In the heart of Far North Queensland on the coast of the Coral Sea sits one of the most beloved jewels in Australia’s crown. A week spent in Cairns/Gimuy is a week of balmy nights and incredible natural wonders. Embrace the adventure of what Cairns has to offer with this week-long itinerary of activities, all easily accessible by car. With a Dollar car rental branch located at Cairns airport, it’s easy to pick up your car and start exploring this beautiful region of the Sunshine State.

Where the bush meets the ocean, Cairns’ tropical climate and coastal location make it the perfect place to explore the rainforests in the region. The Wet Tropics is a large expanse of rainforest with a rich history and many parts to discover. From walking tracks to waterfalls, this vast area of rainforest has survived for millions of years, from the time when the dinosaurs were roaming the earth. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed site provides a great adventure for adults and kids alike, with lots of native wildlife and bush to explore. Whilst the rainforest spans an area of 9000 square kilometres with 30 national parks located within its boundaries, its close proximity to Cairns makes it an easy place to navigate your way to in your Dollar rental car. Only a twenty-five-minute drive from Cairns’ CBD, Kamerunga is the easiest place to begin exploring the Wet Tropics. Hike around the forest on either Douglas Track or, the more challenging Smiths Track, and soak up the sunshine along with the native bushlife that is all around. Stoney Creek Gorge is a great place to rest and relax by the shallow cool pools, and the most perfect spot for a picnic. If you’re feeling adventurous and don’t mind a bit more of a drive, the Daintree National Park rainforest is about 1.5 hours north of Cairns and is sure to delight with its amazing foliage and iconic encounters with wildlife.

With Cairns known as the entrance to the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the ocean and its iconic reef is an unmissable experience for anyone travelling through the north of Queensland. There’s so much to see around the reef, and with over 100 islands to explore you’ll have a few days’ worth of adventures moving around the reef. Fill a day with snorkelling amongst the coral and the fish and discover some of the vibrant marine life that the reef is home to. There are full day tours that are great for families wanting to see this underwater slice of paradise and be up close and personal with the colourful fish and unique coral. Another day on the reef can be spent above water atop an Indigenous reef tour, run by Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel. This tour is also a great option for families, with a team of Indigenous Sea rangers taking you to see both Moore Reef and Flynn Reef. The team will discuss the Dreamtime stories of the Traditional Owners of the land and the ocean that surrounds, with a glass-bottomed boat giving you a glimpse of the underwater life that is thriving below the surface. For another day spent around the reef, island hopping is a great way to experience some of the idyllic paradises that gather around the Great Barrier Reef. Check out Fitzroy Island and its white-washed beach on a day trip aboard the Fitzroy Flyer, or head to Green Island National Park to explore its rainforest-clad coral cay.

For your final day or two in Cairns, there’s no better place to sit back and relax in the sunshine than on the palm tree filled beach of Palm Cove. With pristine blue waves and a walking path that connects the sand of the beach with the plethora of shop fronts and eateries, Palm Cove is perfect to spend at least a whole day exploring. The beach itself looks like it’s been lifted from the scenery of a postcard, and with gentle waves and a patrolled area, this slice of paradise is ideal for families and adults alike. To top off your trip, wander under the palm trees that line the path by the beach and check out any of the restaurants on offer. Beach-fronted restaurant Vivo is a great pick in you’re after enjoying a delicious gourmet meal with a view of the ocean. Given its proximity to the water, head on down to the waterfront after dinner and walk barefoot along the yellow sands as the sun sets over the ocean.

A week in Cairns makes for the perfect getaway. Sit back on the beach, enjoy the constant sunshine, and discover all the natural beauties that this slice of paradise has to offer.