Cairns

Welcome to Cairns - International gateways to the Great Barrier Reef, Wet Tropics rainforest and the only place on earth where two World Heritage-listed areas meet. Cairns is in Queensland, 1682km north of Brisbane, 2407km north of Sydney or 2551km north of Australia's capital city, Canberra.

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Cairns is in Queensland 1682km north of Brisbane

Here we enjoy around 300 days of sunshine a year, plenty of s-p-a-c-e and a friendly, relaxed tropical lifestyle. With World Heritage-listed rainforest on one side and Great Barrier Reef on the other, it’s no wonder Cairns is one of Australia’s most popular holiday and vacation destinations.

Just 15 minutes from the Cairns international and domestic airports, and within easy reach of coach, four-wheel drive, boat, helicopter and seaplane tours, Cairns is the perfect base to start and finish of your tropical Australian adventure.

A modern, sophisticated city with world class shopping, dining, entertainment and cultural facilities, Cairns has dozens of restaurants, accommodation, bars, the Esplanade lagoon, our own national basketball team, and international art gallery. Cairns is the most environmentally sustainable conference and event venue in the world; and the tropical holiday destination you’ve been searching for.

Cairns accommodation providers range from luxurious five star hotels and resorts to family friendly hotels, motels and cheerful backpacker hostels and share-houses – the only hard part about staying in Cairns is leaving! More than 2,000 passengers depart Cairns’ new Reef Fleet Terminal every day to swim among thousands of colourful tropical fish and coral on the Great Barrier Reef and islands.

Local Highlights

The Esplanade Lagoon
Have fun in the sun at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon! An amazing beach & pool, beach volleyball courts, BMX/skate park, public BBQs & exercise areas, spend a couple of hours or stay all day.

Walsh’s Pyramid
Climb 922 vertical metres and conquer the highest, natural free standing pyramid in the world right here in Cairns and Great Barrier Reef – make sure you bring your camera!

Red/Blue Arrow Walks
See a range of rainforest vegetation, introduced bamboo, brush turkeys and other birds then enjoy views of Cairns city, ocean and mangroves on the 40 minute the Mt Whitfield’s ‘Red Arrow’, part of the Yirrganydji Cultural and Historical Trail.

 

Babinda Kayak Hire

Pristine, crystal clear water teeming with fish, turtles and the elusive Platypus. Don't miss the opportunity without breaking the bank!

(07) 4067 2678
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Where to Shop

Australia's Cairns and Great Barrier Reef has a variety of shopping experiences to delight even the most critical "shop-a-holic". You’ll find it so easy to relax and shop the day away at regular markets including the famous Rusty’s and Port Douglas Sunday Markets, the Esplanade Markets in Cairns, or the Yungaburra and Kuranda Rainforest Village Markets on the Tropical Tablelands. If you’re looking to indulge, browse boutiques in Port Douglas, or relax, rejuvenate and reconnect in tropical serenity with a spa treatment in Palm Cove. Indulge in the latest fashion, home wares, electronics and more at major and speciality retailers such as DFS Galleria, Cairns Central, Stockland Earlville, Smithfield shopping centre and factory outlet centre DFO Cairns. Wander through the many specialty shops, Centre of Contemporary Arts, or the Cairns Regional Gallery in the Cairns CBD and pick up some music, art or fashion by local and internationally renowned artists and designers.

Where to Eat

Kick back with a tropical wine or cocktail and feel your taste buds cheer with delight when you sample delicious treats of the tropics at one of more than 200 restaurants, bars and cafés in the region. Many of our city’s restaurants are concentrated in the Market Square precinct or on the marina in Cairns CBD. Try fresh, locally caught seafood, beef, indigenous bush foods, and gourmet tropical produce including exotic fruits, dairy products, fresh vegetables, preserves, tea, coffee and wine.