Cairns, Australia

Many families pass through Cairns on their way to the Great Barrier Reef, but there is also lots for kids to do in and around the city.

Jump to activities, hotels, shopping

Activities

Cairns Tropical Zoo

Address Captain Cook Highway Palm Cove, Cairns Map, Tel +61 7 0448 547 403 Call, Website

This is a great place for children to be able to interact with the animals, feed a kangaroo, cuddle a koala or have their photo taken with a wombat! more

Green Island with Big Cat Cruises

Address 1 Spence St, Cairns, Australia 4870 Map, Tel (07) 4051 0444 Call, Location Reef Fleet Terminal Website

Big Cat Cruises does daily full day and half day cruises to Green Island. At the island you can participate in a number of activities including a guided island walk, swimming, snorkeling and glass bottom boat and semi-submersible cruises. more

Kuranda Scenic Rail

Address Cairns Central Station, Cairns city, Queensland Australia Map, Tel (07) 4036 9333 Call, Website

The Kuranda Scenic Rail is a historic train journey which takes you up the Kuranda range through rainforest to the village of Kuranda. The journey is often taken in conjunction with a Skyrail tour with many people traveling up with Skyrail and back by train and package pricing for this option is available. more

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Address Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Smithfield, QLD 4878, Australia Map, Tel 61 7 4038 1555 Call, Directions Getting To the SkyRail Website

Skyrail is an excellent eco-friendly way to see the rainforest, you travel by cable car to the rainforest village of Kuranda stopping at several places along the way which provide opportunities for you to explore the rainforest along paved pathways and one of the stops also includes an interpretive centre which features information, interactive displays and activities for children and adults. more

Sunlover Cruises

Address 1 Spence Street, Cairns, Queensland Australia 4870 Map, Tel +61 7 4050 1333 Call, Location Reef Fleet Terminal, Tenancy 3 Website

Sunlover Cruises travel daily to the Outer Barrier Reef. They have a large reef pontoon which includes facilities for young children including a touch tank and shallow swimming enclosure. Guided snorkeling tours, diving, semi-submersible and other reef activities are available. more

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Hotels

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Restaurants

Fasta Pasta

Address 68-72 Shields Street, Cairns QLD 4870 Map, Tel (07) 4041 0388 Call, Website

For a quick but delicious meal with kids you can’t go past Fasta Pasta. Clean, affordable and friendly. They have special deals on often too. more

Hogs Breath Café

Address 64 Spence Street, Cairns Australia Map, Tel (07) 40317711 Call, Website

Quite possibly the best place for steak in Cairns, Hogs Breaths’ relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect place to take kids for a hearty and delicious family meal. more

Skippers Café

Address The Esplanade, Cairns City Queensland Australia Map, Tel (07) 4044 3715 Call, Website

Skippers is located right in the heart of Muddy’s playground the large colorful children’s area on the Cairns Esplanade. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner this is the number one spot for casual family dining and take-aways. more

The Lagoon Café

Address Cairns Esplanade, Cairns City Queensland Australia Map, Tel (07) 4044 3715 Call, Website

Situated right next to the lagoon on the Esplanade this café is a great place to pick up drinks and snacks while you’re exploring the waterfront. more

Verdi’s Licensed Restaurant

Address 66 Shields Street, Cairns, 4870, Queensland, Australia Map, Tel (07) 4052 1010 Call, Website

Verdi’s is an excellent Italian Restaurant, which has been operating in Cairns for many years. It’s popular with locals and visitors alike, very family friendly and offers delicious and affordable meals. more

Villa Romana

Address Cnr Esplanade & Aplin St, Cairns QLD 4870 Map, Tel 07 4051 9000 Call, Website

This restaurant on the Esplanade and overlooking the waterfront is an excellent place for a great meal. Its open air, tropical atmosphere is lively and fun and the meals are always excellent. more

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