Is Cairns Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion

Tropical weather, a famous lagoon surrounded by palm trees, the Great Barrier Reef just offshore and one of the oldest rainforests in the world nearby.

Cairns is one of those places that almost every traveller includes on their East Coast Australia itinerary. But before arriving, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect.

After months of travelling around Australia, I had learned that some places sound much better on paper than they actually feel when you arrive. Sometimes a destination has an amazing reputation, but once you get there, it does not always live up to the expectations.

Cairns is often described as the gateway to some of Australia’s biggest attractions. It is where travellers come to explore the Great Barrier Reef, visit the Daintree Rainforest and continue their journey towards the tropical north.

But is Cairns itself actually worth visiting?

Or is it simply a place you pass through before heading to the famous experiences around it?

After spending time there, I can honestly say:

Yes, Cairns is worth visiting.

But maybe not for the reasons you expect.

Cairns is not the kind of place where you arrive and immediately think it is the most beautiful city in Australia. The beaches are not the main attraction, the city centre is relatively small and compared to places like Sydney or Melbourne, it has a completely different atmosphere.

But honestly, that is exactly what makes Cairns special.

For me, Cairns was never really about the city itself. It was about everything happening around it.

It was snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef and feeling incredibly small while surrounded by colourful coral and tropical fish. It was exploring one of the oldest rainforests in the world. It was relaxing at the lagoon during the day, meeting other travellers and somehow ending up in completely unexpected nights out.

Cairns reminded me a little bit of Airlie Beach. It has that same tropical backpacker feeling where everyone seems to be there for the same reason: exploring, meeting people and enjoying the adventure before moving on to the next destination.

In this article, I’ll share my honest opinion about whether Cairns deserves a place on your Australia East Coast itinerary, including what I loved, what surprised me and whether I think it is worth spending a few days there.

My First Impression Of Cairns

After leaving Magnetic Island, it was time for the final stop of my East Coast Australia journey before heading towards Western Australia.

Cairns.

The last tropical destination before starting a completely new chapter.

The day I arrived, I checked into Gilligan’s Backpackers Hotel & Resort, one of the most famous backpacker hostels in Cairns. By the time I arrived, it was already late, but as usual with backpacking, the day doesn’t necessarily end just because you have spent hours travelling.

There was some kind of strange jelly-themed party happening at the hostel (I still have no idea what that was about), so naturally I decided to have a look. It was chaotic, slightly confusing and honestly, very Cairns.

Within only a few hours of arriving, I already understood what kind of place this was. Cairns is not somewhere you visit if you are looking for a quiet city break or a relaxing holiday. It is somewhere you go to experience, meet people and create memories. And after months of travelling along the East Coast, that was exactly what I needed.

Gilligan’s Backpackers: The Hostel That Surprised Me

Before arriving in Cairns, I had heard a lot about Gilligan’s. Most backpackers know it as the party hostel in Cairns, and normally that is not necessarily the type of place I would choose for a longer stay.

If you are looking for somewhere quiet, peaceful and relaxing, then Gilligan’s probably isn’t the hostel for you.

But for a few days?

I actually loved it.

The biggest surprise was how much it felt like a resort rather than a traditional backpacker hostel. There was a huge pool area, bars, events happening almost every night, people constantly hanging out and a social atmosphere that made it incredibly easy to meet other travellers.

What I also liked was that you didn’t necessarily have to be involved in the party atmosphere all the time. During the day, you could relax by the pool, explore Cairns or simply take it easy before joining the events later in the evening.

As a guest, you also get free entry to many of the parties, which makes it a great place to meet people without constantly spending money on nightlife.

Of course, I wouldn’t recommend staying there for weeks if you are looking for a quiet base or somewhere to properly rest. But for a few nights at the end of an East Coast Australia trip, it was honestly the perfect place.

Looking back, Gilligan’s was one of those hostels that I expected to be too much, but ended up really enjoying. It perfectly matched the Cairns backpacker atmosphere and became a big part of my experience there.

