Travelers often ask, why visit Cairns in Australia’s Queensland? The answer to this question starts with some amazing things to do that will have your excitement meter on high. Queensland is located on the western side of Australia, and Cairns is in the northern portion. As a gateway to the northern and tropical area, beautiful landscapes as well as adventure, Cairns has become one of the most popular summer destinations. And today, we have put together a list of 5 of the top things to do in Cairns:

1. Go Snorkeling on The Great Barrier Reef

 First-timers can easily spend a full day here. As one of Cairns top attractions, you can pick a trip or tour from an array of fun adventures. The Down Under Cruise and Dive includes equipment, entertainment on board, lunch and more; moreover, its fine for all ages. Two hours of reef education will help you appreciate all that you see below.

2. Tour the Kuranda Rainforest

Take the steam train up to the ridge and then experience a gondola ride going home with the Cairns Skyrail Cableway. Kuranda is 25 km north west of Cairns and is a village within a rainforest. Respect for the environment has made this experience one of Cairns top attractions for nature lovers.

3. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride 

View the Great Barrier Reef from the air with your head almost in the clouds. Hot Air Cairns will take you soaring above beautiful panoramas as you quietly drift above it all. Bring your camera, in order to get stunning photos of the reef and rainforest from above. Color is king, as you experience the blue of the ocean besides the earthy tableau of the Atherton Tablelands at sunrise. You’ll see kangaroos hopping about below as an extra treat.

4. Explore the Cairns Botanic Gardens

If you need a day to take a break and relax and enjoy the flora and scenery, time spent at the Cairns Botanic Gardens is just right. Tropical and vibrant colors are the mark of its plants, some of which you have never seen before. Bright blue Ulysses butterflies flit among the orange and purple flowers. Enjoy (if you will) the sight of insect-eating plants and a bamboo garden. You can get to this oasis with a bus ride from the city center; relax from the time you board the bus until you return to the city. Buses run every 25 minutes, so you can go for a day or for a few hours.

5. Go Whitewater Rafting

 Adventure seekers will love the thrills and spills (hopefully not) of Cairns inland spots, where the Barron, Russell and Tully Rivers are located. Different levels and different conditions, from scenic cruising to challenging Grade 4 rapids are available.

 Enjoy the team spirit with your family or friends. Outfitters provide all that you need to enjoy the sport safely while having fun.

 These are just some of the top things to do in Cairns. Other Cairns top attractions include eating fresh seafood at an oceanfront restaurant, chilling out at the Cairns Lagoon while listening to music, going swimming or walking at Josephine Falls or Crystal Cascades in the rainforest and much more.

 Why visit Cairns? There are far more that 5 things to do in this beautiful Queensland destination, but these are a few good reasons. Both relaxation and adventure seekers will have a great choice.

Author Bio: Alicia is currently traveling across the Asia Pacific and is working as a part-time writer for businesses. This time, she writes on behalf of Cairns Coast Removals, a removalist based in Cairns who is very knowledgeable about this popular destination, Cairns.