There is so much in terms of outdoors activities in Cairns, the hardest part will be fitting it all in to your trip.

For an unique way to see the area, consider Ballooning - the hot air balloons take off before sunrise on the Atherton Tablelands, allowing you to have the most incredible sunrise experience of your life. Three different operators offer these rides and all are licensed and able to land the hot air balloons exactly where they wish.

Adventure junkies will find no shortage of ways to amuse themselves. Where else can you bungee jump off a tower in the middle of a rainorest? The AJ Hackett Bungy Tower is just north of the city in the rainforest and is high enough that you get awesome views of the Coral Sea and mountains. If you want more information about throwing yourself off a tower with just an enormous rubber band tied to your ankles, call (07) 40577188

If that's not enough of an adrenaline rush, you can always leap off a cliff at 60 m attached to a set of wings that are connected to a tight wire - it's like hang gliding, but not. The ride lasts about 300 meters, during which you get a bird's eye view of Cairns Inlet and the Coral Sea, among other areas.It's located right outside the airport, so if you're ready for excitment as soon as you step off the plane, here's the answer. (07) 4036 2127

Paul's Parachuting, the original skydiving operation in Cairns, is yet another opportunity for those a little nuts in the head to do something crazy. Throw yourself out of a plane if you're still craving personal danger. Paul's will let you fly free in Cairns or Mission Beach - call them at 1800 005 006

Once your heart is back in your chest, you can go horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, or bushwalking, just to name a few of the many activities that will keep you active while hanging in Cairns.