Cairns Area

Cairns is where most people begin their reef and rainforest adventure, daily cruises heading out to the Great Barrier Reef's coral gardens while the Daintree waits just up the coast. Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway or glide above the canopy on Skyrail, both departing from the city into rainforest older than almost anywhere else on Earth. Back in town, the Esplanade Lagoon offers a free, saltwater-style swim right on the waterfront, one of the city's best-loved public spaces. Walk the boardwalk alongside it for genuine birdwatching along the water. However you split the time, the reef and the rainforest are both within easy reach from here.