CairnsTravel Guide

While Cairns may seem small in comparison to other cities, it excels when it comes to modern, affordable accommodation. The city is built around the harbour, so you can find places to stay that offer spectacular views over the water and the city itself. Cairns city accommodation places you in the heart of the action.

Just 15 minutes from Cairns CBD, Trinity Beach is the best place to stay if you want to try out the best golf courses in Far North Queensland. Beachside apartments and resorts are located near the course as well as restaurants and shopping hotspots. Head out to explore during the day and come back to your Trinity Beach accommodation to relax and enjoy spectacular views.

Just over 10 minutes from Cairns, Holloways Beach accommodation is what you would call absolute beachfront. With a small dining precinct, the area is a beautiful spot if you want to have a quiet getaway. The location makes it easy to access nearby attractions such as Kuranda, the Botanic Gardens, and Cairns city.

Just like the stunning surroundings, accommodation in Palm Cove is truly amazing. With beautiful beach resorts, amazing restaurants and galleries nearby, your stay in Palm Cove is sure to be exciting. Located between Cairns and Port Douglas, Palm Cove is perfect if you're looking for a little more privacy during your visit to the region.

If you're searching for beachside accommodation in Cairns, Ellis Beach is a fantastic spot. Approximately 20 minutes north of Cairns, this area is beautifully quiet while being within a short distance to both Cairns and Port Douglas. This gives you the best of both worlds: privacy and easy access to local attractions for sightseeing.

One of Australia's most incredible must-see attractions, a trip to Cairns isn't complete without a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you've never snorkelled before or you have a scuba-diving certification, getting into the water is a great way to get up close to the coral and marine life. Alternatively, hop aboard a glass-bottom boat tour.

One of the most popular Cairns tourist attractions is Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Climb on board this cable car to see the rainforest from the air. The cable stretches more than 7km over the rainforest, giving you fantastic views over the treetops and the waterfalls of this world-renowned tropical attraction. Skyrail Cairns is definitely a must-do on your visit.

If you plan to see iconic Cairns landmarks such as the Great Barrier Reef, be sure to check out Reef Teach as well. With talks from a marine biologist and information on marine life, Reef Teach can help you to make the most of a visit to the reef. You'll learn about conservation and how to interact with some of the reef's most famous animals.

Just 45 minutes by boat from Cairns, Fitzroy Island is perfect for a day trip or for an island stay. While a large portion of the island is protected and off-limits, there's still an abundance of things to do. Take a walk up to the highest point for impressive views, snorkel the nearby fringe reef, or enjoy a swim in the clear waters.

Just two hours from Cairns is the largest tropical rainforest in Australia, The Daintree National Park. Thought to be more than 110 million years old, the Daintree is home to the largest range of animals in the world, not to mention the plant life! Keep your camera handy – there are so many beautiful sights to see here.

Winding from Cairns to Kuranda, the amazing Kuranda Scenic Railway passes right through a tropical paradise. If you like the idea of Cairns sightseeing with a difference, this is definitely an essential experience. Along the trip you'll see amazing views of the mountains and rainforest, pass waterfalls, and travel through Barron Gorge to arrive in the village of Kuranda, tucked away in the rainforest itself.

If you want to see more of the natural beauty on offer in Cairns, hiking is an amazing way to do it. Walking tracks are found in Barron Gorge National Park, which includes an elevated walk, or head out to the Atherton Tablelands to explore the Bartle-Frere Trails. The Rainforest Circuit Track through Mossman Gorge is also well worth seeing to get a glimpse of the local wildlife.

Booking one of the many Cairns day trips on offer gives you an opportunity to see places of absolute wonder. Head into the rainforest, see the Atherton Tablelands, take a cultural trip through Mossman Gorge with a local Aboriginal guide, or see the beauty that is Cape Tribulation. There are many different ways of seeing the sights, from helicopter tours to river cruises, bus tours and even private tours.

For affordable dining, Cairns Night Markets are a great place to start. Among the many food stalls here are Asian-influenced dishes, steak, pasta, kebabs, and fresh fruit stalls, so you can pick up something to eat in or grab and go! Check out the Esplanade markets for fresh local produce and a fresh coffee to start your day

When visiting Cairns, bars and nightlife are often mixed with a bit of history. The Grand Hotel on McLeod Street is arguably Cairns' most iconic, with a hand-carved crocodile-shaped bar where you can have a drink. There are a number of relaxed bars in Cairns and the Tablelands, perfect for a cold drink after a warm day.

