Cairns Travel Guide
Travel to Cairns - Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
- Ratings:
- 3.33 out of 5 (3 votes)
-
Reviews:
-
Be the first to write a review
Cairns is the heart of Tropical North Queensland and Australia's primary gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. A vibrant, eclectic city framed by the spectacular twin backdrops of rainforest mountain ranges and the sparkling Coral Sea. A week could easily be spent in this excellent city enjoying a huge range of adventurous activities and tours, glorious sunshine and fine beaches.
Almost a century of architecture is reflected in the city streets - a comfortable blend of traditional Queensland style and contemporary designs. During World War II, Cairns was used by the Allied Forces as a staging base for operations in the Pacific, after the war Cairns slowly reinvented itself as a centre for tourism.
Attractions in Cairns
The Esplanade is the city's main attraction with a lovely oceanfront promenade and saltwater swimming lagoon. Cairns is the gateway to North Queensland and the perfect base from which to explore the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, Wet Tropics and Riversleigh Fossil Fields.
For retail therapy you’ll be in seventh heaven. Cairns boasts an excellent range of outlets and shopping centres whether you’re after designer sunglasses, hip fashion and jewellery, or souvenirs and gifts from crystals to boomerangs. Don’t miss the night markets on Cairns Esplanade for a shopping treat. Dining is a high point in Cairns and local eateries offer an eclectic choice of Australian and international cuisine. The highlight of most menus is the region's fresh seafood and unusual tropical fruits.
Activities in Cairns
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. 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.
Relaxing
After the beach, the reef, an activity or two - time to relax? For entertainment there are excellent theatres, galleries, nightclubs and a glass-domed casino with four separate gaming areas.
Getting Around
Public buses operated by ‘Sunbus’ run within the city. Other companies operate buses to nearby towns and resorts. Cairns is end of the line for the North Coast railway line from Brisbane.
Cairns Reviews
Why not be the first and add your review below?