Where is Cairns?
The City of Cairns is located about 1,700 kilometres from Brisbane (the capitol city of the state of Queensland) in Queensland, Australia.
Why visit & stay in Cairns?
Cairns is one of Australia’s most popular travel destinations because of its tropical climate and its close proximity to fantastic array of many attractions including the World Heritage listed National Parks of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree National Park including Cape Tribulation. Cairns is also a starting point to Cooktown and Cape York, Port Douglas, the Atherton Tablelands and Cassowary Close including Mission Beach. In choosing to staying in Cairns visitors can access all of these areas. Cairns has a large number of hotels, motel, hostels, resorts and caravan parks and you can usually find and access excellent rates for accommodation all year round!
How far is the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns?
Cairns is the primary departure point for most of the Great Barrier Reef Tours visiting the Great Barrier Reef. The village of Port Douglas also offers a good number of reef tour operators. One can visit the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns or Port Douglas in the course of a day or by participation in one of the many overnight tours (known as liveaboard tours). Travelling time to differing reef locations can vary but you can expect 60 minutes to 90 minutes travelling time (one way) on a day tour.
What is the best time of year to visit Cairns?
The weather is Cairns is generally good all year round as Cairns is located in the tropics. Cairns officially has two distinct seasons: the ‘Wet Season’ and the ‘Dry Season’, though don’t let that put you off! The Wet Season can offer excellent conditions for snorkelling as there are often high levels of humidity and very little wind out on the water, translating as excellent in water visibility for snorkelling and diving activities. Though do expect to feel ‘hot and sweaty’ on the coast (both day and night). December signifies the onset of our Wet Season but quite often the rain begins in earnest in January or February and can last as late as March. The Dry Season signifies the arrival of our cooler months and whilst the humidity drops on the coastal areas and the weather seems pleasantly cooler, it can often be windier out on the water. The Dry Season may begin to arrive in April / May and generally lasts through to September. We tend to the months of October and November as ‘in between months’ neither part of the Wet or the Dry. These months are usually as good as any months of the entire year, as they are usually not ‘too wet’ not ‘too windy’ and not ‘too hot’. The months of October and November are considered Peak Dive Season as they usually offer some of the best conditions for snorkelling and diving.

As always in our ever changing world the climate is proving to be extremely variable and impossible to predict. At times when it is supposed to be the Wet the weather may offer very little by way of rainfall and conditions can be very dry, conversely, when it’s supposed to be Dry, we can receive rain! No matter whether wet or dry, Cairns is always warm and never cold (that is as long as you are not a local).
When is the Cyclone Season?
The monsoon trough is close to Cairns from December to March bringing with it warm to hot, humid conditions and the possibility of thunderstorms and tropical cyclones. Thunderstorms regularly develop over the ranges inland from Cairns, but seldom move off the ranges across the City. Cyclones may develop and move on or they may come close and cross the coast near Cairns. Cyclones are also impossible to predict but they don’t just form overnight and hit the very next day (and neither do they form every day of the week in cyclone season). There is usually plenty of warning issued by way of a 'Cyclone Watch' and 'Cyclone Warnings & Advice' as cyclones are closely monitored by the Bureau of Meteorology with information given out on television and radio at regular intervals. One should not be blasÃ© about cyclones but neither should one spend every minute of the day wondering if a cyclone will form whilst holidaying in Cairns in months where cyclones may occur.

Travel Requirements & Information

Do I need a Visa to enter Australia?
All travellers other than Australian and New Zealand citizens need to present the following documents to officers in immigration clearance:
- a valid passport or other acceptable travel document
- a valid visa or authority to enter Australia (including electronic visas)
- a completed and signed Incoming Passenger Card, including health and character declaration.
See: Passenger cards

