Cairns guide

Cairns is a regional city and Local Government Area located in Queensland, Australia. Originally settled in 1876, and named after William Wellington Cairns (the then Governor of Queensland) to serve miners heading for the Hodgkinson River goldfield, the settlement declined when an easier route was discovered from Port Douglas. However, Cairns' future was secured as it developed into a railhead and major port for the exportation of sugar cane, gold, precious metals and agricultural industries from the surrounding coastal and Tableland regions. The city is rapidly expanding, with a population of 122 731 (as of 2006) and is reliant on the sugar and tourism industries. and It is a popular travel destination for foreign tourists because of its tropical climate and proximity to many attractions. The Great Barrier Reef can be reached in less than an hour by boat. The Daintree National ParkCape Tribulation, about 130 kilometres (80 miles) north of Cairns, are popular areas for experiencing a tropical rainforest.

It is also a starting point for people wanting to explore Cooktown, Cape York Peninsula, and the Atherton Tableland. The city has used its natural surroundings to its advantage with the construction of several small theme parks for tourists. Among them are Rainforestation nature park, the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and the Kuranda Skyrail Gondola Cableway, which extends for 7.5 km (4.7 mi) over World Heritage rainforest. A major attraction in Cairns is the lagoon. Cairns Mayor Kevin Byrne declared in May, 2003 that topless sunbaking is permitted here as this area is a gathering point for people from around the world who may wish to do so.  An oceanway allows pedestrians and cyclists to move along the foreshore from the Lagoon in a sustainable manner. View the Cairns Webcam


Latest Tweets featuring Cairns

  • CairnsNews

    Two times Ironman world champ @maccanow headlines a world class field at inaugural 2012 Cairns Airport Cairns Ironman this Sunday #IMCairns

    Today, 07:10

  • MeaganHahn4

    Leonard Bernstein - Trouble in Tahiti / Tom Cairns, Stephanie Novacek, Karl Daymond: Tom Cairns' cinematic film ... http://t.co/e1pmurAX

    Today, 07:10

  • AINSLEYpoop

    My dad and big brother went to Cairns today and I'm really jealous because I miss my family and a wah. 😢

    Today, 07:05

  • Cairns_LOVE

    THE WHOのJohn Entwistleのベースかっこいいなぁ。ビリー・シーンが影響受けてそう。

    Today, 07:04

  • JohnWCairns

    Note the new name of my blog is now THE JOHN CAIRNS BLOG -- new WordPress location, all new things

    Today, 07:02

  • Lisamarie_LM

    Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef off cairns was just amazing! #prettyfish #colourfulcoral #seennemo

    Today, 07:01

  • ceetothejay01

    @ninjaballerina7 lol i told him to stay down cairns lol i be rite just gotta rest

    Today, 07:01

  • LaurenUpland

    @humblestone_ cairns was awesome!! I wish I was there now haha

    Today, 07:00

  • Simply_Hotels

    Cairns Youth Hostels http://t.co/wUvMGChn

    Today, 07:00

  • dugongman

    Jen turtle lady of cairns and my mate on Bondi Vet - S4 Ep. 15 (2/4)! http://t.co/7lneCk34

    Today, 06:56

  • mister_cairns

    My arm modeling career has begun: m_i_s_o_'s photo http://t.co/USp8ty6t

    Today, 06:55

  • clairecezon

    Il part de Manly... dans un mois nous nous retrouverons sur Cairns Babe <3 #rencontremerveilleuse #Australia

    Today, 06:55

  • katrinagermein

    At the #SCBWI Hang out in Cairns on Sunday http://t.co/fc4PcfS6

    Today, 06:53

  • mister_cairns

    4 coffees. I can see through time.

    Today, 06:52

  • samwedderspoon1

    @NiallOfficial @ollyofficial Tomorrow night can you make a shoutout to my friend bayleigh Cairns. Tell her its from me <3 love you niall

    Today, 06:47

Featured Businesses and Services in Cairns

Other Businesses and Services in Cairns

  • Rustys Market
  • Murraya
  • Divers Den
  • Shangri La Hotel
  • Reef Gallery
  • Billabong Bed & Breakfast
  • Serpent Resort
  • Pacific International Hotel

Do you have, or know of, a company or business that operates in Cairns?

Click here to register and add the company!