Cairns was the base for one of the best things we did on our Australia trip — two dives on the Great Barrier Reef. The world underneath the ocean, the sheer scale of the coral, the colour, the fish — it is one of the great travel experiences on earth and it delivered every bit of what it promised.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of those bucket list experiences that people sometimes worry will disappoint — too hyped, too touristy. It does not disappoint. We did two dives from Cairns and it remains one of our absolute favourite experiences from our around-the-world trip. The reef stretches over 2,300km along the Queensland coast and diving it is genuinely like entering another world.
The colour of the coral, the variety of the fish, the clarity of the water and the sheer otherness of spending time beneath the ocean's surface — it is extraordinary. For us, diving was an unforgettable way to experience the reef. If diving is suitable for you, introductory options may be available through local operators; snorkelling is another popular way to experience the reef.
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Cairns is a small, tropical city in Far North Queensland and it is essentially the launch pad for the Great Barrier Reef. Almost every reef trip departs from Cairns Marlin Marina, and the city has grown around that role — a busy waterfront, an easy-going tropical vibe and an outsize backpacker and diver culture given its size.
Beyond the reef itself, Cairns is the natural base for exploring the Daintree Rainforest — one of the oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforests in the world — as well as Kuranda, Port Douglas and the vast wet tropics of North Queensland.
The reason most travellers come to Cairns. Diving, snorkelling and glass-bottom boat trips leave daily from the marina.
One of the world's most ancient rainforests — a full day trip north of Cairns.
The historic mountain railway climbing into the rainforest, often paired with the Skyrail cableway.
The free saltwater swimming lagoon on the waterfront — the go-to when sea swimming isn't advised.
A short catamaran ride from Cairns — a coral cay with reef swimming right off the beach.
Crocodile spotting on the Daintree River, wildlife parks and rainforest walks abound in the area.
Great Barrier Reef dives and snorkel trips, Daintree tours, Kuranda railway packages and more:
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Cairns was our gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Get a feel for the city before you go with Drive From Home, then jump into the Cairns virtual drive and explore from the road.
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This is just one stop on the huge Australian adventure. See how it all connects — the East Coast, the Red Centre, the reef, the cities and everything in between.
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