Cairns Family Vacation

Cairns in Australia's tropical north is chock full of family friendly activities. It goes without saying that any visit to tropical north Queensland would be incomplete without a visit to the Great Barrier Reef.

Luckily, there are a number of reef tour operators that cater for all ages. Quicksilver and Reef Magic have permanent dive platforms anchored on the reef complete with wading enclosures, touch tanks for the kids, as well as the usual range of reef activities and creature comforts.

Every Cairns family vacation also requires a visit to the native animals. Birdworld at Kuranda is Cairns' most impressive bird park and, while you are in Kuranda, check out the truly amazing Butterfly enclosure.

Cairns Night Zoo gives you a chance to observe the nocturnal creatures of the tropical north of Australia, while they go about their business. Entry includes a lovely barbeque dinner, live bush band and torchlight animal safari.

If that's not scary enough for you though, pack the family in the car and head up to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. The croc cruise, live shows and feeding times will have you thinking twice before you set foot in the water in Cairns. The tropical north is full of exciting things to see and do.

A Cairns family holiday doesn't need to be expensive though. There are plenty of free attractions, including the beaches of Cairns, fishing, the Lagoon and Muddies' water playground. The Botanical Gardens are also breathtaking, showcasing Cairns' and Australia's most exotic specimens and it won't cost you a cent.