Cairns Destination-Information Listings
Cairns
Cairns is the heart of Tropical North Queensland and Australia’s primary gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is a vibrant, eclectic city framed by the spectacular twin backdrops of rainforest mountain ranges and the sparkling Coral Sea. The World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef and the Outback are all within easy reach.
The Cairns Esplanade is the city’s main attraction with a lovely oceanfront promenade, saltwater swimming lagoon and beach. You’ll find numerous restaurants, bars and hotels lining the Esplanade… all offering beautiful waterfront views. Thousands of visitors flock to the Esplanade to enjoy the alfresco dining and relax in the beautiful surroundings of this modern city.
Almost a century of architecture is reflected in the city streets - a comfortable blend of traditional Queensland style and contemporary designs. Make sure to visit the Reef Casino to view its unique rainforest simulation and wander through the Cairns Regional Gallery to see exceptional art and exhibitions that focus on Indigenous works. There’s also the Flecker Botanic Gardens with its Gondawanan Evolutionary Trail that offers a glimpse into the ancient history of the rainforest plants.
Cairns is an adventure-lovers paradise with numerous tours and adrenaline activities on offer. From white water rafting to bungee jumping and skydiving, you’ll find the perfect activity to suit. And with hundreds of tours visiting the Great Barrier Reef each year, you’re sure to find one, or a couple, to try.
Arrival in Cairns is simple, with several domestic and international flights arriving each day. And once you’re in Cairns, stop by the Gateway Discovery Centre on the Cairns Esplanade. The centre will help you find plan your ideal, tropical holiday.
Tropical North Region
Tropical North Queensland is where life enhancing tropical moments await ... a place combining the natural wonders of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, Australia's Tropical Rainforests and accessible Outback.
Cairns is a vibrant and liveable city with a unique, broad appeal for all visitors, with so many remarkable natural attractions and activities at its doorstep. Take advantage of your time in Cairns and cool off in the Esplanade’s saltwater lagoon or take a stroll through one of the many galleries or shopping boutiques.
Scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef is essential and on must-do lists of divers from around the world. The reef can also be enjoyed from the sky in a scenic flight, as you plummet to the ground sky-diving or from the safety of a glass-bottomed boat. Sail between the islands of the region, select between exclusive or rustic accommodation, and have a once in a lifetime experience. Be sure to visit the northern beach communities of Palm Cove and Port Douglas for a relaxing retreat filled with spa treatments at luxurious resorts.
Just a little further north you’ll enter into the Daintree National Park where you can experience the stunning Mossman Gorge and the beauty of Cape Tribulation. Further north still is the vast Cape York Peninsula, known as Australia’s last frontier. Then there’s the Outback and Gulf Savannah which covers the remote land to the west from the base of the Great Dividing Range to the Gulf of Carpentaria.