Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Cairns

THE 10 BEST Cheap Things to Do in Cairns

Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Cairns

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Showing results 1-30 of 84

What travellers are saying

  • Eva
    Sandbach, UK11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    During our visit there is a Cairns Festival which I do not check what’s the schedule, we enjoyed the Fireworks, Light Show and Parade. Enjoy a fun time for free at Esplanade Lagoon for free entertainment.
    Written 29 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • brenny
    Gosford, Australia126 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great day out. Andrew was fabulous with his knowledge. Lunch was delicious. Included ice cream with a sample of all the fruit flavours. Unfortunately, due to the roadworks, we didn't do the Bloomfield Track part, which was why we chose this particular tour . However, this was out of the company's hands. The only issue we had was that the sound system on the bus was not very clear. Unless the bus was stopped, we could not understand half of what was being said, missing a lot of the information that was being given.
    Written 4 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Andy keen
    Birmingham, UK1,698 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mega wetland Cairns.
    We did the long a lovely boardwalk in horrid heavy rain BUT
    it was lovely.
    Took a ride on the big wheel and took in the views.
    Brill
    Written 10 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Glenn R
    Hervey Bay, Australia3 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was a quite typical, tropical botanical garden. Sadly the very poor restaurant eating experience spoiled the visit.
    Written 21 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ArgoRutty
    Shrivenham, UK78 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Relatively easy to get to. Magnificent rainforest environs. Water clarity on first visit amazing, though after the rain, the waterfall cascade was awesome
    Written 14 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mandy T
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    After visiting the museum a few days prior which my husband loved we went back to the shooting gallery
    Archie was our instructor and he was amazing first time shooter here and I had a great time thoroughly enjoyed it made possible by Archie been so patient with me
    Thankyou Archie
    Written 8 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Whole Fooders
    Australia59 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you're in Cairns, you can't miss Rusty's Market! This bustling spot is packed with fresh produce from local farmers and artisans. You'll love the colourful and multicultural vibe, with tropical fruits, flowers, and a fantastic variety of eateries from different cultures.

    Quick tip: bring cash, as some stalls don't take cards, and don't forget your reusable bags. Rusty's Market is a true highlight and one of the best markets in Australia. Open Fri, Sat & Sun … Enjoy!
    Written 9 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Winter74
    Australia27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    10/10 place for kids! Bring bathers and change of clothes kids loved it. Water was cold but on a sunny day that wouldn’t be a problem and it didn’t stop our kids from getting wet anyway.
    Written 12 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CarloHelmond
    Helmond, The Netherlands725 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We stayed in Millaa Millaa and had an early start to the day. Driving the waterfall circuit makes for a nice drive and includes 3 water falls (Millaa Millaa falls, Zillie falls and Ellinjaa falls). All are within easy walking distance and provide you with some great views. Early in the morning you have to place to yourself and it is very serene. There are many activities in the area, but have a look first if they are open. We called on some place that were closed during the winter season or had limited opening hours. The area is well worth your visit, unless you are just here for the highlights.
    Written 23 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • vickiebypass
    Stamford, CT297 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The 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 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bronte S
    103 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is my second visit to Nudey Beach and I still can’t get over how beautiful this beach is. It’s like paradise. The hike is a bit difficult; you must wear good walking shoes otherwise you may slip on the rocks. But the views once you are there are worth it. My favourite view is the one from the track where you are looking through trees to the beach below; the trees framing the view are shaped like a heart- it truly is paradise. The beach is clean and a great place to snorkel, swim or just admire the views.
    Written 23 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Eva
    Sandbach, UK11 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Many 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 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jacqui B
    Mooloolah Valley6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic collection of artifacts, very interesting and well set out collection. John very knowledgeable and interesting to talk to
    Written 2 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BarbaraMWB
    Paris, France71 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great collection and amazing temporary exhibition of “spider art”
    Attached coffee shop Perotta’s very pleasant as well.
    Written 15 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • FionaMary764
    Ireland84 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice swimming spots, and the waterfall is pretty. However, it's a long uphill walk with few views, and there are loads of big black biting flies. Also saw snakes crossing the path, so it's probably good to be noisy
    Written 8 November 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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