Cairns pulses with energy with its vibrant tropical culture and is the ultimate place to soak up the tropical lifestyle. Swim at the Esplanade lagoon, sample local produce at a farmer's market, enjoy free entertainment, shop for a summer wardrobe or cruise around the marina. After dark choose a lively bar for drinks, taste local seafood at an award-winning restaurant, party on a dance floor, discover treasures at the markets or watch a local cultural show. The compact city is easy to get around and has the reef, rainforest and outback on its doorstep. With the Cairns International and Domestic airports only 10 minutes from the Central Business District, Cairns is the ideal entry point for a Tropical North Queensland adventure. 

WHAT PUTS THE GREAT INTO THE GREAT BARRIER REEF ?

Sheer beauty – as well as astonishing biodiversity – helped earn the reef its World Heritage status. The ecosystem contains the largest collection of coral reefs (some 2500) on the planet. It’s also home to 400 types of coral, 900-plus islands, 1500 species of fish and 4000 types of mollusc. Six of the world’s seven species of sea turtles and 40 per cent of the anemone species also call the reef home.

Cairns

From open-air markets to the popular al fresco cafés and award winning restaurants, there is a lot to discover along the Cairns Esplanade. Don’t miss the saltwater lagoon offering families cool respite on a hot day.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef’s spectacular array of coral, tropical fish, turtles and rays are nothing short of unforgettable. Discover all the ways you can explore the reef and experience its beauty, both in and out of the water.

Daintree rainforest

The World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest is full of natural wonders. Swim in clear waterholes, spot crocodiles in the river and find where the rainforest meets the reef. Explore the ancient magic of the oldest tropical rainforest in the world.

Kuranda

Surrounded by tropical rainforest-clad mountains, the charming village of Kuranda is known for its scenic cableway, local markets and artistic community. Get to know its quirky side.

Port Douglas

Port Douglas is a chic, yet relaxed sea-side village, perfect for couples, families and solo travellers alike, with a plethora of restaurants and bars, not to mention fantastic boutique shopping. The village is also the ideal base to explore the World Heritage-Listed Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation with an abundance of tours and day trips available.

Hartleys Crocodile Adventures

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures is the best place to see crocodiles and local wildlife in the North. With 2500 metres of boardwalks you can see an array of wildlife, including beautiful tropical birds, wallabies, reptiles, insects and more.

Green Island

Green Island is a beautiful 6000 year old rainforest covered coral cay, located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Snorkel or dive the coral gardens surrounding this tropical island paradise, exploring the abundant marine ecosystems teaming with life, or walk the nature trails around the island to discover the colourful bird life and unique rainforest that call the island home.

Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island is an unspoilt tropical paradise of rainforest and beaches within the calm sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Discover spectacular walking trails with abundant marine life and local wildlife to explore.

Mossman Gorge

Mossman Gorge is a must-do for anyone travelling to the beautiful Far North Queensland region. The Mossman Gorge Centre is the gateway to the world’s oldest rainforest, the Daintree Rainforest, as well as a unique link to the lives, cultures, and stories of Australia’s Indigenous people and their connection to the natural environment.

Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation is a remote headland and ecotourism destination.
A coastal area within Daintree National Park, it offers a combination of rainforest and beaches. Boat tours are available to the Great Barrier Reef. Walking routes include boardwalks and a ridge trail on Mount Sorrow. Bird-watching and jungle zip-lining are popular activities.

Waterfalls

A short drive from Cairns, cooling off in the refreshing spray of a waterfall is unbeatable on a hot day. From giant cascades in all their thundering glory to hidden plunge pools, head out in search of the area’s best falls. 

Hot Air Balloon

Hot air ballooning is a romantic adventure experience which is considered by many to be the best way to see a gorgeous Tropical North Queensland sunrise. The view from the balloon basket is undoubtedly spectacular, and the experience is one you will remember as enchanting and uplifting.

Bike Trails

Cairns’ parks, forests and beaches offer exciting cycling and mountain biking opportunities for great ways to experience the diverse landscapes.