Located on the northeastern coast of Far North Queensland, Australia, Cairns is a seaside city drawing visitors both by land and sea. The city, founded in the late 19th century, features two UNESCO World Heritage sites, a rain forest comprising part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns blends urban sprawl with Australia’s natural landscape, from beaches to rivers to valleys. With just 153,000 people calling the city home, Cairns invites visitors to explore its many sites and experiences.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Situated less than 3 miles northwest of Cairns, Cairns Airport services both domestic and international flights. Although the airport does not operate any direct flights to and from North America, airlines like Air New Zealand, Qantas, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia offer connections to farther destinations. Taxis and an airport shuttle bus provide easy transportation to and from city center, with buses also connecting to Palm Cove, Port Douglas, Northern Beaches and Cape Tribulation. Cars are the most popular mode of getting around the city, but there’s also a public transit network: Cairns Central Railway Station precinct and Cairns City Bus Station. Taking large catamarans along the coast, as well as cruise ships docking at port, are also common.
LODGING
Crystalbrook Riley
Sitting across from the Coral Sea, guests enjoy modern rooms and balconies with city views. An open-air eatery, Asian fusion lounge, rooftop bar and restaurant, lagoon- style pool with a man-made beach, and spa also await.
131/141 Esplanade, Cairns City, Queensland, Australia, tel 61 7 4252 7777 crystalbrookcollection.com
Pullman Cairns International
This contemporary property promises spacious and naturally lit guestrooms, an all-day restaurant, lobby bar, day spa and sauna, gym, and outdoor pool.
17 Abbott St., Cairns City, Queensland, Australia, tel 61 7 4031 1300 all.accor.com
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
This 5-star hotel offers private balconies, many with sea views. A seafront restaurant serves modern Australian food, while two bars and an outdoor pool embrace coastal living.
Pier Point Road, Cairns City, Queensland, Australia, tel 61 7 4052 7500 shangri-la.com
DINING
Tamarind Restaurant
Within this wood-paneled, modern restaurant, diners can indulge in Asian fusion dishes paired with wine. Menus change to align with the season’s harvest, with highlights like pan-seared Hokkaido scallops and cured North Queensland kingfish.
6-8 Abbott St., Cairns City, Queensland, Australia, tel 61 7 4030 8897 reefcasino.com.au
Dundee’s on the Waterfront
Seafood, steak and Australian sampler plates with kangaroo and crocodile abound at this airy waterfront restaurant.
1 Marlin Parade, Cairns City, Queensland , Australia, tel 61 7 4051 0399 dundees.com.au
Ochre Restaurant
Native game and herbs are the stars of the show at this modern Australian eatery. Fresh seafood and creative cocktails are sure to wow.
Harbour Lights Boardwalk, 1 Marlin Parade, Cairns City, Queensland, Australia, tel 61 7 4051 0100 ochrerestaurant.com.au
ATTRACTIONS
Great Barrier Reef
Tour one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Many tour operators offer snorkeling, introductory or certified scuba diving, and catamaran trips to see the Great Barrier Reef up close.
East Coast of Queensland mainland, Australia whc.unesco.org
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Spanning nearly 5 miles, this scenic tourist cableway traverses Barron Gorge National Park in the Wet Tropics of Queensland’s World Heritage Area. It links Cairns to the Atherton Tableland.
6 Skyrail Drive, Smithfield, Queensland, Australia, tel 61 7 4038 5555 skyrail.com.au
Rainforestation Nature Park
A 14.5-mile trip from Cairns, this 100-acre region sits within the World Heritage rain forest. The park offers tours and features a Pamagirri Aboriginal experience and Koala and Wildlife Park.
1030 Kennedy Highway, Kuranda, Queensland, Australia, tel 61 7 4085 5008 rainforest.com.au
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FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
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