Looking for a few fresh options for date ideas in Cairns? From restaurants, nights away and incredible Tropical North Queensland experiences, read on for 10 date ideas to try in Cairns.
1. Day trip to Fitzroy Island
Only a 45 minute boat trip away, escape Cairns for a day exploring Fitzroy Island. Hike to the summit, snorkel the fringing reef, relax on Nudey Beach and don’t forget to have a beachside cocktail or two at Foxy’s Bar.
2. Explore the waterfalls on the Tablelands
There are certainly no shortage of waterfalls in Cairns, so why not make a day (or multiple days there really is that many) exploring some of the incredible falls close and far from Cairns? This one below is Emerald Creek Falls near Mareeba and you can find how to get to this spot here: How to get to Emerald Creek Falls.
Suggested read: Things to do near Mareeba: Cairns to Mareeba road trip must do’s
3. Take in the sunset on a Spirit of Cairns dinner cruise
Watch the sunset from a new vantage point with a dinner cruise on the Spirit of Cairns. With a complimentary drink and delicious dinner included, relax as you cruise along the ocean waters just off Cairns. Find out more here: Spirit of Cairns
4. Hike up to Glacier Rock
Time to get active. Take your date through the rainforest and up the side of the mountain to treat them to incredible views over Cairns and the Coral Sea. Afterwards, reward your efforts by cooling off at the nearby Stoney Creek. Get to this spot: How to get to Glacier Rock: The Ultimate Guide.
5. Explore the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda Village
Wander through the beautiful rainforest gardens of the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary located in Kuranda Village. Found about 45 minutes out of Cairns City, join the hundreds of butterflies fluttering through the sanctuary. Wear pink, red or white on your date to increase your chances of a butterfly landing on you. For more information about the experience read: Visiting the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda.
You can combine your experience with other Kuranda attractions by getting the Kuranda Wildlife Experience pass or learn about other Things to do in Kuranda.
6. Dinner on the beach at Palm Cove
Sea breeze, twinkly lights and dinner underneath the palm trees? You’ll get all of that at Nunu Restaurant at Palm Cove. After dinner enjoy an evening stroll down the Palm Cove Esplanade and an ice-cream from Numi Ice Creamery.
7. Enjoy a night away at the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino
For the ultimate Cairns date night luxury, treat you and your partner to a night away at the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino. Relax in the gorgeous bath spa, enjoy a drink by the rooftop pool and treat yourself to dinner at the many restaurants nearby. Not convinced? Read 10 reasons you need to stay at the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino in Cairns.
8. Experience the Great Barrier Reef from above
The Great Barrier Reef isn’t just incredible from below, it’s also jaw dropping from above. Treat your significant other (or really impress your first date) by taking to the skies in helicopter or small plane for a scenic flight they will never forget.
9. Explore the grounds of Paronella Park
If you’re looking for a little bit of magic, you’ll find it here at Paronella Park. Located just outside of Innisfail, about an hour south of Cairns, spend your day wandering through the grounds of Catalan castle ruins. To read more about the experience: Paronella Park • The Dream Continues.
Afterwards, extend your date by discovering other beautiful places in the area: 10 things to do near Innisfail.
10. Rooftop brunch at Rocco by Crystalbrook
Start the day in style with a rooftop brush at Rocco by Crystalbrook. Located on the top floor of Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection resort, enjoy a selection of dishes and drinks while overlooking the Cairns esplanade and Coral Sea.
Suggested read: Eating and Drinking in Cairns: The Crystalbrook Collection
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