Australia Travel - Your Complete Guide To An Unforgettable Trip In Cairns
Cairns, a vibrant city in Tropical North Queensland, Australia, is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Renowned for its adventure activities, stunning beaches, and rich Indigenous culture, Cairns offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking natural beauty and exciting adventures.
Author:Velma BattleReviewer:Michael RachalAug 11, 202423 Shares11.4K Views
Right in the heart of Tropical North Queensland lies the Cairns,a vibrant city that serves as the gateway to some of Australia's most spectacular natural wonders. From the iconic Great Barrier Reef to the lush Daintree Rainforest, Cairns offers a wealth of experiences for every type of traveler.
Whether you're an adventure seeker, nature lover, or cultural enthusiast, Cairns promises an unforgettable trip. Here’s your complete guide to exploring this tropical paradise.
Why Holiday In Cairns
Tropical Queensland is Australia's second most popular destination and Cairns is the nexus for many activities in this state. Budget options abound and it's a great, relaxed place to meet other travelers. Bungeeing, sky diving, white-water rafting, and other stomach-churning activities are popular, as well as bizarre Aussie pursuits like cane toad racing.
But Cairns is the first and foremost gateway to The Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Tropical Rainforest, and the Atherton Tablelands. The weather ranges from warm to hot 'n' sticky and prices are cheaper than in Sydney.
Downsides
Lacking in history and soul, it's new, and brash and seems to hold an endless series of tourist establishments solely dedicated to lightening your wallet.• Some of the local attractions are of exaggerated interest; the Great Barrier Reef looks a bit tired, and off-color, andis 30kms away, Kuranda is verytouristy and Atherton looks like much of Europe.
Weather
Best: April-September when it's not so wet or humid.Worst: October - May rains and jellyfish season; wet season means clouds, rough seas during Great Barrier Reef boat trips, murky snorkeling or diving, etc.
Temperatures: The highest temperature recorded in Cairns was 31C (88F), the lowest 17C (63F), though the highest has reached 40C (104F) in the past. These are not so high, the problem is more the oppressive humidity in the tropics than the temperature.
Activities
Scuba, snorkeling, swimming, glass-bottom boats: The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most famous coral and fish viewing places in the world, though, in all honesty, it's nowhere near the best - Egypt's Red Sea, Belizeor even Ningaloo Reef on Australia's west side are healthier and more colorful.Plenty of good value scuba courses available, with sleep-aboard boats on the reef for the last couple of days. 4 days is the minimum time needed.
Boom netting: sitting in a hammock slung under a sailing boat's bowsprit so waves wash over you.
Beaches: If you need beachesthen a short bus ride will get you to the white sands and coves of Trinity Beach or head for Port Douglas, but Cairns' new, free, salt-water lagoon on the foreshore is magnificent, as is the tree-lined esplanade and massive kid's playground.
White water rafting: on the Tully (serious rapids) and Barron (kid's stuff) Rivers all year round, with good value tours and grades for all abilities.
Golf: Several excellent courses, mostly near Port Douglas.
Hiking: the cool, green Atherton Tablelands or Hinchinbrook Island's 30km east coast through heathland, beaches, rainforest, and mangroves.
Various: waterfall and gorge tours, crocodile cruises. e.g. Palmerston National Park.
Rainforest Excursions: There are 3-day to 3-week tours into Australia's most accessible 'jungle', the Daintree Rainforest, as far as Cape Tribulation, with huge, spacey insects and strange trees guaranteed. Watch where you tread!
Biking: plenty of good routes, also bike tour operators complete with support vehicles.
Driving: The Cairns area is loaded with spectacles and experiences and well worth a few days' car hire to avoid the 'Everyone back on the bus now' loudhailer package traumas.
Port Douglas:If Cairns is a little downmarket for you, try posh Port Douglas, 80kms (50mls) north. Good for most of Cairns' activities - though not prices - Port Douglas also offers several golf courses and sits beside Four Mile Beach.
Short Trips
Some tourists are happy just to chill out in Cairns' superb salt-water lagoon with changing rooms, beach, trees, grass, and fountains, and all for free! But if you must move...Cairns offers over 600 tours every day.
The Great Barrier Reef is 18 million years old. Stretching for 2,300km this planetary wonder is a must-see but don't expect too much, whether snorkelling, diving, or glassbottom boating. You can't see the size from sea level, just the faded glory. Tons of tour operators ensure competitive prices and tailored tours but remember you're looking at at least an hour each way on potentially bouncy seas. Serious scuba divers should head north to the Ospreys or south to Ayr and the Yongala wreck.
