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Cairns

Oceania

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Australia

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Cairns

Cairns is a small town located in the state of Queensland, Australia. Despite its size, Cairns offers numerous attractions. For instance, it's the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's top destinations for diving and snorkeling.

Situated on the northeast coast of Australia, Cairns boasts stunning beaches like Trinity Beach and Palm Cove. Beyond the shoreline, you'll find the Daintree Rainforest, one of the world's oldest rainforests and home to unique wildlife and pristine waterfalls. You can also head to the Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome for a panoramic view of the city.

In addition to its natural beauty, Cairns also has a rich culture. The Cairns Museum preserves the history and artifacts of North Queensland, while the Cairns Esplanade offers a pedestrian-friendly area with swimming spots, perfect for relaxation after a day of exploring.

With lush forests, breathtaking beaches, and renowned underwater life, it's no wonder Cairns is a top attraction for travelers worldwide each year.

Get to Know Cairns

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Cairns

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Cairns

A guide to Cairns's local transportation

Taxis
Bus
Bicycles
Walking

There are numerous taxi stands throughout the Cairns tourist areas. Taxis can be booked via phone or online, or you can hail one directly on the street.

Practical Tips for Cairns

Things to prepare and best way to visit

When is the best time to visit Cairns?

The best time to visit Cairns is from June to August, as the weather is cooler. However, you can still explore Cairns in other months because the weather remains relatively warm throughout the year.

Tips: Don't forget to bring snorkeling or diving gear if you plan to visit the Great Barrier Reef, and wear comfortable clothing, as Cairns can be very hot and humid.

How to travel from Cairns Airport to the city center?

There are several ways to travel from Cairns Airport to the city center. Firstly, taking a taxi is the quickest and most convenient option. The taxi ride takes approximately 15 minutes, with a fare of around AUD 30.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can use the bus to travel from the airport to the city center. Several bus operators offer this service, including Sunbus and Skytrans. The bus fare from the airport to the city center is approximately AUD 10.

Lastly, you can rent a car. Typically, there are several car rental services available at the airport for your convenience.

What to do in Cairns?

Cairns offers various exciting activities for tourists. For instance, you can go diving or snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the Daintree Rainforest, or taking a scenic cable car ride in Kuranda.

If you prefer more relaxed activities, you can take a leisurely stroll along the Cairns Esplanade, visit the tropical plant exhibitions at Cairns Botanic Gardens, or swim at Trinity Beach and Palm Cove.

What are the must-visit festivals and events in Cairns?

Cairns hosts a range of festivals and events throughout the year. Some of the most captivating ones include the Cairns Festival, an annual arts and cultural festival held in July, featuring various art, music, and theater performances from around Australia and the world.

There's also the Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival, a sports festival held in August with various sporting events, including marathons. For those interested in learning about Aboriginal Australian culture, you can attend the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, an annual art festival showcasing a variety of artworks from Aboriginal Australian communities.

What are the local food recommendations in Cairns?

Cairns' cuisine is a fusion of fresh seafood and traditional Australian dishes. Fresh seafood is a Cairns specialty that you must try. Along the Cairns coastline, you can find numerous seafood restaurants offering a variety of fresh ocean delicacies, including fish, prawns, crabs, and lobster.

In addition to fresh seafood, Cairns also presents various traditional Australian dishes, such as kangaroo meat, a protein-rich and lean specialty, crocodile burgers, a unique dish made from crocodile meat, and banana fritters, where bananas are served with ice cream and chocolate sauce, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

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