Cairns Travel Guide

Situated in the Far North region of the beautiful Australian state of Queensland, Cairns is an incredible location for exploring the great outdoors. Cairns is a major population centre in one of the most isolated regions of Queensland, but it offers access to the Coral Sea and various rain forests. You will certainly enjoy the lush green jungles before a day of serene relaxation at a pristine beach.

Things to see and do in Cairns

Visitors who want back to nature can spend a few hours exploring Rainforest boardwalk that runs through a section of the Centenary Lakes. There are also some pretty picnic spots here where visitors can pause for a bite to eat while keeping the eye on the resident crocodiles.

The large and lush City Botanic Gardens boast an impressive collection of plants and tropical vegetation that is used by the Aboriginal people. There are several natural zones that are just waiting to be explored including the Gondwana Evolution trail and Bamboo Forest, while the onsite café is a good place to pause for a little refreshment.

Mission Beach – Cairns, Queensland

Clear blue skies and low tide on Mission Beach.

Situated in the heart of Barron Gorge National Park, Lake Placid is a great place to unwind for a while. This tranquil lake is surrounded by rainforest and there are several well marked walking trails for visitors to follow that lead through the pristine rainforest.

There are also several stunning rainforest trails to follow leading through the large and lovely Mount Whitfield Conservation Park. Visitors will be able to spot a diverse range of wildlife and soak up pretty views of the city from a series of viewpoints.

Cairns is one of the main gateways for people who want to explore the Great Barrier Reef. This is one of the largest aquatic reserves in the world and visitors have the opportunity to take a boat trip around the Great Barrier Reef and take part in activities such as scuba diving and snorkelling.

There are several stretches of golden sand situated to the north of Cairns that are known collectively as the Northern Beaches. Some of the best places to unwind while soaking up the sun include Palm Cove, Trinity Beach, Holloways Beach and Yorkeys Knob.


The wilderness areas around Cairns have been inhabited by the Aboriginal people for thousands of years. Several Aboriginal groups learned how to use the landscape to thrive and flourish in the Far North region of Queensland. When you venture into the wilderness of Queensland, you may learn about the culture and customs of the Aboriginal people. You can also learn interesting bush skills that you may use during your adventures in the great outdoors.

Cairns was founded in 1876 to serve gold miners in the Far North region. The city was named after Governor William Cairns of Queensland. The population of Cairns exceeded 20,000 people during its early days, but the city shrank dramatically after prospectors discovered more cost-effective ways to access gold deposits. After the gold rush, Cairns relied on the rail, shipping, and agriculture industries for income. These industries have remained important for Cairns, but the city now relies heavily on the tourism industry. The city’s convenient proximity to the Great Barrier Reef makes it an attractive destination for travellers from across the world.

Climate conditions

Cairns has a tropical climate that makes it a popular place during the dry season. Between the November and May, Cairns receives heavy rainfall. Monsoons and cyclones are also common during the rainy season. The average monthly temperatures in Cairns range from 17 to 31 degrees. The area receives about 2,000 millimetres of rainfall each year.