
Best Ways to See the Great Barrier Reef
Here are the top ways to experience the UNESCO-listed star of Australia's Tropical North.
From exploring the rain forest and reef to checking out the resort town’s attractions, there’s a lot to do in Cairns and the Tropical North. On your first visit, you’ll want to cram in as many must-dos as possible. Here are our top tips for first-timers in the region.
Experience the wonder of the Great Barrier Reef on a snorkeling cruise from Cairns. Tours typically visit at least two different reef locations for the chance to see a variety of tropical marine life. Certified scuba divers should look for a tour that offers an upgrade to include diving.
Get your bearings and check off the city’s most important landmarks on a sightseeing tour. Visit city attractions such as the Cairns Botanical Gardens and St. Monica's Cathedral, home to the world's largest peace-themed stained-glass window, and stroll along the scenic Cairns waterfront.
Easy to reach on a day trip from Cairns, Daintree National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for getting a glimpse of the exceptional biodiversity of the Wet Tropics of Queensland.
Cultural dinner shows at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park tell the story of creation through colorful dance performances and boomerang- and spear-throwing demonstrations.
Worried that you won’t have time to squeeze in the many attractions on offer? Put the whole region in perspective with a helicopter flight that takes you over the Great Barrier Reef, the northern beaches, Barron Gorge National Park, and the rain forest.
Karen is a Scottish freelance travel and culture writer based in the US. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, National Geographic, BBC, and Condé Nast Traveler.
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