Cairns is the Adventure Capital of Australia!
Cairns is an unmissable destination for any backpacker visiting Australia. It’s almost like Cairns was made for backpackers!
Getting around Cairns is easy. With everything within a short walking distance, there won’t be a shortage of chances to go for a stroll.
Lots of Cheap or Free Activities
Head to the Esplanade for some great shops and nice cafes to sit in and enjoy the casual pace of the town. All along the Esplanade, there are undercover BBQ areas. This is a great cheap way to eat with amazing views! There are tonnes of free events held on the Esplanade. Yoga, Zumba, and Pilates are just a few of the different free workout options. Every weekend, there is live music down by the lagoon. A great way to enjoy a day without spending any money.
Just north of town are the Northern Beaches. Featuring a beautiful 26km stretch of white sandy beaches and beautiful blue ocean. Away from a lot of the crowd, it’s easy to find your own private area of sand and watch the ocean roll in. The popular beaches include the pristine Trinity Beach and Palm Cove.
Around town, there are a number of great walks to partake in. In the Botanic Gardens stroll along the Red Arrow Walk. Taking you through the surrounding forest, to the top of the hill with great views of Green Island. For more of a challenge, you can keep walking to complete the Blue Arrow Walk.
The night market is a nice way to spend the evening before heading out. There are some great local arts and crafts here and a food court. It’s another sweet way to hang out and get a feed in without spending large.
For The Adrenalin Lovers
Go white water rafting on the rivers of Tully and Barron. Skydive with incredible views of the Great Barrier Reef. Bungee jump from the top of rainforest canopies. Get down and dirty on an ATV tour in the rainforest. The options are endless and there will never be a dull moment.
Explore Unique Far North Queensland
Cairns is also a perfect place to explore the northern regions of Queensland and also the natural treasure that lies just off the coast.
There are many tours and 4wd expeditions that will take you far into the Daintree Rainforests and even to the northern tip of Australia.
The Daintree and Cape Tribulation each hold some of the most stunning scenery, flora, and wildlife that you are likely to see anywhere in Australia. This is the only place on the planet where 2 World Heritage Listed sites are right next to each other! Just off the coast is the Great Barrier Reef and Cairns gives you the key to exploring one of nature’s great creations.
Tours range from a single day to multiple ‘liveaboard’ adventures. Both provide some excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities at reefs only the locals know about.
Cairns Nightlife
Just a block or two back from the Esplanade is where you will dance the night away and remind your liver of exactly what it has been gratefully missing. There are some great bars to pre-drink at, such as PJ O’Brien’s and the Pier Bar. They will be packed for their 2-hour Happy Hours so it’s a great place to start!
But the real party is at either the Woolshed or Gilligans. Two of the best nightspots that compete for your partying and dance floor moves every night. And really there isn’t a clear winner here, each holds something unique yet both are equally awesome. Dance on tables and enjoy Frat Fridays at the Woolshed or dance it up by the pool at Gilligan’s. Either way, the night-life in Cairns is something to get excited about.
So go get your heart pumping with a range of extreme sports, view the incredible scenery in the Daintree, or dive into the wonderland that is the Great Barrier Reef. Either way, Cairns is your key to some amazing places and is also the place for backpackers.
No day trekking through rainforests or nights on the dance floor will lack the things a backpacker loves: adventure, great weather and a drink with your mates.