Cairns, Great Barrier Reef

About Destination
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Sports

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Best season

January - January
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Level of riding

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Wind

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Water conditions

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Riding Style

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Sports

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Best season

June - November
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Dive Sites

  • 30 to 50
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Marine

  • Sea turtles, Reef sharks, Rays, Dolphins, Migrating humpback whales, and seasonal Dwarf minke whales.
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Water Temperature Ranges

  • 21°C to 26°C
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Dive Styles

  • Wreck Diving
  • Reef Diving
  • Wall Diving
  • Drift Diving
  • Pinnacle Diving
  • Sandy-bottom
  • Night Diving
  • Deep Diving

Cairns is your gateway to the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef, one of the most extraordinary wonders on the planet. Beneath its turquoise waters lies a vibrant marine world: endless coral gardens bursting with color, sea turtles gliding gracefully, and schools of tropical fish darting through the currents. There’s simply nowhere else like it.

But Cairns isn’t just about the reef. This tropical hub pulses with energy—Indigenous art, lively night markets, and the flavors of fresh seafood straight from the ocean. Surrounded by lush rainforests and stunning coastal views, Cairns offers an adventure-packed escape that’s as unique as the reef itself.

About Cairns, Great Barrier Reef

  • An active getaway uniting exploration with stunning natural charm.
  • A lively setting where socialising, making friends, and shared experiences come to life.

  • Swim in the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
  • Take a scenic railway or cableway to Kuranda
  • Visit the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation
  • Chase waterfalls at Millaa Millaa, Josephine Falls, and Barron Falls
  • Go white-water rafting on the Tully or Barron River
  • Experience the thrill of bungee jumping or skydiving over the reef
  • Enjoy Cairns’ nightlife with bars, live music, and night markets
  • Visit Fitzroy Island for hiking, snorkeling, and beach activities
  • Experience Aboriginal culture at Tjapukai Cultural Park

  • Internet Quality: Moderate (average 50 Mbps)
  • Availability of Workspaces: Moderate

Nightlife — Quiet Evenings & Party Vibes

  • Meal at a Restaurant: AUD 15+ // USD $10+ // €9+
  • Coffee or Soft Drink: AUD 2.30-7.70 // USD $1.5-5 // €1.40-4.60
  • Diving activities (2 Hours): AUD 38+ // USD $25+ // €23+
  • Non-diving Activity (e.g., Local Tour): AUD 30+ // USD $20+ // €18+
  • Accommodation (Private Room): AUD 135+ // USD $90+ // €82+
  • Accommodation (Shared Room): AUD 60+ // USD $40+ // €36+

Currency — Australian Dollar (AUD)

Language — English

Time zone — GMT+10

From Cairns Airport (CNS):

  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available at the airport. The drive to central Cairns takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Shuttle Services: Shuttle buses operate regularly and take approximately 20 to 30 minutes to reach various locations in Cairns.

  • Car Rentals
    Ideal for trips beyond the city, with multiple rental agencies available.
  • Bicycle Rentals
    Cairns is bike-friendly, with rentals available for exploring the city and coastal areas.
  • Walking
    The CBD and Esplanade are walkable, making it easy to explore shops, restaurants, and parks.
  • Public Buses
    Translink operates an extensive bus network covering Cairns, Palm Cove, Gordonvale, and Redlynch. Main transit hubs are in the CBD.
  • Taxis & Ride-Sharing
    Cairns Taxis, Uber, and Ola are available for convenient transport around the city.

Emergency services nearby:

  • Cairns Hospital
  • Located in the city centre on The Esplanade

Emergency numbers: Emergency Services (Ambulance, Police, Fire): 000

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