Cairns Packing List: Important list of what to pack for Cairns and why

Cairns Packing List: Important list of what to pack for Cairns and why

Here's a complete Cairns packing list with all the essentials you need to pack for Cairns before your next trip to Australia's adventure capital! A straightforward list that includes all the essentials of what to bring, what not to bring, and why!

When people hear Cairns, they often think of ancient rainforests, backpacker vibes and of course the Great Barrier Reef. What if I told you it's so much more than that? Cairns Australia is the adventure capital of the country! It truly has everything you could want in a fantastic tropical destination.

So, what is the first step when planning a trip to Cairns? If you've already booked your flight and accommodation, it's better to think about packing.

I spent several months documenting and photographing the best adventure activities, waterfalls, hikes and more in Cairns. I felt it was natural then to help you formulate every part of your trip, even down to what to pack for Cairns!

Also, when planning your visit to Cairns, don't forget to check out my Cairns Accommodation Guide where you can also find out where to stay.

alt=“MOSSMAN GORGE WALK, RAINFOREST CIRCUIT, DAINTREE NATIONAL PARK, BIG FIG TREE”>
alt=“DIVING THE GREAT BARRIER REEF TOUR CAIRNS”>
alt=“NUDIE BEACH DRONE FITZROY ISLAND THINGS TO DO, ISLANDS OFF CAIRNS”>

About this Cairns packing list: When are you going and what are you planning?

These are the two most important questions every traveler should ask themselves for every destination! If you're reading this blog, I'm guessing you want to try out some of the best adventure activities in Cairns like waterfall hikes, reef snorkeling/diving, and maybe even bungee jumping or white water rafting!

This Cairns packing list is designed for exactly this type of traveler. One who doesn't want to waste a trip by the hotel pool and one who would rather get out and experience what this incredible destination has to offer.

Regardless, even if you just want to have a sip by the pool (there's nothing wrong with that), then you'll probably still get some value out of reading this list of what to pack for Cairns.

What to pack for Cairns – The essential packing list

Clothing

Cairns is located in tropical north Queensland. As for clothing, pack lightweight items for warm weather. Honestly, you don't need a warm sweater or even jeans. Shirts, t-shirts, vests, shorts and thongs are the first choice for Cairns locals because the weather demands them.

I would also recommend packing clothes that dry quickly. This is especially a good idea if you want to explore the rainforest and its many freshwater swimming holes and waterfalls.

Make sure to pack your swimsuit too, you'll need it for any trip to the Great Barrier Reef!

Cairns Clothes Packing List Summary:

• Kleidung, die Sie kühl hält (T-Shirt und Shorts/leichtes Kleid/Rock)
• Riemen
• Schwimmer
• Hardshelljacke oder leichter Regenmantel (bei Regen)

alt=“ELLIS BEACH NEAR CAIRNS”>Ellis Beach

Shoes

What shoes you should pack for Cairns depends on the activities you plan to do during your trip. I recommend packing a pair of trail runners or running shoes for hiking, a pair of flip-flops, and perhaps a decent pair of sneakers or other appropriate shoes for restaurants or pubs/clubs.

Don’t worry too much about packing big hiking boots. Even on the steepest and longest hikes like Mount Bartle Frere (Queensland's highest mountain), I always wear running shoes.

Also, don’t pack “reef shoes.” These things should be illegal. There is no worse sight than watching tourists trample over the fragile reef ecosystems. Corals are sharp for a reason, to protect yourself from harm, don't step on them.

Cairns Shoe Packing List Summary:

• Trailrunner oder Jogger zum Wandern
• Riemen
• Paar schöne Schuhe für Restaurants/Stadt

alt=“TULLY GORGE VIEW”>Tully Gorge

Toiletries

Toiletries are always a personal item on any packing list. However, below I will note a few important things to serve as a practical reminder for your trip to Cairns

• Zahnbürste und Zahnpasta
• Deodorant
• Rasierer
• Riffsicherer Sonnenschutz
• Shampoo und Spülung
• Haarbürste
• Reise-/Wander-Erste-Hilfe-Kasten
• Medikamente

alt=“NANDROYA WATERFALL PHOTOGRAPHY”>Nandroya Falls

See also: The 10 best tours and experiences in Cairns

Camera or Go Pro

For me, my camera is always the most important thing on my packing list for Cairns. I think it's safe to say that everyone wants a device to capture all the epic memories of their Cairns trip.

Phone cameras are decent these days, but I recommend bringing at least a GoPro or action camera. That's because so many activities in Cairns revolve around water. This applies from reefs to rainforests, so it's only sensible to bring something to take photos and videos where you don't have to worry about getting your device wet.

Summary of Things to Pack for Cairns: Camera and Photography Ideas:

• Gehen Sie zum Profi
• Lange Selfie- oder Actionstange für Ihren Go Pro
• Eine hochwertige wasserdichte Handytasche, die Sie unter Wasser tauchen können (kaufen Sie eine im Voraus, sie verlangen auf den Riffbooten fast 50 US-Dollar dafür).
• DSLR oder spiegellose Kamera
• Drohne, falls vorhanden (ich verwende die Mavic Pro 2)

alt="Sandy Cay off Cairns on a plane flight">

A good day bag

While you're filling your backpack or suitcase with all of those essentials to pack for Cairns, it might be easy to forget to bring a small day bag. A small backpack to put your valuables or essentials for a day trip to the reef or rainforest is super handy.

I'd recommend looking for one that's around 15 or 20 liters so it's easy to lug around and easily keep on your lap on boats or on public transport.

