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Cairns

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A critical shortage of long-term rentals and rising property prices are forcing local workers out of the city as holiday rentals dominate the market.

Updated 26 July 2026

Top things to do in Cairns

Evergreen picks — free items are flagged.

  1. 1.

    Experience the world's largest coral reef system via catamaran. Most tours depart from the Cairns Marlin Marina, offering opportunities to snorkel, scuba dive, or view the marine life from glass-bottom boats.

  2. 2.

    Departing from the Cairns Marina, these tours offer access to the world's largest coral reef system. Visitors can swim alongside sea turtles and tropical fish through vibrant coral gardens via day cruises or overnight liveaboards.

  3. 3.

    Cairns is the primary gateway to the world's largest coral reef system. Numerous operators offer full-day excursions for snorkeling, scuba diving, or viewing the vibrant marine life from glass-bottom boats.

  4. 4.

    Embark on a snorkel or dive excursion to the world's largest living structure. Departing from the Cairns Marina, these full-day tours visit multiple reef sites where you can spot turtles, rays, and thousands of species of tropical fish.

  5. 5.

    Cairns is the primary gateway to the world's largest coral reef system. Departing from the Reef Fleet Terminal, various day trips offer snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat viewings of the spectacular coral gardens and marine life.

  6. 6.

    Cairns is the primary gateway to this World Heritage site. Visitors can take day trips to the outer reef to snorkel or dive among a spectacular array of coral, tropical fish, turtles, and rays.

  7. 7.

    As the primary gateway to this UNESCO World Heritage site, Cairns offers numerous daily reef cruises. Visitors can explore vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life through snorkeling, introductory scuba diving, or glass-bottom boat tours.

  8. 8.

    Depart from the Cairns Marina to explore the world's largest coral reef system. Visitors can choose from day trips for snorkeling, scuba diving, or glass-bottom boat tours to see tropical fish, turtles, and vibrant coral gardens.

  9. 9.

    Depart from the Cairns Marina for a life-changing day of snorkeling or diving. As the gateway to this UNESCO World Heritage site, Cairns offers various tours to the outer reef and pontoon platforms where you can see coral gardens, sea turtles, and diverse tropical fish.

  10. 10.

    Cairns is the primary gateway to the world's largest coral reef system. Visitors can book day trips to snorkel or dive among tropical fish, turtles, and vibrant coral gardens, or view the reef from above via scenic helicopter flights.

    Cairns City, QLD 4870 · More info ▸
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