Cairns Is More Than Just The Great Barrier Reef

When people talk about Cairns, the first thing that usually comes up is the Great Barrier Reef. And honestly, that makes complete sense. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the biggest reasons travellers make their way to northern Queensland, and it was definitely one of the experiences I was most excited about before arriving.

However, one thing I realised during my time in Cairns is that the city itself deserves more credit. Yes, many people use Cairns as a base for exploring the incredible places around it, but there is also something about the city itself that makes it a fun place to spend a few days.

Cairns has that typical tropical backpacker atmosphere where life feels a little slower. People spend their mornings planning tours, their afternoons relaxing by the lagoon and their evenings meeting new people at hostels or bars.

It actually reminded me a lot of Airlie Beach. Not because the places are exactly the same, but because they both have that feeling of being a temporary home for travellers. Almost everyone you meet is either starting an adventure, finishing one or simply passing through on their way somewhere else.

And I think that is what makes places like Cairns special. They are not necessarily destinations where you spend your days ticking off endless things inside the city itself. Instead, they are places where the lifestyle, the atmosphere and the experiences happening around them become the reason you remember them.

Exploring The Great Barrier Reef From Cairns

Of course, no trip to Cairns would be complete without visiting the Great Barrier Reef. For me, this was easily one of the highlights of my entire Australia trip.

Early in the morning, I joined a reef tour and headed out onto the ocean. The day included visiting three different reef locations, and each one showed a different side of this incredible underwater world.

The moment I jumped into the water, I immediately understood why the Great Barrier Reef is so famous. The visibility was amazing, colourful fish were swimming all around me and the coral formations stretched out in every direction. For a moment, you completely forget how small you are compared to the world around you.

Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef was one of those experiences where you stop thinking about taking photos or documenting every second. You simply want to remember what it feels like to be there.

Looking back, it was easily one of the most beautiful days I had in Australia. But more than just seeing something impressive, it reminded me why travelling is so special. Some experiences stay with you because of what you see, but also because of how lucky you feel to experience them.

Beyond The Reef: Daintree Rainforest And More

Although the Great Barrier Reef is the biggest attraction near Cairns, it is definitely not the only reason to visit. The area around Cairns is filled with incredible nature experiences, including the Daintree Rainforest.

Located north of Cairns, the Daintree is one of the oldest rainforests in the world and offers a completely different landscape from the beaches and reefs Queensland is famous for. Instead of turquoise water and coral reefs, you find ancient trees, unique wildlife, rivers and a completely different side of tropical Australia.

This is one of the reasons why I think Cairns works so well as a travel base. Within a relatively small area, you can experience completely different environments. One day you are snorkelling above the Great Barrier Reef, and the next day you are walking through one of the oldest rainforests on Earth.

That combination of reef, rainforest and tropical landscapes is what makes the region around Cairns so unique.

Relaxing At Cairns Lagoon

Not every day in Cairns has to be filled with expensive tours.

One of my favourite things about the city was actually something completely simple:

Cairns Lagoon.

After months of travelling, sometimes you don’t need another big adventure.

Sometimes you just want somewhere to relax, swim, sit in the sun and enjoy a slower afternoon.

The lagoon is the perfect place for that.

It is free, located right in the city centre and surrounded by cafes and places to grab food afterwards.

I spent one afternoon there simply relaxing, enjoying the tropical weather and taking a break from constantly planning the next thing.

And honestly, those slower moments are often just as important during long-term travel.

Cairns Nightlife: Expect The Unexpected

One thing I quickly learned about Cairns is that the city can completely change once the sun goes down.

During the day, it feels relaxed and tropical.

At night, especially around the backpacker scene, everything becomes much more social.

My time in Cairns definitely had its chaotic moments.

There were hostel parties, ladies nights, reunions with people I had met earlier during my East Coast travels and those completely random nights that somehow become some of your favourite memories.

One evening started with drinks at the hostel and somehow turned into a full night out with a group of people I had met throughout my travels.

