About Cairns
Cairns is a city in the Cairns Region, Queensland, Australia, on the tropical northeast coast of Far North Queensland. In the 2021 census, Cairns had a population of 169,312.
Cheap flights to Cairns
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $1,448 from New York, travelling 24 Nov – 1 Dec. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
Airlines travellers compared most often: Qantas Airways.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to CairnsPlaces to visit in Cairns
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Great Barrier Reef
Nature · 36 mi from centreThe world's largest coral reef system, with many outer reef sites reachable on day boats from Cairns. Book a trip that visits the outer reef and wear a stinger suit during the warmer months.
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Kuranda Scenic Railway
Landmark · 6 mi from centreA historic railway climbing through rainforest, tunnels and past waterfalls to the mountain village of Kuranda. Ride the train one way and return on the Skyrail cableway for a full loop.
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Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
ViewpointA long gondola gliding just above the rainforest canopy between the Cairns suburbs and Kuranda, with stops along the way. Get off at the intermediate stations for short boardwalks and close views of Barron Falls.
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Daintree Rainforest
Nature · 56 mi from centreOne of the oldest tropical rainforests on Earth, meeting the reef along a wild stretch of coast north of Cairns. Take a river cruise to spot crocodiles and never swim in the creeks or ocean there.
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Green Island
BeachA small coral cay surrounded by reef, about 45 minutes by ferry from Cairns. It is a good choice for families or first-time snorkelers, since you can wade straight in from the beach.
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Barron Falls
Nature · 11 mi from centreA tall waterfall tumbling through a gorge near Kuranda, at its most powerful during the summer wet season. Use the lookout boardwalks near Kuranda, or view it from the scenic railway platform.
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Cairns Botanic Gardens
Park · 3 mi from centreTropical gardens in the suburb of Edge Hill showcasing palms, orchids and rainforest plants. Follow the boardwalk across the road to the Centenary Lakes and the Mount Whitfield walking trails.
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Port Douglas
Neighborhood · 37 mi from centreA relaxed resort town an hour north of Cairns, known for Four Mile Beach and its marina full of reef boats. Visit the Sunday market near the waterfront for local produce and crafts.
Things to do in Cairns by type
87 tours, tickets and experiences across 8 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 34 experiences Army Duck Experience -
Cruise & Water Tours 28 experiences Cairns Harbour and Dinner Cruise -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 24 experiences 35-minute Cairns Jet Boat Tour -
Tickets & Attraction Passes 16 experiences Birdworld Kuranda Entry Tickets -
Day Trips & Excursions 15 experiences Cape Tribulation, Daintree and Mossman Gorge with Lunch - Full-Day Tour -
Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours 12 experiences Cairns Hot Air Balloon Flight -
Tour & activities 7 experiences Cairns Hot Air Balloon Flight -
Art & culture 2 experiences Army Duck Experience
- Over 6 hours 17
- Flexible 12
- 1-3 hours 6
- Up to 1 hour 4
- 3-6 hours 2
- Youth 4
- Couples 4
- Senior 4
- Families 4
- Small group 13
Top experiences in Cairns
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 87 available.
Reef Magic Marine World Cruise
From $252 per adult
Full Day Tour - Daintree and Mossman Gorge
From $187 per adult
Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas Marina
From $238 per adult
Great Barrier Reef + Green Island 1 Day Tour Combo
From $240 per adult
Classic Kuranda Experience - Full-Day Tour
From $223 per adult
Kuranda Scenic Rail and Skyrail Tour
From $134 per adult
Grand Kuranda Experience - Full-Day Tour
From $239 per adult
Kuranda Rainforestation Nature Park
From $95 per adult
Kuranda Rail and Skyrail
From $176 per adult
Kuranda Deluxe with Skyrail Rainforest
From $176 per adult
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures - Ticket with Transfers
From $80 per adult
Kuranda Deluxe with Kuranda Scenic Railway
From $167 per adult
Where to stay in Cairns
Popular hotels in Cairns, out of 209 properties you can book.
Crystalbrook Bailey
From $138 per night
Crystalbrook Flynn
From $149 per night
Paradise Links Resort
From $117 per night
Crystalbrook Riley
From $228 per night
Oaks Port Douglas Resort
From $94 per night
Hilton Cairns Hotel
From $175 per night
Oaks Cairns Hotel
From $158 per night
Hides Hotel Cairns
From $99 per night
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
From $131 per night
Cairns Queens Court
From $65 per night
Reef Hotel Casino Cairns Handwritten Collection
From $174 per night
Pullman Cairns International
From $144 per night
Best time to visit Cairns
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Cairns is June to August, when average daytime highs are around 78°F and rain falls on about 8 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Cairns weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 81° 71° 96%
- Thu 22 Oct 83° 69° 59%
- Fri 23 Oct 82° 69° 78%
- Sat 24 Oct 83° 71° 79%
- Sun 25 Oct 83° 69° 69%
- Mon 26 Oct 86° 70° 55%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Australian dollar (AUD)1 US dollar ≈ $1.43
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +61
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- Australia/BrisbaneUTC+10
- Capital
- Canberra
Upcoming public holidays in Australia
- Christmas Day
- St. Stephen's DayBoxing Day
- New Year's Day
- Australia Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Cairns
These are the airports closest to central Cairns. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- CNS Cairns Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
Getting around Cairns
The centre of Cairns is small enough to be covered on foot, but a car is needed to see the surrounding attractions if you are not taking a tour. Expect morning and evening congestion in the city centre, as day trippers flock in and out of the town. Numerous car rental agencies are available from the airport or in the city centre. During peak season, make sure to book the car in advance.
Cairns travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Cairns?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Cairns is June to August, when average daytime highs are around 78°F and rain falls on about 8 days a month.
What is the weather like in Cairns?
January is usually the warmest month in Cairns, with average highs of 89°F (32°C). July is the coolest, with average lows of 63°F (17°C). The wettest month is typically January, with about 526 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Cairns?
Cairns Airport (CNS) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Cairns.
How much are flights to Cairns?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Cairns in the last 30 days was $1,448 from New York, travelling 24 Nov – 1 Dec.
What currency is used in Cairns?
Cairns uses the Australian dollar (AUD). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $1.43.
What time zone is Cairns in?
Cairns uses the Australia/Brisbane time zone (currently UTC+10). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Cairns?
The centre of Cairns is small enough to be covered on foot, but a car is needed to see the surrounding attractions if you are not taking a tour. Expect morning and evening congestion in the city centre, as day trippers flock in and out of the town.
What are the best places to visit in Cairns?
Top sights in Cairns include Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Daintree Rainforest. The world's largest coral reef system, with many outer reef sites reachable on day boats from Cairns. Book a trip that visits the outer reef and wear a stinger suit during the warmer months.
What are the top things to do in Cairns?
Popular experiences you can book in Cairns include Reef Magic Marine World Cruise, Full Day Tour - Daintree and Mossman Gorge and Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas Marina. Destina Holidays offers 87 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Cairns?
The most popular types of experiences in Cairns are zoo, aquarium & nature (34), cruise & water tours (28), outdoor activities & adventure (24) and tickets & attraction passes (16). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Cairns?
Popular areas for hotels in Cairns include Cairns and Port Douglas. Well-reviewed options include Crystalbrook Bailey and Crystalbrook Flynn.
How many hotels can I book in Cairns?
Destina Holidays currently lists 209 properties in and around Cairns, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
