Cairns is best known as the gateway to two World Heritage-listed areas: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
But, if you’re looking for something a little different, there are plenty of unusual experiences on offer.
Here are five to try on your next trip to Cairns.
VISIT THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE’S BIGGEST BUTTERFLY HOUSE
30 minutes’ drive northwest of Cairns, in the mountain village of Kuranda, you’ll find the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the biggest butterfly aviary in the Southern Hemisphere.
More than 1,200 species call the sanctuary home – and you can walk among them while surrounded by tropical gardens. To deepen your experience, take a free audio tour, or join a behind-the-scenes journey into the lab where the caterpillars that turn into butterflies grow.
TAKE A DIP IN A VOLCANIC CRATER
Swimming of all kinds – from snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef to relaxing under waterfalls – is always part of a holiday in Cairns. But, to take a dip in a volcanic crater, you’ll need to head off the beaten track.
This special swimming hole, called Lake Eacham, lies an hour’s drive southwest in the hinterland, and was formed more than 100,000 years ago.
When you jump in, don’t spend too long trying to reach the bottom – the lake’s average depth is 65 metres. Afterwards, warm up with a stroll along the three-kilometre-long walking trail that follows the shoreline all the way around. You’ll wander through dense rainforest and meet plenty of birds – more than 180 species like around Lake Eacham.
WANDER THROUGH HAND-BUILT CRYSTAL CAVES
70 minutes’ drive southwest of Cairns in the Atherton Tablelands are the Crystal Caves. However, unlike many of the breathtaking natural sights in and around town, these were built by hand.
Owner René Boissevain has spent his entire life travelling over the world, gathering crystals and fossils. Here, he has transformed them into 300 square metres of caves, where you can interact with more than 600 pieces from his collection.
There’s also a jewellery and gift store filled with crystals, gemstones, fossils and minerals you can take home. Plus, kids can let off some steam playing in the sandpit and drawing on the giant blackboard.
SEE AUSTRALIA’S ONLY SAMURAI GALLERY
Like the Crystal Caves, the Samurai Gallery is the result of one man’s lifelong passion. Owner John Grasso has been studying martial arts since the age of 14, and started collecting samurai swords and books at 17, later expanding his interest to armour.
At his gallery, visitors can see his collection, which includes many items that are hundreds of years old. There’s even a sword that dates all the way back to 1040.
SWIM WITH DWARF MINKE WHALES
Most people know that the Great Barrier Reef is one the world’s natural wonders, but not as many know it’s the only place in the world where you can swim with dwarf minke whales.
These incredible creatures visit for just two months each year – June and July – and you’ll need to book a tour. These range from one-day adventures, to multi-day trips lasting up to a week.
The longer you stay at sea, the greater your chance of getting close to the extraordinary creatures, which are up to eight metres long and live to the ripe old age of 50.
GETTING TO CAIRNS
The quickest way to get to Cairns is by flying to Cairns Airport, where you jump into a SIXT car rental.
If you’d prefer to turn your holiday into a road trip, you’ll need 19 hours to reach Cairns from Brisbane, 27 hours from Sydney and 31 hours from Melbourne. To make the most of your time behind the wheel, read our handy guides to driving from Sydney to Brisbane, and from Brisbane to Cairns.
We also recommend these five awesome day trips around Cairns.
