Cairns
Cairns is the gateway to Tropical North Queensland. The Cairns Northern Beaches, Port Douglas and The Daintree Rainforest are to the north while the Atherton Tablelands are to the west surrounded by rainforests. Below Cairns you will find mountainous countryside with beautiful crater lakes and waterfalls. And looking to the east lies the magnificent Great Barrier Reef - past the calm water of Trinity Bay and beyond to the Coral Sea. All travel to Far North Queensland is directed through Cairns and it has now become Australia's 16th largest city.
Cairns was first seen by Captain cook in the 1700's and recognised as a future port. With a need transport sugar cane, bananas, pineapples, dairy and gold, a railway was constructed in 1886. The great supply of fresh produce and livestock led to the creation of a harbour in 1906. After a short stint as an allied war base in world war 2, tourism began to increase in the area and when the Cairns International Airport was built in 1984, Cairns became internationally known as a wonderful tropical holiday destination.
Cairns weather is nearly perfect all year round. Located in the tropics, Cairns has a wet season between November and March and is in dry season the rest of the time. Cairns annually receives over 2 metres of rain and has hot humid summers and mild winters. The average temperatures of the Cairns region sits nicely between 31 and 27 degrees all year round.
Cairns tourism has a major part in the local economy. Cairns is in the top 5 destinations for internationals visitors due to its ideal location right on the reef and close proximity to Mission Beach, Trinity Beach, Palm Cove Resorts and Port Douglas accommodation. There is a wide range of Cairns accommodation in the city and the surrounding areas. Travellers can find luxury resorts all the way from Cairns to Port Douglas and beyond, holiday apartments crossing all star ratings and boutique Cairns hotels of all shapes and sizes. Holiday cruises also frequent the area, stopping at many beautiful Islands and beaches up and down the coast.
Some of the main attractions in Cairns are the many small theme parks - observing and interacting with nature and the animals. Kuranda Skyrail is a great way to see the tropics, perched high up in a cable car you can view the entire region. There are several places to see Kolas, Kangaroos, snakes and crocodiles and interact with local aborigines and their ancient traditions.
Cairns holidays would not be complete with out a trip down the Esplanade. In warm weather locals and tourists alike use the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon. It is a massive pool in the shape of Queensland with water fountains, shallow areas and life guards patrolling during the day. The lagoon is flanked by gazebos and barbeques, perfect for a day in the sun. At night the Cairns Esplanade comes alive with hundreds of people coming out to dine at the restaurants and eateries that abound in this area. So many aromas and cuisines from around the world.
