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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Flea & Street Markets
Architectural Buildings • History Museums
Admission tickets from AU$15
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
What travellers are saying
- EvaSandbach, UK11 contributionsDuring 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- brennyGosford, Australia126 contributionsA 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Andy keenBirmingham, UK1,698 contributionsMega 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.
BrillWritten 10 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Glenn RHervey Bay, Australia3 contributionsIt was a quite typical, tropical botanical garden. Sadly the very poor restaurant eating experience spoiled the visit.Written 21 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ArgoRuttyShrivenham, UK78 contributionsRelatively easy to get to. Magnificent rainforest environs. Water clarity on first visit amazing, though after the rain, the waterfall cascade was awesomeWritten 14 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mandy T1 contributionAfter 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 ArchieWritten 8 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Whole FoodersAustralia59 contributionsIf 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Winter74Australia27 contributions10/10 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 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CarloHelmondHelmond, The Netherlands725 contributionsWe 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 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. - Bronte S103 contributionsThis 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 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.
- Jacqui BMooloolah Valley6 contributionsFantastic collection of artifacts, very interesting and well set out collection. John very knowledgeable and interesting to talk toWritten 2 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BarbaraMWBParis, France71 contributionsGreat collection and amazing temporary exhibition of “spider art”
Attached coffee shop Perotta’s very pleasant as well.Written 15 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - FionaMary764Ireland84 contributionsNice 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 noisyWritten 8 November 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.