The hot list

Eat and drink

Prawn Star

A converted fishing trawler moored in the marina, serving super-fresh prawns and oysters.

Dundee’s

A Cairns’ institution sitting on the waterfront, with a focus on game (think kangaroo, emu and crocodile) and seafood.

Flames of the Forest

Near Port Douglas, this is Australia’s only rainforest dining experience, with performances by indigenous tribes, all amid the jungle.

Whet Cafe

Set in the Cape Tribulation greenery, serving sustainable, locally caught seafood and meat.

Indigenous culture

Tjapukai Cultural Park (Closed)

One of Australia’s most renowned centres of aboriginal culture, with performances and a new multimillion dollar facility.

Mossman Gorge

This gorge is home to a popular swimming hole, and visitors can take a walk guided by members of the indigenous tribe who tell legends along the way.

Great Barrier Reef

Great Adventures

Head out to a pontoon at the Outer Reef, where you can snorkel and see the reef via a semi-submersible and an underwater gallery. It’s also the only place where you can experience the Scuba Doo.

Rainforest

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

A cable car that takes you from outer Cairns up into the rainforest and to Kuranda.

Rainforestation

This Kuranda park boasts wildlife (koalas, kangaroos, cassowaries!) and indigenous culture performances. But the highlight is the tour through the rainforest in amphibious vehicles from World War II.

Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours

Zipline through the Cape Tribulation rainforest for a more adventurous take on the Daintree.