Top Things to Do in Cairns & Far North Queensland
Make the most of your time in Cairns and discover a region where two World Heritage-listed wonders—the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest—meet. From reef adventures and ancient rainforest to tropical beaches, waterfalls and exceptional cultural experiences, there is plenty to explore before or after the conference.
In Cairns
Explore the Cairns Esplanade
Located in the heart of the city, the Cairns Esplanade is perfect for a morning walk, an afternoon swim or a relaxed evening by the waterfront. Enjoy the swimming lagoon, parklands, public artworks, cafés and restaurants—or browse the nearby Cairns Night Markets for food, gifts and local products.
Visit the Cairns Botanic Gardens
Just a short drive from the city centre, the Cairns Botanic Gardens showcase an impressive collection of tropical plants. Entry is free, and visitors can explore rainforest boardwalks, landscaped gardens and walking trails. It is an easy and peaceful option for delegates with a few spare hours.
Discover the Region at Cairns Aquarium
Explore the remarkable ecosystems of Tropical North Queensland without leaving the city. Cairns Aquarium showcases wildlife from the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest, making it an excellent option if you are short on time—or if the tropical weather decides to add a little drama.
Experience Cairns’ Dining and Nightlife
Cairns offers a lively dining scene featuring fresh local seafood, tropical produce and flavours inspired by the region’s diverse cultures. Explore the restaurants and bars around the Esplanade, waterfront and marina, or enjoy a relaxed meal in the city centre.
Connect with First Nations Culture
Learn more about the world’s oldest living cultures through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led experience. Cultural activities available in and around Cairns include traditional storytelling, art, dance, bush food experiences and opportunities to learn about the deep connections between people, Country and sea.
Further Afield in Far North Queensland
Discover the Great Barrier Reef
No visit to Cairns is complete without experiencing the Great Barrier Reef. Choose from full-day and half-day cruises, snorkelling and diving tours, glass-bottom boat experiences, scenic flights or sailing adventures. Tours depart regularly from the Cairns Marina, with options to suit different interests, abilities and schedules.
Visit Fitzroy Island or Green Island
Escape to a tropical island for the day, with Fitzroy Island and Green Island both easily accessible by ferry from Cairns. Swim, snorkel, explore rainforest walking trails or simply relax by the water. Fitzroy Island is home to the picturesque Nudey Beach, while Green Island offers glass-bottom boat tours and a range of water activities.
Journey to Kuranda
Travel through World Heritage-listed rainforest to the mountain village of Kuranda. Take in sweeping views aboard the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and experience the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway as it winds through rainforest, tunnels and past waterfalls. Allow time to explore Kuranda’s markets, galleries, cafés and wildlife attractions.
Relax at Palm Cove or Port Douglas
Follow the scenic coastal road north from Cairns to Palm Cove or Port Douglas. Palm Cove offers a relaxed beachfront setting with cafés, restaurants and day spas, while Port Douglas combines Four Mile Beach with boutique shopping and excellent dining. Both destinations are ideal for a leisurely day trip or post-conference stay.
Explore the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation
Venture north to one of the world’s oldest surviving tropical rainforests. Walk beneath the rainforest canopy, cruise the Daintree River, look out for local wildlife and visit Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef. A guided tour is an excellent option for delegates seeking a full-day experience from Cairns.
Experience Mossman Gorge
Discover the natural beauty and cultural significance of Mossman Gorge, located within the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. Visitors can explore rainforest walking tracks or join a guided cultural experience with Kuku Yalanji Traditional Owners to learn about their enduring connection to Country.
Discover the Atherton Tablelands
Head inland to explore the cooler landscapes of the Atherton Tablelands. Highlights include rainforest, volcanic crater lakes, local produce, wildlife and the famous Waterfall Circuit featuring Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls. The Tablelands are ideal for a day trip or a longer stay.
Add a Little Adventure
For those seeking something more energetic, Tropical North Queensland delivers in a big way. Try white-water rafting, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, hot-air ballooning or a scenic helicopter flight over the reef and rainforest. There are experiences for every level of adventure—from gently thrilling to “this seemed like a good idea when I booked it”.
Plan Your Visit
Popular tours and attractions can book out, so delegates are encouraged to plan ahead—particularly if extending their stay before or after the conference. Travel times, seasonal conditions and accessibility vary, and some destinations are best experienced as part of an organised tour.
For more inspiration and current visitor information, visit Tourism Tropical North Queensland or Queensland—Cairns and Great Barrier Reef.
AUSTRALASIAN SOCIETY FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASESABN 20 108 151 093
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Email: events@asid.net.au |
ASID acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Traditional Owners, Custodians and First Nations of Australia, and Māori as tangata whenua and Treaty of Waitangi partners in Aotearoa New Zealand.