Cairns is an exciting destination boasting an incredible coastline, entertaining attractions and some of the best natural wonders of the world!
So you should have no trouble finding fun things to do. That said, those heading to Cairns on a budget need to get a little creative.
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To help fellow cost-conscious travelers to Australia, we are highlighting the best cheap Cairns activities along with other money-saving tips.
Things To Do in Cairns on a Budget
Australia was, at one time, considered a budget destination…but that is just no longer the case. Many of the top attractions in Cairns cost a pretty penny.
However, we believe that every place can be visited on a budget and Cairns is no exception.
Even if it is a jumping off point to numerous expensive activities, there are many things to do in Cairns on a budget while still enjoying the location.
During our visit, we came up with a budget plan for Australia that enabled us to experience the best Cairns attractions…and not go broke!
Our 8 Cairns Budget Things To Do
There are some attractions and activities – like the Great Barrier Reef – that should be on every Cairns itinerary.
While there are not many things to do in Cairns for free, we’ve created a list that highlights some of the best deals for travelers on a budget.
#1 Snorkel The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is easily reached from Cairns. In fact, the UNESCO World Heritage listed natural attraction is what lures many people here.
On our trip, we considered Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef a must. However, these excursions are not cheap activities– so we made it our goal to seek out an affordable way to experience it.
Cheap Great Barrier Reef Trips from Cairns
Our first mission when we got to Cairns was to walk the docks and check prices for Great Barrier Reef cruises in person, hoping to score a better deal than we had found online.
There we found tours provided by Compass Cruises for just $115 AUS (which at the time was a little more than the cheapest option we found online).
It wasn’t the fastest boat (what’s the hurry?), but it had a fun crew, relaxed atmosphere and good snorkeling gear.
We made two outer reef snorkeling stops, ate a delicious lunch and snacked on cheese while sipping box wine . For cheap Great Barrier Reef tours, Compass Cruises surpassed our expectations.
Most Affordable Boat Tours to Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the top things to see in Cairns – and everyone should witness the abundant marine life.
It just so happens that budget travelers have two great options when it comes to snorkeling GBR: Green Island and Fitzroy Island.
Green Island day trips are less expensive (see prices) – as is cruises to Fitzroy Island. Because they eliminate the on-board lunch and other amenities, both of these Cairns sightseeing tours are a great fit for travelers on a budget.
Finding the Best Reef Cruises in Cairns
That said, there are other Great Barrier Reef tours that cost only slightly more and offer better amenities. For example, the Great Barrier Reef Pontoon is an excellent option for families.
Other more expensive Great Barrier Reef snorkeling tours will likely have better amenities than the cruise we took.
For example, they have faster boats, maybe a shrimp and steak lunch, the added benefit of included wet suits and, perhaps, wine that doesn’t come from a box.
Top Tip: More interested in scuba diving? You can scuba from many of the affordable Cairns snorkel boat cruises for an additional fee.
#2 Explore Kuranda
Kuranda, a village in the rain forest, is rich with Australian history and one of the best day trips from Cairns.
Originally home to the native Djabugay people, the land developed into a town in the 1880s with the introduction of logging, mining and railroads.
As early as the 1930s, tourists were escaping the heat and humidity of Cairns for the cool mountain air. Kuranda tourism expanded in the 1970s when it became a retreat for free-spirited folks to sell homemade wares.
Getting To Kuranda…While Staying On Budget
There are two main – and entertaining – options for getting to Kuranda without a car: the Skyrail Cairns gondola and the Kuranda Railway.
However, neither are cheap. A combo deal Skyrail Up, Railway Down offers savings and is touted as a Cairns discount tour, but the price is still pretty steep.
We thought, without a car, that we were priced out of the round-trip Cairns excursions to Kuranda.
Then our persistent research yielded a little-known deal: a Kuranda Coach/Train Combo that allowed us to ride up on a bus and take the classic train down.
Things To Do in Kuranda
Once in the Tropical North Queensland rain forest, there is several things to do. That includes everything from shopping at the Kuranda Markets to riverboat cruises to getting up close and personal with koalas.
