Free Attractions for Families in Cairns, Australia

Great Barrier Reef Snorkellers

Most family's favourite attractions are the free ones, so here are some places to go and things to do that don't cost a thing. Many of the free attractions below have whole pages on this website with with more information, so click away. You know what they say... The best things in life are free!

If you have any questions about any of the attractions on this page please send us an email explaining what you're after (including the number of family members and the ages of your children) and we can assist you put together an unforgettable holiday.

Cairns Esplanade

Muddy's Playground

Recently redeveloped, the Cairns Esplanade has a long list of attractions families would love. A large lagoon is the centrepiece of the Esplanade and being fully supervised by lifeguards at all times it is a safe and fun swimming location.

Muddy's Playground is a $30m child's paradise with endless swings and play apparatus, as well as a waterpark.

Free electric BBQs exist all over the esplanade, and families will find plenty of room to spread out for picnics.

Waterfall Circuit

Swimming Hole at Millaa Millaa Falls

Probably the part of the Atherton Tablelands the kids and adults will enjoy most.. the waterfall circuit comprises three natural waterfalls; Millaa Millaa, Zillie and Elinjaa Falls, all with their own unique spectacular display. The waterfall circuit is really for those families who hire a car in North Queensland, and is a easy, enjoyable drive along the back roads around the east of Millaa Millaa.

Make sure you bring your camera, as the waterfalls are photogenic. Each of the three falls have a short walk from the car park to viewing areas, and although the 'official' word is to start at Millaa Millaa Falls, we recommend that families do the circuit in reverse and start at Ellinjaa Falls as the kids will love being able to finish off the falls viewing at the safe swimming hole at Millaa Millaa Falls.

Cairns Northern Beaches

Palm Cove's Dramatic Jetty

Kids will love frolicking on the beach at one of the many Cairns Northern Beaches. It is important to know that the beaches around Cairns are not suitable to surfing as the Great Barrier Reef prevents waves from reaching the coast. For that reason, our beaches are exceptionally well suited for younger children who cannot handle the intensity of the waves down south.

We recommend that if you have only a limited time in Cairns that you visit Palm Cove first and foremost, as it is a clean, friendly beach with a beachside children's playground and plenty of places to have a picnic.

Alternatively, if you have a few days to spend at the beach, try Trinity Beach as it has a large range of affordable family accommodation, including self-contained apartments.

Crystal Cascades

The ultimate natural Cairns swimming spot, frequented by locals and especially popular on a warm day. Crystal Cascades is a series of secluded freshwater swimming holes.

• See our Crystal Cascades page for more information and instructions on how to get there.

Flecker Botanic Gardens

Pink Torch Ginger @ Botanic Gardens

Just 4km from the city centre, and the only Wet Tropical Botanic Gardens in Australia, the Flecker Botanic Gardens comprise three main areas, each representing a sample of the diverse ecosystem.

Entry to the Botanic Gardens is free, and there are interesting creeks and expanses of lawn for children to explore. Perfect spot for a picnic, families will enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

• For more information have a look at our dedicated Flecker Botanic Gardens info page.

Mossman Gorge

Guided Tours at Mossman Gorge

Perhaps one of the most visited spots in Far North Queensland, Mossman Gorge is part of the Daintree Rainforest and is a gorgeous natural place which has maintained its beauty despite being very popular. The Mossman River spectacularly caresses massive granite boulders producing freshwater swimming spots throughout the Gorge.

Being the traditional home of the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people, the area carries cultural significance, and is a place of deep spiritual being. The Mossman Gorge Aboriginal Community conduct guided bushwalks which showcase the special relationship Indigenous people have with the rainforest.

There is a 2.4km rainforest loop trail, a suspension bridge across the river and picnic area in the National Park. The drive to Mossman Gorge is an event in itself, with both sides of the road being vegetated in dense rainforest.

Lake Eacham

Tranquil Lake Eacham at Dusk

One of the two famous crater lakes on the Atherton Tablelands, Lake Eacham is exceptionally popular during the warmer weather as a cool swimming spot, and is a 'must see' for families travelling to Far North Queensland.

Surrounded by dense tropical rainforest, Lake Eacham is ideal for swimming, canoeing and bushwalking. Children will love spotting the friendly bush turkeys which inhabit the rainforest, and there is a 4km walking track which is suitable for all ages as it is flat and paved the entire way.