Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Cairns
THE 10 BEST Indoor Things to Do in Cairns on a Rainy Day
Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Cairns
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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Flea & Street Markets
Open now
Architectural Buildings • History Museums
Admission tickets from AU$15
What travellers are saying
- Andy FDevizes, UK1,362 contributionsWent here on a hot sunny day. It was good to dive into a cool, more shadowy place and get to see plenty of fish, eels, snakes and many other creatures too. Some huge tanks with great viewing galleries. Plenty of information and education boards around too. Loved it.Written 19 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Matthew F11 contributionsFantastic collection on display and staff were more than happy to point anything out you weren’t sure of.
Shooting range is an excellent add on facility. I thoroughly enjoyed getting the chance to fire some ww2 era rifles.
Very generously stocked gift shop.
Very friendly to those in wheelchairs, etc as all on one flat level except the shooting range and infantry weapons, where there is a lift provided.
Overall brilliant day out.Written 26 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Andy FDevizes, UK1,362 contributionsThis is a great market with lots of bustle and atmosphere. Plenty of all kinds of stall - fresh fruit & veg, cakes, clothes, leatherwear, jewellery etc etc. Also loads of takeaway food places of every description. Busy fun place.Written 19 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- vickiebypassStamford, CT297 contributionsThe Cairns Museum was great –one of these small local museums that do a very good job at telling their unique story. The top floor was all about the people who have settled and lived in Cairns from 1907 through now, and they told the stories via photos of a person and a vignette about what they did. Good blend of male/female, whites, aboriginal, Europeans and I thought it gave a good flavor of the town. The next floor was displays around themes like dressing, cooking, safety, home life, work, etc.. more photos and the tools that people used with explanations; the home life part was very interesting to see the rather primitive washing machines from the 1950s, the wooden screened cabinets with the four legs set into metal rings, filled with kerosene to keep the ants out. Very evocative section. The docent in the room was very informative and pleasant.
They have a veranda on the second floor as part of the museum and originally when they told me oh, don’t miss the veranda, I thought “yeah, right – it’s a trillion degrees and you want me to sit outside” but when I saw the door I went outside. Well, I was 100% wrong.! There was a pleasant breeze, ceiling fans, white wicker furniture, and a very nice view over Main Street and the trees. I talked to the same docent later on and she explained that the key in Cairns is to get up high so that you get a breeze; and that’s why a lot of the houses (Queenslanders) are raised and have lots of windows to let the breezes come through. Okay, I was convinced. I would definitely recommend this museum if you want to learn about the history of the town.Written 18 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - EvaSandbach, UK11 contributionsMany asia food available, different kind of noodles are tasty, as a fussy picky asian, I comment the quality is really good, just its at the food court, so self served and a bit crowded at dinner that’s expected. There is a Cairns Festival during our visit, enjoy the fireworks, parade, and light show in different night before we head for dinner after play at the Esplanade Lagoon.Written 29 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- madjtWollongong, Australia34 contributionsWonderful priceless collection of artefacts & artwork etc. you get to see them up close with all their fine detail. Loved the swords, arrows and other fighting and practical implements. There’s also plenty of history related notes to ensure you’re informed about the age and historical background etc.
If you’re a fan of Samurai and Japanese history, then this is a must visit. The knowledgeable owner and host can answer all of your questions.Written 23 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Carol C9 contributionsDo not miss this riveting travelling exhibition!
Spiders of Paradise is on in Cairns until late November2024
Tiny spiders photographed to make the most extraordinary composite colour photographs of the wonders of art in nature during courtship rituals.
Maria Fernanda Cardosa.Written 14 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Paula-Rosa LMelbourne, Australia324 contributionsGood selection of factory outlet shops, hairdressers, Coles & even a yummy Japanese takeaway Easy to park No time limitWritten 23 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Andi Mcdowell37 contributionsI can see why the reviews are glowing. We had a couples 90 min massage and it was one of the best massages I’ve had, and at a reasonable price.Written 15 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- E PWarragul131 contributionsWe didn’t stay at casino but decided to go here for late breakfast. Small menu not a large selection of items available. Small serves as well , a little expensive for what you are getting as well!Written 21 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Elspeth H48 contributionsI confess to loving stained glass windows, so this review is biased. But wow! It is worth seeing the Cathedral windows with a guide because there are all sorts of interesting bits of history associated with the creation of the windows and wonderful details that might be missed without a guide's direction.Written 19 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jen H16 contributionsLovely experience at the distillery - friendly, knowledgeable service. Enjoyed a lovely tasting paddle and cheese platter and came away with a couple of gins to enjoy.
Appreciated being able to bring our dogs in to the cellar door on leash.
The only downside was seeing animals kept in pens devoid of any stimulation or comfort behind the Distillary - apparently for the amusement of children staying at the campground. We are van travellers and would not stay for this reason- a lone goose on one barren pen was desperately keen to be on the outside with those free roaming. Children’s pleasure is not a reason for animals to lead sad, deprived lives.
The free roaming peacocks and peahens were lovely to watch walking alongside the agave plantation.Written 10 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Kathe POakdale, CA60 contributionsWhat a great way to spend some time, whether you purchase anything or not. It is a wonderful “museum” of Aboriginal artist’s work. So many different styles and stories. And, yes, we brought home a treasure!Written 16 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NagadCairns, Australia3 contributionsI love to read, and the wide variety of material here is truly spectacular! I enjoy visiting often, it's a great quite place for people to read, unwind, study and more! There is good access with computers there as well.Written 8 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Adam and BeckiLynnwood, WA237 contributionsIf in Cairns, it’s totally worth coming here! The drinks were good and the vibe of Wolf La e was excellent. They should probably have more than one person working though.Written 29 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.