15 days in Cairns Itinerary

A neat, cosmopolitan city of shaded plazas and laid-back neighborhoods, Cairns serves as a popular base for exploration of the surrounding region and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as a center for watersport activities like surfing or waterskiing.

Venture out of the city with trips to Shannonvale Tropical Fruit Winery (in Mossman), Kuranda (Australian Butterfly Sanctuary & Birdworld Kuranda) and Port Douglas (Four Mile Beach, Safaris, &more). Spend the 9th (Sun) among aquatic life with a scuba or snorkeling tour. Spend the 10th (Mon) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. And it doesn't end there: tour the pleasant surroundings at Esplanade Boardwalk, skim along the rocks with a canyoning and rapelling tour, admire the natural beauty at Botanical Gardens, and look for all kinds of wild species at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures.

For reviews, maps, photos, and other tourist information, read our Cairns sightseeing website.

Brisbane to Cairns is an approximately 4.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a train. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from Brisbane in May, with highs in Cairns at 32°C and lows at 24°C. You'll have a few hours on the 22nd (Sat) to wrap things up before traveling home.