Cairns - Heart of the Tropical North

Cairns, the prime gateway to Tropical North Queensland is the ideal starting point for travellers wanting to explore the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest, outback and the vast wilderness of Cape York Peninsula.

Despite all these attractions outside Cairns, you'll be seriously tempted to extend your stay in this sophisticated modern city.

With its tree-lined streets, Cairns boasts great shopping malls, efficient transport, sophisticated hotels, cosmopolitan restaurants, cafes and nightclubs and a lifestyle that is in keeping with contemporary city living.

For retail therapy you'll be in seventh heaven. Cairns boasts an excellent range of outlets and shopping centres whether you're after designer sunglasses, hip fashion and jewellery, or souvenirs and gifts from crystals to boomerangs. Don't miss the night markets on Cairns Esplanade for a shopping treat.

Dining is a high point in Cairns and local eateries offer an eclectic choice of Australian and international cuisine. The highlight of most menus is the region's fresh seafood and unusual tropical fruits.

As for entertainment there are excellent theatres, galleries, nightclubs and the glass-domed Reef Hotel Casino with four separate gaming areas and a luxury five star hotel.

Another pleasant surprise is how close and accessible everything is in Cairns. The airport is only a few minutes drive from the city centre and visiting cruise liners and yachts moor at a marina and wharves only a block away from the main centre.

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Easy access

Cairns is within easy reach. International flights from across the globe service the airport, there are regular long-distance trains, daily coaches and increasingly, overseas cruise ships call into port.

Room at the inns

Cairns has a wealth of accommodation on offer: international-standard hotels and resorts, island escapes and rainforest lodges, as well as self-catering styles for families and hostels for backpackers.

Shop till you drop

As an international port, Cairns offers the best in duty-free as well as locally-made products. In addition to a central business district and Pier Marketplace are five regional shopping centres close by. more

Start at beautiful Cairns

Cairns - the heart of the tropical north – offers great access to reef and islands, and is a perfect base for exploring. Just north are lovely beaches including Yorkeys Knob, Palm Cove and Ellis Beach. more

Step off for the reef

The waters are dotted with idyllic Great Barrier Reef islands. Lush Green and Fitzroy Islands are a day's excursion from Cairns. Popular Dunk Island is only minutes from Mission Beach, just south of Cairns, and the exclusive Bedarra, Hinchinbrook and Orpheus Islands lie dreamily nearby. more