30 incredible things to do in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

1. Great Barrier Reef - Don a snorkel and a pair of fins to explore this iconic natural wonder. Whether you choose to explore from the sky, from the surface or underneath the water, unforgettable adventures await.

2. Climb Mount Cook - Greet the sunrise from the Mount Cook summit, where your three-kilometre hike uphill is rewarded with sweeping views of the Great Barrier Reef.

3. Hot Air Balloon - Take to the skies, floating by hot air balloon over the lush green of the Atherton Tablelands.

4. Four-wheel-drive to The Tip - The legendary 1200km stretch of road that connects Cairns with the northernmost point of Cape York is an adventure for the ages. 

5. Horse ride along the beach at Cape Tribulation - Cape Trib Horse Rides is your ticket to a peaceful journey where two World Heritage Areas meet.

6. Mount Bartle Frere - Tighten your hiking boots and clamber up the top of the highest mountain in the state.

7. Savannah Way road trip - Head for the heart of the Savannah Gulf, where the tropics meets the outback. Take a break from driving at desert oasis Cobbold Gorge, where you can wind your way through the towering gorge's waters by boat or SUP.

8. Cairns' most beautiful beaches - Beach-hop your way up the coastline, stopping at secret coves and golden stretches along the way.

9. Palm Cove - Treat yourself to a luxury beach getaway, where see-to-the-bottom waters and white sands lined with palm trees await you.

10. Mission Beach - Head south to this quiet coastal haven where you can ride bikes along the sand and explore life under the sea with a visit to the popular Beaver Reef Dive Site. 

11. Green Island - This rare rainforest-clad sand cay in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef offers endless adventure, from snorkel and scuba tours to glass bottom boat rides and watersports. Although it's a national park, you can even stay here overnight at the resort.

12. Fitzroy Island National Park - Jump on the Fitzroy Flyer to spend the day exploring its impressive collection of rainforest, mangroves, and coral beaches (including famous Nudey Beach). There's a resort and campground here if you want to extend your stay, along with the opportunity to lenda hand at the turtle rehabiliation centre or coral planting project.

13. Haggerstone Island - Treat yourself to the ultimate indulgence at this wild, remote spot on the map 600km north of Cairns. Think James Bond meets Robinson Crusoe.

14. Waterfall adventures - The leafy Wet Tropics rainforests of the Atherton Tablelands are home to some of Australia’s most stunning waterfalls and natural swimming holes. Here's a road trip itinerary if you want to connect the very best into a three day adventure.

15. Tully - The home of the Golden Gumboot is a jump off point to white water rafting adventures and impressive Tully Gorge.

16. Paronella Park - Wander through the ethereal ruined castle and surrounding gardens built by Spaniard Jose Paronella at Mena Creek Falls for his beloved.

17. Djiru National Park - Keep an eye out for the endangered southern cassowary, protecting some of the last remaining lowland rainforest in the Wet Tropics.

18. Daintree Rainforest - Wander trails the world's oldest rainforest story, dating back an estimated 100 million years. Walk amongst its ancient treetops at the Daintree Discovery Centre, where you can take in views from a 23m high tower and boardwalks. 

19. Barron Gorge National Park - Frolic among the ravines, rugged mountains and rainforests of a national park most famous for the mighty Barron Falls. The best way to arrive is by Skyrail for epic birds-eye views.

20. Mike Ball Dive Expeditions - Swim with rarely-spotted dwarf minke whales off Cairns on a truly unique liveaboard dive adventure. Queensland is the only place in the world where you can do so.

21. Lake Eacham - Splash about in the serene blue waters of a 65m deep crater lake formed by volcanic explosions.

22. Undara Lava Tubes - Delve underground, traversing the oldest and best-preserved lava tube systems in the world. Dating back some 190,000 years, discover the caves on guided tours, take national park hikes and soak up the quiet of the bush. 

23. Australian Butterfly Sanctuary - Wander through the country’s largest butterfly aviary and exhibit, gazing at its 1,500 tropical butterflies. Or pop in next door to Birdworld Kuranda and wander through the tropically landscaped aviary, home to the largest single collection of free-flying birds in Australia.

24. Mossman Gorge - Immerse yourself in Indigenous culture on a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk, learning how Kuku Yalanji People used the bush for food and medicine. 

25. Torres Strait Islands - This remote region is where Melanesian and Indigenous cultures intermingle alongside opportunities to island-hop, learn history, and discover local art.

26. Cooktown - Make the drive from Cairns then spend a day or two exploring the area's history, beauty and Indigenous culture. Keep time up your sleeve to throw a line in the Endeavour River - these waters are teeming with coral trout, mackerel, jacks and trevally.

27. Quinkan Reserves Ancient Rock Art in Laura - These rock paintings have been listed by UNESCO as one of the top ten rock art sites in the world. For a fully immersive experience, head out with Jarramali Rock Art Tours on an overnight 4WD adventure where few travellers go. 

28. Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park - Have your mind blown by these spectacular limestone caves which began forming 400 million years ago - it's home to small galleries of Aboriginal rock art too. 

29. Atherton Tablelands - Taste your way through the farm stands, distilleries and makers on a food tour or self-guided adventure.  

30. Tuck into Cairns' best restaurants and cafes - Whether you’re after seafood, degustations, authentic ramen, or a good old-fashioned burger and fries, this pocket of tropical paradise has it all.