What Is Cairns Known For?

Cairns is a city located in Queensland, Australia. It is known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most renowned natural wonders. Cairns is a popular destination for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts, offering access to vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Cairns also serves as a gateway to the lush tropical rainforests of the region, including the Daintree Rainforest and the Atherton Tablelands. Cairns is a hub for adventure activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and skydiving. It has a vibrant nightlife, with a variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs. The city’s tropical climate and stunning natural surroundings make it a popular tourist destination.

Is 2 Days Enough In Cairns?

While it is possible to have a fulfilling visit to Cairns in two days, the time may feel somewhat limited considering the range of attractions and activities available in the region. If you have a specific interest, such as exploring the Great Barrier Reef or visiting the Daintree Rainforest, it would be beneficial to allocate more time. However, if you have limited availability and want to make the most of your visit, it is still possible to enjoy key highlights of Cairns in a short period.

During a two-day stay, you can take a reef tour to experience snorkelling or diving in the Great Barrier Reef, or alternatively, opt for a scenic flight over the reef if you prefer not to get in the water. Exploring the city itself, you can stroll along the Esplanade, visit the Cairns Aquarium, and enjoy some of the local cuisine.

Additionally, you might consider taking a day trip to the Daintree Rainforest or exploring Kuranda, a charming village located in the rainforest. While two days may provide a glimpse of what Cairns has to offer, extending your stay would allow for a more leisurely exploration of the area and the opportunity to engage in a wider range of activities.

Why Do People Visit Cairns?

People visit Cairns for a variety of reasons. The city is a popular gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, allowing visitors to explore the stunning underwater world through snorkelling, diving, and boat tours. Cairns is also known for its proximity to lush tropical rainforests, offering opportunities for nature walks and wildlife encounters.

Adventure enthusiasts are drawn to Cairns for activities like white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and skydiving. The region’s rich Indigenous culture, vibrant festivals, and scenic landscapes further contribute to its appeal. Additionally, Cairns has a pleasant tropical climate and offers affordable tourism options, making it an attractive destination for a wide range of travellers.

People visit Cairns for several reasons:

• Great Barrier Reef: Cairns is a popular gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. Travellers come to Cairns to explore the reef through snorkelling, scuba diving, or taking boat tours to see its vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life.
• Tropical Rainforests: The region surrounding Cairns is home to lush tropical rainforests, including the famous Daintree Rainforest. Visitors come to experience the unique biodiversity, take guided walks, go birdwatching, and discover ancient flora and fauna.
• Adventure Activities: Cairns is known for offering a wide range of adventure activities. Visitors can go white-water rafting, bungee jumping, skydiving, or take thrilling jungle zip-line tours, providing an adrenaline rush amidst the stunning natural landscapes.
• Wildlife and Nature: Cairns and its surroundings are teeming with wildlife. From spotting crocodiles on river cruises to encountering unique Australian animals such as kangaroos, koalas, and cassowaries, nature lovers have plenty of opportunities for wildlife experiences.
• Indigenous Culture: The Cairns region is rich in Indigenous Australian heritage. Visitors can learn about Aboriginal culture, take cultural tours, visit art galleries, and experience traditional performances and ceremonies.
• Tropical Climate and Beaches: Cairns enjoys a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. Travellers flock to the region to enjoy the sunny weather, relax on beautiful beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and soak up the coastal ambience.
• Scenic Landscapes: Cairns is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, including waterfalls, gorges, and scenic coastal drives. Visitors can explore attractions like the Atherton Tablelands, the Cairns Highlands, and the stunning coastal drive to Port Douglas.
• Festivals and Events: Cairns hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Cairns Festival, the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, and sporting events like the Cairns Ironman. These events attract both locals and tourists, adding vibrant cultural experiences to the visit.

Overall, people visit Cairns for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, access to tropical rainforests, adventure activities, wildlife encounters, Indigenous culture, pleasant climate, beautiful landscapes, and engaging events, making it a diverse and appealing destination.

Why Is Cairns So Cheap?

