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Cairns

and the majesty of the great barrier reef

Gimuy

Aboriginal name

for Cairns

Only place

in the world where

two unesco sites collide

The Great

Barrier

reef

Home to the

tallest mountain

in Queensland

Fastest

Growing

city in australia

26°C

Average high Temp

Jul-Aug

Cairns

new experiences around every corner

Located in Far North Queensland, Cairns is a tropical gateway where you can experience the unparalleled natural beauty of spectacular reefs, ancient rainforests, rich culture, and an alfresco dining scene all blending into one. Whether it’s snorkelling through coral gardens, flying over the infinite blues or sailing to tropical islands, there’s an adventure reserved for you on the world’s largest living organism visible from space: the Great Barrier Reef. Breathe in the salt air and explore via boat, snorkel and kayak or learn to dive on this world-famous natural wonder. 

Lying at the mouth of Chinaman Creek, the city is fairly linear in its layout making it easy to navigate. The bar-lined Esplanade tracks the delightful foreshore, perfect for an evening stroll, and leads you to the marina, the main departure point for day-tripping to the Great Barrier Reef 

You can also connect with nature in the rainforest hinterlands that provide a backdrop to the coast and absorb local culture through the indigenous people who have lived on the land for nigh on 60,000 years, take a guided tour, watch a traditional performance or explore new artworks at one of the many aboriginal galleries. 

TOURIST OFFICE AND USEFUL INFORMATION

Cairns Tourist Information Centre 

Shop 6, Corner of Aplin St & The Esplanade 

https://www.cairnstouristinformation.com.au/ 

Cairns

Things to do

go snorkelling
Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef; the world’s largest coral reef system is a collection of just under 3000 individual reefs and 900 islands across near 350,000 square kilometres.
Visit Kuranda
From village markets to wildlife encounters, there's so much to do here on a day visit. Make your way up the ridge via the famed steam train on the Kuranda Scenic Railway; built in 1891, it navigates 15 tunnels, 93 curves and difficult bridges across dense rainforest, waterfalls and steep ravines in just under two hours.
Experience nature from a new perspective
Ringing the city is the rolling green of the neighbouring Atherton Tablelands, which sits within a fertile plateau in the Great Dividing Range. Abundant in native flora and fauna (the World Heritage Wet Tropics waterfall circuit included), the region is best viewed by air, and Hot Air Balloon Cairns will give you the best seat in the house to watch the sunrise above the hills.
Take a dip
Cairns' year-round warm weather always invites a swim. Cool off at Cairns Lagoon, the promenade-front pool which remains a favourite for young and old locals to the region. A little further afield you'll find beautiful stretches of beach. Palm Cove will tempt you with crystal clear waters and white sands.
The great barrier reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the highlight of any visit to Cairns. Take a boat trip to Green Island or Fitzroy Island for the day to discover the colourful under-water life.
READ MORE
Daintree river
Go crocodile spotting on the Daintree River.
Mount whitfield
Take a Rainforest hike on Mount Whitfield, just 10 minutes from central Cairns.
Eat and drink local fayre
Why not try some Mud Crab or take an aboriginal food tour and sample bush tucker.

Cairns PUBLIC TRANSPORT CITY GUIDE

Read more

Cairns

Image Gallery

Cairns public transport

Hopping on and off the bus is a quick, convenient way to travel around Cairns.   

TransLink’s public bus service, Sunbus, operates throughout the city, running from the northern beaches to the southern suburbs via the Lake Street bus terminal (located between Shields and Aplin streets). https://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares-and-zones/cairns  

Trans North Bus & Coach operates a bus from Cairns Central Station to Kuranda three times a day and the journey takes 40 minutes; it is a cash only service and cannot be pre-booked: https://www.transnorthbus.com.au/bus-services/cairns-atherton 

Alternatively,  Queensland Rail Travel operates a train from Cairns Railway Station to Kuranda Railway Station twice daily and the journey takes 1h 55m. Travel centres and ticket offices are cashless therefore purchases must be paid by debit or credit card:  https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/Pages/KurandaScenicRailway.aspx 

Day Trip to Adelaide

Wednesday 30 July - Departs 9:30 AM / Returns 17:00 PM

The Barossa is in South Australia, about 70km north-east of Adelaide, the state’s capital city.   Your trip will include a visit of the city centre, The State Library of South Australia and lunch at a local wine bar and kitchen. 

The State Library is the information heart of South Australia, located in the North Terrace Cultural Precinct.  You will have the opportunity to explore all three buildings: the award-winning contemporary Catherine Helen Spence Wing with its iconic glass foyer, the Mortlock Wing with its 19th century Victorian splendour, and the 1861 heritage listed Institute Building.

Sweeping stadium views, stylish bar and lounge, premium menu and extensive wine list.  Bespoke Wine Bar & Kitchen is one of Adelaide’s most impressive dining experiences.

Extending across level three of Oval Hotel and into the iconic Adelaide Oval, Bespoke’s unique setting makes a stunning backdrop lunch.

Executive Chef Daniel Simpson’s modern Australian menu brings bold flavours to life through fresh, seasonal produce.  Two drinks are included, and you may choose from house wine, beer or a soft drink.

After lunch you will be transferred to the North Terrace, Adelaide city where you can choose to spend your time either at Rundle Mall, The Art Gallery of South Australia or South Australian Museum.

 

PLEASE NOTE:  We have been advised that the carpet is being replaced in the Mortlock Chamber (section of the library) and we are now unable to conduct tours through this section during July so we will amend the Private tour of the State Library slightly and now include access to the basement (old & rare artifacts storage) which is an area of the library usually inaccessible to the public. 

 

Private 60 minute tour of State Library of South Australia | 30 July 2025 – 11:00am

Guests will have the opportunity to explore one of South Australia’s great institutions and take a look behind the shelves. An expert librarian will take you on a walk sharing stories of how the State Library began. Your experience starts at the historic Adelaide Circulating Library to learn the history of the building. By 1861, the collection of books held there was to became the first public library in South Australia. The Adelaide Circulating Library has been used in the past as a backdrop to several movies including Shine and Gallipoli. Continue your way to the basement to see some of the interesting old & rare artifacts housed in the library. Discover how the state’s most important treasures are maintained in the state-of-the-art storage and how the preservations team cares for the collection. 

Legends that have joined us on previous experiences