Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Family Friendly Nature Adventure in Cairns

Viewed by 103 travelers

Day 1: Cairns City Exploration

Cairns, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffiend

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Caffiend, known for its great coffee and cozy atmosphere.
Caffiend is located in the city center, a short walk from most accommodations.
$15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Cairns Esplanade

Take a leisurely stroll along the Cairns Esplanade, enjoy the ocean views, and let the kids play at the playgrounds.
The Esplanade is a short walk from Caffiend, just follow the waterfront path.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dundee's Restaurant on the Waterfront

Head to Dundee's Restaurant for a delicious lunch with a view of the marina and waterfront.
Dundee's is located on the Esplanade, a short walk from the playgrounds.
$30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome

Visit the Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome for an interactive wildlife experience and thrilling ropes course for the whole family.
The Dome is located near the Esplanade, just a short walk from Dundee's Restaurant.
$50, 2 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Cairns Central Shopping Centre

End your day with some shopping at Cairns Central Shopping Centre, where you can find souvenirs and treats for everyone.
The shopping centre is a short drive or taxi ride from the Wildlife Dome.
Varies, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Cairns

Day 2: Rainforest Adventure in Atherton Tablelands

Atherton Tablelands, Australia

8:00AM

Drive to Atherton Tablelands

Embark on a scenic drive to the Atherton Tablelands, a lush rainforest region known for its waterfalls and wildlife.
Rent a car and follow the signs towards Atherton Tablelands. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Fuel cost, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Millaa Millaa Falls

Explore the iconic Millaa Millaa Falls, where you can swim in the refreshing waters and take in the beauty of the surrounding rainforest.
Follow the signs from the main road to Millaa Millaa Falls parking area.
Parking fee, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch Picnic at Lake Eacham

Enjoy a picnic lunch at Lake Eacham, a volcanic crater lake perfect for swimming and relaxing amidst nature.
Drive to Lake Eacham from Millaa Millaa Falls, following the signs to the picnic area.
Food cost, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Mungalli Creek Dairy

Visit Mungalli Creek Dairy for a taste of locally produced cheese and dairy products, and learn about sustainable farming practices.
Drive to Mungalli Creek Dairy from Lake Eacham, following the scenic route through the countryside.
$20, 1 hour

4:00PM

Accommodation Check-in

Check in to your accommodation in Atherton Tablelands and unwind after a day of exploring the rainforest.
Drive to your booked accommodation in Atherton Tablelands.
Accommodation cost, Rest of the day
Find Hotels in Atherton Tablelands

Day 3: Great Barrier Reef Exploration

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

8:00AM

Reef Cruise Departure

Embark on a reef cruise from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Join the cruise departing from Cairns Marina.
$150, Full day

12:00PM

Snorkelling and Diving

Explore the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef through snorkelling and diving activities suitable for all ages.
Follow the instructions of the cruise crew for snorkelling and diving spots.
Equipment rental, Afternoon

5:00PM

Return to Cairns

Head back to Cairns on the reef cruise, enjoying the sunset views over the ocean.
Board the cruise for the return journey to Cairns Marina.
Included in cruise fare, Evening
Find Hotels in Great Barrier Reef

Day 4: Kuranda Scenic Rail and Village

Kuranda, Australia

8:00AM

Kuranda Scenic Railway

Experience a historic train journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway through the rainforest, offering breathtaking views of waterfalls and mountains.
Catch the train at Freshwater Station near Cairns. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.
$50, 3 hours

12:00PM

Explore Kuranda Village

Discover the unique shops, markets, and wildlife experiences in Kuranda Village, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest.
Walk from the railway station into the village or take a shuttle bus.
Varies, 2 hours

2:00PM

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

Visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, home to over 1,500 tropical butterflies in a beautiful rainforest setting.
The sanctuary is located in Kuranda Village, a short walk from the shops.
$20, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Cairns

Catch the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway back to Cairns, providing stunning aerial views of the rainforest and Cairns coastline.
Board the Skyrail from Kuranda, and enjoy a scenic ride back to Cairns.
$55, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kuranda

Day 5: Relaxing Beach Day

Cairns, Australia

9:00AM

Palm Cove Beach

Spend a relaxing day at Palm Cove Beach, known for its palm-fringed shore and calm waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Drive or take a shuttle bus to Palm Cove from Cairns, about a 30-minute journey.
Free, Full day

12:00PM

Beach Picnic

Enjoy a beach picnic with fresh local produce and snacks while soaking up the sun and the tropical beach vibes.
Set up a picnic spot on the beach or find a nearby park area.
$20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Water Sports Activities

Try out water sports activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, or jet-skiing, available for rent at Palm Cove Beach.
Rent equipment from beachside vendors or water sports centres.
$50, 2 hours

5:00PM

Sunset Dinner at Vivo Bar & Grill

End your day with a sunset dinner at Vivo Bar & Grill, a beachfront restaurant offering delicious seafood and tropical cocktails.
Vivo Bar & Grill is located along the Palm Cove Esplanade, perfect for a relaxed evening meal.
$40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Cairns
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About Cairns

Best Australia Travel Deals
Travel Deals
Trip Packing List: July in Cairns and Palm Cove
Packing List
Trip Packing List: July in Cairns and Palm Cove
Packing List
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Cairns Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go