That is the thing about backpacking.

You never really know how a normal evening will end.

And Cairns is exactly the kind of place where that happens.

It is a city where you can arrive knowing nobody and somehow end up spending your last nights in Australia surrounded by new friends.

Is Cairns Worth Visiting?

So, after spending time in Cairns, would I recommend adding it to your Australia East Coast itinerary?

Yes.

But I think it is important to understand what kind of destination Cairns is.

If you are looking for a city with endless attractions, beautiful beaches directly in town and a traditional holiday atmosphere, Cairns might not be what you expect.

But if you are looking for a tropical backpacker base with incredible experiences nearby, then Cairns is absolutely worth visiting.

The Great Barrier Reef alone is reason enough to come here.

But combined with the Daintree Rainforest, the relaxed lagoon, the social atmosphere and the chance to meet so many other travellers, Cairns becomes much more than just a starting point for tours.

For me, Cairns was the perfect final stop of my East Coast Australia adventure.

It had everything I love about travelling:

Amazing experiences.

Unexpected friendships.

Beautiful places.

And plenty of stories to take with me.

Planning Your Australia Trip?

Planning a trip to Australia can feel overwhelming, especially with so many places to visit and things to organise.

That’s why I created my complete Australia Travel Guide, where I share everything you need to know, from itineraries and budgets to practical tips and travel inspiration.

→ Australia Travel Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cairns

Is Cairns worth visiting?

Yes, Cairns is definitely worth visiting, especially if you are travelling along Australia’s East Coast.

The city itself is not the main attraction, but it is the perfect base for exploring some of Australia’s most famous natural wonders, including the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

Combined with the tropical atmosphere, Cairns Lagoon and the social backpacker scene, it makes a great stop during an Australia trip.

How many days do you need in Cairns?

I recommend spending around 3–5 days in Cairns.

This gives you enough time to visit the Great Barrier Reef, explore the surrounding nature, relax at the lagoon and experience the atmosphere of the city.

If you want to explore more of the region, you can easily stay longer and visit places like the Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation or the Atherton Tablelands.

Is Cairns better than Airlie Beach?

Cairns and Airlie Beach have a similar backpacker atmosphere, but they offer completely different experiences.

Airlie Beach is mainly known as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, while Cairns is the base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

Personally, I found them both worth visiting for different reasons.

Airlie Beach has the island and sailing atmosphere, while Cairns has more adventure activities and a stronger tropical city feeling.

Is Cairns a good place for backpackers?

Yes, Cairns is one of the best backpacker destinations in Australia.

The city has many hostels, tours, nightlife options and plenty of opportunities to meet other travellers.

Places like Gilligan’s Backpackers are especially popular because they create a very social atmosphere where it is easy to make friends.

What is Cairns famous for?

Cairns is most famous as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

However, the region is also known for the Daintree Rainforest, tropical landscapes, waterfalls, wildlife and adventure activities.

It is one of the few places in Australia where you can experience both the world’s largest coral reef system and one of the oldest rainforests on Earth.

Is Gilligan’s Backpackers worth staying at?

For a few nights, I would say yes.

Gilligan’s is one of the most famous backpacker hostels in Cairns and offers much more of a resort feeling than a traditional hostel.

It has a pool, events, nightlife and a very social atmosphere, making it easy to meet other travellers.

However, if you are looking for a quiet place to relax or stay for a longer period, it might not be the best choice.

For a short backpacker stay in Cairns, though, I personally really enjoyed it.

Can you visit Cairns without doing the Great Barrier Reef?

Yes, you can visit Cairns without doing a reef tour, but I personally think the Great Barrier Reef is one of the main reasons to visit.

It is one of those experiences that is difficult to replace, especially if you are already travelling through northern Queensland.

However, Cairns still has plenty to offer with the Daintree Rainforest, waterfalls, the lagoon and the overall tropical atmosphere.

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Is Cairns Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion After Backpacking Australia