Carins - Queensland

Cairns is the heart of Australia’s tropics and the gateway to northern Australia. A modern, sophisticated city, it is an ideal base to explore the wider region with front door access to World Heritage listed Reef and Islands, Rainforest and Outback.

Over the past few years a wide range of projects have rejuvenated the city that don’t prescribe to towering high-rise developments and other get-rich-quick eyesores … but rather have enhanced the world’s reef and rainforest capital. Almost a century of architecture is reflected in the city streets - a comfortable blend of traditional Queenslander style and modern designs.

Cairns is a truly tropical city to enjoy a spot of shopping at the many boutique shops, dine al fresco at an award winning restaurant, café or bar or be inspired at a cultural or art gallery.

Being active is easy with hundreds of day and extended trips offering reef excursions, rainforest and wilderness tours, hot air ballooning, white water rafting, scenic flights, aboriginal and cultural tours, self driving opportunities, outback treks, romantic getaways and the chance to meet with friendly locals.

The destinations of Port Douglas, the Cairns Highlands, the Outback, Cape York Peninsula, The Great Green and Mission Beach, beaches, islands and the famous Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage listed rainforests are all on doorstep of Cairns.

The Cairns Esplanade is the city’s favourite spot to immerse in the tropical lifestyle. A 4,000 square metre swimming lagoon takes centre stage and provides an ambient temperature for year round swimming. Surrounding the swimming lagoon are new parklands with tropical gardens and wide vistas that link to the CBD and the Cairns Foreshore Promenade with 2 kilometres of timber board walks, public space, gardens and entertainment facilities capturing the sweeping views across Trinity Inlet.

The Reef Fleet Terminal is the common departure point for those travelling to the Great Barrier Reef and Islands on one of the many reef trip options. The city also boasts an international airport and seaport with transfer and tour facilities.

With its blend of world-class tourism facilities, natural wonders and pioneering spirit, Cairns will continue to prosper as one of the bright jewels in Australia’s tourism crown.

Highlights

	Great Barrier Reef and islands
	The hundreds of islands and reefs that make up the Great Barrier Reef are what dreams are made of…whether it’s large natural islands made for exploration, sophisticated romantic retreats or secluded coral atolls where the only footsteps will be your own. For divers there are great liveaboard trips. More info >

	World Heritage listed rainforest
	The rainforests are a haven of cool lush greenery, sweet floral aromas and trickling streams and exotic wildlife. Take a dip in the cool waters as you watch fish darting below and flashes of blue from kingfishers and Ulysses butterflies flitting around a canyon of towering greenery.

	Australia’s accessible outback
	Try your hand at fossicking, enjoy amazing fishing, view the incredible diversity of bird life or enjoy the preserved history of 'frontier towns’. Experiences all enriched by interaction with local characters as colourful as an Outback sunset.

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