Discover Cairns 2026

Numerous boats leave Cairns daily for the outer reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, offering snorkelling and diving among vibrant coral gardens just one and a half to two hours away.

At over 180 million years old, the world's oldest tropical rainforest is home to extraordinary biodiversity, from cascading waterfalls to primeval-looking cassowary birds.

The historic railway line winds through lush rainforest and past waterfalls up to the mountain village of Kuranda; the return trip is often a spectacular ride on the Skyrail cableway over the treetops.

Since the open sea at Cairns isn't suited for swimming due to tides and jellyfish, this free saltwater lagoon in the city centre offers safe, year-round swimming with coastal views.

Cairns has an international airport with direct flights from several Asian cities as well as good domestic connections from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

The official language is English.

May to October, the dry season, is best thanks to pleasant temperatures and good visibility for diving on the reef.

From November to May, swimming in the open sea is not recommended because of dangerous jellyfish (stingers) — but the protected Esplanade Lagoon in the city centre offers safe swimming all year round.