Top Nature & Wildlife Attractions in Cairns That Will Steal Your Heart!

Blessed with nature’s bounty, Cairns is one place that should be on top of the bucket list of every nature and wildlife enthusiast; and even if you don’t find yourself too inclined towards nature experiences, get ready to welcome a whole new perspective with your visit to Australia’s ‘Sunshine State’. With various wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves running galore with unbelievable biodiversity, to say that you’ll be held captive by Cairns, is to say the least.

Here’s a list of the best things to do in Cairns, for getting closer to nature:

Behold the Splendour of the Great Barrier Reef

How can the list even begin without mentioning The Great Barrier Reef? The world’s largest coral reef system, it is made up of 3,000 coral reefs, 600 continental islands and 300 coral cays, making it a breathtaking sight! With an expanse so vast, the best way to get the most out of this natural marvel is by a cruise, that guides you to the most loved spots of the sprawling wonder and lets you take a dive into the surreal underwater world with scuba diving and snorkelling.

That’s not all! With cruises, you also get to learn about the indigenous cultural and historical connections to the reef, by means of the fascinating stories narrated by the guides. Put a cherry on the cake with a scenic helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef capturing the awwdorable Heart Reef and other attractions that’ll leave you enchanted.

Say Hello to the Marine Life at Cairns Aquarium

Delve into the colourful world of the marine life with a visit to the spanking new Cairns Aquarium. An absolute favourite among kids, at this aquarium you can get up close and personal with over 15,000 animals at surprisingly affordable prices. Wander under water as you take in 10 Tropical North Queensland ecosystems and over 71 habitats, including creeks, streams, river systems, mangroves, rainforests, reef and the ocean, recreated within the aquarium walls.

The Cairns aquarium is the first and only aquarium in the entire world to focus on the biodiversity of Far North Queensland, taking you on a journey through the region’s 10 eco systems. Educational and surreally beautiful, you’ll get a chance to see a lot more than just fish here; this includes exotic creatures such as turtles, snakes, blue tongue lizards, Boyd Forest dragons, baby saltwater crocodiles. Once you’re finished exploring the aquarium, make your way to the onsite Aqualuna Restaurant for a delicious Italian feast.

Treat the Wildlife Enthusiast in You at The Daintree Rainforest

Prep up for some enthralling visual treats with your visit to the lush and evergreen Daintree Rainforest! Experience the wildlife, mountains, sea and rainforest that define the Wet Tropics of Queensland with a diverse full-day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Grab the rare opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos and observe other native creatures at Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas. To feel the adrenaline in your veins, do opt for jungle surfing to see the Daintree from above in true Tarzan style by zip- lining over the gorgeous rainforest. Want more? How about some swanky electric bike rides and horse riding through the thickness of the forest?

That’s not all! Guided tours and nature walks through the rainforest of Mossman Gorge will further leave you in absolute awe. If you are looking for some fun activities to try, go for a swim in the Coral Sea and cruise down the beautiful Daintree River, and later treat your taste buds to a delicious lunch at Cape Tribulation.

Sign up with a Ride to The Village of Kuranda

So you’ve been on different cruises, been on a sky-plane and experienced the thrill of zip lining across the jungles... What awaits you now is a leisurely train ride to explore the Tropical North Queensland's invigorating history, with a visit to Kuranda; a village in the rainforest. Delve truly into nature as the train whizzes by scenic natural vistas through the rainforest. Behold the animated gorges on your way. Oh! And the beautifully restored Victorian-style Gold Class carriage with premium lounge seating is an experience in itself too.

They say that journeys are prettier than the destination, but in the case of Kuranda it is actually quite different. Upon arrival you are greeted by a culture that’s lively and refreshing. Explore the various craft shops in the village and shop for some cute souvenirs for loved ones. The thrill doesn’t end here! Experience the breathtaking Skyrail Cableway in a gondola, high above the World Heritage Rainforest canopy; and guess what? You can also disembark at stops en-route to take in the beautiful scenery.

Go Waterfall Hopping at Atherton Tablelands Rainforests

If you thought that was all in Cairns, you’ll be bound to rethink with an enthralling visit to the Atherton Tablelands Rainforests. Venture in the depths of this natural marvel with a guide, to observe native animals of Australia such as the kangaroos, lizards, and possums by daylight. Wait for the sun to set to look for nocturnal critters like the elusive platypus and Lumholtz tree kangaroo in the wilderness. The Tablelands are home to Australia’s most substantial mountain range called the Great Dividing Range, beyond which is a landscape that’s bound to leave you in absolute bewilderment.

If you find rainforests humid, worry not, for the Tablelands is the perfect place for an afternoon swim in the gorgeous pools, formed at the bottom of various waterfalls. Explore the beauty of Millaa Millaa falls, Zillie falls, Elinja and Malanda waterfalls among many others. If you are planning a stay here, the rainforests are home to a number of eco-resorts enclosing on-site restaurants that will serve your purpose in the most scenic way.

Look no further, browse no more for you never know until you go! Book your tickets and give-in to the temptation that Cairns offers.

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