Our top cheap and affordable things to do in Cairns
Borders are open and you’re finally free to visit the best holiday destination in Australia – Cairns and Far North Queensland.
While a trip to the Great Barrier Reef is a must-do during your holiday in Cairns, it may take up a bit of your travel budget. Never fear, the Tropical North is chock-a-block full of affordable activities and things to do on a budget.
Visit markets
Rusty’s Markets, Image credit: Annabel Bowles for Tropic
Some cash in your pocket is always handy, but looking around a market is just as fun. Cairns is home to many markets filled with tropical produce, local crafters, plants, and more.
If you’re looking for a market in Cairns city, head to Rusty’s Markets on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. There’s no better place to find fresh, tropical fruit and produce, or grab a quick bite for breakfast. The huge range of food stalls sell everything from local dragon fruit kombucha to sugarcane juice, bagels to French crepes. Rusty’s also has the best Vietnamese coffee in Cairns, which goes hand in hand with a paw paw salad in our hot and humid environment.
The Cairns Night Markets are open every day from 4:30pm to 10:30pm. Head there for clothes, jewellery, gifts or a massage, or escape from the sun in the air conditioned pavilion. It’s located right on the Esplanade, and has food vendors at both entrances.
There’s an array of markets across Cairns’ northern beaches and the Atherton Tablelands, including those in Gordonvale, Yungaburra, Palm Cove and Port Douglas. Cairns Calendar is a great resource on checking which markets are on during your stay in Cairns.
Galleries and Museums
Image credit: NorthSite Contemporary Arts
Galleries and museums in Cairns are a must-do for any visiting tourist to the region to learn about the history of Far North Queensland and view stunning local art. Better yet, galleries and museums are a great activity to escape the heat in Cairns.
Cairns Art Gallery and NorthSite Contemporary Arts are free, and Cairns Historical Museum requests a small $15 entry fee for adults (it’s worth it we promise).
The Great Outdoors
White Rock Peak, image credit: @sarahjanegriffiths
The beauty of Cairns lies in its tropical environment – coconut palm tree-lined beaches, the ancient World Heritage Daintree rainforest, crystal clear swimming holes and dozens of waterfalls. If you’re visiting Cairns from Sydney, Melbourne or other southern cities, the tropical mountain ranges surrounding Cairns is a highlight.
Enjoy the rainforest close to Cairns city at Cairns Botanic Gardens (with its butterfly conservatory, next to all kinds of frogs and birds) or take one of the many walks and hikes near the Cairns CBD including White Rock Peak, Earl Hill, The Arrows, and Ivan Evans.
If you have wheels head up the Gillies and Kuranda ranges and check out some waterfalls near Cairns like Nandroya Falls, Stoney Creek Falls, Emerald Falls, or iconic natural landmarks like the Cathedral Fig Tree and the platypus viewing trail in Yungaburra.
On a drive down to Mission Beach you’ll pass Walsh’s Pyramid before travelling through colourful banana farms (you can even pick some fresh fruits up from roadside stalls). Be sure to drop into Etty Bay to spot a cassowary.
And don’t forget, if you’re looking for a great place to swim in Cairns that avoids stingers, stone fish, or crocs, you can jump in Motel Nomad’s palm tree-shaded pool for free (as part of your stay with us).
Cheap Eats and Drinks
Thai Coins, image credit: @feed.me.im.hangry
If you’re looking for cheap eats in Cairns, we have plenty! Tropic Now has an extensive list of eats under $15 that’s well worth a read.
Some of our top recommendations for a cheap feed in Cairns include Muddy’s on the Esplanade where you can enjoy 3 tacos for $14.90 (and there’s vegetarian options too), or the best fish and chips for $16.90. Not only can you enjoy delicious food by the water, there’s a playground and waterpark for your kids to enjoy (for free!).
Cairns has a thriving craft brewery scene and you can usually pick up a pint for under $10. Pay a visit to Hemingway’s, MacAlisters Brewing, and Coral Sea, for some authentic, local tropical lagers. Gin and tonics at Wolf Lane or House of Commons are another cheap and cheerful option using locally distilled gins.
Our favourite way to cool off in the Tropical North is with ice cream. Local farm Mungalli Creek has just opened The Dairy, a milk bar and ice creamery on the Esplanade. There’s over 18 flavours to choose from!
Since you’re already staying with us at Motel Nomad, you must try the pad thai at Thai Coins for $15.95 or the chef’s special Crying Tiger (Sua Rong Hai) for $16.95.
Looking for more recommendations? Our reservation staff are always happy to help when you stay with Motel Nomad, Cairns’ best motel.