Official Language:
English
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Currency:
Australian Dollar
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Population:
Approximately 120,000 people call Cairns home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Cairns: The Cairns region has a fabulous tropical climate ideal for outdoor enjoyment. Cairns has a winter period of balmy temperatures and low rainfall and a summer period of warm temperatures with increased rainfall (the "wet" season). The average maximum temperatures are 88°F/31°C degrees celsius and an average minimum of 63°F/17°C. April through September you enjoy slightly cooler temperatures with clear skies. November and December are quite hot yet perfect visability offers exceptional diving.
The wet season is in January with days that are generally clear as most of the rain falls at night. Rains here are like a warm shower.
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This is the only place in the world where two World Heritage-listed sites- the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest- lie side by side. In parts of the far north, the rainforest touches the reef, reaching right down to sandy beaches from which you can snorkel the reef. When the city of Cairns was established the only inhabitants of this region were the Aborigines. This is the culture for which Australia is best known. The area that is now Cairns was surveyed and settled by Europeans in 1876 as a port for the Hodkinson River goldfield. The settlement was named after William Wellington Cairns, who at that time was the governor of Queensland. It wasn't that long ago that Cairns (pronounced Cans), the heart of the remote Australian area known as "The Deep North," was a sleepy little outpost in the midst of the tropics. Founded in 1876 as a port for inland gold fields, Cairns is a tribute to the first surveyors who cleared just enough scrub land to set up their tents before mapping out streets wide enough for a future city. Later, Cairns was a railhead from which produce grown on the fertile Atherton Tableland and sugar cane from the coastal plains was transported to other parts of the country.The boom in tourism, the opening of an international airport and luxury hotels elevated Cairns to the status of best known city on the Queensland coast. A small and compact, laid back yet modern center, offers some of its main attractions in the surrounding areas, where national parks, tropical rain forests and wildlife sanctuaries lure numerous visitors. Today! Cairns is the gateway to these natural attractions, plus to man-made tourist attractions such as the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. It's also a stepping-stone to islands of the Great Barrier Reef and the grasslands of the Gulf Savannah. When international tourism to the Great Barrier Reef boomed a decade or two ago, the small sugar-farming town of Cairns boomed along with it. The town now boasts outstanding hotels, island resorts off shore, big Reef-cruise catamarans in the harbor, and too many souvenir shops. The only beach right in town is a man-made 4,000-sq.-m (43,000-sq.-ft.) saltwater lagoon and artificial beach on the Esplanade, which opened in early 2003 as part of a multimillion-dollar redevelopment of the city and port.The 110-million-year-old rainforest, the Daintree, where plants that are fossils elsewhere in the world exist in living color, is just a couple of hours north of Cairns. The Daintree is part of the Wet Tropics, a World Heritage-listed area that stretches from north of Townsville to south of Cooktown, beyond Cairns, and houses half of Australia's animal and plant species.If you are spending more than a day or two in the area, consider basing yourself on the city's pretty northern beaches, in Kuranda, or in Port Douglas. Although prices will be higher in the peak season (Australian winter and early spring, July-Oct), there are affordable accommodations year-round.
Cruise ships dock at the Cairns Seaport, which is located on Trinity Inlet. There is road access to the rest of the city, as well as water access to the Great Barrier Reef. Buses are the most efficient way to get in Cairns. Buses stop wherever it's convenient, rather than just at bus stops. So if you see a bus coming down the street, try hailing it just as you would a taxi. Or, save yourself the trouble by just hailing a taxi. Call Black and White Taxis (tel. 07/131-008) if you can't find one on the road.
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Attractions |
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April is Cairns' rainy season, also known as "the wet," and that's when most cruise ships visit. But the rain won't hamper your visit -it doesn't impact snorkeling and diving trips to the Great Barrier Reef. For the most part just be prepared for the occasional downpour. Another beware: If your main interest for including Cairns in your itinerary is to snorkel or dive at one of the outer reefs, make sure you review cruise ship itineraries carefully; some ships spend a long day (and stay into the evening), others just a half day. You need a whole day for the outer reef experience though there are shorter options; see below.
The Great Barrier Reef At 1,200 miles long and 50 miles wide (about half the size of Texas), the Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest living organism. Trips out to the reef are generally best taken with organized charter companies. They basically operate in the same manner; you buy the day package and you get roundtrip transportation on a fast catamaran, lunch onboard and, possibly, entertainment on the way home. Snorkeling equipment is usually provided free of charge (check with the charter of your choice if that's important). Some recommended operators include: (Ocean Spirit Cruises www.oceanspirit.com.au), (Great Adventures www.greatadventures.com.au) and (Quicksilver Cruises www.quicksilver-cruises.com). Short on time? Head to Fitzroy Island, a national park and just a 45-minute boat ride from Cairns; the ferry departs daily at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. and again at 4 p.m., and offers return trips at 9:30 a.m., 3 and 5 p.m. Cairns itself. Among the highlights ofthis rapidly developing city include the Esplanade, which fronts Trinity Bay and has the city's best shops. Other attractions include the Botanic Gardens and the Cairns Regional Art Gallery.
