Guide to Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Sharing is caring!

NOTE: Prices listed are from the original post date.

I’m gonna be straight with you: Cairns (that’s pronounced “cans” for you non-Australians; is far from the most exciting city in Australia unless you’re really into nightlife. It’s touristy, there’s not much going on in the way of culture, it’s hot and humid… So why bother visiting Cairns? One gigantic reason: The Great Barrier Reef. It’s why backpackers and holiday makers flock to the city in droves. And as the largest reef in the world and a world heritage site, it’s no wonder why. But getting out on the reef can be expensive, so here’s our trusty guide to Cairns on a budget.

Getting Around Cairns

Getting around in Cairns is much more straightforward than in Melbourne or Sydney, so fear not the public transportation system.

• Bus: The Translink bus system is fair in Cairns, but buses don’t run
  as frequently as in larger cities, so plan accordingly. You can plan your trip online and even transfer on
  the same fare for two hours after buying the ticket (which you can do in cash
  on the bus).
• Car Rental: Most of the big companies have offices in
  Cairns, but there’s one additional company that’s extra cheap: Rent-a-Bomb. The
  catch is that you can only travel within 50 kms of the city with the cheapest
  option, so it’s not a good option if you’re going very far, say the Daintree.

Free Things to do in Cairns

There are a handful of things to do in Cairns for Free, so take a few days and check them out!

• Rusty’s Markets: for cheap fruit and vegetables, lunch, and
  kitschy souvenirs, this is the place to be on Friday through Sunday mornings.
  Grab some Vietnamese street food, a custard apple, and croc-skin glasses case
  all in one place! It’s free to browse and you might find a great deal on
  avocados!
• Esplanade Market: On Saturdays local vendors and craftsmen set
  up on the esplanade and you can grab higher quality souvenirs like jewelry,
  handmade T-shirts, and artwork.
• Night Markets: Every night from 5:00-11:00 head downtown
  across the road from the Esplanade and browse the aisles of stalls selling
  hats, keychains, kitschy souvenirs, handmade soap, you name it. You can even
  get a cheap massage or Chinese noodles.
• The Esplanade: The highlight of this oceanfront boardwalk is
  the free swimming lagoon located right next to the water. It’s the perfect
  place to cool down and catch some rays. Take a photo next to the iconic fish
  fountains and feel the sand in your toes. It’s the only free option for
  swimming in the city since you can’t swim in the ocean (crocodiles). There are
  also playgrounds and a skate park if you’re keen.
• Bars: There are scores of bars in Cairns, most of which are
  super skeevy (i.e. skanky, pervey, divey), but if you’re going out anyway, you
  might be able to score a deal if you take a walk around town first. Many bars
  and clubs will be handing out special offers and drink discounts on the
  sidewalk and many have weekly ladies nights (we came across one offering 5
  glasses of champagne for every lady after 10:30 pm) and competitions for free stuff. Just know that you might
  have to put up with sexist activities like pole dancing competitions and wet
  T-shirt contests.
• The Botanic Gardens: These free gardens are lovely, though
  not terribly extensive, the highlight of which is the enclosed tropical garden
  complete with butterflies that need no encouragement to alight on your hat or
  shoulder (or camera). There are also a few longer walks starting in the gardens
  including the Red Arrow.
• Waterfalls: Outside of Cairns you’ll find several places to enjoy waterfalls and take a dip in croc-free waters. Crystal Cascades in one such place, though you can’t get there by bus. You can try hitching if you don’t have a car as a fair amount of people visit the falls, especially in the summer. Barron Falls located outside of Kuranda is another option, though it’s strictly for looking at, not swimming.
• Kuranda: About 30-40 minutes north of Cairns is Kuranda, a rainforest village based around tourism. There are plenty of expensive things to do here (take the skyrail, go to the Koala Sanctuary…) but there are also free things to do in Kuranda. Check out the markets and do some souvenir shopping, take a turn around the rainforest boardwalk, and visit some art galleries. You can drive yourself if you have a car or use public transport from Cairns for just $6.50 each way.
• The Beach: To swim in the ocean you’ll have to leave Cairns. Palm Cove and Trinity Beach have an underwater fence to protect swimmers from stingers and other deadly ocean-dwellers and a strip of restaurants and shops for when you start feeling peckish. We recommend a scoop or two of vegan gelato at Scoops Gelatiland in Palm Cove. The bus will take you up to either beach and cost under per person.

Eat on a Budget in Cairns

There are dozens of dining options in Cairns, many of which are expensive, but if you keep your eyes peeled you might find some good deals as you walk around town.

• Cairns Night Markets: If it’s Asian take-out you’re in the mood for, You’ll find it at the Night Markets. It’s food court style, so pick a storefront and point to what you want.
• Vegan Treats: We can’t pass up vegan sweets, if you can’t either, check out Pineapple Cafe in the city for raw bites and breakfast and lunch food and Soul Kitchen Bakery a bit outside the CBD for cakes and such. Reasonably priced and yum.

Ways to Save in Cairns

Here’s how to save money in Cairns on land and sea.

• The Daintree: You can take a tour from Cairns up to the
  World Heritage listed rainforest, but you will probably score a better deal
  renting a car for the day and driving up yourself. It’s about a two-hour drive
  and you can even save on gas and the ferry crossing ( per vehicle and you
  won’t see much of the rainforest if you don’t) if you opt to share the ride
  with other travelers through sites like Gumtree and CoSeats. On the way you can
  make a pit stop in Port Douglas, which is still touristy, but much classier
  with nice cafes and ritzier shops.
• Great Barrier Reef: It’s expensive to get out to the reef
  with the cheapest snorkeling day tour starting at $109 AUD with Compass Cruises.
  However, if you don’t feel the need to visit multiple sites, you can head out
  to Fitzroy Island (which is lovely and offers great snorkeling) on a ferry with Raging Thunder or Sunlover and
  spend the day for about $75 AUD and rent snorkel gear for another $16 AUD. Of course,
  if you have your own or can borrow some, you’ll save even more! Just make sure
  to pack a lunch so you don’t spend everything you saved on high-priced food. You might also be able to score a deal on BookMe.com.au if you plan in advance! Other (though less likely) options include couchsurfing or WOOFing with a host
  who has a boat and might offer to take you out and debasing yourself at various
  bars in town in embarrassing competitions for free tours. The latter isn’t our
  style…we’d rather pay.
• BookMe: For savings on tours, activities and more, check out this site and keep in mind that the farther ahead you can plan, the better the deals will be.

Take a couple of days and enjoy the tropics, see some World Heritage sites, and have some fun in Cairns!