Cairns holidays

How to reach Cairns

• Flight time: Flights to Cairns from London take 21 to 23 hours. There are no direct flights, so there are always one or two stopovers in hubs such as Singapore, Dubai or Hong Kong. You can also fly non-stop into Perth with Qantas (16 hours 45 minutes) and continue on a domestic flight to Cairns, which takes over 4 hours.

• Transfer time: Cairns Airport is just a 15-minute drive from the city centre. The most convenient option is to take a taxi, but there’s also a regular shuttle bus service.

• Price: A taxi from Cairns Airport to the city will set you back around AUD25–AUD30. Rideshare services are also available and cost roughly the same as a taxi. For a shuttle you’ll have to pay around AUD15 one way.

Best time to visit Cairns

Cairns is a great place to visit regardless of the season. However, some times of the year may be more ideal depending on what you expect from your Cairns holidays.

• December to February are the summer months in Cairns, with temperatures hovering around 25°C to 31°C. Rainfall is high (150 to 400mm per month), but it’s a great time for exploring the rainforest. If you’re into swimming, though, stick to areas protected by nets as it’s stinger season.

• March to May brings lovely autumn to Cairns. Temperatures go down a little to around 23°C to 29°C, and rainfall is moderate. It’s an ideal time for snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, as the water is clear and the marine life is thriving.

• June to August is Cairns’ winter, but temperatures are still pleasant – between 17°C and 26°C. Rain is rare and the weather is less humid so it’s a good time for sightseeing and reef trips.

• September to November brings warm spring days to Cairns, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. This is the perfect time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy some of the best snorkelling and diving conditions.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is the main language spoken in Cairns.

• Local habits and customs: Australians are known for their friendly nature. Don’t be surprised if strangers strike up a conversation with you. A tip of around 10 percent will be appreciated at restaurants.

• Currency: Australia uses the Australian Dollar. Major credit cards are accepted while ATMs are readily available across the city.

• Getting around: Cairns is a relatively small city so most attractions are within walking distance. If you want to use public transport, though, buses are available with fares starting at around AUD3.50. Hiring a car may be more convenient for exploring the surrounding area, with prices starting at AUD50 per day.

• Electricity and plug types: The supply voltage in Melbourne is 230V and the Australian three-pin socket plug type is used so UK nationals need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Cairns operates on Australian Eastern Standard Time, which is GMT+10, and does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authority visa to enter Australia, which can be applied for online and costs around AUD20.

Beaches in Cairns

Cairns, located in the tropical north of Queensland, is home to some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. With its combination of serene shores, crystal-clear waters, and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns offers a perfect beach destination for those seeking relaxation, adventure, and stunning natural beauty.

Palm Cove

Palm Cove is one of the most popular beaches in Cairns, offering a relaxed, laid-back vibe with palm-lined shores and warm, clear waters. This idyllic beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying a leisurely walk along the water. The beach is lined with cafes and resorts, making it an excellent spot to relax and enjoy a drink or a meal while taking in the stunning views. Palm Cove is also a great base for those looking to explore nearby attractions like the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

Trinity Beach

Trinity Beach is another beautiful beach located just a short drive from Cairns. With its long stretch of golden sand and calm waters, it’s a great spot for swimming, relaxing, or enjoying water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The beach is quieter than Palm Cove, offering a more peaceful environment, but still has a selection of beachfront restaurants and cafes. It's an ideal beach for families, couples, and those seeking a tranquil escape.

Yorkeys Knob Beach

Located to the north of Cairns, Yorkeys Knob Beach is a quieter, more secluded option for those looking to escape the crowds. The beach is perfect for those who love water sports, including windsurfing and kite surfing, thanks to the consistent breeze in the area. Yorkeys Knob offers stunning views of the Coral Sea and nearby islands, and with fewer tourists, it’s a great place to relax and unwind in a more private setting.

Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach offers another peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the more popular beaches. The beach has a relaxed atmosphere and is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Clifton Beach is quieter and less developed than other beaches in Cairns, making it ideal for visitors looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the area without the crowds. The beach is well-maintained, with calm waters, and offers a great place for a peaceful walk along the shore.

Holloways Beach

A short distance from the city centre, Holloways Beach is a quiet and local beach offering calm waters and a peaceful environment. It’s ideal for those looking to enjoy a quiet day by the sea, whether you're swimming, relaxing, or having a picnic in the shaded areas. Holloways Beach is also known for its beautiful sunsets, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing evening by the water.

Cairns is home to a variety of beaches, each offering a unique experience. Whether you’re seeking the vibrant atmosphere of Palm Cove, the peaceful seclusion of Yorkeys Knob, or the relaxed beauty of Clifton Beach, Cairns offers the perfect spot to enjoy the tropical beauty of North Queensland. With easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, tropical rainforests, and clear, warm waters, Cairns is the ultimate beach holiday destination for all types of travellers.

Local dishes in Cairns

One of the highlights of Cairns holidays is discovering the city’s foodie scene and indulging in the most iconic Queensland fare.

Some typical dishes

• Barramundi: Grilled or pan-seared, this iconic Australian fish is often served up accompanied with a fresh salad, seasonal vegetables or chips.

• Mud Crab: Well known along the Queensland coast, mud crab is usually steamed and served with garlic, chilli or ginger sauces. Simply delicious!

