Queensland, Australia, Australia · Trip plan
5 days in Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef
Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and explore the Daintree Rainforest.
- Best time
- Jun – Nov
- Ideal length
- 5 days
- A day, mid-range
- $250 per person
- Trip for two
- about $2,500
Planning a 5-day trip to Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef? Here's a day-by-day Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
October and November are among the best months for calm seas and clear water before the summer wet season.
Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree, two World Heritage areas side by side.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun: a good time to go
- Jul: a good time to go
- Aug: a good time to go
- Sep: a good time to go
- Oct: a good time to go
- Nov: a good time to go
- Dec
October to November: 22–31°C.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef
- 01
Great Barrier Reef
Snorkelling and diving on the outer reef.
- 02
Daintree Rainforest
The world's oldest rainforest.
- 03
Kuranda
Scenic railway and Skyrail.
- 04
Port Douglas
A relaxed beach town.
Day by day
Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef itinerary for 5 days
- D1
Day 1: Cairns
- Morning
- Arrive in Cairns.
- Afternoon
- Swim at the Esplanade Lagoon.
- Evening
- Browse the night markets.
The lagoon is free.
- D2
Day 2: Outer reef
- Morning
- Full-day trip to the outer Great Barrier Reef.
- Afternoon
- Snorkel or dive among coral and turtles.
- Evening
- Dinner.
Seasickness tablets help.
- D3
Day 3: Kuranda
- Morning
- Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway up through the rainforest.
- Afternoon
- Return on the Skyrail cable car.
- Evening
- Dinner.
Book a combined ticket.
- D4
Day 4: Daintree
- Morning
- Drive to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation.
- Afternoon
- Take a crocodile river cruise.
- Evening
- Stay in Port Douglas.
Never swim in rivers or creeks.
- D5
Day 5: Home
- Morning
- Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas.
- Afternoon
- Lunch.
- Evening
- Fly home.
Allow about an hour to Cairns airport.
Shorter or longer
Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef in 4, 5 or 7 days
4 days in Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef
Follow days 1 to 4 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
7 days in Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in The Whitsundays.
What it costs
Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 5 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120 | $1,200 |
| Mid-range | $250 | $2,500 |
| Luxury | $600+ | $6,000 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef
Barramundi
Local fish.
Tropical fruit
Mangoes and more.
Moreton Bay bugs
Local shellfish.
Getting there
How to reach Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef
- Travel
- Cairns airport has flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Asia.
- Getting around
- Car or tours.
- Book outer-reef trips for clearer water.
- Stinger suits are recommended from November.
Before you go
What to pack for Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Swimwear and flip-flops
- Binoculars
- Muted, earth-coloured clothes
- A small first-aid kit
- A reusable water bottle
Good questions
Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef?
5 days are enough to see the highlights: Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Kuranda. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 5-day Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef trip cost?
Roughly $120 a day per person on a budget, $250 mid-range and $600+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $2,500 for 5 days.
What is the best time to visit Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef?
Jun – Nov. October and November are among the best months for calm seas and clear water before the summer wet season.
Where should I stay in Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef?
Budget: Hostels on the Esplanade (Cairns), from about $40 a night. Mid-range: Hotels in Port Douglas (Port Douglas), from about $220 a night. Luxury: Silky Oaks Lodge (Daintree), from about $900 a night.
How do I reach Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef?
Cairns airport has flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Asia.
Is 4 days enough for Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 4 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 5 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef?
October to November: 22–31°C.
What food should I try in Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef?
Barramundi: Local fish. Tropical fruit: Mangoes and more. Moreton Bay bugs: Local shellfish.
How do I get around Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef?
Car or tours.
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