cairns australia
Australia’s tropical oasis is your perfect gateway to some of the most stunning scenery on the planet.
Sitting on the northeast coast, Cairns is uniquely positioned next to not one but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland. A visit to this part of the world is best spent getting out and exploring the reefs, rainforests, beaches and tropical islands.
Many of the two million annual visitors only make a brief one-or two-night stop in the city to go on tour of the Great Barrier Reef, but linger a while longer and you can experience more of what the nature capital of Australia has to offer.
As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, it’s no surprise that the Great Barrier Reef is the most popular attraction for visitors to Cairns. These crystal-clear turquoise waters contain 3,000 individual reefs and hundreds of islands and coral cays, and are home to thousands of fascinating animal species. A variety of tours and activities cater for different reef experiences from helicopter tours to view the marvel from above, to scuba diving lessons to meet some of the reef’s residents up close.
Lush, tropical rainforests don’t immediately spring to mind when you think of Australia. But this is a country the size of a small continent it’s not all outback and coastal cities. The rainforests stretching along Australia’s northeast coast form the Wet Tropics of Queensland, which are a prehistoric relic of what Australia was like millions of years ago, and many of the country’s native species evolved there. It’s easy to see why this otherworldly environment is said to have inspired the alien forests of Pandora in the blockbuster movie Avatar.
Tour operators run guided trips from Cairns and Port Douglas out to the neighbouring national parks, but you can also hire a car and follow your own itinerary. A two-hour drive north of Cairns takes you deep into Daintree, Australia’s largest tropical rainforest. It’s one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, so you can expect to see a huge variety of rare and unique flora and fauna during your visit, including the primitive ‘idiot fruit’ and magnificent, endangered cassowaries. The spectacular scenery is something to behold, ranging from the dense jungle, rivers, waterfalls and gorges down to idyllic beaches and coastal reefs.
Another must-see destination during your stay in Cairns is the Kuranda rainforest. You can reach Kuranda in just 30 minutes by car, but in this instance the scenic route is highly recommended and well worth the extra time. From Cairns Station on Bunda Street, take the Kuranda Scenic Railway, which winds its way to Kuranda Village via the picturesque Barron Gorge National Park. Along the way you will pass stunning mountains, ravines and waterfalls from the comfort and style of the train’s elegant old-fashioned timber carriages. Upgrade to Gold Class tickets for a little luxury, including a host service, welcome drinks and a morning or afternoon tea.
In Kuranda you can explore the town’s renowned marketplaces. Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets on Therwin Street was originally established in the 1970s for the local community to sell arts and crafts. Today it’s a hive of colourful stalls offering a selection of trinkets, clothing and food. There’s a focus on eco-friendly products, so many items are made from organic or recycled materials. Across the street, the Kuranda Heritage Markets sell an assortment of arts and crafts, souvenirs and clothing, including handmade Aboriginal items.
From here, you can also get up close with some of Australia’s most iconic and rare wildlife at the nearby wildlife centres. Meet koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and many more native species at the Kuranda Koala Gardens. Find yourself surrounded by more than 1,500 tropical butterflies at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, and join some of the world’s rarest tropical birds in their rainforest habitat at Birdworld Kuranda.
Another way to experience the beauty of the rainforest is from above. You can take the Skyrail gondolas, which glide over the canopy and down into the jungle between Kuranda and Smithfield. A one-way trip takes 90 minutes, including stops at Barron Falls and Red Peak where you can take in the sights from viewing platforms and go on ranger-guided boardwalk tours to learn more about Kuranda’s fascinating natural history. Upgrade to a ‘Diamond View’ glass-bottom gondola to get a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest below. Or, for the ultimate Skyrail adventure, choose the ‘Canopy Glider’ experience an open-air gondola accompanied by an expert guide to provide a unique insight into Kuranda’s vibrant ecosystem.
The Cairns region has been home to Aboriginal inhabitants for tens of thousands of years. One of the best places to learn more about Australia’s indigenous history is the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, which is next to the Smithfield Skyrail station and just a 15-minute drive from Cairns. The park’s Tjapukai Cultural Centre hosts exhibits, galleries and performances to share the history and customs of the local Djabugay people. With Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as your guides, you can learn about traditional hunting and foraging, dances, songs and crafts.
If an island getaway is what you’re after, Fitzroy Island is a secluded tropical paradise just 45 minutes away from Cairns by boat. The island is open to day-trippers, but you can also book to stay at the luxury four-star Fitzroy Island Resort, or reserve a spot at the nearby campsites.
