Cairns The Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef

About

Cairns is the international and domestic arrival point of Far North Queensland, which is also known as Tropical North Queensland.

It's the jump off point for all the Great Barrier Reef tours and attractions and the departure point for four wheel drive tours to the Atherton Tablelands, Daintree Rainforest, Cooktown and Cape York.

Cairns is the international and domestic arrival point of Far North Queensland, which is also known as Tropical North Queensland.

Cairns is a multi-cultural city and that shines through in the shops and restaurants in the city. Milions of visitors from around the world come to this little metropolis annually to see the wonders of nature that are World Heritage listed icons.

The first and foremost icon is the Great Barrier Reef and the second one is the Daintree Rainforest, both of which support the bio-diversity of each other.

Cairns is home to some rare and pre-historic animals with many not found anywhere else on the planet.

Some of these animals are crocodiles, Southern Cassowary, Bennett's and Lumholtz Tree Kangaroos, 6 species of sea turtles. snubfin dolphins, humpback dolphins, dugong, red goshhawk, Musky rat-kangaroo, Buff breated pardise kingfisher, Ulysses butterfly to name a few.

The Atherton Tablelands behind Cairns is known as the "Food Bowl' of the north with a lot of the produce being grown here immediately being export overseas as soon as it is picked.

The huge hauls of seafood from the Cairns region are also exported around the world and the reputation of the high quality of this produce ensures a high demand and a high price.

Cairns is well known as a superyacht port for Far North Queensland and many owners send their superyachts here for major works and re-fits. Superyachts from around the world always have Cairns on their GPS as a stop off point on their annual voyages.

Guests can charter a superyacht from both Cairns and Port Douglas for multi-overnight voyages on the Great Barrier Reef.

Cairns is a safe city and very much a loved destination for families.

Cairns is the international and domestic arrival point of Far North Queensland, which is also known as Tropical North Queensland.

The first and foremost icon is the Great Barrier Reef and the second one is the Daintree Rainforest, both of which support the bio-diversity of each other.

Cairns is home to some rare and pre-historic animals with many not found anywhere else on the planet.

The Atherton Tablelands behind Cairns is known as the "Food Bowl' of the north with a lot of the produce being grown here immediately being export overseas as soon as it is picked.

The huge hauls of seafood from the Cairns region are also exported around the world and the reputation of the high quality of this produce ensures a high demand and a high price.

Guests can charter a superyacht from both Cairns and Port Douglas for multi-overnight voyages on the Great Barrier Reef.

Cairns is a safe city and very much a loved destination for families.

Get to Know

Tours, Activities & Attractions

Cairns - The view from the Kuranda Range Lookout

Cairns Tropical North Queensland Region Guide

Suburbs

Cairns

Cairns is the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. This is the region for some of the best diving, snorkelling in the world. Cairns is a playground for superyachts and cruise ships. Our city combines relaxed tropical lifestyle with loads of adventure. See all Cairns tours and attractions here.

Explore Now

Palm Cove

Palm Cove Accommodation, 5 star resorts, hotels, holiday homes and apartments are in high demand year round with tourists from the world over. Relax on your next holiday in Palm Cove Australia.

Explore Now

Port Douglas

Port Douglas, a luxury tropical holiday destination that is highly favoured by well-heeled world travellers and families alike. The seaside village offers world standard accommodation, multi-award winning restaurants and an abundance of amazing things to see and do in the surrounding rainforests, mountains and of course the famous Great Barrier Reef.

Explore Now

Atherton Tablelands

The Atherton Tablelands are a combination of lush tropical rainforests, volcanic craters, sweeping Savannah lands and vast outback desert. A great place for a day tour to visit old volcanoes, see rare wildlife.

Explore Now

Daintree Rainforest

Daintree Rainforest Tours to the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest, one of the most diverse and beautiful examples of Mother Nature in the world.

Explore Now

Kuranda

Kuranda Village a place to enjoy the markets, wildlife parks and the rainforest. Book a Kuranda tour on the Skyrail and Kuranda Train Scenic Railway to make the journey even more exciting.

Explore Now

Mission Beach

Whether you are looking for absolute thrills and spills like white water rafting or a relaxing time exploring the reef or hiking on an island, Mission Beach has something for everyone.

Explore Now

Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation is one of Sir David Attenborough's most favourite locations on the planet. Sir David say's the unique bio diversity here is not seen anywhere else in the world. This is the oldest living rainforest on the planet.

Explore Now

Mossman Gorge

Set against a backdrop of lush greenery, gigantic granite boulders and a stream feeding the popular swimming hole, Mossman Gorge is the southernmost part of the Daintree Rainforest. Explore the area via one of the easily-accessible walking tracks or experience local Indigenous culture on a guided rainforest tour.

Explore Now

Fitzroy Island

Located just 45 minutes southeast of Cairns on Australia's Great Barrier Reef is Fitzroy Island. A large tropical continental island surrounded by its own fringing coral reef. Visitors can spend the day exploring the coral reefs and the mountainous terrain on the Island. Whether it’s lazing on one of the many coral beaches, hiking Fitzroy Island is the perfect day adventure for all ages.

Explore Now

Green Island

Green Island is just a 45 minute boat ride from Cairns and is a great introduction to the Great Barrier Reef. See all the things to do and things to see on Green Island. Snorkel tours, dive tours, helicopter scenic flights and Seawalker.

Explore Now