Since I travel with a lot of camera gear, my “day bag” is a huge 50 liter camera bag. Don't be like me, watch one like this instead. Or check out these handy day bags that fold down to the size of a Coke can.
alt=“DEVIL THUMB HIKING TRAIL”>Devil’s thumb trail

DO YOU ALSO GO TO PORT DOUGLAS? READ: Where to stay in Port Douglas

Other Cairns Packaging Essentials

Now that we have the “common sense” things to pack for Cairns, here are some other important things you may not have thought of.

• Gute Wasserflasche – Ich benutze überall auf der Welt eine Grayl-Wasserreinigungsflasche
• Insektenschutz. – Mücken, Zecken und Blutegel sind in den Tropen kein Witz
• Gute Powerbank
• Telefon
• Ladegeräte
• Packsack für Ihre Ausrüstung
• Entzünden
• Verpackungswürfel
• Schnell trocknendes Handtuch
• Maske und Schnorchel – die meisten Touren liefern diese
• Stinger-Anzug – Riff-Tour-Boote bieten normalerweise auch diese an, aber verständlicherweise würden einige Leute ihren eigenen haben wollen

alt=“GREY WATER FILTER IN TASMANIA”>Fresh water everywhere with my Grayl water filter bottle
alt=“TURTLE ON FITZROY ISLAND CAIRNS”>Turtle on Fitzroy Island

See also: 15 Essential Articles for Digital Nomads

Travel insurance

I've been traveling full-time for about 4 years now and always swear by travel insurance. This is particularly true for adventure destinations like Cairns. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many insurance companies have stopped offering travel cancellation insurance.

However, there are still two companies. who also offer it during the pandemic. World Nomads and Safetywing. Unfortunately, SafetyWing does not currently offer coverage for Australia, but World Nomads do.

What not to pack for Cairns

There you have it, that should cover most people asking themselves the question: “What do I pack for Cairns?” Now, what about the things you should leave a home with?

• Riffschuhe
• Super warme Pullover oder Jacken
• Viel Essen (hier gibt es auch Essen, weißt du)
• Nicht riffsicherer Sonnenschutz mit Oxybenzon oder Octinoxat darin
• Zu viel Denim

What is the best time to visit Cairns?

Cairns is located in tropical north Queensland. The key word for travel planning there is of course “tropical”. The weather here is different to the rest of Australia. To explain: Cairns has two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season. Of course, the seasons dictate what you need to include in your Cairns packing list. Or is it?

The dry season lasts approximately from April to October and the rainy season from November to March. Since this is the tropics, the dry season (technically the Australian winter) can still be pleasantly warm. During the dry season, expect days of 26-30 degrees Celsius, which is normal.

In fact, the temperature doesn't fluctuate too much through the seasons. What you need to know, however, is that humidity does this. The rainy season in Cairns can be very hot, sticky and humid. However, Cairns is known as a year-round travel destination!

However, if I had to choose the best time of year to visit Cairns, I would say between April and May, when the weather is starting to cool down but the mountains are still green and lush.
alt=“CAIRNS FITZROY ISLAND DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY”>

What to do in Cairns

As I mentioned above, I have written extensively about the best things to do in Cairns. Be sure to read some of the longer articles below as you plan your trip.

The best things to do in Cairns

Waterfalls in Cairns

Best hikes in Cairns

The best beaches in Cairns

Islands off Cairns

Best tour to the Great Barrier Reef

Best aerial tour of the Great Barrier Reef

Cairns Accommodation Guide – Where to Stay

Are you planning a trip to Cairns and wondering where to base yourself? Below I have listed some of the best options near Cairns Esplanade. I have also written a comprehensive accommodation guide for Cairns as well as a comprehensive accommodation guide for Port Douglas.

Crystalbrook Riley – If you’re looking for luxury and location, Crystalrbook Riley can’t be beat. This is the best 5 star resort in Cairns and offers absolutely everything you would expect from a Crystalbrook resort.

Tip: Be sure to head to Rocco’s Bar at the top of Crystalbrook Riley for great views over Cairns!
alt=”Girls sunbathing at Crystalbrook Riley Resort in Cairns”>
Rydges Resort – This hotel offers great value for an epic stay at a decent price! The location is perfect, close to the Esplanade and has three swimming pools, two tennis courts, a hot tub, a fitness center and even an award-winning restaurant.
alt=“RYDGES ESPLANADE RESORT IN CAIRNS, WHERE TO STAY”>
Fitzroy Island Resort – If you prefer to stay on one of the picturesque islands of the Great Barrier Reef, look no further than Fitzroy Island Resort. While you can do a day trip here, I highly recommend spending the night so you have more time to explore the reef, coral beaches, and rainforest hiking trails.
alt="FITZROY ISLAND RESORT">
Gilligan’s Backpackers – The best backpacker option for a great atmosphere in Cairns is Gilligan’s Backpackers. That's because this one has a swimming pool, air conditioning, a full kitchen and a great common area to meet other travelers.

alt=“GILLIGAN’S BACKPACKER RESORT”>

Fill your itinerary with these free Cairns adventure travel guides

So you’ve got your Cairns packing list organized – time to get planning! I spent several months exploring every corner of Cairns and the surrounding Tropical North region, documenting and photographing the best hikes, the best waterfalls and the best attractions and must-dos. If you're still in the planning stages of your Cairns trip, then check out some of my other articles!

If you can think of something that you think should be included on a list of things to pack for Cairns, leave a comment below!

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