Exploring Australia’s Tropical Paradise: The Ultimate Travel Guide To Cairns, Queensland

Planning a vacation to Australia but unsure where to start? Located in Queensland, Cairns is an unforgettable tropical paradise that’s rich with adventure. This guide will help you uncover the city’s best spots, from fascinating wildlife encounters to culinary delights.

Let’s dive into this vibrant land of reef and rainforest!

Key Takeaways

• Cairns, Queensland has many fun things to do. You can visit the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and Port Douglas. You can also take a ride on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in Kuranda.
• Cairns is home to the oldest rainforest on earth. It’s full of pretty sights and cool wildlife.
• Blackbird Espresso is the best spot for coffee in Cairns. This cafe uses an organic house blend that everyone loves.
• Hotels or camping are great options for staying in Cairns. There are places that fit any budget you have.
• The winter months from June to August are the best time to visit Cairns. These months have cool weather and less rain than other times of year.
• Taking day trips from Cairns lets you see more of Australia’s beauty like waterfalls, islands, or food trails at Atherton Tablelands!

Top Things to Do in Cairns

Start by exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Then lose yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Daintree Rainforest. Make time to visit Port Douglas, a quaint coastal town. Experience an aerial view of the lush rainforest with a ride on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in Kuranda.

Lastly, don’t miss out on meeting Australia’s cuddliest creatures at Kuranda Koala Gardens.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef

You will love the Great Barrier Reef! It is a special place near Cairns. The reef is big and full of life. Colorful corals live there. Many kinds of fish call it home too. You can see all this when you dive or snorkel in the water.

The Great Barrier Reef is something that you must see! It truly is one of earth’s great sights to behold.

Visit the Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest is a top show in Cairns, Queensland. It’s the oldest rainforest on Earth! Here you can have an epic trip with Billy Tea Safaris. You will find cool wildlife there.

The place is known for its pretty sights. You can swim at stunning waterfalls in the Wet Tropics Rainforest too! Visiting the Daintree Rainforest is a must-do when you’re in Cairns, Australia.

Take a trip to Port Douglas

Port Douglas is a must-visit spot north of Cairns. This tropical town leads you to the Great Barrier Reef. You can enjoy shorter trips to explore the reef from here. It’s not just about water fun in Port Douglas.

Try hunting with Traditional Owners or go see wildlife parks for more adventure! This place is full of activities and beautiful sights you won’t want to miss on your visit to Queensland, Australia.

Ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in Kuranda

Take a trip on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in Kuranda. This ride flies you over the Wet Tropics Rainforest, a World Heritage site. From 15 minutes north of Cairns to 50 south of Port Douglas, it shows off Australia’s best views.

You’ll see pretty landscapes from high above during this 7.5-kilometer ride. A one-way trip lasts around 90 minutes and comes with tours at Red Peak Station led by rangers. See secrets of the rainforest like no other place can show you!

Visit the Kuranda Koala Gardens

Step into the Kuranda Koala Gardens for a close look at cute animals. You will see koalas, quokkas, and little wallabies. Wombats and lizards live there too! Don’t miss the freshwater crocodiles.

The gardens are a short walk from Kuranda village or a 40-minute drive from Cairns city Queensland. Over 500 birds call this place home, like rainbow lorikeets and macaws. It’s a great spot to learn about Australian wildlife up close in Australia Cairns.

Best Restaurants, Bars, and Coffee Shops in Cairns

Treat your taste buds at Marina Point with its waterfront dining, sip refreshing cocktails at the Salt House blessed with stunning views, and experience the local culture through a cup of coffee at Blackbird Espresso.

Enjoy waterfront dining at Marina Point

Marina Point is the spot for food lovers in Cairns. Right by the water, you can eat and watch boats pass. It has great bars like Buko and Salt House Restaurant & Bar. Here you can also find Calypso Club and The Beach Shack.

For a touch of style, visit Barbados Port Douglas at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina. There are cheap eats and fine dining places here too. Try out local favorites like Ochre, Prawn Star or Moku Bar & Grill among others!

Sip cocktails with stunning views at Salt House

Salt House in Cairns is a must-see spot. It sits on the water near Marina Point, showing off pretty views. This place opens until 2:00 am for night-time fun. People love Salt House for its drinks and food.

They have cocktails, beer, gin, and wine to pick from with your meal. Try dishes like seafood from their modern Australian menu. The bar shines bright with lanterns adding magic to the view of Cairns city in Queensland Australia.

Try local coffee at Blackbird Espresso

Blackbird Espresso is the best spot for a coffee break in Cairns. This cafe has strong, tasty espresso. The staff at Blackbird uses an organic house blend that’s full and rich in flavor.

There are always new types of espresso and brewed coffee to try. They change these often! Plus, they have fresh baked goods from local bakers. Many folks think this cafe is one of Australia’s top 100 cafes! So, if you love good coffee and tasty treats, make sure to stop by Blackbird Espresso when visiting Cairns in Queensland, Australia.

Accommodations in Cairns

From luxury resorts and hotels in prime locations to budget-friendly options, there are diverse accommodation choices in Cairns; for those who love nature, various campgrounds offer a unique experience.