For a relaxing day at the beach, head to the brand new Esplanade Lagoon. It's a man-made saltwater lagoon, with a great beach (and lovely parkland) and absolutely no waves (it's non-tidal). There are services there -- snack bar, restrooms, lifeguards. Take a day tour that combines three nifty experiences:
A ride on Skyrail :
www.skyrail.com.au, which is a mountain lift that offers soaring views overlooking the coastline; you ride just above the treetops of a rainforest. At the base of the other end of the Skyrail is the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park www.tjapukai.com.au, which is organized into seven different arenas that focus on everything from history to dance; you'll find a gorgeous shop/gallery and restaurant on site as well. To return to Cairns, ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway. While you can certainly experience these attractions independently, it's more cost efficient to arrange to take a tour book-able at the pier that basically just puts the different modes of transportation into one cohesive (and convenient) day trip. Aboriginal culture is on display at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park (Captain Cook Highway, tel. 07/4042-9900). This is one of the most comprehensive Aboriginal centers in Australia.
Paronella Park :
Visit the Spanish Castle built by Jose Paronella. This award winning site has to be seen to be believed. The History will inspire you as well as feel for the man who single handedly built his dream. This almost superhuman feat of building an entire castle as well as a cinema and hydro-electric plant in the early 1930's, after clearing the dense rainforest and carving all the stones and mortar to build monument after monument in the relentless pursuit of his dream. Most of the main castle is still intact along with the public change rooms for holiday makers back at the turn of the century and now serves as a reminder of this popular spot. Also witness the beautiful Mena Creek falls the source of the early electricity produced by Jose's own hydro-electric plant. Which was later to be the demise of his dream, when flooding of the Creek almost totally destroyed the Spanish Castles. But like the true pioneers of his day, the elements and nature were obstacles, but none which could not be overcome and so he started the painstaking task of once again recreating his dream. http://www.paronellapark.com.au/
The Atherton Tablelands:
About an hour west of Cairns (you'll need to rent a car) feature an amazing and stunning diversity of natural attractions. There are rainforests, national parks, rivers, waterfalls and really charming villages. There's outback. The area is also a major center for agriculture. Among the highlights include the Lake Eacham National Park (the lake is in a volcanic crater) and historic (and charming) Yungaberra Village. More info: www.athertontableland.com.
Daintree Rain Forest :
A 90-minute drive from Cairns (and yes, you'll need to rent a car) is stunningly beautiful and offers much in the way of outdoorsy activities. You can go horseback riding, take river cruises or walk through the rainforest. Daintree Village is also fun; it's got cafes and artisan boutiques. Info: www.daintreevillage.asn.au
The bureau provides tons of information regarding Great Barrier Reef excursions, as well as things to do while in town. Of course, Cairns main attraction is the Great Barrier Reef. If you have never snorkeled or scuba dived before, this is your best opportunity to start. Contact Sunlover Cruises (tel. 07/4050-1333) or Great Adventures (tel. 07/4044-9944) for reef tours. You'll be provided with snorkeling gear and lessons.
Helicopter Tour Over the Reef:
There are literally hundreds of great dive spots all around the Reef, and almost as many dive operators. Among the more reputable is Down Under Dive (tel. 07/4031-1288). You can also contact Dive Queensland (tel. 07/4051-1510) for a comprehensive list of the better dive operators. Three shows depicting various facets of Aboriginal life will educate and entertain you. There are also lessons on spear and boomerang throwing, and a great gift shop that should satisfy most of your souvenir hunting while in Cairns.
The Cairns Regional Gallery:
(Shields Street, tel. 07/4031-6865) has a nice sampling of artwork from local artists. You can also consider enjoying a picnic lunch at Flecker Botanic Garden(Collins Avenue, tel. 07/4044-3398). Cairns is home to two wildlife parks.
Day Trip To The Wet Tropics Rain Forest:
Near Cairns is a rain forest filled with plant and animal life that exists only as fossils in the rest of the world. A majority ofAustralia's flora and fauna species are found here. You will be best served by taking a tour of the rain forest with an experienced guide. Contact Uncle Brian's Fun, Falls and Forest (tel. 07/4050-0615) for more information. While here, try and visit the rain forest town of Kuranda. The trip to Kuranda by skyrail (tel. 07/4038-1555) or rail (tel. 07/4031-3636) is as beautiful as anything in Australia.
