Cairns

Cairns is an intimate coastal city surrounded by lush, tropical vegetation, offering a laid-back, safe location to holiday and explore all that Tropical North Queensland offers. The city is home to just over 160,000 residents.

Cairns' proximity to the World Heritage-listed gems of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, plus its status as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, have made it a popular travel destination for both domestic and international holidaymakers with over three million people coming to explore its local tours and attractions annually – with Great Barrier Reef tours at the top of the list of course. 

From leisure travellers to thrill-seekers and backpackers to those who prefer a more luxurious setting, Cairns offers plenty of accommodation choices, including five-star resorts, self-serviced apartments and backpacker resorts.

Explore nearby Palm Cove

The beautiful beachside town of Palm Cove, known as a foodie hotspot and the Spa Capital of Australia, is just 20-minutes’ drive from Cairns. Head there for a day of pampering; savour fresh locally grown and caught produce at beachfront eateries and award-winning restaurants; relax on the stunning beach; snorkel and dive the Great Barrier Reef or explore the magnificent Daintree Rainforest. Stay a little longer for a relaxed romantic getaway in one of the many 3 to 5-star resorts, hotels and holiday homes or for family fun during school holidays. 

Top things to do in Cairns:

• From Cairns, head north past Port Douglas to discover the Daintree on one (or more) of the many amazing Daintree Rainforest tours on offer.
• Head east to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, or venture to your choice of islands just an hour away from port for hours of snorkelling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef.
• Due south, you’ll be able to explore waterfalls, lakes and raging rivers.
• To your west is the food bowl of the tropics; the Atherton Tablelands, known for its fertile soils perfect for fruit, farming and coffee plantations.
• Pepper your exploration with ample tastings at top-notch eateries. You’ll find a burgeoning foodie scene, quickly going from strength-to-strength, as local restaurants and cafes maximise their proximity to the region’s food bowl. From coffee-focused cafes that give Melbourne a run for its money, to restaurants showcasing Indigenous cuisine, and others serving up the freshest possible seafood, the foodie is sure to satisfy their fix in Cairns.