Ultimate 8-Day Cairns Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Cairns

Cairns, Australia

9:00AM

Breakfast at Caffiend

Start your journey with a delicious breakfast at Caffiend, known for its gourmet coffee and healthy dishes.
Located a short 10-minute walk from the Esplanade.
AUD20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Cairns Esplanade

Stroll along the vibrant Cairns Esplanade, taking in the beautiful views of the ocean and enjoying the local wildlife.
Walking distance from Caffiend.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Raw Poke

Enjoy a fresh poke bowl at The Raw Poke for a local take on this Hawaiian classic.
Located on the Esplanade, just a short walk away.
AUD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Cairns Aquarium

Discover the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef at this world-class aquarium, featuring over 15,000 animals.
A 15-minute walk from The Raw Poke.
AUD38, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ochre Restaurant

Enjoy a unique Australian dining experience at Ochre, which celebrates local ingredients with a contemporary twist.
Located within walking distance from Cairns Aquarium.
AUD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast on the Boat

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast served as you embark on a full-day trip to the Great Barrier Reef.
Board your reef cruise at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.
Included in tour, 1 hour

8:00AM

Snorkeling at Moore Reef

Dive into the crystal-clear waters and explore the stunning marine life while snorkeling at Moore Reef.
Part of the full-day reef trip.
AUD200 (includes tour), 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch on the Reef

Savor a buffet lunch onboard while taking a break from the underwater adventures.
Provided by the reef tour company.
Included in tour, 1 hour

1:00PM

Scenic helicopter flight

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the reef from above with a scenic helicopter flight.
Arrange this with your reef cruise for a seamless experience.
AUD350, 0.5 hours

3:00PM

Return to Cairns

Return via boat to Cairns, soaking in the beautiful coastal views as you head back.
Boat ride back to Cairns.
Included in tour, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Wharf Seafood Restaurant

End the day with fresh seafood at The Wharf Seafood Restaurant, enjoying views of the marina.
Located on the Esplanade.
AUD55, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Kuranda Adventure

Kuranda, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de France

Start your day with fresh croissants and coffee at this charming café in Cairns.
A short walk from your accommodation.
AUD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Experience a breathtaking gondola ride above the rainforest on your way to Kuranda.
Board Skyrail at Smithfield Station.
AUD38, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Kuranda Village

Stroll through the markets, shops, and attractions in the artsy Kuranda Village.
Easily accessible once you disembark from the cable car.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Kuranda Bakery

Enjoy delicious pies and pastries at this popular local bakery.
Located in Kuranda Village.
AUD20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Kuranda Scenic Railway

Take a memorable train ride back to Cairns through the stunning landscapes of tropical rainforests.
Board the train from Kuranda Station.
AUD50, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Rattle N Hum

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at this pub known for its hearty meals and craft beers.
Located in Cairns city center.
AUD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Daintree Rainforest Excursion

Daintree, Australia

7:30AM

Breakfast at Breakfast Works

Refuel at Breakfast Works with their hearty breakfast menu featuring local ingredients.
Located in Cairns city center.
AUD25, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Daintree Rainforest

Set off on a scenic drive towards the world-famous Daintree Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Approx. 1.5 hours drive from Cairns.
Free (excluding rental car), 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Guided Rainforest Walk

Join a guided rainforest walk to explore the ancient trees and diverse wildlife of Daintree.
Meet your guide at a designated starting point.
AUD45, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Daintree Tea House

Enjoy lunch at Daintree Tea House, serving fresh, local cuisine in a beautiful rainforest setting.
Located within Daintree National Park.
AUD35, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Cape Tribulation

Explore the stunning beaches and walking trails of Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef.
A short drive from Daintree Tea House.
AUD10 (entrance fee), 2 hours

5:00PM

Drive Back to Cairns

Head back to Cairns after a day filled with natural wonders.
1.5 hours drive back to Cairns.
Free (excluding rental car), 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Spirit of Cairns

Enjoy a unique dining experience on a sunset dinner cruise featuring seasonal menus and stunning views.
Boarding at the Cairns Marina.
AUD120, 2 hours
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Day 5: Beach Day in Port Douglas

Port Douglas, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Beach Shack

Enjoy breakfast near the beach with fresh juices and light meals at The Beach Shack.
Located along the famous Four Mile Beach.
AUD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Port Douglas

Set off for a scenic drive along the coast to Port Douglas.
Approx. 1 hour drive from Cairns.
Free (excluding rental car), 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Port Douglas Beaches

Spend your day relaxing at the beautiful Four Mile Beach or visit the Palm Cove.
Free access to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Tin Shed

Relax at The Tin Shed with views of the marina, enjoying casual dining with fresh seafood.
Located by the marina.
AUD35, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Sunday Markets

Explore the local vibrant Sunday markets for arts, crafts, and fresh produce (if it's a Sunday).
Located in Port Douglas town center.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Salsa Bar & Grill

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Salsa Bar & Grill known for its modern Australian cuisine.
Located in Port Douglas town center.
AUD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Atherton Tablelands Exploration

Atherton, Australia

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Atherton Tablelands Café

Fuel up with breakfast at this charming café known for its fresh farm-to-table produce.
Start your day at the café in Atherton.
AUD25, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore the Atherton Tablelands

Enjoy a day of breathtaking natural beauty, from waterfalls to crater lakes.
Travel around the area by car.
Free, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Cooloola Cakes

Savor delicious homemade cakes and light lunches at this cozy spot.
Located in Atherton.
AUD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Millaa Millaa Falls

Take stunning photos at the iconic Millaa Millaa Falls, a must-visit landmark.
Short drive from Atherton.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Crater Lakes

Relax by the crystal-clear waters of the crater lakes, a perfect spot for a swim.
Nearby attractions for easy access.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Tablelands Restaurant

Experience farm-to-table dining featuring local produce at its finest.
Located near Atherton town center.
AUD50, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Relaxation and Leisure

Cairns, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pleased to Meet You

Indulge in a hearty breakfast at this trendy café known for delicious dishes.
Located in the heart of Cairns.
AUD25, 1 hour

10:00AM

Cairns Botanic Gardens

Wander through the stunning Cairns Botanic Gardens, showcasing tropical plants and gorgeous landscapes.
Located near Edge Hill.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Green Ant Cantina

Enjoy a delicious lunch at The Green Ant Cantina, renowned for its fresh ingredients and flavors.
A short drive from the Botanic Gardens.
AUD20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Sugarworld Waterpark

Spend the afternoon having fun at Sugarworld Waterpark, a great way to relax and enjoy the sun.
Drive from Cairns for about 20 minutes.
AUD30, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hemmingway's Brewery

Unwind at Hemmingway's Brewery located on the waterfront, perfect for casual bites and drinks.
Located in Cairns Marina.
AUD45, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Farewell Cairns

Cairns, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Coffee Haven

Enjoy your last breakfast at Coffee Haven with quality coffee and pastries.
Located in the city center.
AUD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Last-minute shopping

Explore local shops for souvenirs and gifts to take home.
Stroll through the city precinct.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Coffee Emporium

Grab a light lunch and coffee before your departure at this local favorite.
Located in Cairns city center.
AUD20, 1 hour

1:00PM

Check Out and Departure

Conclude your Cairns adventure with a fond farewell.
Head to Cairns International Airport.
Free, 1 hour
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