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Cairns Tourist Information

Cairns is one of Australia's premier tourist destinations and it's also one of the safest tropical cities in the world. Cairns attract a lot of overseas tourists especially from Asia and Europe, and also some domestic travellers from inter state, and it's a great place for seniors holidays, senior tours and travels as well. We hope that this Cairns tourist information can provide some travellers and tourists with some insights on good places to go in Cairns, things to do in Cairns and more.

CAIRNS SHOPPING CENTRE

• Woree
• Earlville
• Cairns City
• Westcourt
• Manunda
• Smithfield (Northern Beaches)

Cairns Central is the major shopping mall in the Cairns, and as you can probably guess by its highly original name, it is in the centre of the city. All the malls have supermarkets and other stores.

The malls are usually closed on Good Friday, Anzac Day, Labour Day and Christmas Day. Hours of operation are from 9:00AM to 5:30PM, except for Thursday late night shopping when the malls are open until 9:00PM. On Sundays, the malls are open from 10:30AM to 4:00PM.

Getting Around in Cairns

There is a number of ways to get around in Cairns, but determining what mode of transport you choose to take will depend on what attractions you want to see and where your accommodation is located.

From any accommodation close to the city, it is easy for reasonably fit people to walk to anywhere in Cairns city. A stroll along the esplanade is the most desirable path to take when walking to the city. Alternatively, you can catch a bus. The local bus company, Sunbus, operates from the Lake Street Transit Centre in City Place. Routes around the city run 24 hours a day, and during the busy hours will pick up every 10 minutes around the city.

If you're a senior traveller, you might want to consider living in a centralised place where it's close to all amenities and tourists' destinations.

Transport to and from the airport is always an easy affair. The Australia Coach shuttle bus operates a service between the airport and any accommodation facility in Cairns for a mere $4.

By far the most convenient and comfortable way to get around Tropical Far North Queensland is with your own rental vehicle. With your own car you gain access to attractions further a field, and you can see these at your own pace.

About Cairns

The Cairns Region, with its unique environment, is renowned nationally and internationally as a premier tourism destination. The Region attracts more than 2 million domestic and international visitors each year.

It is the only place in the World where two World Heritage Areas meet - the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Far North Queensland.

The Region has some of the most beautiful parks and beaches in Queensland. Swimming enclosures are provided at most beaches during the Dangerous Marine Stinger season - typically from November to May (subject to seasonal variability).

Local Climate & Weather

The Cairns Region has a tropical climate, with generally hot and humid summers and milder, drier winters.

The Region is characterised by two seasons – the green (or wet) summer season, which begins around November and ends around May, and the dry winter season. Being a monsoonal climate, most rainfall occurs between January and March. The cyclone season is normally confined to between December and April.

The Cairns region has fairly uniform temperatures throughout the year. Typical daytime temperatures range from 14 to 26C (75-91F) in mid-Winter/dry season, and 24 to 33C (52-78F) in mid-Summer/ wet season.

How much time should I spend in Tropical North Queensland?

As you will have discovered, there are so many places to see in our region, and so many new adventures to experience. The typical stay is 5 nights to be able to experience the main highlights but 10 days to 2 weeks will give you enough time to tour the area, see all the main highlights and also relax.

What clothes should I take?

Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable almost universally, and you may care to pack a light jacket for evening wear. Pack loose, comfortable clothing, walking shoes, one or two hats, swimwear and sunglasses. Remember to minimise your sun exposure and bring a good sunscreen, or buy one locally. Don't forget your camera / video camera!

What public transport is available?

Sunbus operates within Cairns and the Cairns Beaches, plus taxis are available 24/7. Regular coach schedules operate to Port Douglas, Mossman, Cape Tribulation, Cooktown, Kuranda and Mission Beach, plus weekly schedules to Mt Garnet, Mt Surprise, Croydon. Georgetown, Normanton and Karumba. Queensland Rail also run a weekly train - Savannahlander - to Mt Garnet, Mt Surprise and Forsayth. 

What types of activities are available for the children?

If you are thinking about visiting with your family, you can be confident that Tropical North Queensland has a wide range of activities to keep your children happy.

What types of activities are available for the seniors?

If you are seniors, you'll surely find there's a lot of things you can do in Cairns such as enjoy the views of the nice beaches along the Great Barrier Reef, relaxing walk in the botanical garden, shopping at the local markets, and plenty more.

What types of reef experiences are available?

Every kind of reef experience is available here. If you wish to enter the water, there are scuba diving and snorkelling trips to suit all budgets, with options of day trips or extended diving adventures (up to 8 days at the reef). You don't need to be a certified diver to experience scuba diving at the reef,­ introductory dives are very popular and you can even do a night time introductory dive at the reef.