However, most of these activities didn’t jive with our Cairns budget. We browsed the shops but skipped on paying pricey entrance fees into any of the exhibits.
Kuranda Free Things To Do
During our budget trip to Kuranda, we were more interested in tapping into the natural side of the town.
A series of easy walking trails circuit around town taking you through lush rainforest and along the banks of the Barron River.
We set out on the Jumrum Walk, which was shrouded in silence and solitude. Then continued on the Jungle Walk, a section of rainforest that featured vines hanging down like Tarzan ropes.
The last section of the circuit, the River Walk, led us along the wide, lazy river that tumbles downstream to the Barron Falls Gorge.
Top Tip: We saved even more money by bringing a picnic lunch with us. We found a lovely riverside spot where we dined on inexpensive sandwiches and fresh fruit.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
We were skeptical about whether we made the right decision to extend our budget to include the Kuranda train. As it turned out, the railway proved to be an excellent value for the experience.
The train meanders through Barron Gorge National Park, clinging to the side of the mountain for the two-hour journey. Passengers sit in original, creaky wooden cars for the 23 mile ride.
Shortly after departing Kuranda Station, there is a 15-minute stop at Barron Falls, where they allow passengers to disembark to take in the views from various platforms.
The train then continues down the mountain through 15 tunnels, across 55 bridges and around 98 curves, passing more waterfalls and scenic outlooks along the way.
Cheap Kuranda Tour
Another less expensive option – that includes heaps of extras – is this full-day tour by bus. For those who want a guided tour in Kuranda, but are less interested in the skyrail and railway, it’s the best value for money.
It includes hotel pick up in Cairns, a journey (and duck boat ride) through the Reforestation Nature Park, boomerang throwing and an aboriginal dance performance.
#3 Seek Out Cairns Happy Hours
Like the rest of Australia, drinking a pint or two at a pub is not a budget activity. Of course, it is a fun way to cap off a day of sightseeing and adventure. So, thank goodness for happy hours!
Unfortunately, most of the bars in Cairns like to keep their happy hours secret. We had to ask around to get the details – and we suggest you do the same if you want to keep your budget in check!
That said, two of the city’s best watering holes – Rattle N Hum and The Woolshed – offer a daily happy hour.
Top Tip: Happy Hour deals constantly change, be sure ask for current specials during your visit!
#4 Walking and Hiking in Cairns
Hitting the hiking trails doesn’t cost a dime and they are numerous places to stretch your legs and take in the views.
In our opinion, the three best spots are Mount Whitfield, the Cairns Botanical Gardens and the Cairns Esplanade…and they are all free!
Mount Whitfield Blue and Red Arrow Trails
Although Mount Whitfield sits in plain sight, the hiking trails are one of the Cairns hidden gems.
Whitfield Mountain and has two excellent and challenging treks: the Red Arrow and Blue Arrow. They are easy to access, as it is just a 3 mile bus ride from the center of town.
The interlinking circuits make the round-trip hike about 4.5 miles, gaining an altitude of over 1000 feet. Both trails work their way through rainforest to scenic lookouts, making it one of our favorite free things in Cairns.
Hiking the Red and Blue Arrow Tracks
The Red Arrow Trail ascends quickly, with the use of stairs, taking hikers through bamboo and to an overgrown viewpoint.
Just beyond the lookout, the Blue Arrow Track splits off to the right and leads to a second scenic point with a clear view of the Cairns airport runway and Coral Sea.
From here, the trail is enveloped in shaded rainforest. The path winds around a deep gorge, over streams and through gnarled tree roots.
A secondary trail breaks off and leads to the Lumley Hill scenic viewpoint (which is a perfect spot for a picnic lunch). The return trip continues along the looping trail – and is completed much more quickly, as it is mostly downhill.
During our mid-day, mid-week hike, we encountered few other trekkers. We did, however, see a bit of wildlife, including brush turkeys, cockatoos and wallabies. Trail map.
Cairns Botanical Garden
For a less challenging walk, stroll the Botanic Gardens. There are several easy walking paths through beautiful floral landscapes that are completely free to enter.