Kuranda village via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and back via the Scenic Railway, with bird and butterfly reserves and a touch of tourist shopping in between seems to satisfy some less adventurous visitors.
Atherton Tablelands: this cool, green plateau is popular for hikes and offers a pretty train trip but it is a little too ordinary for the Bugcrew.
The Captain Cook Highway: to the north, passes by some gorgeous, deserted coastal areas where the Barrier Reef closes in on the beach.
Daintree Rainforest National Park to Cape Tribulation: the rainforest area is a couple of hours from Cairns and is prettiest at Mossman Gorge, with well-marked walking tracks. Croc picture-shoot boat trips are popular from Daintree, but for real jungle experiences, you'll need more than a day trip to go deeper.
Hinchinbrook Island: the world's largest island national park is not far south - with great bushwalks through heathland, beaches, rainforests, and mangroves.
Crystal Cascades: a fine forest/waterfall area 15km north of Cairns.
Aboriginals: There's a fair introduction to the aboriginal culture at Tjapukai Aboriginal Centre a few klicks north of Cairns.
Rainforest Hazards
Don't touch anything in the forest. Not only are there a slither of deadly snakes, aggressive saltwater crocs, nightmare spiders, and giant grumpy lizards but the plants can be nasty too. However, these critters don't want to cause trouble (except the salties); they will only do so if surprised or touched. Beware saltwater crocodiles in mangroves and rivers near the sea. Generally speaking, when in Australia watch where you walk, don't touch anything and you'll have a superb experience and live to tell the tale.
Culture
Classical Music: hah! no chance in this food 'n' booze, sports town!Dance: dance, didgeridoo, and Aboriginal narratives at Tjapukai.Live Music & Clubs: Most clubs are backpacker dens, half pub, half high school disco, with roughly equal quantities of noise and vomit. Toad racing, yah!
Shopping
Classy: Pier marketplace, opal, and other precious stone stores catering to upmarket tourists. Note that authentic Aboriginal Crafts are best bought from shops displaying a sign saying 'Aboriginal owned'.Wacky: quirky hawkers on the esplanade in this commercial town.
Food
From kebabs and pizza stalls to expensive seafood restaurants lining The Esplanade, this is not a gourmet town but does provide varied and good value eating. There is a particularly low-cost food court called the night market and some excellent Japanese restaurants.
Tropical Wonders Of Cairns - FAQs
What Is The Best Time To Visit Cairns?
The best time to visit Cairns is during the dry season from May to October when the weather is pleasant, and there's less humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring natural attractions.
How Do I Get To The Great Barrier Reef From Cairns?
Numerous tour operators offer day trips and liveaboard experiences to the Great Barrier Reef. You can book snorkeling, diving, or scenic boat tours departing from Cairns' Reef Fleet Terminal.
What Are The Top Attractions In Cairns?
Top attractions include the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Kuranda Scenic Railway, Palm Cove, and Green and Fitzroy Islands. Cairns also offers various adventure activities and cultural experiences.
Are There Any Family-Friendly Activities In Cairns?
Yes, Cairns is family-friendly with activities like visiting the Cairns Aquarium, exploring wildlifesanctuaries, enjoying the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, and taking the scenic train and cableway rides to Kuranda.
What Accommodation Options Are Available In Cairns?
Cairns offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts and hotels to budget hostels and eco-lodges. Popular areas to stay include the Cairns city center, Palm Cove, and nearby islands.
Can I Experience Aboriginal Culture In Cairns?
Absolutely. You can visit Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park to learn about Indigenous culture, participate in interactive activities, and enjoy traditional performances. Cultural tours and experiences are also available in the region.
Final Words
Cairns, with its unparalleled access to the Great Barrier Reef, ancient Daintree Rainforest, and a plethora of adventure activities, stands as a premier traveldestination in Tropical North Queensland. Whether you are an avid adventurer, a nature enthusiast, or a cultural explorer, Cairns offers a diverse and enriching experience.
From the vibrant marine life of the reef to the lush greenery of the rainforest, and from thrilling activities to serene beaches, Cairns promises unforgettable memories and a unique connection to Australia's natural wonders. Plan your trip to Cairns and immerse yourself in the tropical paradise that awaits you.
Velma Battle
Author
Travelling Expert
Michael Rachal
Reviewer
Travelling Expert
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