Location: Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Budget: $6,000 - $8,000 for Two People 
Duration: 7 Days
Best time to Travel: April-May & August-October
Highlights: Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Fitzroy Island 

Cairns QLD, Australia

Cairns: 7 Day Itinerary | a road to anywhere 

If you're looking for beautiful accommodation right on the esplanade these two hotels are absolutely incredible.

Amenities: Vie spa, Coco's kitchen + bar, Wizard high tea, Outdoor swimming pool, Fitness centre. 

Amenities: Eleme Day Spa, Calypso Club Restaurant, Rocco Restaurant, Paper Crane Restaurant, Lagoon pool, Fitness centre, Man made beach. 

Check-in and Welcome Lunch: Arrive at your accommodation, get settled into your room and then head down to one of the beautiful hotel restaurants for lunch. Here are some dining options:

Bars and Restaurants | Crystalbrook Riley

 Restaurants & Bars | Pullman Cairns International

Dinner at Tamarind Restaurant: For an exquisite Asian-inspired dinner at a fine dining restaurant look no further than Tamarind. Located in the heart of Cairns in the Pullman Reef Hotel and Casino, Tamarind is the most awarded restaurant in Cairns. The menu changes seasonally to highlight the local produce, it is complemented by an impressive wine list. 

Helicopter Tour: Begin the day with a private helicopter tour of over the Great Barrier Reef, a stunning aerial view of one of the most incredible reefs in the world. 

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Scenic Flights & Tours - Nautilus Aviation

Day Four: Café Hopping & Cultural Experience

Price: $95.00 per person / Add a picnic lunch for $20.00 per person

Climb aboard a luxury catamaran to enjoy a sunset dinner cruise. Overlook the beautiful landscape and lightshow of Cairns city.  Your journey takes you deep into the heart of Trinity Inlet and across the waterfront precinct of Cairns, from the Cruise Liner Terminal to the Esplanade.

Skyrail + Kuranda Scenic Railway Prices | Skyrail

The Daintree Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, captivates with its ancient beauty. Home to diverse flora and fauna, it holds the title of the world's oldest rainforest. From moss-draped trees to vibrant birdlife, its rich biodiversity and mystical allure create an unparalleled sanctuary of ecological wonder. Explore this wonder with a Karunda Scenic railway and Skyrail experience.   

Departing from Cairns Central Station at 8.30am or 9.30am. Returning between 3.00pm to 4.00pm. 

Ochre Restaurant in Cairns offers a tantalizing journey through Australian flavors. Renowned for its innovative use of native ingredients, it crafts contemporary dishes celebrating indigenous heritage. With a backdrop of waterfront views and a commitment to sustainable dining, Ochre delivers a culinary experience blending tradition and innovation.

Fitzroy Island, nestled amid the Great Barrier Reef, presents a paradise of azure waters and lush rainforest. Accessible from Cairns, its secluded beaches invite snorkelling, kayaking, and nature trails. With a resort offering luxury stays and an eco-friendly ethos, it's a haven for serenity, adventure, and reef exploration.  

Enjoy lunch and a spot of shopping at the Karunda Rainforest Markets. 

Cairns Dinner Cruise | Waterfront Dining | Spirit Of Cairns

Enjoy a full day tour of this picturesque island escape. Optional extras include: Glass bottom boat tour, snorkel experience, snorkel safari. 

Fitzroy Island Ferry | Full Day & Half Day | Great Barrier Reef Tours

Head back to the marina and stop by the delicious Salt House, they serve an incredible array or seafood and local cuisines. If you're not feeling up to a full meal, they also have a wonderful pizzeria which you take with you to enjoy in the comfort of your accommodation. 

Take a stroll down the Cairns esplanade, a vibrant coastal promenade, boasting scenic views, recreational spaces, and a bustling atmosphere. Lined with parks, pools, and markets, it's the heart of Cairns' leisure and cultural activities. Stop at my personal favourite, the Blu Marlin Bistro for lunch. 

Blu Marlin Bistro - Best Coffee in Cairns -All Day Breakfast

Start your day with a locally roasted coffee from Blackbird Laneway Espresso, these guys make a great cup of coffee.

Continue your coffee tour at Caffeind and enjoy a classic Australian breakfast made fresh with local produce. 

Spend the afternoon exploring local art galleries. Cairns' art galleries blend modernity with Indigenous storytelling, showcasing vibrant works reflecting ancestral connections. Spaces like the Cairns Art Gallery and Doongal Aboriginal Art & Artefacts spotlight traditional art forms, dot paintings, and sculptures, fostering a deep appreciation for Indigenous heritage within contemporary artistic expressions.

Enjoy a 5-star dinner at Waterbar & Grill steakhouse

Head out to the Great Barrier Reef for a day or sea, sun and snorkelling. The Great Barrier Reef, Earth's largest coral reef system, enthrals with its kaleidoscope of marine life and vibrant corals. A UNESCO site, it's a biodiversity hotspot and a natural wonder.

Here are a few companies that provide tours: 

Getting to Cairns is easy! Most domestic flights are under four hours. Flights depart from Perth, Darwin, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. International flights arrive from New Zealand, Papa New Guinea, Tokyo, Bali and Singapore. 

You can book an airport transfer from the airport to Cairns city in advance to ensure a seamless transition from your flight to your accommodation. 

	Cairns Airport Transfers - Exemplar Coaches and Limousines

Seat in Vehicle: $20 per passenger / each way 

Private Car: $90 per vehicle / each way 

Great Barrier Reef Tours | Great Barrier Reef Day Trips from Cairns

Cairns Reef Tours

After a big day of adventure, head for a beautiful meal at the Paper Crane restaurant by Crystalbrook for an easy dinner option. 

Head to local delight the Gallery for one last breakfast. 

Finish off a beautiful stay in Cairns by visiting the Cairns Botanic Gardens, take a lovely stroll through the gardens filled with local flora and fauna. Then head towards the airport for your final departure. 

This 7 day itinerary highlights the action and adventure in Cairns, Australia. Check the weather before you go, as a tropical destination - there is always a chance of rain. 

Don't forget to spend a little bit more on travel insurance for this destination. 

Pullman Reef Hotel Casino

Crystalbrook Riley


	Cairns Airport Transfers - Exemplar Coaches and Limousines


Local Shuttle Bus » Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport

Tamarind in Cairns, Tropical North Queensland QLD. Restaurants serving Modern Australian cuisine. Book a table and see menus, reviews, phone for Tamarind from AGFG.

Australian Good Food Guide | Tamarind 

Tamarind Restaurant

Ochre Restaurant

Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets

Salt House

Buy Blackbird Espresso beans now online. Our fair trade Organic Coffee Blend will be shipped directly to your door.

Cairns: 7 Day Itinerary | a road to anywhere

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