7 days in Cairns Region Itinerary

A neat, cosmopolitan city of shaded plazas and laid-back neighborhoods, Cairns serves as a popular base for exploration of the surrounding region and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as a center for watersport activities like surfing or waterskiing.

Visit Palm Cove Beach and Yorkeys Knob Beach for some beach relaxation. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at St Monica's Cathedral and The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum. When in Cairns, make a side trip to see Hartley's Crocodile Adventures in Palm Cove, approximately 44 minutes away. Spend the 3rd (Wed) among aquatic life with a scuba or snorkeling tour. Spend the 5th (Fri) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. There's still lots to do: stroll through Trinity Beach, admire the masterpieces at KickArts Contemporary Arts, take an unforgettable tour with a helicopter tour, and take in the exciting artwork at Underart Gallery.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Cairns trip itinerary planner.

Adelaide to Cairns is an approximately 4-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from Adelaide in October, with highs in Cairns at 34°C and lows at 24°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Sun) early enough to travel back home.