Cairns, located in tropical North Queensland, is a popular destination for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. While there are plenty of paid activities and tours available, there are also plenty of fun and free things to do in Cairns that are perfect for travellers on a budget. From relaxing in the Cairns Botanic Gardens and exploring the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef to visiting the stunning Babinda Boulders, there is no shortage of unique experiences to be had. So, if you're planning a Queensland road trip or simply looking for things to do in Cairns, Australia, keep reading to discover the best free and fun attractions in this Queensland town.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Free things to do in Cairns
Whether you're a budget traveller or just want to experience the very best things to do in this region, Cairns has plenty of free attractions and activities to offer. Let’s dive into the best fun and free things to do in Cairns while exploring in a campervan.
Relax in Cairns Botanical Gardens
Cairns Botanical Gardensis a serene oasis located in Edge Hill, a few kilometres from the city centre. The gardens boast an extensive collection of tropical plants and specialised gardens, such as the Gondwanan Heritage Garden and the Flecker Garden, that epitomise the diversity of tropical flora that can be found worldwide. While at the gardens, take a stroll along the lush rainforest boardwalk, and make a stop to visit the giant Amorphophallus Titanum – also known as the corpse flower; this unique flower blooms only every seven to ten years! Best of all, admission to the gardens is free, making it a great budget-friendly Queensland attraction.
Swim in the Lagoon
The Cairns Lagoon is a free and accessible swimming pool in the heart of Cairns. The Lagoon is surrounded by sandy beaches, parkland, and shaded areas, providing an ideal place to relax, swim, and soak up the tropical sunshine. While at the Lagoon, visitors can also take advantage of the free Active Living fitness classes, cook their own barbecue lunch, or enjoy a picnic with family and friends. With its convenient location and range of activities, the Cairns Lagoon is one of the best free things to do in Cairns and a perfect addition to any travel itinerary or campervan road trip in Queensland, Australia.
Top tip: Cairns ocean waters are home to saltwater crocodiles and, as such, are unsafe to swim in. Lagoons like this are a safe and fun way to stay cool while exploring these tropical climates.
Wander Cairns Art Gallery
The Cairns Art Gallery is a vibrant cultural hub located in the heart of Cairns, showcasing contemporary and historical art from across Australia and the Asia Pacific region. With its central location, engaging exhibitions, and diverse programming, the gallery is an essential stop on any Cairns travel itinerary.
Here you can explore the exhibitions at your leisure or take part in a guided tour or workshop. The gallery also has a gift shop offering unique and locally-made souvenirs and gifts. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply looking for an enjoyable and free way to spend a few hours in Cairns, the Cairns Art Gallery is a fantastic addition to any Cairns itinerary.
Check out the famous Great Barrier Reef
No trip to Cairns would be complete without a visit to the famous Great Barrier Reef. While this seventh wonder of the world isn’t free, it is definitely fun and worth a spot on your Cairns itinerary. This breathtaking underwater ecosystem is home to an incredible diversity of marine life and coral formations, perfect for a day of snorkelling or diving. Join a tour, strap on your snorkel, and soak up the beauty of the vibrant coral gardens and the variety of colourful marine creatures.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Visit Babinda Boulders
Nestled in the heart of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Babinda Boulders is a popular attraction located south of Cairns. This stunning natural swimming hole features crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush rainforests, with enormous granite boulders adding to its beauty. Here you can take a refreshing dip in the cool water, relax on the banks of the creek or explore the surrounding area on one of the walking trails. It's easily one of the best Cairns activities for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Wander The Esplanade
The Esplanade is a picturesque boardwalk stretching along the Cairns waterfront and is the perfect place to take a stroll and soak up the local atmosphere. This is the ideal location to admire stunning ocean views, watch street performers, and check out the beautiful art installations along the way. The Esplanade also features a wide range of facilities, including barbeque areas, playgrounds, and the iconic Cairns Lagoon.
Visit Palm Cove
Located just north of Cairns, Palm Cove is a stunning beachside town and an idyllic location to enjoy a true tropical paradise. The palm tree-lined esplanade stretches along the beach, featuring a range of high-end restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Coral Sea, stroll along the palm-fringed beach, or relax under the shade of the swaying palm trees.
Walk around Rusty’s Markets
Rusty's Markets is a bustling marketplace located in the heart of Cairns. It is renowned for its fresh produce and exotic goods, with over 180 stalls offering a diverse range of local produce, handicrafts, clothing and more. Rusty's Markets is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, soak up the vibrant atmosphere and shop for souvenirs.
Check out Walsh’s Pyramid
Walsh's Pyramid is a natural landmark located south of Cairns. Standing at an impressive 922 meters high, this is the tallest freestanding natural pyramid in the world. The pyramid is also a popular spot for hiking enthusiasts to challenge themselves to climb the steep incline to the top. The walk can take 3-6 hours to return, depending on your fitness level. However, the stunning views at the summit make it all worthwhile – it's no wonder that Walsh's Pyramid is considered one of the top things to do in Queensland.
Visit Kuranda
Kuranda Village, located in the rainforest just outside of Cairns, is a unique and charming village known for its arts, crafts, and wildlife experiences. Visitors can access the village by the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or car. Some of the best things to do in this Queensland town include visiting the Kuranda Rainforest Markets for unique souvenirs, wandering through local art galleries, and wildlife experiences, such as the Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Kuranda. Kuranda is an excellent day trip or a stopover for those travelling further north.
Explore Barron Gorge National Park
Barron Gorge National Park, located just 20 minutes from Cairns, is a must-visit for nature lovers. The park is home to the stunning Barron Falls, which can be viewed from several vantage points along the walking tracks. Barron Gorge is the perfect Cairns activity and day trip, including scenic drives, rainforest walks, and exploring the park's many waterfalls, such as the popular Stoney Creek falls.
Where to stay in Cairns
Cairns offers many camping options for those travelling in a campervan, from caravan parks to free campsites. Whether you prefer a location close to the city or a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, there is a range of accommodations to choose from. Here are some of our top picks for where to stay in Cairns.
Big4 Cairns coconut resort
BIG4 Cairns Coconut Resort is a premier caravan park located in the heart of Cairns. The resort offers a range of accommodations to suit all travellers, including powered caravan and camping sites. The resort is just a short drive away from the famous attractions in the area, such as the Great Barrier Reef, making it an ideal base for those exploring Tropical North Queensland.
Cost: $52 for a powered camping site per night
Facilities:
A waterpark
Heated swimming pools
Mini-golf
BBQ area
Playgrounds for children
Cairns Crystal cascades holiday park
Cairns Crystal Cascades Holiday Park is a picturesque caravan park nestled in the lush rainforest outside of Cairns city. The park is conveniently located near many popular attractions, such as the Crystal Cascades – a popular swimming hole surrounded by granite boulders and rainforests, perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of exploring.
Cost: Powered sites start at $39 per night
Facilities:
A camp kitchen
BBQ areas
Swimming pool
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Cairns cool water
Cairns Cool Waters is a peaceful and family-friendly holiday park located just a few minutes from Cairns city centre. The park offers a variety of accommodation options, including powered and unpowered sites for caravans, tents and campervans.
Cost: Powered camping sites starts at $33 per night.
Facilities:
Swimming pool
Tennis court
Mini-golf course
BBQ areas
Camp kitchen.
See more of Queensland with one of our itineraries
There are endless possibilities when exploring in a campervan. To help make things simple and ensure you are experiencing the very best Queensland attractions, be sure to check out these travel itinerary ideas for your upcoming Australia road trip:
