Travel Guide of Cairns in Australia by Influencers and Travelers

Cairns is a city in Queensland, Australia, on the east coast of Far North Queensland. The city is the 5th-most-populous in Queensland, and 14th in Australia.

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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Cairns

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Cairns City

Cairns City is a coastal suburb at the centre of Cairns in the local government area of Cairns Region, Queensland, Australia. It can also be referred to as the Cairns Central Business District.

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2 - Esplanade

The Esplanade Hotel was a hotel on The Esplanade across from Esplanade Reserve in Perth, Western Australia. Its demolition in 1972 was controversial because of the building's beauty and popularity.

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3 - Sightseeing | Kuranda Koala Gardens

   18 km away

Experience some of Australia's fantastic native animals and have the chance to meet Koalas, wombats, freshwater crocodiles, and more in a lush rainforest habitat.

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4 - Cairns North

Cairns North is a coastal suburb of Cairns in the Cairns Region, Queensland, Australia. In the 2016 census, Cairns North had a population of 5,191 people.

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5 - Edge Hill

Edge Hill is an inner suburb of the city of Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia located approximately four kilometres north west of the city centre.

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6 - Evening | Spirit of Cairns

Want to sample that laid-back Aussie lifestyle? Catch the last rays of the day from the deck of a luxury catamaran off Cairns' coast – you'll be singing _Advance Australia Fair_ in no time! Grab your welcome tipple on arrival and set sail on a 2.5-hour Cairns dinner cruise. Dine on a sumptuous buffet that includes fresh seafood and local produce. Then, settle in for city views.

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7 - White Rock

   6 km away

White Rock is a locality in the City of Ipswich, Queensland, Australia. The majority of land in White Rock remains covered in natural vegetation. In the far north west, the Centenary Motorway links Springfield with the Cunningham Highway to the west.

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8 - Cairns City QLD

Cairns is a city in Queensland, Australia, on the east coast of Far North Queensland. The city is the 5th-most-populous in Queensland, and 14th in Australia.

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9 - Cairns Aquarium

Cairns Aquarium, the first public aquarium built in Australia in 18 years, is home to more than 16,000 specimens and 10 ecosystems.

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10 - Kuranda Scenic Railway

   9 km away

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a tourist railway service that operates along the heritage-listed Cairns-to-Kuranda railway line.

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11 - Trinity Inlet

The Trinity Inlet is an oceanic inlet which serves as the port for the city of Cairns, Queensland, Australia. The city centre is on the western bank where the inlet meets the Coral Sea.

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12 - Cairns Botanic Gardens

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13 - Edmonton

   11 km away

Edmonton is a town and suburb in the Cairns Region, Queensland, Australia. In the 2016 census, Edmonton had a population of 10,753 people.

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14 - Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

   12 km away

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a 7.5-kilometre scenic tourist cableway running above the Barron Gorge National Park, in the Wet Tropics of Queensland’s World Heritage Area in Australia.

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15 - Stony Creek

   12 km away

Stony Creek is a small township in South Gippsland, Victoria, Australia, located roughly between Meeniyan and Foster. At the 2016 census, it had a population of 281.

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16 - Yorkeys Knob

   13 km away

Yorkeys Knob is a coastal suburb of Cairns in the Cairns Region, Queensland, Australia. In the 2016 census, Yorkeys Knob had a population of 2,759 people.

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17 - Stoney Creek Falls

   14 km away

The Stoney Creek Falls is a cascade waterfall on the Stoney Creek located where the river descends from the Atherton Tablelands to the Cairns coastal plain, in Queensland, Australia.

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18 - Cape Grafton

   16 km away

Cape Grafton is a cape located to the north-east of Cairns in Queensland, Australia. The cape was named by Lieutenant James Cook during his first voyage of discovery in 1770.

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19 - Barron Falls

   17 km away

The Barron Falls is a steep tiered cascade waterfall on the Barron River located where the river descends from the Atherton Tablelands to the Cairns coastal plain, in Queensland, Australia.

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20 - Rainforestation Nature Park

   17 km away

Rainforestation Nature Park is situated five minutes from Kuranda in Far North Queensland, Australia. Set on 100 acres in the midst of World Heritage rainforest, the park opened in 1976. The site had previously been used as a coffee and orange plantation.

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21 - Trinity Beach

   17 km away

Trinity Beach is a coastal suburb of Cairns in the Cairns Region, Queensland, Australia. At the 2016 census, Trinity Beach had a population of 5,488.

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22 - Birdworld Kuranda

   18 km away
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Pictures and Stories of Cairns from Influencers

18 pictures of Cairns from Nicholas Teoh, Manny Moreno, Kelly Dalling and other travelers

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Why should you visit Cairns ?

Travel to Cairns if you like:

  🏖️ Beach     🐾 Wildlife     🌲 Forest     🏖️ Shore  

How to visit Cairns ?

To get to Cairns, you can fly into Cairns International Airport (CNS) from major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Alternatively, you can take a scenic train journey aboard the Spirit of Queensland, which connects Brisbane to Cairns in a 24-hour trip.

While visiting Cairns, it's a good idea to book certain activities in advance, especially during peak seasons. Pre-booking ensures your spot on popular tours like the Great Barrier Reef snorkeling and scuba diving excursions or Daintree Rainforest guided walks. It's also advisable to secure reservations for Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway experiences.

