Cairns Travel Guide
Cairns, nestled between the Coral Sea and the rainforest mountains of the Wet Tropics of Queensland, is an ideal base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Far North Queensland. Reef boats set off from here for the Outer Great Barrier Reef, while Palm Cove, Port Douglas, Fitzroy Island and the Atherton Tablelands are all within easy striking distance.
- Half day
- 5 hours (approx.)
- $ 92,00 AUD
- $ 82,00 AUD
- 16 Days
- 18:00 - 18:00
- $ 11,750 AUD
- $ 10,750 AUD
- 14 Days / 13 Nights
- 18:00 / 10:00
- $ 8,790 AUD
- $ 8,490 AUD
- 2 hours (approx.)
- 120 min
- $ 42,00 AUD
- $ 32,00 AUD
- 3 hours
- 180 min. (approx.)
- $ 69,00 AUD
- $ 59,00 AUD
Reef Gateway: The Main Gateway To The Great Barrier Reef
Boats leave Cairns for the Great Barrier Reef, but the key is finding the right reef trip for you. If coral, snorkelling or scuba diving are the priorities, the Outer Great Barrier Reef is where to focus your attention.
Most outer-reef trips are geared towards travellers wanting to see the coral up close. Some visit several different reef sites, while others use permanent pontoons at places such as Moore Reef or Green Island. Whether you’re a beginner, working towards certification or already a certified diver with a passion for the sport, there are options. Prefer to stay dry? Glass-bottom boats and semi-submersibles provide a look at the coral formations and shallows, while some pontoons also have activities for non-swimmers.
Weather and sea conditions can change the experience considerably, so try not to leave your reef trip until the final day — you might be disappointed.
FAQ
How long should you give Cairns some of your time?
Four to seven days is a decent amount of time to get a feel for Cairns. Allocate one day to the Great Barrier Reef, another to Kuranda or the Daintree Rainforest, then use the rest for Cairns itself, Fitzroy Island, Palm Cove, Port Douglas or the hills of the Atherton Tablelands.
Is visiting Cairns worth your while if you're not planning on heading to the Great Barrier Reef?
Yes. It’s still a great place to visit if snorkelling or diving aren’t your thing. The Wet Tropics, Kuranda and waterfalls are all impressive, as are the northern beaches and nearby islands — there’s plenty to see and do with or without the reef.
Do you really need a car in Cairns?
Not for central Cairns or most organised tours. Cairns CBD is easily walkable, and most reef and rainforest trips will sort out transport. A car becomes more useful if you want to explore Palm Cove, Port Douglas or the Atherton Tablelands independently.
Can you swim at the beach in Cairns?
Central Cairns isn’t exactly famous for its beaches, and the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the main swimming spot in the city. Beaches such as Palm Cove and Ellis Beach are farther afield. Always check local warnings and stinger advice before swimming.
Is it better to stay in Cairns or Port Douglas?
Generally, Cairns is more convenient for the airport and most reef trips. Port Douglas suits travellers looking for a smaller base with easier access to Mossman Gorge and the Daintree Rainforest. If you have a few days to spare, splitting your time between the two can give you the best of both.
Experience The Best Of Brisbane
The river is the natural place to start. Ferries and bridges connect the two banks, while riverside walking paths lead between gardens, restaurants and city views.
South Bank Parklands sits directly opposite the Brisbane CBD, bringing together around 15 hectares of parkland, Streets Beach and the Queensland Cultural Centre. Across the river, Queen Street Mall and the 18-hectare City Botanic Gardens offer a mix of busy city streets and quieter waterfront spaces.
Kangaroo Point has some of the best views of the Brisbane skyline and Story Bridge. Nearby, Howard Smith Wharves brings dining and riverside spaces beneath the bridge. New Farm, Fortitude Valley and West End add another mix of parkland, nightlife, leafy streets and charming cafés.
