The Cairns Backpacker Guide
Tropical happiness, warming sun and memories of a relaxing Queensland break, these are ideal parts for the getaway of a lifetime when you visit Cairns and God’s own Queensland.
Gifted with an ideal climate all year-round, bragging temperatures in summer (October-April) of 29-33°C, and winter (April-October) 25-29°C, Cairns can offer some of the planet’s most vibrant natural tourist attractions, the reef, the rainforest and the Australian Outback, and they are all here awaiting for you to discover.
The very friendly locals of Tropical North Queensland will show you the kind of warm and courteous hospitality that has become the standard to aspire to for other tourism spots. Adventure tourism, night life, dining and shopping add to the charm and attraction of this internationally secret destination.
If you have been here previously, welcome home. If you are here for the first time, bathe in our tourist offerings and enjoy your holiday.
Australia’s finest regional city, Cairns is the international front door to Tropical North Queensland. It is a vibrant cosmopolitan destination with warm, sunny tropical days contrasted by cooling ocean breezes. Enjoy a stroll along the central Esplanade or satisfy your lust for food in one of the city’s many multi-cultural, diverse and award-winning restaurants.
Cairns gives access to the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforests along with the Australian Outback. Cairns, with its international and domestic airport, is the first stop for most visitors who want to see the authentic Australia.
Bask on the sandy beaches, snorkel on the reef and experience the unique tropical rainforests that date back to when Australia was part of ancient Gondwanaland, thousands of eons ago.
Venture a dip in the iconic Esplanade lagoon, then cast your eyes across the serene waters of Trinity Inlet and you will discover coastal ranges and mangrove areas that have changed little since the site was discovered by Captain James Cook in 1770.
The beautiful Esplanade Lagoon is the perfect place to spend a lazy day basking in the sun and dipping in the lagoon’s cool and inviting water. There are many shaded spots to escape from the sun in the heat of the day, as well as barbeque facilities. The boardwalk has unique displays of Cairns’s local history and has many exercise facilities for those keen on getting a bit of exercise.
Cairns is extremely well suited to walking, or transport by bicycle. Well frequented routes and dedicated walking paths abound. A visit to the Cairns Botanical Gardens is not to be neglected. It claims 38 hectares of native Australian gardens which are maintained to lush standards, and many species found here cannot be seen elsewhere. Located among the fauna is a coffee shop and restaurant, which is open every day for breakfast and lunch. Admission to the gardens is free.
