Why Do People Love Cairns?
Why do people love Cairns? There are so many reasons! From its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, to the surrounding waterfalls and rainforests, to the year-round warm weather, to the fun nightlife and laid-back vibe of the city itself, it’s no surprise why people love Cairns. International travelers and Aussie locals alike flock to this vibrant city in Tropical North Queensland. Whether you want to relax or have epic adventures, Cairns has something for you!
Why Do People Love Cairns?
In addition to being the gateway to two World Heritage Areas, people love Cairns because it has something for everyone! Whether you’re a backpacker, a solo traveler, a budget traveler, a business traveler, or you’re part of a couple on a romantic getaway or a family on a kid-friendly holiday, Cairns has it all!
This charming city is nestled right in between two World Heritage Areas: The Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Travelers flock here to snorkel in the reefs, learn to scuba dive, or take day trips to unique islands. Cairns is also surrounded by waterfalls, gorges, scenic railways, dense rainforests, tropical hikes, and more.
With a tropical climate, Cairns is warm year-round. You can test your limits in Cairns by skydiving, bungy jumping, or river rafting. Or you can have a mellow holiday where you relax by the pool, visit the markets, and soak in the Queensland sunshine. Let’s dive into some of the reasons why people love Cairns!
The Great Barrier Reef
Cairns is often referred to as the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Though you can visit the reef from other places in Queensland, Cairns is one of the closest cities to the reef! So there are lots of excellent day trips and overnight trips to the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you’re a snorkeler, a first-time scuba diver, or an expert diver, visiting the Great Barrier Reef is a must while in Cairns! You can also make trips to unique islands on the reef such as Green Island or Fitzroy Island.
The Atherton Tablelands
Though most people love Cairns for the water activities, there is so much awaiting you inland as well. Cairns is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, which includes a stunning area called the Atherton Tablelands. From quaint jungle villages like Kuranda, to towering waterfalls and swimming holes, there is so much natural beauty to explore just outside the city!
The Daintree Rainforest
You can find more waterfalls and rainforests if you head north of Cairns into the Daintree Rainforest. Another World Heritage Site, the Daintree is the oldest tropical rainforest on the planet! Venture to this remote and wild corner of Australia to go on a crocodile-spotting cruise on the Daintree River or complete a rainforest walk through the jungle. A highlight of the Daintree is Cape Tribulation, a small tourist community where you can see Two World Heritage Sites of the rainforest and the reef meeting at Cape Tribulation beach.
Things To Do In Cairns
In addition to all the natural beauty outside the city, many people love Cairns for the attractions of the city itself! Cairns is a laid-back city that is small enough to explore on foot, yet it is packed with things to do. Backpackers will love the nightlife, and there are lots of fun hostels to stay in. Families will love all the kid-friendly attractions like the Cairns Aquarium and the Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome.
And there are more attractions in Cairns that suit all travelers! Go for a dip in the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon or buy some fresh, exotic fruits at Rusty’s Fruit Market. Hit up the many restaurants and bars or go shopping at the Cairns Night Market. There is so much fun stuff to do in Cairns!
So Why Do People Love Cairns?
So why do people love Cairns? There are so many epic day trips to take outside the city, but there is also lots of fun to be had in Cairns CBD. The weather is warm and you’ll often have sunny days. You can snorkel and dive in the Great Barrier Reef, and you can even spend a few days on the reef with a liveaboard. Take scenic flights over the reef or visit a stunning island!
Inland, you can explore gorges, rainforests, waterfalls, local villages, wildlife parks, and more. See fascinating jungle creatures like crocodiles and cassowaries, and visit the oldest rainforest in the world! Or have some fun in the heart of Cairns! Cairns is more affordable than other Australian cities like Sydney or Melbourne, and it’s family-friendly as well. From nature, to nightlife, to everything else in between, Cairns is the perfect place for a holiday!