Costs in Cairns can vary depending on your preferences. Budget travelers can find affordable accommodations and food options, while those looking for luxury can opt for high-end resorts and dining. On average, expect to spend around AUD 100-200 per day on accommodations, food, and activities. The costs for specific tours and experiences, such as Great Barrier Reef trips, can range from AUD 100 to over AUD 300, depending on the package.

Some of the best things to do in Cairns include exploring the Great Barrier Reef, visiting the Daintree Rainforest, riding the Kuranda Scenic Railway, and taking a trip on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. For thrill-seekers, white-water rafting on the Tully River and bungy jumping at AJ Hackett Cairns are also popular activities.

When it comes to dining, Cairns offers a variety of options to suit different tastes and budgets. For a taste of local seafood, try the Prawn Star, a unique floating restaurant located on a trawler. For a more upscale dining experience, Ochre Restaurant serves contemporary Australian cuisine with indigenous ingredients. Rusty's Markets is an excellent spot to grab fresh produce and cheap eats from various food stalls.

For accommodations, Cairns offers a range of options, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. For budget travelers, consider staying at the Mad Monkey Backpackers Village or Cairns Central YHA. Those looking for more upscale options can choose between the Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina Cairns or the Pullman Cairns International.

Off the beaten path:

For an unusual travel experience in Cairns, consider visiting the Atherton Tablelands, a picturesque region known for its rolling hills, waterfalls, and charming villages. Embark on a self-guided waterfall circuit, where you can see some of the most beautiful falls in the area, such as Millaa Millaa, Zillie, and Ellinjaa Falls. Don't miss the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the volcanic crater lakes, Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine.

Learn More about Cairns

Located in the far north of Queensland, Cairns has a tropical atmosphere and a natural environment full of life. Cairns is a city full of surprises that knows how to adapt. 
While some might complain that this coastal city lacks a beach, the city has been ingenious in offering locals and tourists alike a beautiful man-made lagoon in the center of town.

It is a city where life is good, far from the agitation of the other big Australian cities. Nevertheless, Cairns does not forget its sense of celebration which appeals so much to Australians. 

Its many restaurants, bars, clubs and hostels will welcome partygoers back from their excursions in the Daintree National Park or on the Great Barrier Reef. 
Cairns is the main access to the Great Barrier Reef, which makes it a great stop for many tourists during their stay in Australia.

It would be unthinkable to be in Cairns and not explore the Great Barrier Reef which is only a few kilometers away. 
Cairns is often considered the main gateway to the reef. The city is home to many tourist operators who offer a variety of activities to access it. 

Snorkeling, scuba diving, semi-submersible, catamaran or clear-bottom boat rides, seaplane flights, skydiving.... There is something for everyone to discover this natural jewel. 
It shelters an incredible marine fauna and flora. There is a multitude of corals and tropical fish, sea turtles, whales and dolphins or sharks.

Cairns is located in an area where nature is omnipresent. Mountains and national parks surround the city. 
The Daintree National Park, the Wooroonooran National Park and the Kuranda State Forest to name a few. The change of scenery is total. Stroll through the jungle or off the beaten track. 
Let yourself be surprised by the impressive diversity of fauna and flora and breathtaking landscapes.

For activities, you can make an excursion on the Daintree River to observe the crocodiles that live there. 

Further inland is the beautiful Atherton Tablelands, which is well worth a visit. This plateau offers a unique diversity of landscapes and open spaces. 
It is home to many waterfalls with different but nevertheless impressive characteristics (Millaa Milla Falls, FallsZillie Falls, Ellinjaa Falls). 

The region is also known for its past and present volcanic activity. It is symbolized by the chain of extinct volcanoes of the Seven Sisters or the volcanic lake of Eacham whose surrounding paths are full of history and aboriginal art. 
It is also near Atherton where the famous Curtain Fig tree is found. 

The city of Cairns is located on the coast, but the beaches accessible on foot from the city center are not suitable for swimming. The municipality decided to create an artificial lagoon on the Esplanade. It is an ideal place for swimming and relaxing on its shores. The place is as well frequented by tourists as by locals.

Don't hesitate and discover Cairns!

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Cairns

When to get to Cairns?

It is best to visit Cairns between April and December during the dry season. At this time of the year, the tropical climate is most favorable.
During this period the temperatures are pleasant, between 20 and 30 degrees and the humidity is quite bearable.
Between January and December, there are frequent tropical rains in this region of northern Australia. The high temperatures combined with the humidity are stifling. 

What is the climate in Cairns?

As a tropical region, in Cairns, it is warm all year round, with rainy summers and few winters.
May to August is the best time to spend the season. Average summer temperature : 25°~ 32°C; average winter temperature: 19°~ 26°C.

   Where to Stay in Cairns

   More Travel spots to explore around Cairns

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Cairns

  🤿 Underwater spots     🐾 Wildlife spots     🌴 Jungle spots     🌲 Forest spots     🌴 Rainforest spots     🏖️ Shore spots     🏞️‍ Waterfall spots     🏞️ National park spots     🏖️ Beach spots     🛣️ Road trip spots     🏰 Church spots     🌆 Skyline spots     🏘️ Town spots     Ferris wheel spots     ⛰️ Hill station spots     🗼 Landmark spots  

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Explore popular touristic places around Cairns

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