6 Best Free Things to do in Cairns on Your Australian Trip 2024

Cairns is where all the Australians go to party and to check out the Great Barrier Reef. The city is famous for Queensland. The Aboriginal Art Galleries, stunning beaches, waterfalls and natural pools make it a great place for a budget traveller. Wondering how to tap into that? Here are the free things to do in Cairns.

1. Cairns art galleries

Within a unique looking villa-like building, is the extraordinary museum of contemporary arts. The entry is free. The gift shop is loaded. What more should I say?

2. Red Arrow Walk

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The #RedArrowCircuit is a 1.3km walking track located behind the #CairnsBotanicGardens ?? @phoebe_munchow #exploreTNQ

A post shared by #exploreTNQ (@tropicalnorthqueensland) on Mar 26, 2016 at 3:04pm PDT

Does walking amidst a rainforest in the middle of a beautiful day seem like fun to you? What about getting sunny-side views of the beaches and the city throughout?

3. Swim in the Lagoon

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A post shared by Christina (@tinebabyy) on Sep 23, 2018 at 12:39pm PDT

The Esplanade Lagoon is one of the most famous landmarks in Cairns. Situated right behind the Trinity Inlet, it is a 4800 sq. feet swimming area. No photographs do justice to the splendour of this place. The kids will just go crazy.

4. Behana Gorge Waterfall

Behana Creek’s Clamshell Falls are a little tricky to find, but if you do, consider that day sorted! The waters are translucent with amazing diving pools. The falls themselves are serene little curtains falling from the heart of a deep forest. You’ll not find a better place to chill.

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Go beyond the beach & explore the many wonderful waterfalls in Tropical North Queensland, including the gorgeous #BehanaGorge in South Cairns ? Enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool water if you’re feeling hot after the uphill walk to the top ? Have you been waterfall chasing in the tropics? Photo by @_sarahlatham #exploreTNQ

A post shared by #exploreTNQ (@tropicalnorthqueensland) on Oct 7, 2018 at 12:17am PDT

5. Nudey Beach

Rated as Australia’s best beach in 2018, this coral beach features a stunning blue in its waves. Sand is the glorious golden white, and the trees hiding this beach work wonderful for picnics. Don’t ever miss the chance to visit this beach, I heard the sunsets are a fondly particular shade of ochre.

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A post shared by OzShot | #ozshotmag (@ozshot) on Nov 21, 2018 at 4:29pm PST

6. Captain Cook Highway Rock Stacks

Imagine a beach with way too many rocks stacked up and everything looking aesthetically perfect, you’ll arrive roughly at this beach. You could spend all day here clicking pictures and not get bored. Since this is an entirely tourist-loving beach, it’s a great place to make friends. Also, this is one of the most fun things to do in Cairns.

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6 Free Things to Do in Cairns!