Cairns
Australia · Queensland · 3 m
Description
Cairns is a vibrant city in tropical North Queensland and one of Australia’s main gateways to the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforests of the Wet Tropics. The city is known for its tropical climate, relaxed atmosphere, and spectacular setting between the Coral Sea and lush rainforest. Cairns combines snorkelling and diving on the Great Barrier Reef with walks through ancient rainforests, encounters with diverse wildlife, and excursions to the Daintree Rainforest. The Esplanade, marina, restaurants, and markets give the city a laid-back tropical character. As a major destination in northern Queensland, Cairns is an ideal base for exploring some of Australia’s most remarkable natural landscapes.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 3 to 10 days (optimal 5 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: July – August
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Great Barrier Reef outer reef cruise & snorkeling(Day trip)
- Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail Rainforest Cableway(Day trip)
- Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation(Day trip)
- Fitzroy Island & Nudey Beach(Day trip)
- Green Island(Day trip)
- Mossman Gorge(Day trip)
- Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Circuit(Day trip)
- Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
- Cairns Esplanade & Boardwalk
- Palm Cove(Day trip)
- Daintree River wildlife & crocodile cruise(Day trip)
- Cairns Botanic Gardens
- Hartley's Crocodile Adventures(Day trip)
- Crystal Cascades
- Rusty's Markets
- Cairns Night Markets
- Cairns Aquarium
- Mount Whitfield Conservation Park & Red Arrow Circuit
- Barron Falls(Day trip)
- Babinda Boulders(Day trip)
- Josephine Falls(Day trip)
- Paronella Park(Day trip)
- Cairns Museum
- Cairns Art Gallery
- Tanks Arts Centre
- Great Barrier Reef diving(Day trip)
- Great Barrier Reef scenic flight
Getting there
- Airports:
- CNS
- Train stations:
- Cairns, Freshwater
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry