Destinations

Cairns

Cairns is the heart of Tropical North Queensland and Australia's primary gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Cairns is a vibrant, eclectic city framed by the spectacular twin backdrops of rainforest mountain ranges and the sparkling Coral Sea.

The Cairns Esplanade is the city's main attraction with a lovely oceanfront promenade and saltwater swimming lagoon.

You'll find numerous restaurants, bars and hotels lining the Esplanade...all offering beautiful waterfront views. Thousands of visitors flock to the Esplanade to enjoy the alfresco dining and relax in the beautiful surroundings of this modern city.

Almost a century of architecture is reflected in the city streets - a comfortable blend of traditional Queensland style and contemporary designs.

Make sure to visit the Reef Casino to view its unique rainforest simulation and wander through the Cairns Regional Gallery to see exceptional art and exhibitions that focus on Indigenous works.

Cairns is an adventure-lovers paradise with numerous tours and adrenalin activities on offer. From white water rafting to bungee jumping and skydiving, you'll find the perfect activity to suit your penchant. And with hundreds of tours visiting the Great Barrier Reef each year, you're sure to find one, or a couple, to try.

Enjoy one of Australia’s most scenic drives along the Captain Cook highway north from Cairns. You will pass beautiful Ellis beach, Palm Cove, Kewarra beach and an hour later arrive at Port Douglas, a holiday town favoured by American presidents and celebrities.

This tropical town retains the flavour of a quaint seaside village, yet offers resort hotels, international golf courses, gourmet restaurants and the spectacular Four Mile Beach at Port Douglas provides easy access to both the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest.

Arrival in Cairns is simple. You can fly direct from Auckland to Cairns with Air New Zealand. Otherwise Pacific Blue/Virgin Blue or Qantas/Jetstar offer a variety of through fares from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch to Cairns flying via Brisbane or Sydney.

Once you're in Cairns, stop by the Gateway Discovery Centre on the Cairns Esplanade. The centre will help you find plan your ideal, tropical holiday.

CLICK HERE for more information about Carins.

To download maps of Cairns click below: -
Map of Cairns City
Map of Cairns Coast