There are multiple spaces to explore at the park; each section featuring different kinds of plants.
The Flecker Garden has intertwining paths that weave through an astounding array of flora and fauna from around the world. Unique and exotic blossoms are a splash of bright color in this part of the park.
The Centenary Lakes – of which one is saltwater and the other freshwater – are a wonderful spot for a stroll. Covered in lily pads, the ponds attract ducks, pelicans and even crocodiles.
Also on-site is the Tanks Art Center. Old naval oil tanks from World War II have been repurposed into art galleries, which are an interesting addition to the gardens.
Our favorite part, however, is the shaded Rainforest Walk. A raised boardwalk meanders through trees, vines and swampland with a thick, high canopy overhead. On the forest floor, we encountered brush turkeys, a variety of lizards and river turtles!
Cairns Esplanade
Although there aren’t natural sandy beaches in Cairns, the shoreline can still be enjoyed!
The Esplanade – a shared walking/biking path – stretches for miles along the coastline. Walking along the Esplanade is one of the fabulous Cairns free things to do – all while taking in the sea view.
#5 Visit Beaches Near Cairns
As we just mentioned, there are no true beaches within the city limits. However, just to the north there are multiple communities – often called Cairns Northern Beaches – that are absolutely stunning.
Best of all these can be reached by bus from Cairns for about $10 round trip. Once there, accessing the sand costs nothing at all!
While there are several to choose from, we opted for the locals’ favorite: Trinity Beach. Other nearby spots include Palm Cove, Yorkeys Knob, Holloways Beach and Machans Beach.
Alternatively, you can travel even further north to the famous Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas.
Trinity Beach
Nestled between two rocky headlands, Trinity Beach is a long, crescent-moon shaped stretch of sand.
A shaded walkway lined with tropical plants, BBQs, picnic tables and benches extends the length of the beach and beyond.
To the south is a rocky lookout point and on the north end are stairs leading to a wooded path and elevated panoramic view of the beach below.
During our visit, the wind was howling, churning up the otherwise blue waters. We found refuge on the southern edge of the beach near the rocks.
Here, we stretched out on the sand, relishing the sun’s rays and cool wind at they combined for lovely seaside temps.
I buried my toes in the sand and settled in with a book while Kris swam in the salty sea. Beach fix complete…all for the cost of a bus ticket!
#6 Chill Out at The Cairns Lagoon
The Esplanade Lagoon is one of the top free activities in Cairns. The public pool with its sandy edge sits right in the center of town.
Surrounding the swimming pool is a spacious park that features multiple free-to-use BBQ grills.
Ideal for gatherings and family outings, both visitors and locals flock to use the great outdoor space. Often on weekends, live bands provide free Cairns entertainment in the park.
Of course, it is Australia, so there are heaps of rules – like no drinking alcohol or playing catch in the pool. So make sure to follow the guidelines so you can enjoy it!
Top Tip: Cheap eats in Cairns are hard to come by, but you can create a filling budget meal by getting groceries at the store (we recommend Woolworths).
#7 Eat Cheap at the Cairns Night Markets
The night market is one of the fun and budget-worthy attractions in Cairns. In the food court, you can find budget fare – like inexpensive Asian street food.
You can also find low-cost massages and loads of cheap souvenirs at the market.
Pro Tip: Rusty’s is another must do Cairns’ market! The weekend affair features local produce and you can get real bargains on Sunday afternoon when they markdown the last goods.
#8 Visit the Cairns Art Gallery
The Art Gallery is a must do in Cairns. Whether you are looking for culture or a budget traveler searching for activities, it fits the bill – as it is complete free to enter!
Housed in a historic building, the venue features a rotating collection from Australian artists – including contemporary paintings and indigenous works.
You could easily spend a few hours contemplating the exhibits – so be sure to add it to your Cairns vacation itinerary!
Cairns, Australia Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive, online version of our Cairns Map below.
More Cairns Things To Do
Our list of things to do in Cairns features top activities at budget prices – but there is more to see!