Most of the 339-hectare (838-acre) island is a protected National Park, but there are walking paths for visitors heading from the main resort up to the old lighthouse, and in the opposite direction towards the beaches. The island is surrounded by parts of the Great Barrier Reef, so you can go snorkelling or diving straight from the island rather than relying on boats or pontoons. What’s more, Fitzroy’s Nudey Beach was ranked first in Australia’s 101 Best Beaches 2018.
When you’re not exploring the natural wonders around Cairns, take some time to unwind in the laid-back city itself. The three-kilometre (twomile) Esplanade is a popular place for a stroll and to relax along the seafront. Enjoy a meal al fresco overlooking the gardens and ocean from one of the Esplanade’s many restaurants or cafés. In the parklands you can have a picnic or a barbecue, join a free fitness class, or swim and sunbathe at the city’s famous man-made lagoon.
The Esplanade Lagoon contains crystalclear waters filtered from the ocean inlet that it overlooks. The lagoon is surrounded by white sands and the shade of palms, and is patrolled by lifeguards to provide a safe place to paddle and swim. The lagoon is free to use and open every day; it’s a great place to cool off in the summer heat and meet fellow travellers.
With all the activities and excursions Cairns has to offer, you are bound to work up an appetite. Seafood, international and fusion cuisine are particular specialities in the area, and a huge choice of restaurants cater for every budget. The vast majority of venues in the city are casual, but bear in mind that some higherend restaurants may have dress codes (no flipflops, for example), so check before you head out. For lighter bites, Cairns has a buzzing café scene where you can enjoy a range of snacks, salads and pastries, or cool off with an iced coffee.
Cairns is home to one of the most exciting marketplaces in the world: Rusty’s Markets. From Friday to Sunday each week, join the buzzing local crowds to browse the 180-plus stalls offering a fantastic selection of fresh, local produce, bric-a-brac and speciality goods. From fruit to flowers, cheeses to chocolate, and coffee to clothes, all at very affordable prices, you’ll be hard pressed to leave empty handed. All the delicious produce on show is bound to make you hungry, but there are food stands in the market’s eatery where you can grab a quick snack or drink, including crêpes, fresh juices, noodles and more. You can pick up some bargains if you visit on a Sunday afternoon, as vendors often drop their prices to sell off any remaining stock.
A popular day-trip destination from Cairns is the small town of Port Douglas, which itself is another hub for visitors heading to the Great Barrier Reef and the region’s rainforests. Port Douglas is about an hour north of Cairns along the picturesque coastal road of Captain Cook Highway. It’s home to several spas, golf courses and four- and five-star resorts, several of which are located next to the stunning Four Mile Beach. As its name suggests, its sands stretch almost as far as the eye can see, perfect for a long walk. Like Cairns, Port Douglas also has a thriving foodie scene, with plenty of restaurants, bars and cafés to suit your appetite, whether you’re after coffee and a pastry, or a fine-dining experience overlooking the waterfront.
There are a few factors worth considering as you decide when to visit Cairns. The northern coastlines lie well within the tropics, and as such enjoy wet and dry seasons. The tropical climate means summers (December to February) are generally hot and humid, and winters (June to August) are fairly warm and dry. February and March have the highest rainfall on average, while July, August and September are typically the driest. Winter is more popular with tourists, so attractions are inevitably busier, and accommodation and flights may be more expensive at that time.
Besides the weather, one thing to bear in mind is that November to May is ‘stinger season’, when there are more jellyfish in the coastal waters. Fully-body ‘stinger suits’ provide good protection against most marine stingers, and can be hired for a reasonable price. Many beaches have stinger nets to keep jellyfish out, but it’s still a good idea to wear a suit as a precaution. Most reef tour operators will provide them at no extra cost, although the risk of stingers out at the reef is lower than it is at the shore. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should always avoid visiting at this time just be sure to take sensible precautions in the water, such as wearing stinger suits and only swimming at guarded beaches.
If you’re planning to make your own way around Cairns and its surrounds, you can rent a car. There is plenty of on- and off-street parking around the city, and many hotels will have free or paid on-site parking. However, with public transport, shuttle buses and tour operators providing hotel transfers, you can easily explore the region without a vehicle.
Cairns Airport is just a 15-minute drive or taxi transfer from the city centre, and is well serviced by domestic flights across Australia. Some international airlines also fly direct to Cairns, depending on where you’re flying in from.
No matter when or how you choose to visit, Cairns will open your eyes to some of the most stunning natural wonders the world has to offer, and you’ll need a good week to take it all in.