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary:
Once in Kuranda, try to fit in some time at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary www.australianbutterflies.com(8 Rob Veivers Drive, tel. 07/4093-7575), home to over 1,500 gorgeous butterflies. Outdoor Activities Cairns definitely rewards the outdoor enthusiast. Scores of companies have sprung up in recent years, offering all kinds of outdoor activities. Raging Thunder Adventures (tel. 07/4030-7990) offers everything from whitewater rafting to horseback riding and parasailing. It's an exhausting and exhilarating way to spend the day! Whitewater rafting on the Tully River is a favorite among experts and novices alike. Bungee jumping is offered by A.J. Hackett Bungy (tel. 07/4057-7188). If all of this sounds like a little much, hit the links at Paradise Palms Golf Course (Clifton Beach, tel. 07/4059-1166). Or, do some sunbathing at Clifton Beach. Cairns golf course is a challenging par 72 championship golf course set amidst tropical palms and swaying pandanus with spectacular views of the surrounding rainforest clad mountains. This course has been designed so that all levels of golfers can have a great day of golf.
Great Barrier Reef:
This world famous reef is unique throughout the entire world and is best reachable from Cairns. Great Barrier Reef .One of the true marvels of the natural world, the Great Barrier Reef runs the entire length of Queensland, Australia. The reef, created by living coral over the span of 18 million years, is 2000 Km (1243 Mi) long and in places more than 500 meters (1640 Ft) thick. Coral is very particular about the conditions in which it grows, and the waters off the coast of Queensland prove ideal for sustaining both living coral and the hard "skeleton" left when it dies. There are 400 types of coral found in the reef, and thousands of species of fish, sponge, crustaceans and molluscs, some of which can be dangerous. Approximately 2600 smaller reefs comprise the Great Barrier Reef, making this the most extensive reef system in the world. The reef can be found 50km (30mi) from the shoreline, and is a fantastic site for diving and snorkelling. Great places to base your trip to the reef are Bundaberg in the south, Gladstone, Mackay, and Cairns in the north with points between.
Kuranda:
Take the rainforest train to Kuranda and visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. This enclosed, large aviary is home to more than 1500 types of butterflies that live and fly free. The train ride alone will show you the natural wonders of the Barron Gorge waterfalls. You can also enjoy the great outdoors, snorkel and scuba dive or trek the beauty of the primeval forest.
Royal Flying Doctor Visitors Centre:
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), the free aeromedical service that provides a "mantle of safety" for all Outback Australians, has a base in Cairns. You can watch a film and attend a talk on how the service began, browse through memorabilia, and board a former RFDS plane. Allow about 45 minutes.1 Junction St, Edge Hill-Phone 07/4053 5687 Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
The Creation Theatre:
Theatre is a mix of culture and technology, where the latest in illusion, theatrics, and technology are used to tell the story of the creation of the world according to the spiritual beliefs of Tjapukai people. Actors interact with spectacular special effects and holographic images, sometimes up to 3m (9 3/4 ft.) high, to illustrate the legends. The production is performed in the Tjapukai language, translated through headsets. Move on through the Magic Space museum and gallery section of the complex to the History Theatre, where a 20-minute film relates the history of the Tjapukai people since the coming of white settlers 120 years ago.
Outside, a suspension bridge links the main building with a cultural village where you can try boomerang and spear throwing, fire-making and didgeridoo playing, and learn about bush foods and medicines. In the open-sided Dance Theatre, Aboriginal men and women perform dances incorporating ancient and modern steps. Shows and demonstrations are planned so visitors can move from one to another easily, without missing anything. The complex also includes a restaurant and coffee shop, and an arts-and-crafts gallery and shop is stocked with the work of local Aboriginal artists and crafts workers.
