Things to do in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

From Cairns you can reach the Great Barrier Reef: snorkel at Green Island, the only coral cay on the Reef with rainforest, or cruise to the Moore Reef pontoon or, from Port Douglas, to Agincourt Reef. Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to the rainforest village of Kuranda, explore Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Discovery Centre, and back in town swim at the Esplanade Lagoon or visit the Cairns Aquarium; Port Douglas also has Four Mile Beach.

Good to knowMossman Gorge Centre advises against swimming because of strong currents and flash flooding, but you can join a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk with local Indigenous guides. At Cape Tribulation, heed the park's crocodile and marine stinger warnings, and at Four Mile Beach swim only between the red and yellow flags. Skyrail upgrade works are under way, so check operating days and routes before booking.