Cairns Highlands City Guide
A complete guide to Cairns Highlands City, Accommodation, Restaurants and Cafes
Cairns Higlands are beautiful green stretch of county known as the cool tropics. Rolling hills,
rainforest, pasture lands and the phenomena of long-extinct volcanic crater lakes make up this region
behind the Cairns ranges. This wilderness of cascading falls, fast flowing rivers and dense pockets
of rainforest is easily reached on good touring roads.
Atherton is a pleasant country town, with abundant rolling hills, fresh green pastures and crisp fresh
tableland air. Atherton produces a combination of natural vegetation and agricultural crops, rarely
found in the tropics.
Fascinating Facets & The Crystal Caves is an underground fantasy cave, where natural giant crystal
formations and real fossils are displayed.
Halloran’s Hill Lookout, has views of the town and surrounding countryside.
At Yungaburra, the central streets have been classified by the National Trust. The markets are on every
last Sunday of the month.
Lake Barrine is a volcanic crater lake with wildlife cruises, century-old twin Kauri trees and a 6km
path around the edge of the lake. Another volcanic crater lake is Lake Eacham, which has picnic
facilities and a 4km path around the lake’s edge-great for swimming.
Lake Eacham is a sister lake to Barrine and both are formed from explosion crater
or maars. The lake is approximately 65m deep, a long stretch of grassy lawn meets the lake side and there
are BBQ and picnic areas, also you will find toilets. It's a nice place to go for a swim on hot steamy day,
many locals and tourists visit Lake Eacham on daily basis.
Malanda is home of Malanda Milk Co-operative, which has the longest milk run in the world. A local
retreat is Malanda Falls.
Millaa Millaa Falls is the waterfall capital of the Tablelands. The Waterfall Circuit, along a 30km drive,
takes you to Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls and Elinjaa Falls, set in lush rainforest.
Milla Milla Falls is the beginning of the "waterfall loop" that is a popular tourist drive from Cairns.
Millaa Millaa Falls is a magnificent sight of a clear drop of water falling upon a glistening rock
face into a pretty rainforest clearing
Cairns Tours – Things To Do in Cairns – Cairns Attractions
| Cairns in a Day - Kuranda |  | Duration: 9 - 10 hours
Departs from: Cairns, Australia
Starting from
AUD $373.99 per person Cairns in a Day is the perfect way to experience the scenic highlights of Northern Queensland's rainforest and reefs. Ideal for visitors who do not want to miss enjoying the beauty of World Heritage Rainforest and the excitement and adventure of the Great Barrier Reef. If you only visit Cairns once in your lifetime, you truly do not want to forgo these sights, Cairns in a Day is the perfect tour for you. | | Book Now |
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| Hot Air Ballooning in Cairns: The Ballooning Capital of the World |  | Duration: 4.5 hrs
Departs from: Cairns, Northern Beaches, Palm Cove and Port Douglas area, Australia
Starting from
AUD $185.00 per person View a sunrise with a difference, whilst floating in a hot air balloon over the North Queensland tablelands. Spot Australian wildlife from the air as you float along above wide-open spaces and picturesque landscapes. After landing, enjoy a cross-country balloon chase followed by a hearty breakfast with champagne.
