Holiday in Cairns

About Cairns

Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef — a tropical city in the far north of Queensland, from which two UNESCO World Heritage sites are accessible in close proximity: the largest coral reef on Earth off the coast and the oldest rainforest in the world (Daintree) in the hinterland. No other place in Australia offers this combination of underwater world and jungle. The Great Barrier Reef stretches over 2,300 kilometers and is home to over 1,500 species of fish, 400 species of coral, and sea turtles, manta rays, reef sharks, and clownfish in a riot of colors that appears like a psychedelic garden underwater. From Cairns, snorkeling and diving boats depart daily to the outer reefs (1.5-2 hours), where visibility is 15-30 meters. The Daintree Rainforest is 135 million years old — older than the Amazon — and the only place in the world where tropical rainforest meets coral reef. Crocodiles inhabit the rivers, cassowaries (1.8 m tall flightless birds) roam the underbrush, and tree kangaroos sit in the treetops. The Kuranda Scenic Railway winds through 37 tunnels and over bridges through the rainforest up to the highlands: The Stoney Creek Falls Bridge offers one of the most spectacular railway views in the world. The return journey is via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a 7.5 km long gondola ride above the treetops. The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a free saltwater pool right on the waterfront: Since Cairns has no swimming beach (crocodiles and jellyfish), the locals built a pool that resembles a tropical outdoor swimming pool by the sea — with palm trees, sunbathing lawns, and barbecue spots.