Cairns: Introduction

Cairns is today a thriving tourist destination, frequented by many different nationalities from all over the globe who mainly come to visit the splendour of the Great Barrier Reef. The city boasts excellent facilities for travellers, with a large range of accommodation to suit every budget; hotels, resorts and motels to bustling backpacker hostels. Away from the ocean, there is no shortage of things to do, visitors can indulge in a variety of activities within the picturesque city itself, whether it is exploring the local architecture, relaxing on some of Australia’s cleanest beaches, shopping at one of the many shopping centres, or joining a tour to the nearby Daintree Rainforest, Atherton Tableland and Paronella Park.

Transportation links are good in Cairns making it simple for travellers to venture further north towards Darwin or further down the Queensland coast towards Brisbane. Thanks to its international airport, visitors can either fly if on a tight schedule, catch an overnight coach, or hire a car to take in the breathtaking coastal scenery of the Western Australian coast. Cairns is always a highlight on any travel itinerary, and offers a good alternative to those who do not wish to travel the 70 kilometres (43 miles) to Port Douglas for a trip out to the Great Barrier Reef.