Australia · Region
Cairns
Cairns is one of the few places on Earth where a UNESCO-listed coral reef and an ancient rainforest sit within an hour of each other, with the Great Barrier Reef's outer edge roughly ninety minutes offshore by catamaran and the Daintree rainforest about the same distance north by road. It is a compact, tropical city built almost entirely around getting visitors to those two natural wonders, rather than around grand architecture or big-city sights of its own.
Top-rated things to do in Cairns
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Where to stay in Cairns
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Plan your trip to Cairns
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Frequently asked questions about Cairns
How do I get to Cairns?
Most travellers arrive via Cairns Airport (CNS), which sits about 7km north of the city centre and handles both domestic flights from major Australian cities and a smaller number of direct international routes. There is no passenger rail link from the airport into town, so the typical route in is by taxi, pre-booked shuttle, or airport bus to CBD accommodation.
How many days should I spend in Cairns?
Most visitors spend 3 to 5 days in Cairns, enough time to fit in a reef trip, a rainforest or Atherton Tablelands day tour, and some time along the Esplanade itself.
What is Cairns known for?
Cairns is one of the few places on Earth where a UNESCO-listed coral reef and an ancient rainforest sit within an hour of each other, with the Great Barrier Reef's outer edge roughly ninety minutes offshore by catamaran and the Daintree rainforest about the same distance north by road. It is a compact, tropical city built almost entirely around getting visitors to those two natural wonders, rather than around grand architecture or big-city sights of its own.