The large reef-moored pontoons are ideal for non-swimmers. Semi-submersibles take guests on underwater tours of the reef and corals, and there are large, underwater viewing observatories built into the pontoons where you can get a dry and close up view of the wondrous marine life. There are scenic helicopter flights, seaplane and other fixed wing flights over the reef, as well as on-land preparatory experiences such as Reef Teach, which prepares and educates you about the Great Barrier Reef. 

When are the stingers or dangerous jellyfish present?

During our wet season, large swimming enclosures are employed at popular swimming beaches, which afford protection against dangerous jellyfish stings. These are staffed by qualified Queensland Lifesavers who can provide any information you may require on the spot. The jellyfish are mainly present on coastal beaches during a limited, defined season and are not as common on The Great Barrier Reef where activities such as snorkelling or diving as these take place, as this is done a distance from the coast and out of the usual habitat of the marine stingers.

What are the summer months like? 

We call it the greening season. It is often dramatic, wildly beautiful and eagerly awaited by the flora and fauna of the tropical rainforests. Without our annual rainfall, there would be no rainforest and, as many visitors discover, our 'liquid sunshine' doesn't interfere with diving, snorkelling or touring to any great extent. Occasionally, the wet season brings low-pressure zones that may develop into a cyclone, however the regional tourism industry is well prepared for any such eventuality.

What are the road conditions outside of Cairns?

North to Cape Tribulation, the coastal road is sealed bitumen. From Cape Tribulation to Cooktown the coastal road is 4WD only. The inland route from Cairns to Cooktown, the Peninsula Development Road is also completely sealed. All roads are unsealed north of Lakeland into Cape York region and 4WD vehicles are strongly recommended. Updated road conditions are available from the RACQ website and Department of Main Roads.

The Gulf Savannah road is all sealed to Karumba and Gregory Downs, and is mostly a single lane. Please give way to cattle and mining trucks travelling these roads and look out for wildlife crossings. You should carry 2 spare tyres and relevant equipment as some areas are very remote.

Do I need to pre-book accommodation?

It's a good idea to pre-book at least your first two nights in advance, especially during the busy period from June to November.  

What types of accommodation are available in Tropical North Queensland ?

You'll find a choice of different types of accommodation from top-class hotels, exclusive lodges, motels, guesthouses, and farm or home stays to holiday parks and backpacker hostels throughout the region. You might also like the freedom to discover things at your own pace in a campervan. Two, four or six berth vans are available to rent, offering all the comforts of home including a shower, refrigerator and microwave.

What are my options for rental car agencies?

International and local car, mini bus, and camper van companies all operate from Cairns.

Do I need a Visa to enter Australia ?

International visitors require a current passport, and may also require a visitors' visa. There are no entry and exit requirements between Australian states. For a working holiday, there are formalities to be observed so make enquires at your local Australian consulate. 

What customs regulations apply?

Limitations apply to bringing in many items including quotas for tobacco products, alcohol, motor vehicles and other personal possessions - details can be obtained from an Australian Customs Booklet. As Australia is an island, strict quarantine regulations apply to plants and food items so again please ask before you embark.

Can I use my credit cards/ATM cards in Australia ?

All major international credit cards can be used in Australia and travellers' cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. If your credit card is encoded with a PIN you will be able to withdraw cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs) situated at banks and shopping centres throughout the country.

Is it safe to drink the water in Australia ?

Our cities and towns have excellent water supplies and in most cases tap water is fresh and safe to drink. It is a good idea to check with your hotel and local information centre before consumption. Water sourced directly from rivers and lakes should be boiled, chemically treated or filtered before drinking to avoid stomach upsets.

What is the voltage of electricity supply in Australia ? Do I need to take a converter?

Electricity is supplied throughout Australia at 230/240 volts (50 hertz), although most hotels and motels provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option. Please note that power outlets only accept flat three or two-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted.

Do I need permits to access Aboriginal land?

It is more correct to say you need permission, and this may take the form of a written permit or oral permission depending on individual circumstances. With the exception of National Parks, Aboriginal lands are out of bounds to visitors without a permit or invitation, although some roads that cross them are exempt. Most modern maps show which areas are categorised as Aboriginal land. The best way to approach it is to plan your activities in advance and enquire at regional information centres on route. There are many Aboriginal communities throughout the region who welcome visitors and facilitate cultural contact with tours, arts and crafts, just as there are some sheltered communities where outside contact is not sought. If you're unsure, be naturally polite and your enquires will be answered in kind.

Are there entry fees into National Parks?

Generally, there are no fees for visitors in their own vehicles. However, there are nominal fees for camping in designated National Park camping areas.

Where are the Alcohol Restrictions in your Region?

Alcohol Restrictions apply for some Indigenous Communities within Queensland.  For further information visit: http://www.mcmc.qld.gov.au/community/restricted.php

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