20 Cheap and Free things to do in Cairns

Follow in the footsteps of pioneering gold prospectors and walk the low saddle between Queensland’s two highest peaks, Bartle Frere and Bellenden Ker.

The Goldfield Trail is perfect for those who love a decent hike but aren’t ready to commit to a steep mountain incline (it’s a toughy and should only be tackled by fit, experienced bushwalkers).

Starting at the Babinda Boulders, around an hour’s drive south of Cairns, the trail takes on 19kms of Wet Tropics rainforest in Wooroonooran National Park.

You’ll need backpacking gear if you want to do the full return trek, but for a day trip you can wander to the half-way point – roughly about 4.5km in is where you’ll find a large creek lined with king ferns, before turning back.

Cost: Fuel to get you there plus snacks for the journey.

2. Take a class led by reef scientists

Before getting face down, snorkel up on the Great Barrier Reef, drop in to Marine Discoveries (formerley known as Reef Teach) to school-up on what to look for and where to find it.

A two-hour marine-biologist led class will inspire you to help protect this fragile ecosystem as you learn about the wonder of the reef, and how to identify different species of marine animals and coral on your next underwater adventure.

Cost: Apply online to join a group seminar.

3. Swim in a volcanic crater

Pack the inflatables and paddle boards because you’ll want to spend a full day soaking up the serenity of Lake Eacham.

A giant crater formed when magma and groundwater came into contact around 10,000 years ago, this deep blue maar (as it’s technically called) is a welcome refuge from the tropical heat and makes for a scenic drive through the Cairns Highlands.

Cost: Fuel plus change leftover for a cuppa and scones at Lake Barrine Teahouse, on the shores of Eacham’s twin cater.

4. Hop aboard the Prawn Star

If you want a taste of the best seafood in Cairns, you eat it straight from the trawler at Prawn Star.

Docked at the Cairns Marlin Marina, the seafood joint is famed for its quirky, no-fuss set-up and affordable prices. Nab a table onboard, or opt for take-out and head along the esplanade where there are plenty of picnic spots to choose from.

Cost: While it’s tempting to blow your budget on a jumbo platter, you can score a dozen oysters or kilo’ of cooked prawns and still have change for beers.

5. Visit the largest butterfly sanctuary in the southern hemisphere

Step into nature’s kaleidoscope at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Cairns’ cool mountain village, Kuranda.

Home to over 1,500 free-flying tropical butterflies and moths, discover lush rainforest gardens as electric blue Ulysses or majestic green and yellow Cairns Birdwings flutter past.

Don’t skip on the free guided aviary tour to learn the butterfly’s life cycle and behaviour before checking out the breeding laboratory, which houses up to 4000 caterpillars.

Most importantly make sure you wear bright colours  –red, white or hot pink – to attract butterflies to land on you.

Cost: Entry will set you back $20.50/adult, and $13/child with family packages too. If you plan to visit many tourist attractions, you can also purchase packages that offer discounted entry to Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas and Rainforestation Nature Park.

6. Pitch a tent between two World Heritage-listed wonders

Looking for an adventure? Pack the tent and you won’t need to fork out a pretty penny to sleep beside five-star views. Noah Beach in Cape Tribulation takes the crown as one of the best beach camping spots in Queensland, tucked under a lush rainforest canopy just 50 metres from the beach.

Once you lap up the tropical seclusion, take advantage of your central base and explore the national park walking trails or villages nearby.

Cost: Tent sites begin at approx $7 per person, per night. Keep in mind there are seasonal closures, typically from New Year’s Day through to Easter holidays,

7. Learn some military history

Military buffs should make time to visit the Australian Armour and Artillery Museum, the largest museum of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s dedicated to preserving and restoring armoured vehicles and artillery dating back to the 1800’s, and you’ll find tanks, tank destroyers, mortars, howitzers, World War I and II armoured vehicles here.

Cost: Adult entry is $27.50, child is $16.50

8. Cool off with a waterfall dip

Cairns may sparkle, but there’s seemingly endless natural beauty surrounding it. Pack your bathers and set out to discover the best waterfalls in our tropical north: some are a short drive out of town, or you can spend a whole day driving – and dipping – between each.

Cost: A little fuel in the tank and snacks for your day.

9. Explore the Crystal Caves

Queensland is full of surprises – and one of the best cheap things to do in Cairns is to enter the sparkling world this is the Crystal Caves. Built in the main street of Atherton, explore a man-made museum created by crystal hunter René Boissevain to house his growing collection of more than 600 individual pieces.

Don a headlight and discover crystals, gemstones and fossils created millions of years ago – including the largest Amethyst geode in the world – as you weave your way through 250m2 of tunnels and grottos.

Cost: Entry is $25 per adult.

10. Find the pyramid and take a hike

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef boasts its own ancient pyramid, but this one was formed by Mother Nature. Hiking Walsh’s Pyramid in Wooroonooran National Park is basically a rite of passage ’round these parts, so lace up those boots and get set to huff and puff along the steep 6km-return summit track.

Although you won’t find any long-lost pharaohs or treasure-filled tombs, the challenging cardio burn is worth it to take in spectacular 360-degree views of the ranges and farming landscape.

