Australia / Tropical North Queensland & the Reef / Cairns (Great Barrier Reef)Cairns (Great Barrier Reef)
Gateway to the Reef and the Rainforest
The tropical north's city and the main base for the Great Barrier Reef: daily catamarans to the outer reef for snorkelling and diving, Green and Fitzroy islands, the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail over the rainforest, and the free Esplanade Lagoon (the beach is mud flats and the sea has stingers). Dry and warm from May to October; hot, wet and humid from December to March. Several Indian restaurants in the city.
Highlights
- Snorkelling or diving the outer Great Barrier Reef
- Green Island day trip
- Kuranda Scenic Railway up, Skyrail down
- Esplanade Lagoon and boardwalk
- Atherton Tablelands waterfalls
- Scenic flight over the reef
- Night markets
Things to do
- Outer Great Barrier Reef snorkelling cruiseMorning · 8h
- Kuranda Scenic Railway and SkyrailMorning · 7h
- Green Island half dayAfternoon · 4h
- Esplanade Lagoon and night marketsEvening · 2h
- Atherton Tablelands waterfalls circuitMorning · 8h
Tours & tickets
Tourisma may earn a small commission if you book — it never changes your price.
When to go
Best time: May – October
Worth knowing
Stinger Season: Box Jellyfish in the Sea
⚠️ From about November to May, box jellyfish and the tiny Irukandji drift along the tropical coast; their stings can kill. Swim only inside the stinger nets at patrolled beaches, and wear the full-body lycra stinger suit the reef boats hand out. Vinegar is the first aid; call 000. Saltwater crocodiles live in rivers and estuaries all year: obey the warning signs.
Heads up
Wet Season: Heavy Rain and Possible Cyclones
January to March is the heart of the tropical wet: hot, humid days, heavy downpours and a chance of cyclones that close roads and cancel reef trips. Reef visibility drops after big rains. Buy refundable tours and travel insurance, and watch Bureau of Meteorology warnings.