Top Wildlife Attractions in Cairns
The Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest are symbolic of Cairns. These two gems make up two of the world’s finest natural attractions. It’s no wonder Sir David Attenborough considers Far North Queensland one of his favourite places on earth. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise at the amount of fabulous wildlife you can see here, from kangaroos to koalas and kookaburras to cassowaries. Here are some of the best wildlife attractions you need to add to your itinerary on your next trip to Cairns:
Explore picture-perfect Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island is one of those places where reality meets expectations. Unspoiled beaches and lush tropical rainforests make it the perfect place for wildlife to thrive. Between strolling barefoot on powdery white sand or kayaking along the coastline, go snorkelling to get up close and personal with green turtles. Try spot dazzling schools of tropical fish swimming along the reef. And keep your eyes peeled for birds like emerald doves, ospreys, paradise kingfishers, and pied imperial pigeons.
Be part of the action at a wildlife park
Wildlife parks usually have a standardised formula. There are enclosures. And there is you, taking photos of the animals from a safe distance. For something different, visit Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome. All-action and all-immersive, this wildlife park is where the environment and the animals become part of your experience. For instance, there will be parrots, cockatoos, and lorikeets flying around, while you can test your wits on obstacle courses like zip lines and a Dome-Climb.
Visit the famed Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas
As far as wildlife attractions go, they don’t get more iconic than the award-winning Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas. The park is where you can meet over 100 local species, including the elusive Southern Cassowary and Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Get a taste of being a zookeeper when you hand-feed wallabies and kangaroo. Walk on a plank over crocodile-infested waters to get your fill of adrenaline. And explore five unique recreated ecosystems – the woodlands, wetlands, rainforest, nocturnal, and savannah.
Enter a marine paradise at Cairns Aquarium
If roaming about in nature is not your cup of tea, but you still want to get in touch with the earth’s natural wonders, why not plan a trip to Cairns Aquarium? Here, interact with the spectacular beauty of over 15,000 marine and land animals from the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Our recommendation? Go check out Australia’s only 10-metre-deep reef tank and the 360-degree oceanarium – the constellation of sea animals floating behind the glass panels will take your breath away.
Surround yourself with beautiful butterflies
Butterflies are the few flying insects that don’t strike fear in people. Flying cockroaches walloped by the nearest slipper can attest to that. As the most incredible butterfly spot in all of Cairns? That would be the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda village. Home to over 1,500 tropical butterflies, including local rainforest species, this park will enchant you with butterflies and caterpillars in their natural environment, which you can explore by wandering an aviary made out of rainforest gardens.