascades!

A short half-hour drive from Cairns, Crystal Cascades has been a long-time favourite among locals and travellers alike who are looking for a refreshing way to escape the heat of the day in a swimming hole hidden amongst the trees of the surrounding rainforest. 

3.   Glamp it up

If you haven’t tried it yet, glamping is a great way to get back to nature without having to sacrifice on the little luxuries.

If you’re not that keen on travelling around the region and would prefer to set up camp and stay put in the one spot, there are companies in Cairns that will set up your glamping tent in a location of your choosing. Just keep in mind that most glamping experiences won’t be air-conditioned, so if you’re not used to the Cairns climate it could prove to be a little much.

4.   Go roadtrippin

Aussies love a good road trip, and Cairns offers some truly unique experiences if you’re travelling by road. Within very easy reach of destinations including Babinda, Kuranda, Palm Cove, Port Douglas and the spectacular Daintree Rainforest, the options of where to head are endless.

While you can always do it by car, why not go all out and organise motorhome hire Cairns so have complete freedom to travel wherever the heart leads you without having to worry about finding accommodation.

5.   Take it in from above

Few things can compare to taking in the sights and landscapes of Cairns from the air.

Whether you most like the idea of a hot air balloon ride or a scenic plane or helicopter flight, Cairns boasts a truly unique location where the reef meets the rainforest, offering some seriously impressive aerial scenery that will be sure to stay with you for a lifetime!