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Originally established a mining service town in the late nineteenth century, it wasn’t until after the second world war that Cairns developed into a major centre for tourism. Today Cairns represents the perfect mix of a tropical experience with a cosmopolitan vibe and provides the perfect gateway to explore the internationally-renowned Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest and the inland tablelands.
Cairns enjoys a year round warm tropical climate. The wet season sweeps through the city from November to May, while the dry season runs from June to October. February registers the highest month for humidity at 73.5 per cent, with September averaging the lowest month for humidity at 60.5 per cent. Day time temperatures in Cairns hover around 31 degrees in summer and around 26 degrees in winter. Under the canopy of the Daintree Rainforest, day time temperatures are cooler.
Adrenaline-seekers will enjoy the plethora of options available to get the blood pumping. Hang-glide from the Rex Point Lookout, skydive over the reef or experience the exhilaration of white water rafting down the Tully River. Alternatively, there are a wide range of holiday experiences to enjoy, such as scenic hot air ballooning with champagne in hand to toast the spectacular scenery.
Air
The following airlines fly from major Australian capitals to Cairns.
Flying from Sydney to Cairns direct takes about three hours, Melbourne to Cairns takes around three and a half hours and Perth to Cairns takes six hours.
All Inclusive Resorts
Cairns and the exclusive resort town of Port Douglas boast luxury hotels and all inclusive resorts to make your visit to the region comfortable. This is a very special destination resort. View Resort options
Honeymoons
A honeymoon in our own tropical heaven is definitely a romantic way to start life together with incredible shared experiences beckoning with open arms. Many resorts cater to honeymooners and will make you feel right at home. View Honeymoon options
To find out more about the range of holiday accommodation available with Travel Associates call 1800 017 849 or enquire online.
Sights to See
Come face to face with a loggerhead sea turtle, sidle up to a sting ray or just admire the brightly coloured tropical fish on the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system on the planet stretching more than 2,600 kilometres. More than 1,500 fish call the reef home and 2,195 plant species enjoy the scenic surrounds. Tours out to the reef depart from Cairns and Port Douglas and can be arranged through your travel consultant.
A popular day trip, only two hour’s drive north of Cairns, is an excursion to the Daintree Rainforest. Stop off at the Mossman Gorge to take a dip in the swimming hole, before selecting which boardwalks in the rainforest you’ll use to explore the incredible ecosystem that is the Daintree. Take a croc spotting cruise on the Daintree River and have lunch at the picturesque Cape Tribulation, the last town in North Queensland with paved roads.
From Cairns, take the scenic railway to Kuranda, a laid-back arts village situated in the adjacent mountains. As such the climate is cooler than the low lying areas. Make it a round trip with the spectacular gondola cableway for a bird’s eye view of the terrain.
Don’t Leave Without…
Insect repellent, a hat and sunscreen are essential and you should carry these in your day bag. Aloe Vera gel is good to soothe damaged skin. Solid hiking boots are advised if hiking through the rainforests.
Things to be careful of…
Cassowaries
While they may appear majestic, cassowaries can be dangerous and have been known to attack. So if you come across one in the Daintree make sure you keep your distance.
Jelly fish
Avoid beaches during the stinger season, October to May, when box jellyfish and other marine stingers are abundant. In extreme circumstances a sting can result in death. Some beaches have stinger nets and afford a high degree of protection. If snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef during this time, wear the full body stinger suit offered by most tour companies.
Sun
Apply plenty of sunscreen especially on the back of the legs and neck, if snorkelling.
Beaches
Never swim at unpatrolled beaches.
