Cairns, Australia

Cairns guide

Tropical Cairns is in Queensland and most famous for The Great Barrier Reef. Most visitors will be coming to Cairns for the reef. It is considered one of the great wonders of the world and officially rated a maritime national park, you need to pay a small tax fee ($5) to go onto the reef. Scuba diving and snorkeling are a much loved pastime and a popular place to obtain your PADI certificate. There are many courses on offer but ensure you do your research and learn with a reputable company such as 'Pro Dive', and 'Down Under Dive'.

There are reef trips for more experienced divers from 1 - 11 days to the outer and northern reefs such as Cod Hole and Osprey Reef; Explorer Ventures/ Nimrod facilitate these.

If you have not be diving before but want to try it's not as difficult as you might think and you may even find it easier than snorkeling. All you need is to be a reasonable swimmer and in good health but saying that some people go diving who can't swim! There are many companies that you can choose from; some have platoons to attach the boat to when they arrive at the reef which allow divers and snorkelers to have a large platform to go into the sea. If you go in the summer months the water will be very warm and clear. Diving is truly an amazing experience; if you haven't been in the deep sea before it is a completely different world. Shoals of fish will swim past from the tiny to some as big as children! There are also turtles but the most amazing sight is looking at the coral close up; some actually change colour when they‘re touched! There are many tour operators on every street but it is probably best to book your trip through the official tourist information centre because they will not be paid commission on bookings. A company you might want to look into is Sunlover Cruises they have a large comfortable boat and excellent food. All cruises will depart from the Reef Fleet Terminal.

Cairns does not have an immediate beach as this was washed away however there is a man-made pool and beach. Bring some stubbies and some food as BBQ's are available. It's very relaxing and a good spot for some sunbathing.

The town is very small and easy to navigate. There is a shopping mall towards the top end of Cairns if you need some retail therapy.

Flights to Cairns Airport (CNS)

Cairns Airport is 7 km from the centre.

To and from Cairns Airport

Activities and sightseeing in Cairns

Great Barrier Reef - Scuba diving, snorkeling, cruises, white-water rafting, PADI certification, fishing, Cairns Tropical Rainforest, Flecker Botanic Gardens, Cairns gallery and museum, Tjapukai aboriginal park which is owned and run by indigenous aborigines, bungee jumping, hot air ballooning, ski dives, horse riding, bicycle tours. Outside Cairns - Fitzroy Island National Park, Green Island, Frankland Islands National Park. Cairns Northern beaches - holloways, Trinity, Yorkeys, Palm Cove and Clifton.

Eating and drinking in Cairns

Cairns is quite compact so you will not have to walk far for somewhere to eat. There are a few places to choose from along the esplanade such as Mexican, Chinese and Italian. Cairns is very relaxed in the evening and most people dress casually because of the tropical climate.