Wild World-The Tropical Zoo:
Get a dose of your favorite Aussie wildlife here some kind of talk or show takes place just about every 15 or 30 minutes throughout the day, including koala cuddling and talks (have your photo taken cuddling one for an extra A$13/US$8.45), saltwater crocodile feeding and talks, lorikeet feeding, cane toad racing, and snake talks. Lots of other animals are on show, too, like kangaroos (which you can hand-feed for A$1/US65¢ a bag), emus, cassowaries, dingoes, and native birds in a walk-through aviary. The park also runs a nocturnal tour, in which you can see many of the more elusive creatures on show. To take the park's Cairns Night Zoo tour, book by 4pm that day, earlier if you want transfers. The evening includes: a wildlife spotlighting walk, where you can pat a koala and a possum and feed kangaroos; a stargazing interlude; a barbecue dinner with beer and wine, billy tea and damper and supper; and dancing to an Aussie bush band. Wild World The Tropical Zoo is located Captain Cook Highway, 14 miles north of Cairns, tel.(07/4055-3669) www.wildworld-aus.com.au
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures:
Hartley's is the original Australian croc show, and after a move to a new location and a multimillion-dollar redevelopment in mid-2002, quite possibly the best. What makes it different from others is the fantastic natural setting a 2-hectare (5-acre) lagoon surrounded by melaluca (paperbark) and bloodwood trees and home to 23 estuarine crocs. The best time to visit is for the 3pm "croc attack" show, when you can witness the saltwater crocodile "death roll" during the 45-minute performance. At 11am you can see these monsters get hand-fed or hear an eye-opening talk on the less aggressive freshwater crocodiles. There are tours of the croc farm at 10am and 1:30pm; at 2pm there is a snake show; and at 4:30pm it's koala-feeding time. This attraction makes a good stop en route to Port Douglas, and also has cassowaries, which are fed at 9:30am and 4:15pm.Hartley's Creek Crocodile Farm (Captain Cook Highway, 25 miles north of Cairns, tel. 07/4055-3576) is the best spot for a photo opportunity. Try to be there a little beforefour in the afternoon, when they will let you take your picture while holding a live crocodile. www.crocodileadventures.com
Royal Flying Doctor Visitors Centre:
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), the free aeromedical service that provides a "mantle of safety" for all Outback Australians, has base in Cairns. Tours of their center are run every 30 minutes from 9am to 4:30pm. You can also watch a film, attend a talk on how the service began, browse through memorabilia, and board a former RFDS plane. Allow about 45 minutes.
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park:
Don't miss this. Whether you choose the day or night experience, the Tjapukai (pronounced jab-oo-guy) cultural park is one of the best chances you'll have to discover the history and culture of the Aborigines without going to Central Australia. American theater director Don Freeman and his French-Canadian dancer wife, Judy, founded the dance show in 1987, working with local Aborigines, including acclaimed dancer and songwriter David Hudson. Today it is a sophisticated, multi-award-winning cultural park with an international reputation. Don and Judy are still heavily involved, but the park is 51% owned by the Aborigines who work in it. Housed in a striking modern building that incorporates Aboriginal themes and colors, the Tjapukai experience needs at least 2 to 3 hours. Start in the Creation Theatre, where the latest in illusion, theatrics, and technology are used to tell the story of the creation of the world according to the spiritual beliefs of Tjapukai people. Actors work with spectacular special effects and holographic images to illustrate the legends. The production is performed in the Tjapukai language, translated through headsets.Move on through the Magic Space museum and gallery section of the complex to the History Theatre, where a 20-minute film relates the history of the Tjapukai people since the coming of white settlers 120 years ago.Outside, a suspension bridge links the main building with a cultural village where you can try boomerang and spear throwing, fire-making and didgeridoo playing, and learn about bush foods and medicines. In the open-sided Dance Theatre, Aboriginal men and women perform dances incorporating ancient and modern steps. Shows and demonstrations are planned so visitors can move from one to another easily, without missing anything. The complex also includes a restaurant and coffee shop. An arts-and-crafts gallery and shop is stocked with the work of Aboriginal artists and crafts workers."Tjapukai by Night" tours operate on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday, from 7:30 to 11pm, and include transfers to and from accommodations, interactive time in the Magic Space museum, a Creation Show performance, and an outdoor Serpent Circle -- a new, interactive show featuring tap sticks for each guest, a join-in corroboree (an Aboriginal nighttime dance), and a dramatic ceremony involving fire and water. It is followed by a buffet dinner and dance show, and the chance to meet the Tjapukai dancers. The cost is A$92 (US$60) adults, A$46 (US$30) children.
Tjapukai Aboriginal Theatre :
The world renowned aboriginal dance troupe, featuring ancient dances from the dreamtime. Local members of the Tjapukai Tribe perform the dances as they were performed by their ancestors and with the inclusion of state of the art lighting and sound techniques makes this a show not to be missed. Experience the culture of these ancient people and live the mystery. www.tjapukai.com.au
Shopping:
Shop at the Pier Marketplace for international designers. There are also many Aboriginal specialty shops in Cairns, offering a good selection of authentic handicrafts and art. On weekends, Rusty’s Bazaar area becomes a busy market, selling arts and crafts and a variety of foods. Cairns boasts several modern shopping malls, such as the Pier Market Place and the massive Cairns Central, featuring upscale boutiques and souvenir shops.The local currency is the Australian dollar. The Cairns Central Shopping Centre (Corner of Spence Street and McLeod Street). There are also plenty of small shops offering the usual Aussie trinkets, but you're better off spending your time and money on Cairns other attractions.
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More Information |
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Useful Links About Cairns:
http://www.tropicalaustralia.com.au
Cairns Attractions
http://www.cairns.aust.com
www.cairnsinfo.com
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