Anyone who arrives without a valid travel document, visa or authority to enter Australia, may be refused entry to Australia or delayed until their identity and claims to enter Australia have been confirmed. Please visit the Department of Immigration’s website’s section for Tourists including Visas for up to date information and further details on tourist visas, working holidays, business visits, students, immigration, Electronic Travel Authority (ETAs), visas and other useful contacts.
Is there an Airport Departure Tax on departure from Cairns?
A Departure Tax is $A38.00 per person and is pre-paid (included in the price) of your international airline ticket. Exemptions apply to children under 12 years of age and for 24 hour transit passengers.
What is the General Sales Tax (GST)?
Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10 per cent. Prices in Australia are shown as inclusive of GST. International and domestic flights purchased overseas, by non-residents, are GST free. GST is payable on tourism services such as accommodation, day tours, guides, ground transport (including coach, rail and cruise), translators and meals. The tax applies to pre-booked and pre-paid goods and services in Australia, which are purchased before arrival in Australia, for example tours or accommodation. The prices quoted for your tours and activities will already include the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
What is the Tourist Refund Scheme?
Departing travellers may be able to claim a refund for GST and WET (Wine Equalisation Tax) paid on goods purchased in Australia. The refund is applicable to goods, totalling $A300 (GST inclusive) or more that are being taken out of Australia. The goods must have been purchased no earlier than 30 days before leaving Australia. You can purchase several lower-priced items from one store, either at the same time or on several occasions within the 30 day period. These goods will be covered by the one tax invoice. Or you can buy goods from several stores, provided that each store's tax invoice totals at least AU$A300.00 (GST inclusive). Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) facilities are located at international airports and cruise liner terminals. To claim all travellers must show their passport, international boarding pass, retailer's tax invoice and the goods. Other conditions may apply.

Cairns General Information on Transport & Services

Does Cairns have public transport services?
A Cairns offers a local bus network which services Cairns, Cairns Northern Beaches and Gordonvale which is operated by Marlin Coast Sunbus. The transit mall is located in the CBD, as the main departure point from which all services operate. Services include most parts of the city, from Palm Cove in the north through to o Gordonvale in the south. Bus services operated by Trans North (formerly Whitecar Coaches) run to Kuranda and to the Atherton Tableland. Privately owned local coach lines such as Coral Reef Coaches and Sunpalm Transport operate between Cairns, Port Douglas and Mossman on a daily basis offing multiple service times. Cairns has one major taxi company Black & White Taxis which services the region.

Cairns is the terminus for Queensland North Coast Railway which follows the eastern seaboard from Brisbane. Services are operated by Queensland Rail (QR).

The Kuranda Scenic Railway operates from Cairns on a daily basis. The tourist railway ascends the Macalister Range and is not used for commuter services. Kuranda Scenic Rail departs from Cairns Central Railway Station on Bunda Street in Cairns and passes through the suburbs of Stratford, Freshwater (stopping at Freshwater Station) and Redlynch before reaching Kuranda.

The Kuranda Scenic Rail is exceedingly popular with our visitors and is best booked in conjunction with the Skyrail Cableway as part of a package including return transfers from accommodation.

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Cairns Business Information including Arts, Entertainment & Business Hours

What are General Business Hours?
A Banks are open Monday through to Friday Thursday from 9:00/9.30am through to 4.00 / 4.30 pm & 9.00am / 9.30 to 5.00pm on Fridays (dependant on individual banks). General business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30am through to 5:30pm. Shopping hours are usually 8:30am to 5:30pm weekdays and 9.00am to 4.00 or 5pm on Saturday. Many shops and small businesses are closed on Sunday. Major department stores, Supermarkets and shops in tourist precincts are open 7 days a week. Woolworths & Coles are generally open from 8.00am through to 9.00pm Monday through to Friday – 8.00am to 5.30pm on Saturdays & 9.00am through to 6.00pm on Sundays with limited trading on public holidays
Does Cairns have Shopping Centres?
Yes, Cairns has a good number of shopping centres including Cairns Central Shopping Centre in Cairns CBD, Stockland Cairns in Earlville and the newly built Direct Factory Outlet, DFO Cairns in Westcourt. There is also a Woolworths on 103 Abbott Lake Street in the heart of Cairns City, this store is larger than a normal Woolworths and retails items such as clothing, towels, reef shoes and souvenirs as well as grocery items, perfect for last minute essential purchases for items that one thought they’d never need or indeed, forgot to pack! Cairns also has a number of smaller shops along Grafton, Lake and Abbott Street in Cairns CBD.
Does Cairns have Movie Theatres & Cinemas?
Cairns has Great Union Birch Carroll & Coyle Cinemas in the following locations: Cairns Central Shopping Centre (Cairns Central), Stockland Cairns (Cairns Earliville) and on Grafton Street in Cairns (Cairns City) see the following link for movies and session times, Event Cinemas
Does the City of Cairns have a local Festival?
The opening of a new Green Island jetty on 26 May, 1962 was established as the first annual Cairns Tourist Festival, and renamed ‘Fun in the Sun’ the following year. Since then Tropical North Queensland's most significant annual celebration, now in its 47th year, has experienced a number of changes, including its re-launch in the early nineties as ‘Reef Festival’ and then a dynamic rebirth in 2002 as Festival Cairns. See Festival Cairns website for festival information including times, activities and highlights.
Does Cairns have a Regional Gallery?
You may experience the vibrant visual arts of Tropical North Queensland in this elegant heritage building in the heart of Cairns. Construction of the former Public Curators Building was completed in 1936, a stately two story building of brick and stone. In 1995, the building was renovated and re-opened as the Cairns Regional Gallery.

