3-Day Cairns Adventure Itinerary: Tropical Highlights and Great Barrier Reef Exploration

Day 1: Explore Cairns

Cairns, Australia on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffiend

Start your day with excellent coffee and hearty breakfast options at Caffiend, popular for its strong coffees and inventive breakfast dishes. Open from 7am, it's perfect for an early start.
AUD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

Enjoy leisure time at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, a large saltwater swimming lagoon open from 6am to 9pm, perfect for a refreshing swim or a relaxing walk along the waterfront.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Cairns Botanic Gardens

Explore tropical plants and native flora at the Cairns Botanic Gardens, which opens at 8am. Stroll through the rainforest boardwalk and learn about northern Queensland's unique ecosystem.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Salt House

Dine with waterfront views at Salt House, offering fresh seafood and modern Australian cuisine. It’s open from 11:30am and perfect for a mid-day break.
AUD40, 1h0m

2:30pm

Cairns Aquarium

Experience the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef and tropical north Queensland at the Cairns Aquarium, open 9am to 5pm. Discover fascinating aquatic exhibits suitable for all ages.
AUD42, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Cairns Night Markets

Browse local crafts, souvenirs, and street food at the Cairns Night Markets, open from 4pm to late. It’s a great way to experience local culture and pick up unique items.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ochre Restaurant

Enjoy contemporary Australian cuisine with native ingredients at Ochre Restaurant, open till 9pm. It’s a fine dining experience that showcases local flavours.
AUD60, 1h30m
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Day 2: Great Barrier Reef

Outer Great Barrier Reef, Australia on May 15, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Have a quick breakfast near your accommodation to get ready for an early start to your reef adventure.
AUD15, 0h30m

7:30am

Great Barrier Reef Day Tour

Join a full-day Great Barrier Reef tour including snorkeling, diving, or semi-submersible viewing. Tours typically last from around 7:30am to 5pm and include onboard meals and equipment.
AUD200, 9h30m

5:30pm

Return to Cairns and rest

Relax back in Cairns after a day exploring the reef, perfect time to freshen up before dinner.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dundee’s Restaurant on the Waterfront

Dine overlooking Trinity Inlet with a focus on Australian seafood and steak. Open till 9:30pm, it’s a great place for a relaxing meal after an active day.
AUD50, 1h30m
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Day 3: Kuranda & Rainforest

Kuranda, Australia on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Gallery Café, Kuranda

Enjoy a cosy breakfast in Kuranda before exploring the quaint village and rainforest surroundings. The café opens at 7am.
AUD20, 1h0m

8:30am

Kuranda Scenic Railway

Take a scenic train ride from Cairns to Kuranda through the tropical rainforest, a picturesque journey offering stunning views. The train departs at 8:30am with tickets costing around AUD45.
AUD45, 1h30m

10:00am

Explore Kuranda Village

Visit the Kuranda markets, Butterfly Sanctuary, and Rainforestation Nature Park, all open by 9am. Enjoy shopping local arts and crafts and immersive nature experiences.
AUD30, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kuranda Cairns Coffee Plantation

Have a relaxing lunch with rainforest views and sample tropical coffee blends. Open from 10am, perfect for a midday break.
AUD25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return on Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Descend back to Cairns via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, offering spectacular aerial views over the rainforest canopy. Open daily from 9am to 5pm, the ride takes approximately 1.5 hours.
AUD60, 1h30m

4:00pm

Free time and Cairns departure preparation

Spend your last hours in Cairns relaxing or grabbing last-minute souvenirs before your onward travel plans.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Prawn Star

For a unique evening dining experience, enjoy fresh seafood aboard a moored boat – Prawn Star is open late and offers a vibrant atmosphere on the water.
AUD50, 1h30m
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