Cairns
Australia
Backpacking Cairns
Information on Cairns, sights to see, nightlife, activities and more.
Cairns is the largest city in Far North Queensland. It is a very popular holiday destination for Australian and International visitors and as such, has a real cosmopolitan flavour to it. The city is also a one of the most popular destinations for backpackers, and as would be expected, has a large number of backpacker and budget accommodation places available. Cairns is a gateway to a great number of places and activities. You will find many boat cruises that depart from Cairns out to the Great Barrier Reef, where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling and see the incredible array of marine life and spectacular underwater landscapes. If you are seeking an adrenaline rush or some adventure, there are plenty of operators that will take you white-water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, bungy jumping, skydiving, horse riding, quad biking and so much more. Nearby the city are some magnificent and spectacular rainforest and national parks. You can explore these beautiful places in a variety of ways including by steam train, cable car, river cruises, bushwalking, organized tours or self-guided tours. If you want to chill out for a while and soak up some of the Queensland sunshine, just outside of the city you can find nice sandy beaches. Alternatively, in Cairns, head to the esplanade where you will find a huge man-made lagoon, which provides year round swimming and plenty of other activities. This place also has a reputation as a major party destination and there are several huge bars that are very popular with backpackers. There are also many other places you can spend your nights having lots of fun and meeting other travelers and friendly locals. Cairns is definitely worth adding to your itinerary, as there is so much to do and see in and around this great city.
Must See
The Great Barrier Reef - You can’t visit Cairns without experiencing the Great Barrier Reef! The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The colorful coral is stunning, as is the abundant marine life, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling and scuba.
Daintree Rainforest - The Daintree Rainforest is one of Australia’s most picturesque sites, with stunning scenery, and abundant flora and fauna; in particular, you’ll find the vast majority of Australia’s bat and butterfly species here.
Palm Cove - Palm Cove is a charming seaside village, and the home of a beach that’s considered to be Cairns’ best. It’s a great spot for a relaxing day of sun, sand and surf, and it’s also popular for kayaking, snorkeling and scuba.
Must Do
Visit Port Douglas - Port Douglas is a seaside town just north of Cairns, with a lovely atmosphere for a romantic holiday. Enjoy some beachside fun at Four Mile Beach, or just wandering around the town taking in the atmosphere and learning about its fascinating history. From Four Mile Beach, you can take a very scenic walk past the Port Douglas Lighthouse and up to the top of Flagstaff Hill for a stunning view.
White Water Rafting on Tully River - The Tully River is one of Australia’s best rafting locations and makes the perfect full-day activity for adrenaline-seekers. Grade 3-4 level rapids test your skills as your journey through the rainforest. In between the fast-paced action you can take in the stunning scenery and enjoy the wildlife action on the banks of the river. Prepare to get wet and wild as this adventure is not for the faint-hearted.
Nightlife
The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down around here. In fact, backpackers are guaranteed a party every single night of the week in this vibrant small-town city. The best spot for backpackers is hands down Gilligan’s. Gilligan’s is a one-stop shop to stay, play and party in style with budget accommodation, cheap eats and not one, but two nightclubs on site. Gilligan’s Bar offers seven nights of entertainment a week.. and by entertainment, think pure carnage in the form of jelly wrestling, pole-dancing and beer pong.
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