Resorts and hotels in prime locations

Cairns, Queensland is home to many top-notch resorts and hotels. These are in key areas close to key sights. Here is a list of some options:

1. “The Reef House” is steps away from the great Barrier Reef.
2. “Pacific Hotel Cairns” is right in the heart of Cairns city.
3. A short drive from the Daintree Rainforest gets you to “Silky Oaks Lodge.”
4. “Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort” lies near Port Douglas.
5. For a stunning view of ocean and clouds, pick “Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort.”
6. If you love nature, check out “Thala Beach Nature Reserve.”

Budget-friendly options

Cairns is full of places to stay that won’t break the bank. You can find a spot for any budget.

1. Fitzroy Island Resort: A top choice, this place is a four-star paradise. It’s easy to get to and won’t hurt your wallet.
2. Hostels: Cairns has many hostels for those wanting to save money while they explore Australia.
3. Camping: If you love nature, try one of the campgrounds in Cairns.
4. Budget Hotels: These are all over Cairns, near markets, cafes and travel help centers.
5. Bed and Breakfasts: You can stay with locals for an authentic taste of life in Cairns.

Campgrounds for nature lovers

Nature lovers visiting Cairns have many great places to camp. Here is a list of relaxing spots.

1. Goshen Station: This popular place is about 5.5 hours from Cairns. It’s perfect for camping.
2. Ellis Beach: You can find this spot near the Coral Sea coast, just north of Cairns.
3. Palm Cove Caravan Park: This park has clean baths and a kitchen area.
4. Fitzroy Island: You can reach this island by boat from Cairns.
5. Atherton Tablelands: This place is west of Cairns and has several campsites in the cool rainforest.
6. Bramston Beach Campground: This beachside place is south of Cairns and kid-friendly too.

Travel Tips for Exploring Cairns

Get the most out of your Cairns getaway with essential travel tips, including the best times to visit, efficient local transport systems, a selection of must-see beaches and immersive indigenous cultural experiences.

No Cairns trip would be complete without discovering the plethora of day trips you can embark on from this tropical city! Read more to gear up for an unforgettable adventure in Australia’s stunning Queensland.

Best time to visit

Cairns is stunning all year, but some moments stand out. Winter months from June to August make the best time for a trip. The weather is cool and quite nice during these times. You will love it if you do not like very hot places.

If you don’t mind the heat, then March to September could work too. This time of year has less rainfall. It’s perfect for outdoor plans like going to the beach or seening nature sights like the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.

How to get around

There are many ways to move around Cairns. You can drive a car or take a bus, taxi, or train. If you want to try something different, get a motorhome or join a tour. Don’t know where to go? The Tourist Information Centre has maps and brochures.

They will help you find the best spots in this fun city!

Must-visit beaches

Cairns is a dream spot for beach lovers. Here are some of the best beaches to check out.

1. Palm Cove: This beach is famous in Cairns. You can soak up the sun on its fine sand.
2. Tropical North Queensland region: Many great beaches await you here. Every turn brings a new beach.
3. Mission Beach: It’s another beach you must see in Cairns. The long shoreline offers hours of fun.
4. Cape Tribulation: This is a top-notch spot for nature lovers. Not only does it have a beautiful beach, but also amazing rainforests.
5. Stunning coastlines spread all over Cairns makes this city great for beach fans like you!

Indigenous culture experiences

You can learn a lot about the locals in Cairns. This town shares both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. These are some of the oldest ways of life on our planet! You will learn how they connect with their land.

At the Great Barrier Reef, you can take part in a guided tour. An Aboriginal guide will lead it. They can show you rock art and other cool things old tribes did long ago. You also get to taste bush food! It may seem odd at first, but many people end up loving it!

In Daintree Rainforest, you will see nature through new eyes. Learn how plants were used as medicines for thousands of years. The stars have stories too! Your guide will tell them as you gaze at the night sky.

This is more than just sight-seeing but living history alive one day at a time in Australia’s tropical heartland known as Cairns.

Day trips from Cairns

Cairns is your gateway to amazing day trips. It lets you see rainforests, waterfalls, and islands up close. Here is a list of must-visit spots:

1. Take a boat ride to the Great Barrier Reef. It offers great views and chances for diving.
2. Trek through the Daintree Rainforest. You can see rare plants and animals here.
3. Set sail to tropical islands like Fitzroy Island or Green Island.
4. Visit Port Douglas for its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches.
5. Enjoy local food and drinks on the Atherton Tablelands’ food trail.

Conclusion

Cairns is a dream spot for any traveler. It’s full of life, color and exciting things to see and do. From the bright blue sea to the green rainforest, Cairns will take your breath away.

Come make memories in this Australian paradise!

FAQs

1. Where is Cairns located in Australia?

Cairns is a city in the state of Queensland, Australia.

2. What is Cairns, and what does it offer to visitors?

Cairns is a beautiful tropical paradise town known for its rich culture, fun activities, and scenic beauty.

3. Can you tell more about Cairns as a place?

Cairns, QLD Australia is famous for its vibrant sea life and bustling local markets making it an amazing place to visit.

4. How big is the population of Cairns?

The population of Cairns, QLD varies but it’s home to many people who add charm to this wonderful city.