Cairns, Australia Travel Guide | Great Barrier Reef, Fitzroy Island & Daintree
Video Overview & Insights
In this Cairns travel vlog, I document a few packed days in Far North Queensland during a longer multi-week trip around Australia, showing what it’s really like to use Cairns as a base for reef, rainforest, and island adventures.
Planning a trip to Cairns or the Great Barrier Reef? 🌴🐠
In this video, I share exactly how I spent a few days based in Cairns, Australia, from snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef to a Fitzroy Island day trip, drifting through the Daintree Rainforest, and exploring Port Douglas and Palm Cove.
If you’re building an Australia itinerary or deciding where to stay for the reef, drop your questions below—I’m happy to help.
And if you’ve been to Cairns already, what was your favorite part?
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If you’re planning a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, deciding where to stay in Cairns, or mapping out an Australia east coast itinerary, this video breaks down exactly how to make the most of your time.
🌴 WHAT I DID IN CAIRNS & FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND
✈️ Flying from the Gold Coast to Cairns, Australia
🌴 Exploring downtown Cairns and the Esplanade
🐠 Half-day Great Barrier Reef snorkeling tour from Cairns
🏊♀️ Relaxing after the reef at the hotel pool
🏝️ Fitzroy Island Day Trip from Cairns
⛴️ Ferry from Cairns to Fitzroy Island
🚶 Fitzroy Lighthouse Loop Walk
🍴 Lunch at Foxy’s Bar & Café
🌿 Secret Garden rainforest walk
🏖️ Swimming and relaxing at Nudey Beach
🚗 Port Douglas, Daintree Rainforest & Palm Cove
🌆 Evening in Port Douglas, Queensland
🌅 Trinity Bay Lookout at sunrise
🏖️ Four Mile Beach walk
🌿 River drift snorkeling through the Daintree Rainforest
🌊 Mossman Gorge rainforest walk
🌴 Scenic drive through Far North Queensland palm fields
🏝️ Palm Cove coastal walk and dinner
More info: The Perfect 3-Week Australia Itinerary: Sydney to Tasmania's Wild Edge: https://www.scenicroutetraveler.com/3-week-australia-itinerary
This video contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
HOTELS I STAYED AT
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns: https://expedia.tpx.lu/Pp8yEH5d
South Pacific Bed & Breakfast: https://hotels.tpx.lu/5VNxi6no
Shantara Resort Port Douglas - Adults Only Retreat: https://hotels.tpx.lu/XPNDQ3Yd
Book your Fitzroy Island Tour or Ferry Ahead of time: https://getyourguide.tpx.lu/WVsysdMn
Choosing Your Great Barrier Reef Operator:
After research, I chose Pure Snorkeling (smaller boat, perfect reef stops). https://viator.tpx.lu/1e4AfIIs
Stay fueled for adventure with included snacks on board
🌿 DAINTREE RAINFOREST TOUR
River Drift Snorkelling Tour in the Daintree Rainforest (company I used):
👉 https://backcountrybliss.com.au/tours/river-drift-snorkelling/
🌴 WHY CAIRNS IS PERFECT FOR THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
Cairns is one of the best places in Australia to access the Great Barrier Reef. Reef tours leave directly from the city, and within a short time, you can reach Fitzroy Island, Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, and the ancient Daintree Rainforest.
It’s the ideal base if you want to combine snorkeling, rainforest hikes, island escapes, and coastal towns, all in one region.
🧭 TRAVEL RESOURCES & LINKS
📱 eSIM (used on this trip): Saily https://saily.tpx.lu/dua1Bx66
🏠 Hostels: Hostelworld https://hostelworld.tpx.lu/CFRrWjPK
✈️ Flights & Hotels: Expedia https://expedia.tpx.lu/HkUyqX1Z
🌍 Travel Insurance I Use: https://visitorscoverage.tpx.lu/UFqjJH51
💡 CAIRNS & GREAT BARRIER REEF TRAVEL TIPS
✓ Book Great Barrier Reef tours in advance
✓ Visit Fitzroy Island early to avoid crowds
✓ Wear reef-safe sunscreen
✓ Rent a car for Port Douglas, Palm Cove & Mossman Gorge
✓ Start rainforest walks early for cooler temps
00:40 Arriving in Cairns, Australia
02:00 Great Barrier Reef snorkeling tour
05:30 Fitzroy Island ferry & island hike
12:10 Nudey Beach & island relaxation
14:01 Port Douglas evening & lookout
17:00 Daintree Rainforest river drift
18:03 Mossman Gorge walk
21:30 Palm Cove coastal evening
Cairns, Australia, Great Barrier Reef, Fitzroy Island, Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas, Four Mile Beach, Mossman Gorge, Palm Cove, Far North Queensland, Queensland, Australia
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#portdouglas #australiatravel #travelguide #travelvlog