Cairns
Oceania · Australia
See also
Port Douglas
Australia16.48°S 145.47°E · 24 m
Mission Beach
Australia17.87°S 146.11°E
Overview
Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda, and the Daintree Rainforest. The city itself has a laid-back vibe with tour agencies, restaurants, cafes, and backpacker bars lining the Esplanade.
Languages: English
Overview
Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda, and the Daintree Rainforest. The city itself has a laid-back vibe with tour agencies, restaurants, cafes, and backpacker bars lining the Esplanade. Its 150,000 residents are regularly outnumbered by visitors.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Understand
The area was historically inhabited by the Walubarra Yidinji people and founded in 1876 as a gold export port. Tourism is the main industry, with a focus on European, Japanese, and Chinese markets. Peak season is June–August, especially the first two weeks of July.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Climate
The most comfortable time is winter (June–August), with lower humidity. Summer (December–March) is hot, humid, and rainy, with potential tropical cyclones. Daylight varies little: 6:45AM–6PM in winter, 5:45AM–6:45PM in summer.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Talk
English is the main language. Many signs at beaches and tourist areas are also in Japanese, and some dive operators and tour agencies have Japanese-speaking staff.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
The city centre is walkable, but a car is needed for surrounding attractions. Kinetic operates public buses with routes from Lake and Shield St; tickets are 50¢ per trip, $1 for a day pass, $5 weekly, and accept card and cash. Car rental agencies include Hertz, Queensland car hire, and SIXT.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
See
Cairns has few cultural sights but offers the Cairns Regional Gallery ($5), Cairns Museum (adult $10), the free Cairns Botanic Gardens (4 km from centre), and the Cairns Aquarium (10AM–4PM).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Do
Adventure sports abound: scuba diving, skydiving, white-water rafting on the Tully River, and ballooning. Standby rates can save up to $150 on activities. The free lagoon-style pool on the Esplanade is a popular spot for swimming, especially during stinger season (October–May).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
Pearls are widely sold, with a huge price range. The Esplanade Markets (Saturday 8AM–4PM) offer handmade goods, art, and local produce. The Night Markets (daily till late) sell clothes, souvenirs, and Australiana.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat
The Esplanade has many bar-and-grill and seafood restaurants; opening times are often after 11AM. Japanese food is reliable. Early-bird discounts of 20–30% are common before 6:30PM. Options include La Pizza Trattoria (pizzas $18–21), Villa Romana (meals $25–40, 25% off before 6:30PM), and Waffle On ($9–15, breakfast/brunch).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Drink
Pubs and bars cater to travellers and locals. Rattle 'N Hum on the Esplanade offers wood-fired pizza from $20 and a pool table. The Woolshed is a popular meeting spot for backpackers.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sleep
Cairns has endless accommodation, but during high season (June–September) it's well booked. Budget hostels include Gilligans (dorms from $18), Bohemia Resort (from $23), and Motel Nomad (from $14). Many offer free shuttles and meals.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
Cairns is generally safe, but car theft and house burglaries occur. Avoid the western suburbs Manunda, Mooroobool, and Manoora (the 'three Ms'). Tropical cyclones are a threat during the wet season (December–March). Stinger season (October–May) requires swimming within net enclosures or the lagoon.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
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181 The Esplanade
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Amaroo At Trinity
Modern studio or suite in Cairns northern beach area. Close to restaurants, hotels, shops. High beachfront position, views of the Coral Sea and the mountains in the rear. Queen and twin bed options, lift access to all floors, and laundry facilities on each level.
Recorded price: $130-216
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Asylum Cairns
Bed in a small dorm (no bunk beds). Prices on the website may be out of date. Free transfers to and from the airport, bus or train station if staying 2 nights or more. Free internet. Not particularly clean or well-maintained. Very friendly and helpful staff. Not in the city centre, but within easy walking distance.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Bohemia Resort
Close to the centre of Cairns and with 4 dorm rooms, singles, twins and doubles, as well as ensuite and family rooms. Clean and well maintained. 25 m saltwater pool, kitchen, bar and shuttle bus service.
Recorded price: From $23 per person, per night
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Bounce Cairns
All guests receive free daily breakfast, free unlimited internet 24/7, free hidden swimming hole trip, sailing trip and more activities. Located in the centre of town.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Cairns Central YHA Backpackers Hostel
Recorded price: Bunk beds in shared rooms $23-25 per night, double and twin rooms from $54 per night
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Cairns City Apartments
2-3 bedroom apartments with balconies located near restaurant district, shopping mall, and Reef Fleet Terminal. Guest access to spa and outdoor swimming pool. Sister-property of Clarendon on Spence.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Cairns City Backpackers
Small, quiet and friendly and located in a quiet backstreet and a 5 min walk to Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Full laundry and kitchen facilities and internet at $3 per hr.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Health
Swim only in the lagoon or stinger nets during October–May to avoid marine stingers.
Language
English is spoken; many signs and staff also cater to Japanese tourists.
Money
Standby rates for activities like scuba diving and skydiving can save up to $150.
Safety
Avoid the western suburbs Manunda, Mooroobool, and Manoora at night.
Transport
Public buses cost only 50¢ per trip or $1 for a day pass.