If you’re not up for the full hike, it’s still worth the drive to take a look from ground-level.

Cost: Free – but bring plenty of snacks and water.

11. Relax along Cairns Esplanade and Lagoon

Every trip to Cairns will land you on the Esplanade at some point – and if you’re looking for free things to do in Cairns, you’ll no doubt spend quite a bit of time along this vibrant stretch of waterfront parkland.

Cairns lagoon is a favourite – especially if you have the kids in tow – but you’ll also find eateries, paths to explore on foot or bike, volleyball courts, skate park, free fitness classes, public art and live entertainment.

Cost: All esplanade facilities are free to use, so you can save your money for ice-cream and goodies at the markets. If you decide to hire a set of two wheels, Cairns Scooter and Bicycle Hire has standard cruisers for just $15/day.

12. Sip your way through local beers

There’s probably no better spot to sink a few afternoon beers than at Hemingway’s on Wharf St. Handcrafted local brews sit aside waterfront views, and if you want to stick to a budget, grab a tasting board to try five microbrews.

Cost: Tasting paddles start at $20, with food specials also available throughout the week.

13. See the sights by riverboat

Cruise the calm waters of the Barron River on a 45-minute tour with Kuranda Riverboat Tours. Your skipper will guide you through the ancient rainforest on a peaceful but informative adventure, as you keep your eyes peeled for fish, turtles, water dragons and snakes, and if you’re lucky, a freshwater croc sunbathing or cassowary on the river bank.

Cost: Hop aboard from $25 per adult.

14. Workout in nature

In Cairns, nature is your treadmill along the Red, Blue and Green Arrow Circuits of Mount Whitfield Conservation Park.

Running through the rainforest-clad slopes of the Whitfield Range, each track varies in length and difficulty as you pass through gullies and open woodland, climb up steep stairs and steps created by tree roots. Hike to the summit of Mount Lumley Hill for views stretching over the hinterland and out to Green Island.

Cost: Free

15. Find peace in Cairns Botanic Gardens

Budding botanists and green thumbs won’t want to miss a stroll through the only Wet Tropics botanic gardens in Australia.

Tropical diversity is the reigning theme here, with exotic species of palms, gingers, orchids, bamboos, vines, aroids and fruit trees like purple mangosteen and soursop covering a whopping 38 hectares. You’ll also get to see some of the rarest plants in the world, including the giant (and slightly smelly) flower known as the Amorphophallus Titanum, which weighs up to 70kg with a single leaf almost seven meters across.

While you’re here don’t forget to wander over to Centenary Lakes, where you’ll find Amazon pond lilies, a rainforest boardwalk, and the occasional dozing croc.

Cost: With free entry, you can use your cash for a bite to eat at the Botanic Gardens Restaurant Cafe.

16. Clock up beach time

Reef and rainforest might be the tagline up here, but don’t forget the middle ground where these two marvels meet. Stretching north for 26-golden-kilometres is a coastline dotted by villages with palm tree-lined beaches.

Take your pick from local hubs like Yorkeys Knob, Ellis Beach and Trinity Beach, or head further north to the popular strips of Palm Cove and Port Douglas, and the secluded pockets of Cape Tribulation.

*During stinger season from November to May each year, be sure to swim only in the stinger nets or wear a protective suit.

Cost: Free – save a little cash for fish and chips

17. Spend the day in a mountain village

A delightful mishmash of quirky and colourful, it’s become a destination in its own right thanks to its eccentric flair and World Heritage-listed surroundings.

Take your time perusing the town’s centre where you’ll find markets, a candy kitchen, fudge bar and tea room – before witnessing spectacular Barron Falls as it plunges into the gorge below.

Cost: Fuel plus eats and treats while you’re there. If you don’t have your own set of wheels the Kuranda Shuttle Bus can take you to and from Kuranda cheaply.

18. Get a taste of farm life

Gallo Dairyland is the perfect pit-stop on a road trip through the Cairns Highlands, sitting snug between the country towns of Atherton and Malanda.

Drop in to taste-test the farm’s boutique cheeses and stock up on handmade chocolates, before meeting the calves, pigs, chickens and turkeys at the animal nursery. If that gets your appetite going, there are plenty more foodie stops through Atherton Tablelands to discover.

Cost: Free cheese samples are available, but there’s a licensed cafe onsite serving up delicious meals too.

19. Fill up on local produce

Seasonal musts include bright pink dragonfruit, juicy lychees, hairy rambutans, and of course, a refreshing dose of sugar cane juice.

Cost: Entry is free, so you can spend money on the produce. Free two hour parking is available in the Gilligan’s / Rusty’s carpark located above Rusty’s on Sheridan Street.

20. Take a trip to Birdworld

Birdworld Kuranda is home to the largest single collection of free-flying birds in Australia. Designed to mimic their natural environment, the aviary is stunning oasis of waterfalls, ponds, exotic and native plants, and lush rainforest, where visitors are free to wander and observe up to 60 species of birds from all corners of the planet, including Amazonian macaws and Australia’s own cheeky lorikeets and suave black swans.

Cost: $20 for adult entry.