Cairns Regional Gallery hosts exhibitions of fine arts from major Australian and international collections covering historical and contemporary art including the work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

Visitors to the Gallery can also witness the creativity of local artists living and working in one of Queensland’s most dynamic regional arts communities. The Gallery exhibits the work of artists based throughout the tropical north.
Does Cairns have a Museum?
The Cairns Museum presents a history of Cairns and District in static and pictorial displays. Beginning with our Aboriginal and Islander beginnings, the Chinese influence and early timber, mining and agricultural industries, the displays touch on every period of our development from foundation to the present day. Communications, Cairns in WW2 and railway historical items are presented on the spacious verandahs, while displays reflecting our domestic artifacts, shipping, the impact of European culture and local Aboriginal history are presented in the main showrooms. A representation of an early Chinese Joss House is an important feature. A range of Society publications and monthly bulletins are available for sale at the counter and a video outlining the attractions of Cairns and District is constantly displayed for the enjoyment of visitors.

Cairns Electrical Equipment Requirements

What type of Electricity Voltage & Plug Outlets are used?
The current voltage is 240 volts AC, 50 hertz. Electricity sockets take two or three flat, not rounded, prongs. North Americans and Europeans will need to buy a converter before they leave home (don't wait until you get to Australia, because Australian stores are likely to stock only converters for Aussie appliances to fit American and European outlets). Some large hotels have 110V outlets for electric shavers (or dual voltage), and some will lend converters, but may not be available as standard in smaller, less expensive hotels, motels or backpackers..

Cairns Important Information on Wildlife

Crocodiles
Crocodiles inhabit our river systems including estuaries and coastal areas. It is entirely possible to enjoy seeing the best of our region without being eaten by a saltwater crocodile it does pay to be Croc Wise in Croc County. For relevant facts and information on Croc Habitat and staying safe please visit the Department of Environment and Resource Management website for tips and useful information
Marine Stingers
Many visitors ask us about Marine Stingers which inhabit our inshore and off shore waters at certain times of the year. All oceans of the world contain jellyfish but in our area there are two particular types of jellyfish to be ultra wary of:

Box Jellyfish: Box Jellyfish are the most venomous marine animals in the world. Box Jellyfish season can start as early as October and they may be present in coastal waters and estuaries until April and in some seasons as late as May (as Box Jellyfish sometimes appear further south and sometimes a few weeks beyond the ‘official’ close of season) before disappearing until the next wet season.. Always check with local authorities for advice before swimming in the ocean; otherwise wear fully protective clothing. Never swim on your own in isolated areas. If you are stung, your chance of survival or even getting yourself to the shore is virtually zero. The pain has been described as so excruciating that you will probably go into shock and drown, even before the full affect of the venom takes place.

Our local Cairns Surf Lifesaving Queensland lifeguards in conjunction with James Cook University conduct regular ‘drags’ along coastal beaches late in the season before deciding to declare the waters safe for swimming. Stinger nets are located at our more popular coastal beaches and whilst stinger nets are designed to minimize the risks of being stung by a box jellyfish, they are by no means a guarantee of not being stung! Stinger suits that are fully enclosed afford the best protection. Box Jellyfish are not found on the Outer Barrier Reef, so you can participate in reef activities such as swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving tours.

