Not sure where to go for your Round the World trip? We have put together comprehensive guides to our most popular destinations including information on specific areas, tips on how to get around, sightseeing options and even climate and weather details. Be inspired by fellow travellers stories in our Travel Journals section, or for more information on a particular destination, please contact our Round the World Experts on 0870 499 0120.
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Areas of Cairns
Cairns City: This beautiful little city is much more than a base for reef excursions. Walk the famous Esplanade, shop in the fantastic new Pier Marketplace, relax in the wonderful resort hotels and sample the freshest fish imaginable in the alfresco restaurants.
Northern Beaches: The Northern Beaches of Cairns are made up of eight unique and distinctive beaches all with their own character. Driving north from Cairns you will find the beaches of Machans, Holloway's, Yorkey's Knob, Trinity, Kewarra, Clifton, Palm Cove and Ellis.
Cape Tribulation: Cape Tribulation is the only place where two World Heritage Listed environments co-exist alongside each other. There is a great selection of rainforest accommodation carefully designed and constructed to preserve the fragile ecosystem.
Daintree: The township of Daintree, perched on a bend of the Daintree River, is just further on from the turn off to the Daintree Ferry. Wildlife of every kind flourishes on the Daintree River and its banks. The area's most infamous inhabitants are the estuarine crocodiles.
Mossman: Mossman is the seat of local government and the centre of the sugar industry. It is a pleasant little town set amid the splendour of green canefields and rainforest clad mountains.
Getting there and around
Cairns International Airport is located about 7km (4.3 mi) from the centre of Cairns. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes.
Good public transport system including: buses and taxis.
Sightseeing Ideas
Kuranda Railway, Skyrail and Tjapukai: 1-day Travel aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway to the picturesque village of Kuranda. Choose a tour that also includes the Skyrail to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.
Sunrise Ballooning: Enjoy ballooning with Hot Air and experience the wonder, romance and silence of the Australian bush.
Cape Tribulation & Daintree Rainforest: 1-day Travel north of the Cook Highway, stopping at Mossman Gorge before crossing the Daintree Discovery Centre for a guided tour on the aerial walkway through the rainforest and climb the canopy tower.
Michaelmas Cay Cruise: 1 day Coach transfers from Cairns and Cairns Beaches to board Ocean Spirit Cruises' 32 metre luxury sailing catamaran. Enjoy a two hour cruise to Michaelmas Cay, with four hours at the Reef. Receive complimentary champagne and live entertainment on the homeward sail. Lunch is included.
Top tips
Everyone goes to the reef, why not book a cruise before you go. It will save you time and having to decide between the many local operators.
It may be touristy but why not visit the night zoo; there are dozens of kangaroos hopping around plus plenty of food & drink to enjoy.
If you're over 18 and looking to party on a Saturday night, the Raging Thunder nightclub beach bar is the place to go.
A visit to the Cairns night markets will reward you with a unique experience and the opportunity to purchase unusual, local products.