Special Offer - Receive a complimentary bottle of French Sparkling Wine per couple
- BOOK NOW! | | Book Now |
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| Quicksilver Outer Great Barrier Reef Dive and Snorkel Cruise from Palm Cove |  | Duration: 10 - 11 hours
Departs from: Palm Cove and the Northern Beaches, Australia
Starting from
AUD $210.52 per person Snorkel, dive or swim - all this and more on your reef experience from Palm Cove and Northern Beaches. An air-conditioned coach will transfer you to Port Douglas where your cruise aboard the luxurious Wavepiercer catamaran departs to Agincourt Reef, on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day viewing the kaleidoscope of marine life and intricate colored coral formations before returning to land at the end of this very special day. | | Book Now |
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| Cairns Airport Arrival Transfer |  | Duration: Varies
Departs from: Cairns, Australia
Starting from
AUD $11.00 per person Welcome to Cairns Airport. Don't arrive and wonder what to do next and how to get to your hotel - book now and let a pre schedules airport transfer take all that worry away for you! Operated with regular transfers from Cairns Airport to most Cairns city, Northern Beaches, Port Douglas, Silky Oaks Lodge, BUT ONLY with a prior bookings. Book today! | | Book Now |
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| Cairns Airport Departure Transfer |  | Duration: Varies
Departs from: Cairns, Australia
Starting from
AUD $11.00 per person Transfer from your Cairns, Northern Beaches, Port Douglas or Silky Oaks Lodge. For assured top quality timely service, make sure you arrive at Cairns Airport on time for your outward flight. Eliminate the end of vacation hassle of organizing your airport transfer now by pre booking this regular pre scheduled transfer service from your hotel to Cairns Airport. | | Book Now |
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| Hartley's Crocodile Adventures |  | Duration: 5 hours
Departs from: Cairns and Northern Beaches, Australia
Starting from
AUD $67.00 per person Hartley's Crocodile Adventures is the best place to see crocodiles in Tropical North Queensland. Hartley's also has other Australian animals and wildlife you can learn about, such as snakes, koalas and the endangered cassowary. A great afternoon out for the whole family. | | Book Now |
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| Great Barrier Reef Small Group Dive and Snorkel Tour from Cairns aboard Osprey V |  | Duration: 8.5 Hours
Departs from: Cairns, Australia
Starting from
AUD $119.00 per person Enjoy the fastest trip to the Great Barrier Reef and enjoy five hours at two exclusive, protected outer reef locations. Experience diving, snorkeling, underwater viewing or just relax on this day trip from Cairns. Don't waste your time traveling above the water, enjoy less travel time, and spend more time exploring Australia's famous Great Barrier Reef. This tour is big enough to take you to the edge and small enough to make it personal. | | Book Now |
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| Sailing Dinner Cruise from Palm Cove |  | Duration: 2.5 hours
Departs from: Palm Cove, Australia
Starting from
AUD $119.00 per person Board a luxurious catamaran - champagne in hand, strolling on the foredeck, savoring the sights of the city and the rainforest clad mountains. Enjoy a 4 course dinner while watching the sun set as you cruise waters of Cairns. | | Book Now |
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| Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise aboard MV Supercat from Cairns |  | Duration: 8 hours
Departs from: Cairns, Australia
Starting from
AUD $85.00 per person If you are looking for a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef on a high speed catamaran that is exceptional value, look no further. Offering one of the fastest day trips, the MV Supercat provides a superior and comfortable ride in almost all weather conditions. Visiting two outer reef locations at Norman and Saxon Reefs, this is an unforgettable day of fun, discovery and adventure. | | Book Now |
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| Green Island Day Trip from Cairns |  | Duration: 9.5 hours
Departs from: Cairns, Australia
Starting from
AUD $84.00 per person Spend the day on beautiful Green Island off the coast of Cairns, with its emerald rainforest and sandy beaches. Cruise to this picturesque island aboard the Big Cat where you can snorkel or dive over coral reefs, take a glass-bottomed boat tour or a semi-submersible excursion to view the amazing marine life, canoe, sail, swim or simply lay back on the white sands. A relaxing and fun day out for everyone! | | Book Now |
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| Kuranda Rail, Rainforestation and Skyrail Tour |  | Duration: 10 hours
Departs from: Cairns, Northern Beaches, Palm Cove and Port Douglas area, Australia
Starting from
AUD $204.99 per person This tour begins on an amazing journey, weaving your way to the mountain top village of Kuranda on a magnificent rail ride. Also embark on an adventure aboard the Army Duck, traveling over land and water. Then glide across the canopy of one of the world's great rainforests on a gondola cableway, stopping at a natural science center and Aboriginal cultural center in the mountaintop town of Kuranda. | | Book Now |
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| Kuranda Skyrail and Rail Tour |  | Duration: 10 hours
Departs from: Cairns, Northern Beaches and Palm Cove area
Starting from
AUD $125.00 per person Kuranda Skyrail and Rail Tour encompasses the two most spectacular ways to see Queensland's Far North. Firstly, glide over one of the worlds most beautiful rainforest aboard the Skyrail enroute to Kuranda; a picturesque mountain-top village. After exploring the town, board the Kuranda Scenic Rail and wind around curves, across bridges, and through hand hewn tunnels on your way back to Cairns. | | Book Now |
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| Cairns Tablelands, Waterfalls and Spanish Castles Tour |  | Duration: 10 hours
Departs from: Cairns and Northern Beaches, Australia
Starting from
AUD $136.00 per person Take a fantastic day trip to Lake Barrine, a large volcanic crater lake in the Atherton Tablelands and be enchanted at Paronella Park, a Spanish castle opened to the public in 1935. This tour provides great photo opportunities at locations such as the Giant Curtain Fig Tree, Lake Barrine and the Twin Kauri Pines, Millaa Milla Falls and Paronella Park. | | Book Now |
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| Quicksilver Outer Great Barrier Reef Dive and Snorkel Cruise from Cairns |  | Duration: 10 - 11 hours
Departs from: Cairns, Australia
Starting from
