Queensland · Australia
The best of Cairns (2026)
The gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, with Port Douglas an hour up the coast.
Cairns is where most Great Barrier Reef trips start, with the Daintree Rainforest, Kuranda and Port Douglas within easy reach. Our Cairns picks cover the reef tours, the rainforest and where to stay.
Cairns picks on our Australia-wide lists
All Australia-wide listsEvery place in Cairns that made one of our Australia-wide guides, with its position on that list.
Things to Do
The 12 Best Places to Visit in Australia (2026)
- #2 Great Barrier Reef Cairns and Port Douglas, Queensland
- #8 Daintree Rainforest and Port Douglas Far North Queensland
The 12 Best National Parks in Australia (2026)
- #3 Daintree National Park Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation, Queensland
Spending time in Cairns?
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