The gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a beautiful city that’s an ideal base for exploring the lush rainforests and golden beaches nearby. As well as secret swimming lagoons and waterfalls, there’s also funky bars and restaurants that are great Instagrammable Cairns spots.
In a nutshell, your Instagram feed will be absolutely incredible after a visit here. We’ve got the best Insta-worthy spots in and around Cairns for you to get your ‘gram on.
Fitzroy Island is an unspoilt tropical paradise of rainforest and beaches that’s part of the Great Barrier Reef. The best bit? It’s just a 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns CBD. A lovely base for snorkelling, diving and exploring the reef.
This beachfront boardwalk is a popular spot, with buzzy bars and coffee shops along the stretch. There’s also a spacious swimming lagoon as well as picnic tables and green park grounds to just spread out and chill.
A dreamy castle built by José Paronella, this park has waterfalls, a Spanish castle and 7,500 tropical plants and trees. Be sure to take the stunning Darkness Falls Tour, where the castles and waterfall are flood-lit to allow for amazing photo opportunities.
Munro Martin Parklands (MMP) is Cairns’ newest community space that has pretty vine covered pergolas and arbours and an open-air plaza that hosts regular outdoor concerts and performances.
Yes, this place really does exist. A two-hour drive from Cairns followed by a 90-minute hike will lead you to this magical place. Enjoy breathtaking views above the cliff while sitting on top of the falls, looking out over the World Heritage Wet Tropics rainforest.
One of the best swimming holes in the Cairns area, this scenic spot is still a little secret so chances are you’ll have it all to yourself. To get there, take the path at the top of the car park at Crystal Cascades and keep walking up the creek for 15 minutes until you arrive.
While you can get here by boat or jet skis, one of the most popular ways to get to the cay is by helicopter. It’s not the cheapest experience but it’s easily one of the most Instagrammable views you’ll have in Cairns. Look out at the picturesque coral-studded reef and get snapping.
Co-founder of Big 7 Travel, Sarah created the company through her passion for championing the world's best food and travel experiences. Before her career in digital media, where she previously held roles such as Editor of Food&Wine Ireland, Sarah worked in the hospitality industry in Dublin and New York. Contact [email protected]
