Cairns: General Informations

Cairns shines with the carnival atmosphere of travellers all year round and the city is positively booming. In 2003 the foreshore was given a Hollywood makeover, with lagoons and the spanking Pier Marketplace, equipping Cairns to be a truly international tourist destination. Aside from limitless accommodation and dining options, markets, culture, shopping and seaside atmosphere, Cairns' big drawcard is its access to the outer tentacles of the Great Barrier Reef. It's also a good base to discover Port Douglas, the Atherton Tableland, Cape Tribulation and beyond.

Main Attractions

• Cairns Historical Society
• Cairns Museum
• Doll & Bear Museum
• Cairns Regional Gallery
• Great Barrier Reef Tours
• Daintree rainforest tours
• Tablelands
• Hot Air Ballooning

How far from the airport ?

The Cairns Airport is located between Cairns City and the Northern Beaches and is only 5 minutes drive from the city centre. Taxis which will take up to 9 passengers are available for accommodation transfers and are readily available at both the international and domestic terminals. Airport transfers to Port Douglas are also available but, should be pre booked

How to get around - Local transport

Quicksilver charters boats from the Pier Marina in Cairns to Port Douglas. Several bus lines operate regular services between Cairns and larger Queensland destinations such as Brisbane, Rockhampton and Mackay. Ample options exist for car rental from Cairns. Cape Tribulation is easy to reach in a 2WD, but most car companies prohibit you from taking vehicles to Cooktown or Chillagoe. Queensland Rail can book you tickets for the Queenslander, which travels between Brisbane and Cairns three times a week.

Shopping Areas

Shopping in Cairns is an airport-lounge experience, with every second shop selling opals, Coogi, Ken Done and authentic made-in-Korea didgeridoos and boomerangs. Although they are a bit touristy, the Night Markets on The Esplanade and the Mud Markets at Pier Marketplace can be fun.

Weather in Cairns

The temperature in Cairns averages out to 24-28°C (75-82°F) for most of the year, pushing up to 30-35°C (86-95°F) averages in summer. Summer also brings a jump in humidity and a higher likelihood of rain. When it does rain it is usually early in the morning, late in the afternoon or during the night.