Must-see attractions in Cairns & Far North Queensland

  • Gallo Dairyland

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Kids absolutely adore this working farm, with 500 milking cows, tons of other friendly critters and a cheese factory (not to mention the handmade…

  • Marineland Crocodile Park

    Cairns

    While this family-owned, tropical-themed aquarium has plenty of fish, turtles and beautiful artefacts on display, it's Cassius, the world's largest croc…

  • Coffee Works

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Part cafe, part gift shop and part museum, Coffee Works is dedicated to all things java. The Coffee World museum is like Willy Wonka's chocolate factory…

  • BatReach

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Visitors are welcome at this rescue and rehabilitation centre for injured and orphaned bats, possums and gliders. Passionate volunteers are more than…

  • Cooktown Botanic Gardens

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    The 62-hectare botanical gardens contain a large number of plant species, including the Cooktown orchid. Marked walking trails lead to the beaches at…

  • Cairns Art Gallery

    Cairns

    The permanent collection of this acclaimed gallery has an emphasis on local and Indigenous work. It also hosts prominent visiting exhibitions and…

  • Chillagoe Observatory

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Chillagoe's remote savannah location makes it an ideal place to scan the night skies. This observatory, at Chillagoe Eco Lodge, makes it even better, with…

  • Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre

    Cairns

    This centre looks after sick and injured sea turtles before releasing them back into the wild. Educational tours (45 minutes, maximum 15 guests) take…

  • Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina

    Port Douglas

    The hub of waterbased activities in Port Douglas, Crystalbrook Marina is also attempting to be a social hub with a few restaurants, bars and boutique…

  • Cairns Museum

    Cairns

    This contemporary museum features four well-curated galleries covering the history of Cairns and Far North Queensland in pictures, exhibits and local…

  • Australian Armour & Artillery Museum

    Cairns

    Military and history buffs will love the largest display of armoured vehicles and artillery in the southern hemisphere. Go for a ride in a tank (adult…

  • Yarrabah Arts Centre

    Cairns

    This small centre houses the works of artists from Yarrabah, a small, scenic Aboriginal coastal community about 50km from Cairns city. Ogle everything…

  • Keatings Lagoon Conservation Park

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    About 5km south of Cooktown, this 47-hectare wetland is a favourite among birdwatchers and walkers. The waterlily-filled lagoon is home to thousands of…

  • Nature's Powerhouse

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    At the entrance to Cooktown Botanic Gardens, the town visitor centre is home to an inviting cafe (9.30am to 2pm) with outdoor deck and the Vera Scarth…

  • Hou Wang Miau Temple

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Thousands of Chinese migrants came to the region in search of gold in the late 1800s. All that’s left of Atherton's Chinatown now is this fascinating 1903…

  • Reef Eye

    Cairns

    Soak up stunning views of the Coral Sea and Cairns city aboard this 35m-high Ferris wheel. The fully enclosed gondolas rotate 360 degrees (passengers…

  • KickArts Contemporary Arts

    Cairns

    These galleries showcase cutting-edge local and regional artworks, plus touring exhibitions. KickArts has moved to the School of the Arts while the Centre…

  • St Mary's by the Sea

    Port Douglas

    Worth a peek inside (when it’s not overflowing with wedding parties), this quaint, nondenominational, white timber church was built in 1880, rebuilt after…

  • Samurai Gallery

    Cairns

    This unusual gallery and museum displays genuine armour, swords and arts from the Japanese samurai. Owner John Grasso has been collecting swords and…

  • Curtain Fig

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    The sacred, 500-year-old Curtain Fig tree (signposted 3km out of town) is a must-see for its gigantic, otherworldly aerial roots that hang down to create…

  • Quinkan & Regional Cultural Centre

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    This cultural centre and museum has displays on the Indigenous and gold-mining history of the region. Highly recommended tours of Quinkan Country rock-art…

  • Malanda Falls

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Spread your towel at the shady, croc-free Malanda Falls, which have been tamed into a kind of public swimming pool. The falls don't fall as dramatically…

  • Tumoulin Country Markets

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    In addition to selling cheap, from-the-farmer fruit and veggies, this market hosts the G-String Choir and turns on a mean Devonshire tea. It's held…

  • Doongal Ark Gallery

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    This unmissable boat-shaped building houses a gorgeous and authentic collection of Indigenous artworks and artefacts by local artists under the Doongal…

  • Cape Tribulation Beach

    Cape Tribulation

    North of the headland, Cape Tribulation Beach is a lovely crescent of often empty sand. Easiest access is via the Kulki Boardwalk and car park at the…

  • Avenue of Honour

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    By Lake Tinaroo, this touching memorial to Australian soldiers lost in conflict in Afghanistan opened in 2013, and features a spectacular grove of…

  • Walu Wugirriga Lookout

    The Daintree

    Coming to or from the ferry, stop in at this lookout high in the Alexandra Range for rainforest and coastal views, including where the Daintree empties…

  • Kuranda Koala Gardens

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    This small but sweet park is home to native Aussie animals including wallabies, wombats, reptiles galore and – obviously – koalas. Photos with koalas are…

  • Birdworld

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Birdworld recreates the rainforest habitats of more than 80 species of free-flying native and exotic birds. Birds swoop and swagger freely around the park.

  • Bat House

    Cape Tribulation

    This nursery and research station for injured or orphaned fruit bats (flying foxes), run by conservation organisation Austrop, welcomes visitors.

  • Yungaburra Markets

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    On the fourth Saturday of every month, the village is besieged by day trippers hunting for crafts and local produce at these vibrant markets.

  • Atherton Undercover Markets

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Large market selling local fruit, veg, jam, honey, sauces, bread and more; if it's edible and homemade, you'll likely find it here.

  • Malanda Markets

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Head to these monthly markets and pick up local produce, arts, crafts and all manner of country-style curios.

  • Mareeba Markets

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Almost 100 stalls of market goodies from local producers and artisans.

  • Mangrove Boardwalk

    Cairns

    Explore the swampier side of Cairns on this revelatory wander into the wetlands. Eerie snap-crackle-slop noises provide a fitting soundtrack to the spooky…

  • Bicentennial Park

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    This waterfront park is home to a much-photographed bronze Captain Cook statue, the kid-friendly musical ship and nearby Milbi Wall – a snakelike mosaic…

  • Sweet Farm Tours

    The Daintree

    Find out all about sugar-cane and cacao production at this working farm about 10km north of Mossman. The farm's visitor centre has information and…

  • Snapper Island National Park

    The Daintree

    Just offshore from Cape Kimberley, Snapper Island is a national park accessible by boat or kayak (enquire at Crocodylus Village). There's a camping ground…

  • Black Cockatoo Gallery

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Drop into this very pleasant home-based gallery and cafe 5km north of Ayton for a cup of coffee or tea and to view the works of wildlife artist Ross…