Destination Guide

Cairns, Australia

Cairns is the ultimate international tourist destination with access to some of Australia's most unique and popular wonders. People come from all over the world to experience the beauty of Cairns.

Located in Northern Queensland, Cairns has beautiful hotels, delicious restaurants and an endless supply of things to do. From surfing to skydiving, to snorkelling and fishing, Cairns will definitely keep you busy. Visitors to Cairns are also in a prime location to experience epic rainforests and the miraculous Great Barrier Reef. Cairns promises a vacation that you will not soon forget.

Getting in and around Cairns

Cairns Airport

Getting in to Cairns is fairly easy thanks to its very own airport. Cairns Airport is the gateway to numerous other travel destinations around Cairns. Cairns Airport receives both international flights and domestic flights from Australia's major cities. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a short shuttle or taxi ride into town. It is also convenient to take a train to Cairns, as the train station is just a short distance from the city centre and most hotels.

Cairns Transport

The centre of Cairns is small enough to be explored on foot. However, many of Cairns' attractions lie beyond the city. If you're not taking a tour, you may consider renting a car or catching a bus on the public transit system.

Cairns Car Hire

As Cairns is such a popular tourist destination, you will find the popular car hire companies based in Cairns.

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Cairns accommodation

Cairns' international tourism industry is vast; therefore, Cairns has a wide variety of hotels at every price point. From luxurious resorts and spas, to hostels and apartments. Every traveller can find the perfect accommodation in Cairns.

Luxury

  • Shangri-La The Marina Hotel. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking ocean views from their room at this hotel that's known for superior service and modern luxury.
  • The Hilton Cairns proves that you can't go wrong when you choose the Hilton brand.
  • The Shangri-La Hotel Visitors can enjoy breathtaking ocean views from their room at this hotel that's known for superior service and modern luxury. The Hilton Cairns proves that you can't go wrong when you choose the Hilton brand.

    Mid-range

  • The Sebel Cairns Harbour Lights has a modern yet classic appeal for travellers with taste.
  • The Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is a sleek and modern establishment in the centre of Cairns.
  • The Sebel Hotel has a modern yet classic appeal for travellers with taste. The Novotel Cairns Resort is a sleek and modern establishment at the centre of Cairns.

    Budget

  • Queens Court is ideal for budget travellers as well as families visiting Cairns.
  • The Reef Retreat is a comfortable and affordable accommodation conveniently located near the famous Great Barrier Reef.
  • Queen's Court is ideal for budget travellers as well as families visiting Cairns. Reef Retreat Resort is a comfortable and affordable accommodation conveniently located near the famous Great Barrier Reef.

    Backpackers

  • Summer House Backpackers is a lively and fun place to stay for travellers on the go.
  • Mad Monkey Central Backpackers is a convenient distance from all of Cairns' most popular attractions.
  • Cairns Beach House Backpackers Hostel is a lively and fun place to stay for travellers on the go. Esplanade Backpackers Hostel is a convenient distance from all of Cairns's most popular attractions. ^ Back to top

    Things to do in Cairns

    As a major international tourist destination, Cairns has a long list of things to do and see. Whether within the city limits or an easy distance beyond, there are numerous activities and natural wonders to enjoy. Every day you spend in Cairns will be a busy one.

  • Daintree National Park contains the oldest existing rainforest in the world (the Daintree Rainforest) and it's also home to the historically significant Cape Tribulation. Daintree National Park is open for camping, hiking and guided tours.
  • Take a tour. There is so much to see in and around Cairns, and the best way to see it all is to take a tour. There are numerous tour companies around Cairns that can help you experience all that Cairns has to offer from natural wonders, to wildlife, to food and wine.
  • Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The Skyrail in Cairns is an unforgettable experience. See the beautiful rainforest from the air to take in all of its vast beauty.
  • The Reef Casino in Cairns doubles as a hotel and a great source of entertainment. Try your luck at the casino or enjoy dining at their delicious restaurants. After a long day in the Australian sun, you'll love spending evenings at the Reef Casino.
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    Day trips in and around Cairns

  • Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is arguably the main portal to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. Boat tours to the reef take only an hour and you can experience a day of snorkelling or scuba diving that won't be outdone anywhere else in the world.
  • Go fishing. People love Cairns because the waters are rich with fish of all varieties. Deep sea fishermen and women have been known to catch black marlins of record weight.
  • Take to the air. Cairns is not just a hub for water sports. Visitors to Cairns have easy access to facilities that will help them fulfil their dreams of skydiving, hang gliding or even hot air ballooning.
  • Mission Beach is a two hour drive from Cairns and hosts a wealth of things to do. Spend a day in Mission Beach enjoying the extravagant shopping and delicious restaurants. You can even explore the reef or lay on the secluded beach.
  • Diving tours. There are a million different ways to explore the magnificent world below the water in Cairns. There are plenty of diving expeditions and you're sure to find one that's ideal for you. You can dive in style or keep it simple. You can even live aboard for a few days to ensure you get your fill of the Great Barrier Reef.
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