Irukandji: Jellyfish causing Irukandji Syndrome are predominantly present in tropical Australian waters from November to May but cases of Irukandji Syndrome have been recorded from the waters off Far North Queensland for all months of the year. These species are predominantly offshore animals and are only found on mainland beaches under specific weather patterns. With long periods of north easterly breezed (approximately 7-10 days) onshore currents are produced which push these animals towards the shoreline. They are then present in these areas until the currents change and push them offshore. For North Queensland, the appearance of these animals on mainland beaches usually occurs for 3-4 days per season, however, they may be present around reefs and offshore islands right throughout the season. Originally attributed to just one small jellyfish (Carukia barnesi), the name Irukandji is now used to encompass a group of small to medium-sized carybdeids.

Irukandji jellyfish cause an initial minor skin sting followed 5-40 minutes later by severe generalised muscular pain, headache, vomiting and sweating. The sting from some species can cause very high blood pressure or have effects on the heart which may be life threatening (especially for those with pre existing health conditions). These symptoms are sometimes referred to as Irukandji Syndrome.

Recorded stings on the Outer Barrier Reef are rare but nevertheless they have been recorded. Irukandji stings and the risk of being stung can be minimized greatly by wearing stinger suits or wetsuits whilst snorkeling and diving on and around the islands and reef and at local beaches (where signs of Irukandji activity are present).

For the most relevant and up to date information on Marine Stingers is suggested that you visit The Tropical Australian Stinger Research Unit where Fact Sheets and further information are provided.

Hundreds of thousands of people visit the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns and Port Douglas each and every year, this information is not meant to cause panic amongst potential visitors, rather it is provided to inform with the best of intentions. It is highly unlikely that you will be stung on the Outer Barrier Reef when exercising reasonable precaution. There is so much misinformation around, it’s a common misconception (furthered by the uninformed) that ‘there are no jellyfish out on the reef’ and ‘box jellyfish are the only dangerous jellyfish and they only live in coastal waters, not out on the reef’. Forgetting to mention Irukandji is not the best method by which to help ensure that all of our visitors manage to stay safe whilst visiting our Great Barrier Reef.

Cairns Visitor Information

Self Drive Information & Suggested Links
We specialise in booking organized tours and like to think that in doing them, you take the hard work out of the equation and get to sit back, relax and enjoy the sights with the benefit of having experienced guides with local knowledge. If you wish to gather information on Self Drive touring it is recommended to you visit the following websites for self drive holidays including road conditions.

The Daintree Cape Tribulation section of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area contains the oldest continously surviving rainforest on earth. Daintree Rainforest An informative site on the Daintree Rainforest and self drive routes: Daintree Coast

Cook Shire offers a good amount of information on Cooktown and Cape York Peninsular has a good information site with information on Road Status and road conditions for those travelling through the local area.

Atherton Tableland Atherton Tablelands has World Heritage Rainforests, Waterfalls, National Parks, Crater Lakes and Volcanic formations with a backdrop of rolling green hills. Abundant birds, rare and endagered mammals such as the platypus, tree kangaroo and the cassowary can be found on the Atherton Tablelands. You can visit quaint villages that dot the countryside, providing services such as accommodation, dining and shopping facilities.
Cairns & Queensland Caravan Parks
Cairns and Far North Queensland has a large number of caravan parks in the city area and outlaying areas. Please visit Caravan Parks Association of Queensland Caravanning Queensland’s website for a comprehensive listing of caravan parks in the area. The site also offers comprehensive information on equipment, travel tips and more.
North Queensland’s National Parks & Forests
The Department of Environment and Resource Management has a listing of North Queensland’s National Parks & Forests as well national parks and forests for the Cape York Peninsular which may be of benefit in detailing and outlining park features and information concerning permits (with booking links for individual parks), amenities and locations.
You may also contact: Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service - Cairns Office
5B Sheridan St, CAIRNS
PO Box 2066, CAIRNS QLD 4870
Ph (07) 4046 6600
Fax (07) 4046 6751
Email [email protected]

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