Cairns

Welcome to Cairns

Cairns is the gateway to two UNESCO World Heritage sites—the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest—making it perhaps Australia's most naturally spectacular destination. The tropical city itself serves mainly as a launch pad for adventures: reef snorkeling, rainforest exploration, skydiving over the coast, and bungee jumping in the jungle. The laid-back atmosphere and year-round warmth attract backpackers and adventure-seekers, while the reef's accessibility from shore (boats reach it in 45 minutes) means even short visits can include underwater wonders. Cairns offers some of Earth's greatest natural experiences within day-trip distance.