You’ve booked your tour, packed your bags and are on your way to sunny Cairns- now what?
Cairns is more than just a starting point for our 7 day motorcycle tour, its an adventure hub in its own right. Whether you’ve arrived a few days early or you’ve brought family along for a little getaway, there’s plenty to see and do before your Cape York tour begins.
Here are some of our favourite ways to spend time in Cairns before heading off for your bike trip.
Dive or Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
You can’t come to Cairns and not experience the Great Barrier Reef. Day trips run daily and cater for everyone- from first time snorkellers to experienced divers. Crystal clear water, coral gardens, turtles and reef fish make this a must do whilst in the Far North. Why not visit Fitzroy Island, a 45 minute ferry ride from Cairns renowned for it’s coral beaches, lush rainforest, and fringing reefs.
Get some Air Time at the Wake Park
The Cairns Wake Park is a perfect way to burn off some energy before tour. A 20 minute drive out of the Cairns CBD, you’ll be welcomed into a tropical little oasis featuring its very own bar for those just keen to watch. Whether you’re learning the basics or already pretty handy on a board, it’ll be fun for the whole group. It offers knee boarding and even an inflatable world for the kids. A perfect way to spend your afternoon in the tropics.
Swing a club at X-Golf
Not feeling like another high adrenaline activity? X-Golf offers an indoor golf experience with full sized simulators, air conditioning and its very own bar. Great for big groups or anyone wanting a cruisier afternoon. Whether you want to play a 9 hole, 18 hole, hit the driving range or just practice your putting, X-Golf has it all. Located at Cairns DFO, and only a short drive from town, you can drop your hubby there and hit the shops, its a win-win for everyone.
Catch a Barra
Chasing a Barra is a true North Queensland experience. Book a guided fishing charter or for an easier option, just head to the local Barra farm in Cairns. Grab A Barra is a 15 minute drive out of Cairns and offers a few different packages. There’s nothing quite like landing one of these iconic fish before heading off on your motorcycle adventure- giving you bragging rights for the week. Whether you do catch and release or choose the BBQ option, you’re bound to have a good time.
Go Karting for a Hit of Speed
If you’re a bit of a rev head, Cairns Go Kart will have you sorted. Competitive, fast and surprisingly technical, its a fun way to fire up the senses before the long ride ahead. Great for your group of mates and even the family, Cairns Go Kart offers 4 stroke karts in singles as well as doubles for those too young to drive their own. Race your mates and see who the champion for the week is going to be.
Take the Leap with a Bungy Jump
For the thrill seekers, Cairns Skyjump is legendary. Standing on the edge, high above the rainforest is a mental challenge in its own. Stepping off is just pure adrenaline and not for the faint hearted. Set 50m above a natural lagoon, this is Australia’s only bungy jump and you’d be wild not to try it (or wild if you do, I can’t decide). If that’s not your style, they also offer a giant swing going 0 to 120km/h in 3.5 Seconds. Offering family friendly rides, this is a great place to visit whilst in Cairns.
Glide above the Rainforest on the Skyrail and Train
The Cairns Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Train offers a completely different perspective. Floating above ancient rainforest and waterfalls, its a slower pace but absolutely worth it. Pair it with a wander through Kuranda’s famous markets for a relaxed day out. If you’re with the family, the kids will love the butterfly sanctuary, birdworld, and koala gardens, before grabbing a feed at the Kuranda pub and hopping on the train to wind your way back down to Cairns.
Visit a Croc Farm
Crocodiles are a part of life in Far North Queensland, and a visit to a crocodile farm is both educational and eye opening. Learn about their behaviour, conservation, and just how impressive (and ancient) these animals really are. Even though Cape York is full of these large dinosaurs, its pretty rare to see one. If you’ve got your heart set on seeing one in real life, we recommend visiting Hartleys Croc Farm, and if you’ve got kids with you, they will absolutely love it.
Explore the Cairns Aquarium
The Cairns Aquarium is a great way to experience the regions marine life without getting wet. Home to species from the Great Barrier Reef and Far North Queensland’s rivers and rainforests, it’s an easy, family friendly option right in the city. It also gives you a deeper appreciation for the underwater world you’ll soon be riding past and around on your journey north. Located right next to the Cairns esplanade, you can be looking at fish one moment and drinking beers the next.
Visit Port Douglas
Just over an hour north of Cairns is the beautiful coastal town of Port Douglas. The drive along the Captain Cook Highway is one of the most scenic in the country, hugging the coast with ocean views the whole way. Port Douglas is a perfect place for a day trip, with its relaxed vibe, boutique shops and stunning four mile beach. It’s a great place to unwind and kick back before the adventure really kicks off.
Tear it up on a Jet Ski
If speed on the water sounds like your thing, jet skiing in the Cairns harbour is hard to beat. Terramarine offers guided tours that take you skimming across open water, weaving through mangroves and past local wildlife- all with Cairns coastlines as your backdrop. Its a great way to squeeze in one more adrenaline hit before heading north on the bikes.
Make the Most of Cairns
Cairns is the perfect place to ease into the Far North lifestyle before your tour begins. Adventure, relaxation, culture and wildlife are all right on your doorstep and its a great way to arrive and get you ready for what’s ahead.
Not sure when you book your motorcycle tour? Check out out article on The Best time to Ride Cape York to learn more.
If you’ve got extra time before your Cape York trip, Cairns won’t disappoint. Why not make a family holiday out of it. If you have any questions or want to know more, feel free to get in touch with us via our Contact Page or head over to our FAQS.