Cairns and Answers

Cairns - the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, and the adventure capital of Australia which is situated in Far North Queensland. It’s the place where two world heritage areas meet each other - the marvellous Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. This tropical city is full of charm. From snorkelling on the great reef to hiking in the rainforest surrounded by luscious waterfalls, from extreme white water rafting to skydiving, and from exciting pub crawls to waking up in this tropical friendly city, surrounded by nature and adventure.

NOTE: The Gimuy-walubarra Yidi are the traditional custodians of Cairns and surrounding areas. 

[City at Night]

Is it worth going to Cairns?

Absolutely! Are you an adrenaline junkie, or simply a beach bum with a love for the sun, it is the place for you. What better way to get the most out of your Aussie adventure than visiting far North Queensland? It's the mecca for all sorts of adventures, from visiting the UNESCO world heritage site, the Great Barrier Reef to adrenaline-packed activities like skydiving. This tropical city is an awesome holiday destination with an abundance of accommodation to choose from, the city is big enough for you to have plenty of options when you visit. Don’t forget to visit the markets for local produce. 

What is Cairns famous for?

It is the gateway to two UNESCO world-heritage areas, including the Great Barrier reef and natural beauties like the rainforest and much more. Far North Queensland is a Mecca for all nature lovers out there. For adrenaline junkies, you will be sure to find all sorts of thrilling adventures that will satisfy your need., ranging from white water rafting to good ol’ skydiving. These activities are not to be missed. Snorkelling or Scuba diving is a must-do when you visit the Reef. With so many options to choose from (trips leaving from Cairns daily), you will be able to pick the right trip that suits you.

What to do in Cairns?

Downtown has got a lot to offer. What do you ask? Here are our examples; the famous lagoon, a great selection of pubs and bars, local markets, great selections of shops with both international and local brands, delicious dining options, tropical botanic gardens, a walk along the esplanade, and much more. There is just so much that you can do, so make sure you spend a few days exploring the city during your visit to be able to catch all the fun that Cairns has to give.

Tips: For an amazing night out, don’t forget to visit one of the many pub crawls and get the most bang for your buck. If the night is still young, Gilligan’s nightclub will be one of your main stops. Make sure to keep hydrated on your night out in tropical heat.

What to do near Cairns?

The obvious one is snorkelling or scuba diving in the Great Barrier reef. Not a big fan of the ocean? Then why don’t you check out some of the luscious rainforests surrounding this tropical city. The most famous one is Daintree Rainforest near Cape Tribulation. Another pick would be the Atherton Tablelands and Waterfalls. You can spend an action-packed day here, sliding down heaps of Waterfalls and jumping into Lakes. Cairns is also known for being the adventure capital of Australia, with activities such as Skydiving, Bungy Jumping, White Water Rafting and much much more. If you have more time, checking out the lovely village of Kuranda is also a definite recommendation.

Are there crocodiles in Cairns?

Saltwater crocodiles are known to be the largest living reptiles on earth today. You can find them throughout all of Australia’s northern region, with Cairns being no exception. Be wise and cautious when visiting any waterways like beaches and rivers in and outside of the city. As fascinating as they may be, please give them the proper respect, as they can be very dangerous. Also, stay out of the water whenever you find a sign banning swimming. There may be many dangers, with crocodiles being one of them. Be vigilant and safe to make sure your journey is as smooth as it gets. 

How far is Port Douglas from Cairns?

There are a few ways to get to Port Douglas (and back). Driving is the most popular and fastest way as it takes around an hour to get there. Alternatively, some shuttles run from city centre to Port Douglas which takes around 1 hour & 45 minutes. If you are interested in taking the shuttle, take a look here. Moreover, you can get an airport transfer from Cairns Airport. There are a few options but if you are planning on taking it easy on the road, hiring a car or a campervan is worth looking into.

When is the best time to go to Cairns?

Being in the tropical zone, it will always be warm in Cairns and you can visit  all year round. If you have more time in Australia and have a flexible schedule, try to visit outside of summer, as it is rainy season during that time of the year. For those who’d like to visit in quieter times, April and May or September and October are the periods where flights and accommodation rates are lower and most importantly it is less crowded. On that note, you’d be taking a little risk as you may encounter some wet weather.

How many days in Cairns is enough?

This is a tough question. Many visit Cairns and ended up spending their lives there. Some stay for months. However, you’d need about 1 week but if you are short in time then it is highly recommended that you spend a minimum of 3 days enjoying its tropical splendour. There is just so much to see and if you are planning on joining a few tours, make sure you have enough time to explore the city itself.  

NOTE: If you are going on a scuba diving trip, make sure that you do not fly 24 hours after you’ve surfaced from your last dive. Doing so may put you at risk of decompression sickness.

HERE ARE SOME OF OUR RECOMMENDED ADVENTURES

Reef:

Rainforest:

Adrenaline: