Cairns natural wonders (and wanders)

Cairns is surrounded by two World Heritage areas  - the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest. The depth, variety and choice of things to see and do in Cairns is so great, it is actually a little daunting.

You could go to a different waterfall, quiet bush camping spot, coral cay, island or hike every weekend in and around Cairns, and still not manage to 'see it all' in a lifetime.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't try.

Outdoor activities in Cairns

In Cairns, we share a backyard with thousands of land and sea creatures, botanical wonders, islands, and ancient landscapes. We have the greatest tree canopy coverage of any Australian city or town; beautiful hiking trails wind through great parts of this canopy.

The question to ask is not  'what is there to see and do in Cairns?' but how do I narrow my choices down to something less overwhelming!

Many Cairns locals are dedicated over-sharers when it comes to their outdoor activities.

There are active social media community groups for almost every outdoor activity in Cairns, from 'Cairns Hiking Buddies' to  'Adventure Mummas'.

Post a question in any one of these groups and dozens of people will weigh into a debate about the best Cairns rainforest hikes, favourite waterfalls to visit an hour or less from Cairns; best angle for a sunrise photo at Ellis Beach, or the best parks and playgrounds in Cairns.

Or you could just see where a road or track takes you.

Add an element of surprise. No matter where you go on the weekend in Cairns, there is an excellent chance you will find something or somewhere beautiful in amongst all the natural wonders and wanders in Cairns.

^{* images by Lovegreen photography and TTNQ}

Rainforest and reef: It's good to be a tourist, even when you're a Cairns local

There are so many things to do in and around Cairns that are entirely unique to this area.

The Wet Tropics rainforest is home to at least 663 species of vertebrate animals; 230 butterfly species and 2,800 vascular plant species.

The Great Barrier Reef is made up of more than 3000 coral reefs. Many of the plant and animal species found around Cairns are found nowhere else in the world ... and scientists are still finding new species.

Freshwater swimming holes in Cairns

Around Cairns, at the edges of the suburbs, you'll find dozens of places to swim that are refreshing, beautiful (and free of crocodiles.) Well-known watering holes like the Rocks and Crystal Cascades at Redlynch, and the Babinda Boulders are popular with locals and tourists.

Once you're a local, you'll likely discover the equally-beautiful, but lesser known spots like Fairy Falls, which is a short walk from Crystal Cascades; Stoney Creek at Kamerunga; the creek at Goomboora Park in Brinsmead; and Hartley Creek Falls past Ellis Beach.

^{image by Lovegreen Photography}

An ambitious itinerary for a weekend in Cairns

In one weekend alone, you could

• go on the hunt for the two living dinosaurs that call the Cairns region home - cassowaries and crocodiles
• put a fear of heights to the test from the top of AJ Hackett Cairns Bungy Jump
• top it off with a cocktail or picnic by the beach at Kewarra Beach, Trinity Beach or Palm Cove

Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) has great resources and guides to get you started exploring our natural wonders at the weekend. Some of them are so close, you needn't wait for the weekend; fill up your after-work afternoons too.

A good place to start is their 'Ultimate Only in Tropical North Queensland Guide'.