TripSmithCairns
A curated guide to Cairns, Australia: 8 top sights, 8 standout places to eat, where to stay, and a sample itinerary.
What to see
- The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum 4.8★ (2,100 reviews) · Museum
- Josephine Falls 4.8★ (2,000 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- Cairns Botanic Gardens 4.7★ (5,300 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway 4.7★ (11,000 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- Cairns Esplanade Lagoon 4.7★ (6,100 reviews) · Park
- Cairns Aquarium 4.6★ (7,300 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- Crystal Cascades 4.7★ (1,900 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- Cairns Night Markets 4.0★ (8,600 reviews) · Tourist attraction
Where to eat
- Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse 4.6★ (2,400 reviews) · Steak
- Muddy's Cafe 4.4★ (3,600 reviews) · Cafe
- The Pier Bar 4.2★ (2,000 reviews) · Grill
- The Chambers 4.6★ (1,100 reviews) · Cafe
- Caffiend 4.6★ (1,100 reviews) · Cafe
- Flynn's Italian by Crystalbrook 4.7★ (1,000 reviews) · Italian
- Mi Piace Espresso Bar 4.7★ (1,000 reviews) · Cafe
- Wharf ONE Cafe 4.4★ (1,200 reviews) · Cafe
Where to drink
- Three Wolves 4.7★ (1,100 reviews) · Cocktail bar
- Code Cairns 5.0★ (529 reviews) · Bar
- Rocco by Crystalbrook 4.4★ (1,000 reviews) · Cocktail bar
- Blackbird Laneway 4.8★ (568 reviews) · Espresso bar
- nōknōk 5.0★ (333 reviews) · Cocktail bar
A sample 3-day shape
Day 1
- Morning: The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum
- Afternoon: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
- Dinner: Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse
- Nightcap: Three Wolves
Day 2
- Morning: Josephine Falls
- Afternoon: Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
- Dinner: Muddy's Cafe
- Nightcap: Code Cairns
Day 3
- Morning: Cairns Botanic Gardens
- Afternoon: Cairns Aquarium
- Dinner: The Pier Bar
- Nightcap: Rocco by Crystalbrook
This is a starting shape — plan your own Cairns trip →
Frequently asked
How many days do you need in Cairns?
With 19 notable sights and 18 standout eateries, 2–4 days covers the essentials at a relaxed pace.