Cairns
Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and ancient rainforest
About Cairns
Cairns is the adventure capital of tropical North Queensland and the gateway to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. This laid-back tropical city is where the reef meets the rainforest, offering some of the most extraordinary natural experiences on earth. From snorkelling with sea turtles on the outer reef to exploring the world's oldest living rainforest, Cairns delivers once-in-a-lifetime encounters with nature.
Quick Facts
- Population: 160,000
- Airport: Cairns (CNS)
- Time Zone: AEST (UTC+10)
- Gateway to 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Known for: Great Barrier Reef, Daintree, adventure sports
Top Highlights
Great Barrier Reef
The world's largest coral reef system stretches over 2,300km and is visible from space. From Cairns, reach the outer reef in 90 minutes by boat for snorkelling, diving, and glass-bottom boat tours among 1,500 species of tropical fish and 400 types of coral.
Daintree Rainforest
The oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest on earth (over 180 million years old) is home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, including the endangered cassowary, tree kangaroos, and the elusive platypus.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
A spectacular train journey winding through World Heritage-listed rainforest, past gorges and waterfalls to the mountain village of Kuranda. Built between 1882 and 1891, the railway passes through 15 tunnels and over 37 bridges.
Cairns Esplanade & Lagoon
A 4,800 sq metre saltwater swimming lagoon on the Esplanade, free to use year-round. Surrounded by tropical gardens, barbecue areas, and walking paths, it's the social heart of Cairns and perfect for families.
Great Barrier Reef Experiences
Cairns offers unparalleled access to the Great Barrier Reef. Day trips to the outer reef take you to pristine coral gardens teeming with marine life. Learn to scuba dive with a multi-day liveaboard trip, snorkel with dwarf minke whales (June–July), or take a scenic helicopter flight for aerial views of the reef's incredible patterns. Green Island, a coral cay just 45 minutes from Cairns, is perfect for a half-day reef introduction. The Cairns Aquarium brings the reef experience indoors with 15,000 animals.
Rainforest & Waterfalls
The Daintree Rainforest, a two-hour drive north, is where tropical rainforest meets the Coral Sea — the only place on earth where two World Heritage areas adjoin. Cape Tribulation marks this stunning intersection. Closer to Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands offer a circuit of spectacular waterfalls: Millaa Millaa Falls, Josephine Falls, and the massive Barron Falls (best after the wet season). The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway glides above the canopy for breathtaking aerial views.
Adventure Activities
Cairns is Australia's adrenaline capital. Bungee jump from a tower surrounded by rainforest at AJ Hackett, go white-water rafting on the Tully or Barron rivers, or skydive over the reef with stunning views of the ocean and rainforest. For something more relaxed, take a hot air balloon ride over the Atherton Tablelands at dawn, or cruise the Daintree River at sunset spotting crocodiles. The Misty Mountains trail network offers outstanding mountain biking.