Set in Queensland, in the northeast corner of Australia, the city of Cairns is often thought of as a gateway to the famed Great Barrier Reef. As such, visitors can expect to see all the amenities they could need – from a fantastic range of restaurants, plenty of souvenir shops, and helpful and easy public transport. It’s possible to take a boat from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef, the journey being around an hour and a half. Early on Cairns was a common port for miners who were on their way to the Hodgkinson River goldfields, and then it became a busy port for exporting sugar-cane, gold, minerals, and agricultural produce. While older residents might claim that the city has lost its historic soul, there’s no denying that the place still has plenty of vivacity and spirit. Visitors to Cairns will need to venture out of the city to find a beach; the closest is Machans beach, which is just a short 15-20 minute journey north. There are plenty of things to do in the city itself however, for those wanting to stay close to port. The Flecker Botanic Gardens are a fabulous option for a relaxed afternoon, or Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is fantastic for learning a little about Australian history and traditions. Eateries in Cairns offer some incredibly delicious fish. Expect seared octopus, battered prawns, calamari, and the meaty and flavoursome barramundi fish.
Set in Queensland, in the northeast corner of Australia, the city of Cairns is often thought of as a gateway to the famed Great Barrier Reef. As such, visitors can expect to see all the amenities they could need – from a fantastic range of restaurants, plenty of souvenir shops, and helpful and easy public transport. It’s possible to take a boat from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef, the journey being around an hour and a half. Early on Cairns was a common port for miners who were on their way to the Hodgkinson River goldfields, and then it became a busy port for exporting sugar-cane, gold, minerals, and agricultural produce. While older residents might claim that the city has lost its historic soul, there’s no denying that the place still has plenty of vivacity and spirit. Visitors to Cairns will need to venture out of the city to find a beach; the closest is Machans beach, which is just a short 15-20 minute journey north. There are plenty of things to do in the city itself however, for those wanting to stay close to port. The Flecker Botanic Gardens are a fabulous option for a relaxed afternoon, or Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is fantastic for learning a little about Australian history and traditions. Eateries in Cairns offer some incredibly delicious fish. Expect seared octopus, battered prawns, calamari, and the meaty and flavoursome barramundi fish.
