Discover the Best Photo Locations Near Cairns: A Photographer’s Guide
Whether you’re a long-time visitor or a tourist passing through, there’s a lot to discover in Cairns. The city’s got plenty of natural beauty spots, with walks and hikes for all skill levels, as well as gorgeous beaches and some of the most amazing sunrise and sunset views in Australia. The best part is that all these spots are within the city limits—no need to travel far. Both landscape and portrait photographers will find here something for themselves.
Cairns is a place of many wonders, in both the natural and human-made world. Some destinations around town are well-known, but others are lesser known and just as awe-inspiring. Working with a local Cairns photographer Shamrock Space Studio we’ve put together a list of our favorite photo spots near Cairns, with descriptions and a little bit about where they’re located.
Here are some of the best photo locations around Cairns:
Nudey Beach
Nudey Beach is one of Australia’s best beaches and was once number one when it was voted Australia’s best beach in 2018. This stunning coral beach is at Fitzroy Island, which is just 45 minutes from Cairns via ferry, making it an accessible and popular island escape for tourists and photographers.
Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island is a popular tourist destination located near Cairns and is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. It offers a variety of photo opportunities, including capturing the scenic views of the island, snorkeling and diving to photograph the vibrant underwater life, and the lush tropical vegetation on the island.
Behana Gorge Road, Gordonvale
Also known as Walshs Pyramid Road, it is a popular spot for travel bloggers looking to capture the highest freestanding natural pyramid in the world. This north Queensland treasure is just a 30 minute drive from Cairns city center, so it makes for an easy day trip.
Josephine Falls
Another great photo opportunity in Cairns is at Josephine Falls in Wooroonooran National Park. In addition to its gorgeous natural surroundings, it’s also one of Australia’s most visited waterfalls. Your Instagram feed will be filled with the regal opal-blue waters and lush greens of the rainforest. Josephine Falls is a popular tourist destination and is known for its stunning waterfall and lush tropical vegetation. It offers a variety of photo opportunities, including capturing the scenic views of the waterfall and its surroundings, as well as the lush tropical landscape, and crystal-clear swimming holes. It’s a great place for landscape, nature, and outdoor photography.
Kewarra Beach
Kewarra Beach is a local suburb of Cairns Region. Located 20 kilometers up Capitan Hook Highway from Cairns city centre this place is a must visit for anyone searching for amazing photography spots in this part of Australia.
Babinda Boulders
The Babinda Boulders is a very popular attraction. It’s a swimming hole surrounded by the rainforest. There are plenty of fast flowing creeks going through large granite boulders hence its name.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
It’s a scenic tourist cableway stretching 7.5-kilometre above the Barron Gorge National Park, in Queensland. It runs from north of Cairns to the Kuranda terminal on the Atherton Tableland. This beautiful attraction has won more than 25 awards.
The Kuranda Scenic Railway
The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a popular tourist attraction and offers scenic views of the tropical rainforest, rolling hills, and cascading waterfalls. The train journey offers panoramic views of the lush vegetation, and it’s a great opportunity to capture stunning photos of the surrounding landscape.
Trinity Beach
Trinity Beach is just 20 minutes away north of Cairns and just quarter of an hour away from the Cairns International. It is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beaches and laid-back atmosphere. It offers a variety of photo opportunities, including capturing the scenic views of the coastline, stunning sunsets, and the laid-back atmosphere of the beachside town. It’s a great place for beach, landscape, and lifestyle photography.
The Cairns Esplanade
It’s a popular destination for sunset photography, offering panoramic views of Trinity Bay and the surrounding landscape. It’s a great place to capture the stunning sunsets and the vibrant atmosphere of the city, as well as the iconic esplanade Lagoon and parklands.
Port Douglas
Port Douglas is a popular tourist destination known for its tropical climate, stunning beaches, and charming town center. The area offers a variety of photo opportunities, including capturing the scenic views of the beaches, tropical landscapes, and historic buildings in the town center. It’s a great place for landscape, beach, and street photography.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, and offers unique opportunities to capture underwater photos of the diverse marine life, coral formations, and crystal clear waters.
The Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest is known for its lush and tropical environment, with a diverse range of plant and animal species, making it an ideal location for nature photography. Some popular photo opportunities include capturing the diverse vegetation, waterfalls, and wildlife, such as birds and butterflies.
The Atherton Tablelands
It is an area of scenic rolling hills, crater lakes, and lush vegetation, and is a popular destination for nature photography. Some popular photo opportunities include capturing the scenic views of the rolling hills, waterfalls, and pristine lakes, as well as the diverse plant and animal life in the area.
FAQs
Why is Cairns a great location for photography?
Cairns offers a diverse range of landscapes and natural environments, from beaches and rainforests to waterfalls and cityscapes. It also benefits from abundant sunlight and clear blue skies for much of the year, making it a great place to capture vibrant and colorful images.
What kind of camera equipment is recommended for photographing in Cairns?
It depends on the type of photography you plan to do. For landscapes, a wide-angle lens can be helpful, while a zoom lens may be better for wildlife or portrait photography. A tripod can also be useful for capturing long-exposure shots or stabilizing the camera in low-light conditions. Ultimately, it’s important to bring a camera and lenses that you’re comfortable using and that suit your photographic style.
Are there any restrictions or guidelines for photography in Cairns’ natural areas?
Yes, it’s important to respect the natural environment and follow guidelines for responsible photography. This may include staying on designated paths or trails, avoiding disturbing wildlife or sensitive habitats, and not using drones or other aerial equipment without permission. It’s always a good idea to research the specific rules and regulations for the area you plan to photograph in, and to prioritize the safety and preservation of the environment above getting the perfect shot.
How long does it take to visit the top photo locations near Cairns?
It depends on how many locations you want to visit and how much time you want to spend at each one. Some locations may only require a brief stop or a few hours, while others may be more immersive experiences that take a full day or longer. It’s important to plan ahead and allow enough time to fully explore and appreciate each location, while also leaving room for unexpected detours or photo opportunities.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known photo locations near Cairns?
Absolutely! Cairns and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of photographic opportunities, and there are likely many undiscovered or lesser-known locations waiting to be explored. Local photographers or tour operators can be a great resource for finding these hidden gems, and it’s always worth exploring off the beaten path to discover unique and stunning photo locations.
