• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Australian Butterfly Sanctuary ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Courtesy of purmakdesigns - Fotolia.com

2. Barron Gorge National Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of electra kay-smith - Fotolia.com

3. Australian Armour and Artillery Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Australian Armour and Artillery Museum

4. Birdworld Kuranda

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of PICTURETIME - Fotolia.com

5. Cairns Aquarium

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Courtesy of divedog - Fotolia.com

6. Cairns Art Gallery

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Cairns Art Gallery

7. Cairns Botanic Gardens

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Alexander - Fotolia.com

8. Crater Lakes National Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Robirensi - Fotolia.com

9. Daintree Rainforest

© Courtesy of AustralianCamera - Fotolia.com

10. Davies Creek National Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of hereswendy - Fotolia.com

11. Fitzroy Island

Romantic Islands
© Courtesy of Martin Valigursky - Fotolia.com

12. Kuranda Koala Gardens

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of apisitwilaijit29 - Fotolia.com

13. Kuranda Scenic Railway

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Courtesy of Evgeny Vostrikov - Fotolia.com

14. Mount Whitfield Conservation Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of skracht - Fotolia.com

15. Palm Cove

© Courtesy of Johan Larson - Fotolia.com

16. Paronella Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of OliverFoerstner - Fotolia.com

17. Rainforestation Nature Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of akatjomar - Fotolia.com

18. Skydive Cairns

© Courtesy of Speedfighter - Fotolia.com

19. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

© Courtesy of Rafael Ben-Ari - Fotolia.com

20. Stoney Creek Falls

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Jackson Photography - Fotolia.com

21. Sugarworld

© Sugarworld

22. Tinaroo Dam

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of electra kay-smith - Fotolia.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

The gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a picturesque, coastal city in Tropical North Queensland, Australia. The residents of Cairns fully embody Australia’s casual and laid-back lifestyle. The city offers lush, steaming rainforests, romantic palm-fringed beaches, and rugged outback countryside. The city’s ability to deliver unforgettable adventures and modern luxuries makes it a desirable vacation destination.

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