North Queensland’s tropical climate is one of its greatest attractions but if you find yourself needing to escape from the heat, humidity or torrential rain, these Cairns indoor activities might be just what you need.
There are actually a few benefits to visiting Cairns in the wet season (November-March) and you can still visit the reef or enjoy seeing the rainforest spring to life on a driving tour. But if you find yourself looking for a dry indoor activity here are some options.
[headline size=”small” align=”left”]1. cairns zoom[/headline]
Located at the top of the Reef Casino in central Cairns, the Cairns Dome has a small wildlife attraction suitable for families with younger kids.
Adults and younger kids (aged 8+) will probably get more enjoyment out of the huge obstacle course hanging from the ceiling.
There are a number of activities including a low ropes course, high ropes course (very challenging for people who are scared of heights), a power jump (small bungy) and a zipline across the croc enclosure.
If you want to do something active this is a great option for a Cairns indoor activity to do on wet days.
[headline size=”small” align=”left”]2. cairns aquarium[/headline]
Don’t let a rainy day put you off learning about the Great Barrier Reef on our doorstep.
The Cairns Aquarium has all your favourite Nemo characters and you don’t even have to get wet to see them!
[headline size=”small” align=”left”]3. Tjapukai aboriginal cultural park[/headline]
You can quite easily spend hours at Tjapukai watching traditional Aboriginal dancing and storytelling, learning how to play a didgeridoo, throwing boomerang or participating in an art class.
[headline size=”small” align=”left”]4. art classes with an aboriginal artist[/headline]
Binna Sweeney is an aboriginal artist who runs Janbal Gallery in Mossman north of Port Douglas.
He runs group art classes and teaches you how to paint a canvas or boomerang using aboriginal design and technique.
He is a fabulous teacher and it is great to be able to create your own unique piece of Aboriginal art.
[headline size=”small” align=”left”]5. australian armour and artillery museum[/headline]
There is quite a lot to see at this museum, even if you haven’t previously been a fan of tanks and associated memorabilia.
The museum is home to an enormous collection of vehicles, each with a story to tell and a unique history.
There are battleground exhibits that the kids can play with, costumes for the kids to try on, tank rides and even a shooting range downstairs for the adults.
[headline size=”small” align=”left”]6. cairns regional art gallery[/headline]
In the centre of town, this beautiful building holds various art collections and regular art exhibitions. There are often art classes held here at the gallery too (especially in school holidays) and there is a wonderful retail shop selling all sorts of wonderful gifts and artistic collection pieces
[headline size=”small” align=”left”]7. cairns museum[/headline]
Learn all about the history of the Cairns region and how much blood, sweat, tears and mozzie bites that went into building the city we know today.
[headline size=”small” align=”left”]8. Spa day[/headline]
if you’re going to be indoors anyway, why not treat yourself to a massage, facial, manicure or some other kind of pamper treatment you’ve never tried before.
The spa at Pullman International is beautiful and really central. You can combine a visit with a delicious morning or afternoon tea.
If you’re travelling to Cairns with kids, there are a number of indoor play activities that will help burn off energy and release you all from cabin fever.
[headline size=”small” align=”left”]9. jump mania[/headline]
Located at Raintrees Shopping Centre, Jump Mania is an indoor trampoline playground. You pay by the hour and have free run to jump on any of the trampolines during your hour slot.
[headline size=”small” align=”left”]10. roller skating[/headline]
There is only one rollerskating rink in Cairns and it offers both rollerskates and rollerblades for hire. The venue also has a climbing wall if your kids are feeling extra active.
[headline size=”small” align=”left”]11. indoor bowling[/headline]
‘Go Bowling’ is located in Manoora and it has plenty of lanes available. Hire your bowling shoes and enjoy some family time the good old fashioned way. There is also a café there so you can grab lunch or a snack while you bowl.
[headline size=”small” align=”left”]12. laser tag[/headline]
There are two Laser Game venues in Cairns – Laser Tag in Westcourt (within the DFO shopping complex) and Cairns Laser Tag in Smithfield, next to Cairns Go Karting. Both are great fun although our kids prefer the Smithfield venue.
[headline size=”small” align=”left”]13. cinema[/headline]
If all else fails, the cinema is always a good option. There are three cinema complexes in Cairns – Cairns City Centre, Cairns Central and Stocklands Shopping Centre at Earlville.
[headline size=”small” align=”left”]14. the library[/headline]
And last but not least, the Library is always a nice place to spend a bit of time. Sometimes they even have storytime in the mornings. There are a few libraries throughout Cairns including Cairns City Library (the big white building on Abbott St), Stocklands Shopping Centre in Earlville and Smithfield.
