Cairns Aquarium Visit
Discover the rich biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef at Cairns Aquarium, featuring over 15,000 species.
Top hotels & flights
Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Cairns.
Top Hotels in Cairns
Top Flights to Cairns
Popular activities
Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Cairns.
Tours
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Enjoy a scenic train journey through the rainforest to the village of Kuranda.
Visit to Cairns Botanic Gardens
Explore a vast array of tropical plants and enjoy beautiful walks in the Cairns Botanic Gardens.
Visit to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
Discover the ancient Aboriginal culture and traditions through interactive shows and experiences at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.
Shopping
Cairns Night Markets Stroll
Explore local crafts, souvenirs, and delicious street food at the Cairns Night Markets.
Outdoor
Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Explore the pristine reefs of the Great Barrier Reef with snorkeling and a glass-bottom boat tour.
Daintree Rainforest Guided Tour
Explore the lush Daintree Rainforest with a guided tour that includes a walk through the ancient forest and a river cruise.
Palm Cove Beach Leisure Time
Spend some relaxing time at the pristine Palm Cove Beach, enjoying the sun and the sea.
Relax at Green Island
Take a ferry to Green Island and relax on the sandy beaches or explore the surrounding coral reefs.
Cairns Esplanade Sunset Stroll
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Cairns Esplanade at sunset, taking in the beautiful ocean views.
Relax at Palm Cove Beach
Spend a lazy afternoon at Palm Cove Beach. Enjoy the sun, swim in the sea, or just relax on the sandy shores.
Location videos
Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.
From travelers
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Practical info
The essentials for planning your time in Cairns.
Currency
$ | AUD | Australian Dollar
Population
170,000
Local guide
What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Cairns.
What people love
Cairns, located in Queensland, Australia, is a popular destination for travelers due to its unique attractions and natural beauty. Some of the pros of traveling to Cairns include:
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Great Barrier Reef: Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system. Visitors can experience snorkeling, diving, and boat tours to explore the diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs.
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Daintree Rainforest: Cairns is also close to the Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Travelers can enjoy guided walks, zip-lining adventures, and river cruises to discover the rich biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site.
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Outdoor activities: Cairns offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. The surrounding landscapes provide opportunities for adventure seekers to explore the natural beauty of tropical North Queensland.
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Tropical climate: Cairns enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, making it an ideal destination for those seeking sunshine and outdoor activities.
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Cultural experiences: Visitors to Cairns can also learn about the indigenous culture of the region through guided tours, cultural performances, and visits to Aboriginal communities.
Overall, Cairns is a fantastic destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those looking to experience the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
What to know
Traveling to Cairns, located in Queensland, Australia, can have some cons that you may want to consider:
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Weather Conditions: Cairns experiences a tropical climate, which means it can be hot and humid throughout the year. The wet season, typically from November to April, can bring heavy rainfall and the possibility of cyclones, which may affect travel plans and outdoor activities.
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Marine Stingers: Between November and May, the waters around Cairns can be home to dangerous marine stingers, such as jellyfish. This may limit your ability to swim in the ocean during certain times of the year unless you wear protective clothing or swim in designated stinger nets.
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Crowds and Tourist Season: Cairns is a popular tourist destination, especially during peak seasons. This can lead to crowded attractions, higher prices for accommodations and tours, and longer wait times at popular sites.
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Distance from Major Cities: Cairns is located in Far North Queensland, which means it is relatively far from major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Traveling to Cairns may involve longer flights or drives, which could add to your overall travel time and expenses.
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Limited Public Transportation: While Cairns does have some public transportation options, such as buses and taxis, the network may not be as extensive as in larger cities. Renting a car may be necessary to explore the region fully.
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Potential for Tropical Diseases: Travelers to Cairns should be aware of the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and Zika virus, especially during the wet season. Taking precautions such as using insect repellent is recommended.
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Environmental Concerns: Cairns is located near the Great Barrier Reef, a fragile ecosystem that is facing threats from climate change and human activities. Responsible tourism practices, such as reef-safe sunscreen and sustainable tour operators, are essential to help protect this natural wonder.
It's essential to research and plan your trip to Cairns carefully to mitigate these potential cons and ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.