AUD $210.52 per person Snorkel, dive or swim - all this and more on your reef experience from Cairns. An air-conditioned coach will transfer you to Port Douglas where your cruise aboard the luxurious Wavepiercer catamaran departs to Agincourt Reef, on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day viewing the kaleidoscope of marine life and intricate colored coral formations before returning to land at the end of this very special day. | | Book Now |
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| Australia Sightseeing Pass |  | Duration: At your leisure
Departs from: Various Cities in Australia
Starting from
AUD $367.99 per person The Diamond Pass is a revolutionary Australian sightseeing pass that will allow you to experience Australia's top vacation destinations! The sightseeing pass contains 8 coupons which you can exchange in return for 8 half day or 4 full day tours from a selection of excursions offered in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Cairns. It is not a group tour and is designed for you to travel independently and at your own leisure. | | Book Now |
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| More tours and things to do in Cairns ⇑ top |
Other Places To Go Around Cairns Highlands
Markets of The Tropical North Queensland
CAIRNS HOTELS
| Nomads Serpent Resort Cairns |
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price guide
AUD $104
per room per night
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| Offering quality accommodation options for backpackers and budget hotel travellers in resort style facilities, the Nomads Serpent Resort is an outstanding value for your money. |
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| Cairns Reef Apartments and Motel |
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price guide
AUD $144
per room per night
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| Offering an extensive range of flexible and affordable accommodation, this property is an ideal place to reside in the city of Cairns. |
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| Nomads Cairns Beach House |
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price guide
AUD $150
per room per night
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| Offering warm welcome and high standards of accommodation, this property is an ideal place for a comfortable stay. |
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| Queens Court Hotel Cairns |
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price guide
AUD $158
per room per night
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| Stay in the heart of Australia's premier holiday destination. Queens Court Hotel Cairns presents the most convenient city centre address as you brace yourself for more awesome attractions ahead such as the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation. |
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| Discovery Resort Cairns |
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price guide
AUD $168
per room per night
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| An ideal alternative to the myriad accommodation options on offer in the many Cairns hotels and motels and apartments, Discovery is a resort style property, featuring Classical North Queensland balconies and lush tropical surrounds. |
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| Reef Palms Apartments Cairns |
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price guide
AUD $168
per room per night
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| Whether travelling for business, pleasure or just plain leisure, holidays in Cairns are more enjoyable when you spoil yourself with some of the apartment facilities, Reef Palms has to offer. |
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| All Seasons Cairns Gateway Resort |
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price guide
AUD $168
per room per night
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| Offering cosy accommodation and all the modern conveniences, this property is a perfect place for individual, families or couples looking for a relaxing retreat. |
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| Hides Hotel Cairns |
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price guide
AUD $168
per room per night
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| Club Crocodile Hides Hotel is a heritage-listed building, originally constructed in 1885. Today a modern hotel, it retains its colonial charm and provides comfort and convenience to its guests. |
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| Best Western Cairns |
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price guide
AUD $186
per room per night
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| Best Western Cairns is one of the most preferred and recommended leisure properties for the tourist, corporate, family and large group travellers when visiting the Tropical North of Queensland, Cairns. |
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| Southern Cross Atrium Apartments Cairns |
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price guide
AUD $192
per room per night
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| Setting the standard for quality, service and hospitality, Southern Cross Atrium Apartments Cairns is a welcome haven of elegance and comfort. |
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| Cairns Queenslander Suites & Apartments |
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price guide
AUD $198
per room per night
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| Affordable self-catering accommodation close to Cairns Esplanade, convenience shopping, numerous restaurants & Cairns CBD. |
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| Tropical Queenslander Holiday Studios |
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price guide
AUD $198
per room per night
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| Blending pleasant atmosphere and warm hospitality, this property is an ideal place for a fun filled vacation. |
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» More Cairns Hotels «
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CAIRNS FRESHWATER ESCAPES
Stoney Creek Falls
15-20 minutes from Cairns, this small creek provides a quick and
easy escape from the hot and humid days of Cairns. There are plenty of tiny pools along the way to stop and
refresh in while absorbing the natural surrounds of the Barron Gorge National park.
Getting There: Head north via the Resevoir Road towards the suburbs of Kamerunga and Caravonica.
Turn left at the traffic lights before the Barron River bridge and head to the Rainforest Estate. Stoney Creek sits just
beyond the gate at the end of the road.
More freshwater escapes
