Cairns in April is perfect for backpackers who want a mix of adventure and relaxation during a quieter (and generally more affordable) month for tourism. With the wet season coming to an end, the rainfall is about half of what it is in March; the humidity is lower and the weather is a pleasant 22°c to 30°c on average, making things more comfortable than earlier in the year.
Best Weather for Outdoor Activities
The cooler mornings and warm afternoons are perfect for exploring the area. One of the most popular destinations in April is Kuranda, and to get there, the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway are the way to go! They’re definitely unique ways to experience these lush tropical landscapes.
The Kuranda Scenic Railway is truly iconic and takes you through the heart of the Barron Gorge National Park. The railway departs from Cairns or Freshwater and winds through lush rainforest, past cascading waterfalls and over deep ravines.
You’ll enjoy two hours of breathtaking views and a fascinating insight into the history of the region, as you’ll learn about the construction of this historic railway, which involved phenomenal engineering feats over a century ago.
For a truly unforgettable look at the rainforest, the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is an absolute must-do. The Skyrail is a cable car ride that takes you high above the rainforest canopy, offering panoramic views of the lush rainforest, Coral Sea and the Cairns Highlands.
The Skyrail has stops along the way at Red Peak and Barron Falls stations. You can hop out at these stops and explore boardwalks and lookouts to learn more about the unique flora and fauna of the region.
The cooler April weather and clear skies give you perfect conditions for stunning vistas, so definitely do not forget your camera! Once you’re in Kuranda itself, there’s so much to see and do, from wildlife experiences to river cruises and more!
Cairns is Buzzing in April
With the weather being so lovely, most backpacker accommodations are lively hubs of activity with many organised events, group tours and even pub crawls available. The Cairns Esplanade – with its pretty lagoon pool and BBQ spots – the Night Markets and other local tourist spots are perfect spots for chilling out and meeting fellow travellers.
If Easter falls in April, there’s almost always a fun Easter event to attend, plus Anzac Day events are of course held across the region. Regardless of what’s going on, you can always check out the local cultural traditions and learn something interesting about beautiful Cairns. Our Things to do in Cairns page has so much more.
For the best time to visit Cairns, check out what you can expect in Cairns in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November December.
