Located on Australia’s eastern shore lies the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, the largest living thing in existence.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most popular destinations in the country, bringing thousands of travellers to its waters. Offering stunning sapphire waters filled with extortionary marine life. Due to the attraction being in the middle of the ocean, visitors must boat to the reef from one of the nearby coastal cities.
By far the closest and easiest city is Cairns, which also offers a variety of Great Barrier Reef tours. Immerse yourself in the tropical city lifestyle before hopping on a boat and exploring the pristine waters and seeing the marine life.
About Cairns
Famous for its sun and sand paradise, Cairns is considered the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Many travellers visit this tropical region to witness the fabulous marine life, but Cairns offers much more.
Over the years, Cairns has grown in popularity, offering a fabulous range of incredible restaurants, local shops, and fun activities for the whole family. Its ever changing calendar of family friendly events, markets, and festivals. Even after a long day of sightseeing in the region, visitors can unwind and enjoy the laid back nightlife.
While in Cairns, be sure to check out these places:
The restaurants
Cairns has a thriving food scene, with many trendy cafés and restaurants dotted along the bustling streets. By far the most popular cuisines to order are within the seafood category, with the local fisherman bringing it mountains of delicious seafood varieties. Cairns’ balmy weather matches with these dishes, with the cocktails and sparkling wine on offer pairing perfectly.
The beaches
Cairns is home to beautiful beaches where you can relax, soak up the sun, and swim. Near the city, there are a few gorgeous beaches to visit including Palm Cove, Trinity Beach, and Clifton Beach.
Green Island
Just a 45 minute boat ride from Cairns, Green Island is the only sand coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef with a rainforest. Explore the island’s rainforest and go snorkelling, diving, or a glass bottom boat.
The markets
Shop till you drop at one of the many tropical markets Cairns has to offer. Here you can stroll through the hundreds of stalls laid out against the beachfront or in the outskirts of the rainforest region. The markets offer local handmade goodies, food treats, homemade beauty products, and fashion. Even if you don’t buy anything, you can still enjoy the fun atmosphere and live musical performances!
Cairns Esplanade
A hotspot for travellers and locals, the Cairns Esplanade has a bit of everything, including the iconic Cairns Lagoon. The Lagoon is a saltwater swimming pool that provides a safe spot to swim all year round.
Around the Esplanade has kids’ playgrounds, picnic spots and BBQs, restaurants, walking paths, and so much more.
Daintree Rainforest
The Great Barrier Reef isn’t the only World Heritage site near Cairns! The Daintree is the world’s oldest rainforest, being about 180 million years old. Walk through adventurous trails and hikes to see the unique wildlife and the ancient plants.
A unique town to visit is Cape Tribulation, a chance for you to see where the Great Barrier Reef meets the Daintree Rainforest.
Cairns is a beautiful destination and perfect for those seeking laid back holiday or adventurous experiences. But while you’re here, you shouldn’t miss out on seeing the Great Barrier Reef! Book a tour for a fun filled day where you can go snorkelling and diving in the reef.
Related article: Where do Great Barrier Reef tours leave from?
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.