The Esplanade has become one of the go-to restaurant precincts in Cairns, thanks to the wide array of dining options. If you're searching for fresh Cairns seafood or produce, you'll be sure to find it here. In the city, you can find popular restaurants on Shields Street. Trinity Beach's Vasey Esplanade has also established itself as a popular dining spot.

While it sometimes feels like life moves a little slower in Cairns, the cafe and coffee scene is on par with major cities. Locally produced coffee is available in many cafes, so you won't struggle to find a quality cup. Many Cairns cafes serve up dishes that showcase the local produce in spectacular fashion – the tropical fruit in particular.

In the heart of the city, Cairns Night Markets is well worth a look if you're searching for handmade gifts, souvenirs, fashion items, or good food. When you want to pick up fresh produce or local delicacies, head to the markets on the Esplanade (Saturday) or on Grafton Street (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). If you fancy a drive, Sunday markets also take place in Port Douglas and Mossman.

In addition to the main shopping centres in Cairns, shopping precincts can be found down on the marina and in Port Douglas. The marina has a number of small specialty stores, as well as cafes and restaurants. Further afield, Macrossan Street in Port Douglas is an interesting mix of galleries, boutique stores, fashion retailers, and cafes.

There are a couple of shopping centres in Cairns where you can shop all day if you're so inclined! In the city, Cairns Central Shopping Centre is the largest shopping centre in Far North Queensland with department stores and smaller retailers. There are also shopping centres in Smithfield, Earlville, and Westcourt that offer an array of shopping experiences.

Passenger transport in the city is simple thanks to Cairns taxis. There are a number of taxi ranks throughout the CBD and tourist areas, which are clearly signposted for convenience. Taxis can also be ordered over the phone or online, or you can hail an available cab on the street. If you have more than four passengers, it's a good idea to pre-book to ensure there is a suitably sized taxi available.

Take advantage of the amazing climate and explore by pedal power with bike hire in Cairns. Whether you want to reduce your own carbon footprint or you simply want to have the freedom to explore at your leisure, bike hire is a fantastic option. The main area of Cairns is quite flat, which makes for comfortable riding.

Getting around Cairns by public transport is easy and affordable. Buses run daily throughout Cairns, servicing the city and the suburbs. Bus services are available to most beaches and shopping centres, making it easy for you to jump on and off. Single, daily and weekly tickets are available for purchase and can be used on any Cairns bus route.

Getting around Cairns on foot is an affordable way to see the city. There are many fantastic walkways spread around Cairns and the Northern Beaches, including a fantastic stretch along the Esplanade. Keep in mind that Cairns is a tropical area and can get quite warm during summer. Be sure to take a bottle of water if you're planning a longer walk.

Located in Palm Cove, approximately 20 minutes from Cairns, this beach accommodates any experience. Whether you want to relax with a good book, try windsurfing or go for a dip, Palm Cove beach is amazing. The main area of Palm Cove is just a short walk from the beach, making it easy to cool off before having a bite to eat.

Located close to Palm Cove, Ellis Beach is a small beach that feels intensely private. The waters are very calm, perfect for a gentle swim, with the beach somewhat protected by rocks at the southern end. With little development on the beachside, Ellis Beach is not as busy as others in Cairns or Port Douglas.

When you want to make like the locals, head to Clifton Beach. Just over 20 minutes from the CBD of Cairns, Clifton Beach is a beautiful spot that has managed to avoid major waterfront development. Many people choose to picnic on the beach here or simply relax and admire their surroundings as the small waves roll in.

Arguably the most popular of all the Cairns beaches, Trinity Beach is the place to be on a warm day (which is a pretty regular occurrence in Cairns!). Wedged between two headlands, Trinity Beach is fantastic for swimming or for simply relaxing on the sand. The area is dotted with cafes, restaurants and resorts, which draw many people to the beach.

If you're planning to surf, jet-ski or windsurf in Cairns, Yorkeys Knob is the best place to do it. Just 15 minutes from Cairns CBD, the beach is mainly surrounded by residential properties, making this a very quiet spot. The estuarine creek offers great fishing, and during low tide you can wander along the sand for what feels like miles.

Holloways Beach is a narrow stretch of sand and a quiet beach not far from the city. Bordered by residential areas and a recent waterfront dining addition, Holloways Beach is perfect for spending an afternoon relaxing. Take a fishing line or that book you've been meaning to read and enjoy this quiet beachside spot.