Cairns

Cairns is located in the far north of Australia on the east coast. Cairns is a tropical city surrounded by beautiful world heritage listed natural environment including the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree National Park. The area also has many more popular natural areas including the Atherton Tablelands, Cape Tribulation, Mission Beach and Green Island. To the north of Cairns are popular swimming beaches and resort towns including internationally renowned Port Douglas. Cairns itself has became a vibrant town bustling with a constant stream of tourists which has influenced the large property developments in the inner city area. Cairns is slowly becoming more than just the gateway to the Reef with outdoor lifestyle, stylish cafes, boutique shopping and bustling nightlife every night of the week. Cairns is fast growing into Australia's must visit destination.

Population: 128,000

Airport: Cairns International Airport [CNS]

Attractions: Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas, Mission Beach, Daintree Rainforest, Atherton Tablelands.

Transport Around City: Walking, Shuttles, Taxi, Rental Cars

Recommended restuarants: Ochre Restaurant (CBD), Marinades (Indian, Cairns CBD), Atriums (Esplanade), Matsuri (CBD).

Recommended bars : Reef Hotel Casino - Vertigo Bar, Soho (Esplanade), Blue Mango Cafe and Wine Bar (Esplanade), The Pier Bar and Grill (Pier Marketplace).

Recommended hotels: Sebel Cairns Hotel (CBD), Hilton Cairns Hotel (Esplanade), Shangri La Hotel (Marina), Pacific International (CBD).

Climate: Tropical

Culture: European, Torres Strait Islander.

Best time of year to travel: May-September.