Meat dishes

• Kangaroo Steak: Kangaroo meat is perhaps a dish for more adventurous consumers, but it’s rather flavoursome and lean and is often served medium-rare with some pepperberry sauce.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Prawns: Queensland is famous for its fresh prawns, which are best enjoyed simply grilled and dished out with a squeeze of lemon. An excellent no-frills dish!

• Fish and Chips: A staple Aussie dish, be sure to try local fish and chips at one of Cairns’ beachside takeaways.

Street food

• Fish Tacos: Cairns’ food stalls have a lot of handheld nibbles to offer, including treats stuffed with fresh reef fish and a spicy mayo or lime dressing. A perfect snack on the go!

Sweets and desserts

• Pavlova: Admired all around the world, this famous meringue-based dessert, topped with fresh fruit and cream, is definitely one of the sweet treats to die for.

Local drinks

• Craft Beer: Cairns has a growing craft beer scene, with local breweries offering unique tropical-infused ales and lagers. To wash down a perfect meal, try a “Cairns Lager”.

• Bundaberg Rum: Produced at Bundaberg, this rum is a local favourite whether served up neat or mixed into a classic rum and coke.

Best things to do in Cairns

Whether you plan to go snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, explore the vast rainforests, or spend some fun time with your kids, holidays to Cairns are bound to satisfy each and every one.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Kuranda Scenic Railway: The Kuranda Scenic Railway offers a historic train journey through the Barron Gorge which literally takes your breath away. You’ll see jaw-dropping panoramas, cascading waterfalls, dramatic gorges and lush rainforest. What more could you ask for?

• Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: Another fantastic way to see aerial views of the rainforest is to ride the 7.5km Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which takes you from Cairns to the nearby village of Kuranda. It glides over the canopy of the Barron Gorge National Park, with several stops along the way.

The best districts

• Cairns city centre: Cairns city centre is your place, if shops, restaurants and nightlife are things you’re after. But the city centre also features the popular Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, a free public swimming area amidst tropical gardens, offering relaxation in the middle of a hot day.

• Palm Cove: Palm Cove is a quieter district, with a more laid-back vibe, just a 30-minute drive north of Cairns. So why not enjoy a meal in a tranquil atmosphere at one of the seaside restaurants, soaking up lovely views?

Parks and gardens

• Cairns Botanic Gardens: An ardent gardener will certainly appreciate the beautifully arranged tropical plants and the impressive collection of native ferns and orchids at these botanic gardens. And the rest of the world will find the gardens a serene place to escape the bustle of the city.

• Munro Martin Parklands: This park, featuring an amphitheatre, often hosts outdoor performances and community events, but is also an ideal spot for a picnic amidst tropical flowers and for watching the world go by.

• Centenary Lakes: Located next to the botanic gardens, these lakes are a paradise for birdwatchers. From the boardwalks leading through the wetlands, you can spot herons, egrets and other water birds.

Historical monuments

• St Monica’s Cathedral: St Monica’s Cathedral perhaps wouldn’t be worthy of note if not for its great stained-glass windows. The impressive fact is that the cathedral houses the world’s largest themed stained-glass windows, which depict the creation of the universe.

• Cairns Museum: Small but beautiful. This tiny museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of the city, including its indigenous heritage and its role in World War II.

• WWII Heritage Trail: Several sites around the city commemorate the role that Cairns played in World War II. The Heritage Trail will take you through former military bases and airstrips, offering an interesting look at the region’s past.

Day trips in the area

• Great Barrier Reef: Who wouldn’t fancy snorkelling or diving in the world-famous reef to see the colourful corals, teeming marine life and crystal-clear waters? Perhaps those who daren’t jump into the deep waters. Luckily, they can take a glass-bottom boat tour instead.

• Daintree Rainforest: The Daintree is the oldest tropical rainforest in the world. Impressive! So feel invited to explore its jungle trails, spot wildlife, and take a dip in one of the local freshwater swimming holes.

• Fitzroy Island: Fitzroy Island, just a 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns, is an idyllic spot where you can snorkel right off the shore or explore the island’s rainforest, depending on your preferences.

• Port Douglas: Port Douglas is a charmer of a town about an hour’s drive from Cairns. Being a fantastic base for exploring the northern parts of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, it’s also great for shopping and visiting high-end resorts.

Activities for families in Cairns

Cairns offers a myriad of activities for children of all ages that are both fun and educational.

• Cairns Esplanade Lagoon: The lagoon is perfect for families with children, offering safe, shallow waters for younger kids. With picnic and barbecue facilities nearby, you can spend the whole day by the water.

• Wildlife Habitat: If you have any small children in tow, a visit to Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas is a must. Your kids will be delighted to hand-feed kangaroos, take a photo with a koala, watch tropical birds or take part in a night-time tour of the sanctuary, getting up close and personal with nocturnal wildlife species.

• Muddy’s Playground: This large playground in Cairns features water play areas, swings, climbing frames, and plenty of space where children can safely run around.

Free things to do in Cairns

From cultural experiences to free guided tours, there are a lot of activities to enjoy during your holidays to Cairns without spending a cent.

• Cairns Art Gallery: The Cairns Art Gallery showcases contemporary and traditional art, focusing on works by local indigenous artists. A visit to one of its ever-changing exhibitions incurs no cost at all.

• Rusty’s Markets: Being Cairns’ iconic institution, Rusty’s Markets brim with locals and tourists alike every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Sample tropical fruits, try fresh local produce, browse handmade crafts and wander through the stalls, soaking in the lively atmosphere for free.

• Free guided tours: Some local companies offer complimentary walking tours of Cairns, covering major sights and offering interesting insights into the city’s history and culture.