We are highlighting a few of the top Cairns attractions – as well as tips on how you can save money when you visit them.
Saving Money on Cairns Tours
Cairns day trips are expensive – but for many visitors they are essential experiences.
Travelers who want to partake in all the top Cairns tourist attractions can save money by bundling them into a package excursion.
Millaa Millaa Falls at Atherton Tablelands
Explore the natural wonderland of the wet tropics rainforest on a full day tour from Cairns to the beautiful Atherton Tablelands.
Along the route, stop for photo ops, visit Lake Barrine, journey through Curtain Fig National Park and see the magnificent Millaa Millaa Waterfall. Find out more!
Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest National Park
Participants on this 12-hour value tour are treated to a full day of spectacular nature in Far North Queensland.
Travel past Port Douglas to Mossman Gorge, where you can take part in a traditional Smoke Ceremony and swim in the green waters.
Next, cruise along the Daintree River and through the Daintree National Park to Cape Tribulation.
Lunch is provided at the Ferntree Rainforest Hotel before guests have free time on the beach. Explore the rainforest on a guided walk, then cool off with a local ice cream treat.
End the day on a fabulous vista – Mount Alexandra Lookout – and then relax in the coach on the way back to Cairns. Get the details!
Cairns Aquarium
Featuring an astounding array of marine life, guests get an informative and fun interactive experience. Ticket prices are steep, but groups can save money with the budget-priced Family Pass.
Couples can pair an evening at the Aquarium with an appetizer and drink from the onsite restaurants.
Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome
Featuring high-action family fun, Zoom is one of the top things to do in Cairns with kids. Budget travelers can tailor their experience – and only pay for the activities they want to see.
Plus, the ticket can be bundled with other area attractions for a super saver price!
Cairns Travel Tips
We have detailed our favorite things to do around Cairns on a budget. To aid in the process, we have a few more money-saving tips for Australia.
Planning a Trip to Cairns
There is a lot of research that goes into planning a Cairns trip – and you will need to stay on top of all the details. Use our Printable Travel Planner to keep on top of it all!
Those planning on visiting other Australian cities can easily plan their entire trip with our travel guides.
- Things To Do in Brisbane
- What To Do in Melbourne
- Gold Coast Attractions
- Hobart, Tasmania Itinerary
- Walking Tour of Perth
- Best of Sydney Itinerary
Where To Stay in Cairns
During our visit to Cairns, we stayed in an affordable Airbnb Apartment on the outskirts of town.
In hindsight, we should have paid a little more for somewhere closer to central Cairns. There are many reasonable options on both Airbnb and Booking.com.
Before you start searching, read our tips for Finding the Best Hotels for Cheap!
How To Get to Cairns
We flew to Cairns from the Gold Coast and departed on a flight to Sydney. The Cairns Airport (CNS) is well connected to other cities in Australia and a few international destinations (like Auckland and Bali).
Use our tips for Finding the Best Flights for Cheap – and then start your search for the best deals on airline tickets on Skyscanner.
Transportation in Cairns
The buses may not be all that frequent, but Cairns Public Transport is efficient both in cost and in routes. You can purchase All Day and Weekly tickets to save some money, as well.
Active visitors might also find it to be cost effective to rent a bike. We checked into weekly rentals, but it averaged out to more than the all-day bus ticket.
What To Pack for Your Cairns Trip
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The Right Shoes
In addition to flip flops, don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight travel shoes. I am most comfortable in these versatile sneakers and Kris prefers Merrell.
Travel Camera
Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera. We travel with a Canon Rebel and use a 18-135mm lens.
Not only does it take amazing photos, but it comes with heaps of accessories – making it one of the best Budget Cameras for Travelers.
Beach Gear
Those spending time on the beaches or out on the water will want to make sure to bring proper gear. Of course you will need a swimsuit, but don’t forget to also pack your sunscreen and sunglasses!
Day Pack
Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase, you’ll also want to have a great day pack to organized and secure all your essential everyday travel items.
Australia Travel Insurance
If you haven’t already obtained coverage for your vacation to Australia, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Australia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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