Cairns is often perceived as affordable or budget-friendly compared to other popular tourist destinations. There are several factors that contribute to the relatively lower costs in Cairns:

• Tourism Competition: Cairns faces competition from other destinations in Australia and the broader Southeast Asia region. To attract visitors, the region’s tourism industry strives to offer competitive prices for accommodation, tours, and activities.
• Accommodation Options: Cairns offers a wide range of accommodation options, including budget hotels, hostels, and backpacker accommodations, which cater to travellers seeking affordable lodging.
• Dining Options: Cairns has a diverse dining scene, with a variety of affordable eateries, cafes, and food courts offering reasonably priced meals. This allows visitors to find budget-friendly dining options to suit their preferences.
• Tour and Activity Pricing: Cairns is a popular destination for various tours and activities, such as reef tours, rainforest excursions, and adventure activities. The presence of numerous tour operators leads to competitive pricing, making it possible to find affordable options for exploring the region.
• Local Economy: The overall cost of living in Cairns is relatively lower compared to major cities in Australia. This can have an impact on prices for goods and services, including those catering to tourists.

While Cairns is generally affordable, it is important to note that prices can vary depending on the season, demand, and the specific activities or accommodations chosen. It is always advisable to research and compare prices, take advantage of any available deals or discounts, and plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your budget.

What Big Thing Is In Cairns?

Australia is known for having large statues of many types whether it be the big banana the giant peanut, or the big Pineapple located all over Australia and they are iconic to look out for along your travels. They are like landmarks so to speak to know how close you are to your next destination. So when it comes to “big things” Cairns has one of its very own.

The “Big” Thing in Cairns is the Big Captain Cook statue. It is a notable landmark located on Sheridan Street, just outside the city centre. The statue depicts Captain James Cook, the famous British explorer and navigator who charted the east coast of Australia during his voyage in 1770.

The statue stands at a height of approximately 14 meters (46 feet) and is made of concrete. It serves as a tribute to Captain Cook’s historical significance and his role in the exploration of Australia. The Big Captain Cook statue is a popular photo spot for tourists and locals alike.

What Is The Most Scenic Place In Cairns?

One of the most scenic places in Cairns is the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. These two interconnected attractions offer breathtaking views of the region’s lush rainforest landscapes.

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a historic train ride that takes you on a scenic journey through dense rainforests, picturesque waterfalls, and stunning gorges. The train passes through tunnels, and over bridges, and offers panoramic views of the Barron Gorge National Park. The journey showcases the region’s natural beauty and provides ample opportunities to admire the lush vegetation and dramatic terrain.

The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offers a different perspective, allowing you to glide above the treetops in gondolas. This cableway provides stunning aerial views of the rainforest, Barron Gorge, and the surrounding mountains. Along the way, there are two stations where you can disembark and explore designated boardwalks that provide close-up views of the rainforest and its diverse flora and fauna.

Both the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offer a unique and captivating experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Cairns’ rainforest landscapes.

Can You Swim In Cairns?

Yes, you can swim in Cairns. Cairns is located along the coast of Far North Queensland, and it offers several options for swimming.

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon: This artificial saltwater lagoon is a popular spot for swimming and cooling off. It is located on the Cairns Esplanade, offering a safe and family-friendly swimming environment with lifeguards on duty. The lagoon provides a pleasant swimming experience without concerns about tides, stingers (marine stinging jellyfish), or crocodiles.

Beaches: Cairns has several nearby beaches where swimming is possible. Some popular beaches include Trinity Beach, Palm Cove, and Holloways Beach. It is essential to check local signage and follow any safety instructions, such as swimming between the designated flags, as conditions can vary.

Great Barrier Reef: While not technically in Cairns itself, the Great Barrier Reef is easily accessible from Cairns. There are numerous tour operators that offer snorkelling and diving trips to explore the reef’s stunning underwater world. However, it’s important to note that swimming in the open ocean and around coral reefs requires strong swimming skills and proper safety precautions.

It is worth mentioning that Cairns and the surrounding area have stinger season from November to May when marine stinging jellyfish are present in the waters. During this period, swimming enclosures or netted areas are set up at beaches to protect swimmers. It’s important to follow any warnings or advice from local authorities regarding stinger safety.

Overall, Cairns offers various options for swimming, whether it’s in the purpose-built lagoon, at nearby beaches, or during reef excursions. Always check local conditions and heed any safety guidelines for an enjoyable and safe swimming experience.

In Conclusion

Cairns is known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, offering access to vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. The region is also renowned for its lush tropical rainforests, adventure activities, Indigenous culture, stunning natural landscapes, and affordable tourism options.