LOCATION
About Cairns
Cairns is a vibrant city located on the tropical northeast coast of Far North Queensland, known as the gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Nestled close to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Site, the world's most extensive coral reef system, and the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Site, an area of Australian wet tropical forests, Cairns offers a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage.
To the northwest lies Daintree National Park, featuring mountain rainforests, stunning gorges, and pristine beaches. The nearby Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park pays tribute to the rich history of the Indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through captivating music and dance performances.
Within Cairns, the bustling Esplanade is lined with bars and restaurants and features a refreshing swimming lagoon. The daytime temperature in Cairns in June ranges from 23°C to 28°C, with an average maximum around 25°C (77°F). The nighttime temperature ranges from 14°C to 22°C, with an average minimum of around 18°C (64.4°F).
Discover the beauty and culture of Cairns, where the rainforest meets the reef.
CAIRNS & GREAT BARRIER REEF LOOKS FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU!
The jewel of Tropical North Queensland invites you to pack an additional suitcase and spend a few extra days exploring this magnificent destination!
Our region is excited to welcome the AUS-oMicS delegates in May 2025 to beautiful Cairns.
Your adventure, tucked between two World Heritage-listed natural playgrounds - the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest offers an incredible selection of experiences in one of the most unique and diverse regions in Australia.
EXTEND YOUR STAY AND EXPLORE OUR VIBRANT DESTINATION!
On arrival to Cairns, you will be only a short 10-minute transfer from the Cairns International Airport to the city. We want you to stay on after the conference and explore more Cairns’ experiences! If it’s a change of pace you are after, head up to Port Douglas or Palm Cove for an extended beachside getaway, or journey a little further north, and go luxe in a rainforest retreat and explore the ancient landscapes of Cape Tribulation and the Daintree.
WHAT TO DO
Get wet on the Great Barrier Reef snorkelling or SCUBA diving the largest coral reef system in the world, luxuriate on a palm-fringed island on golden sands or venture into the lush, green rainforest of the Wet Tropics with an indigenous guide to learn about bush medicines and native foods. Take a bird’s eye view of the world’s oldest living rainforest from a glass gondola, or if adventure is what you're looking for, take a leap Skydiving or Bungee Jumping, float over the Tablelands in a Hot Air Balloon, jump on a jetboat or float down a rainforest river in a tube like a local.
In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk along the 2.5km Cairns Esplanade, or start your morning with a power walk on one of the four, challenging Arrow tracks. Those looking to truly immerse themselves in nature can explore some of the region’s hiking and walking trails.
If you’ve never been to Australia – you must check out our unique wildlife up close and personal. Breakfast with koalas, hand feed kangaroos, pose with a python or get the adrenalin pumping watching Australia’s very own dinosaur – the crocodile – launch out of the water during a feeding demonstration.
WHERE TO EAT
Before you arrive, check out our incredibly diverse range of local restaurants, breweries and distilleries, fresh local produce, vibrant city market, hidden laneway bars and nightlife – with everything within walking distance of your hotel and the Cairns Convention Centre. If you’d prefer a guided tour, foodies will rejoice in a brewery or outback tasting adventure featuring a selection of local tropical delights, original brews and unique gins.
HOW TO MOVE AROUND THE REGION
From the airport to Cairns city, taxi’s, Uber and coach transfers all depart from in front of the arrivals hall. If you’re wanting to extend your stay, rent a car and drive 25 minutes north to the relaxed enclave of Palm Cove, or 55 minutes along the stunning, scenic, Great Barrier Reef Drive to the seaside village of Port Douglas.
The world’s warmest welcome is waiting for you – fringed by the reef, enveloped by rainforest and ringed by the red dirt of the Outback, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef invites you to arrive early or stay on after your conference in Australia’s Tropical Gateway and enjoy everything our incredible destination has to offer.
Jump on to the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Deals page to find more options to fill your itinerary!
THINGS TO DO IN CAIRNS
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EXPLORE ICONIC LANDSCAPES
Discover unforgettable moments in Tropical North Queensland. Wander through the world's oldest rainforest, where every step reveals stunning natural beauty and ancient wonders. Dive into the vibrant coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef, where the kaleidoscope of colours and marine life captivate your senses. These breathtaking places create lasting memories. Whether marvelling at lush rainforest greenery or the dazzling underwater world of the reef, you'll think, "I am here, and there is nowhere else I'd rather be." Embrace the serenity and splendor of Tropical North Queensland, a destination that promises unparalleled natural beauty and unforgettable experiences.
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FLY HIGH
The Great Barrier Reef offers stunning underwater experiences, but the aerial view is equally breathtaking. A scenic flight reveals the vastness of this incredible ecosystem, the only living organism visible from space. Choose a helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft from Cairns or Port Douglas. Combine your snorkelling tour with a Heli flight, making it easy to explore remote islands, snorkel from pontoons, or enjoy a romantic breakfast on a secluded coral cay. Enhance your adventure with a flight over the rainforest, spotting waterfalls and rugged landscapes. Explore Cape York, Lizard Island, the Daintree River, Cooktown, and Lakefield National Park from above.
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GREAT BARRIER REEF
Words can't truly capture the essence of the Great Barrier Reef. This natural wonder, stretching over 2,300 kilometers, must be experienced to be believed. Dive into its crystal-clear waters, home to minke whales, manta rays, sea turtles, seahorses, giant clams, and tiny clownfish. Marvel at the vivid coral gardens bursting with color. Whether snorkelling on the surface or diving deeper, each adventure reveals new surprises. The Great Barrier Reef is a haven for marine life and a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Swim. Snorkel. Marvel. Repeat. Every visit leaves you in awe of this underwater paradise.
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CULTURE CONNECT
Culture Connect specialises in authentic Aboriginal cultural experiences with Indigenous Traditional Owners in North Queensland. Partnered with the Balnggarrawarra Traditional Owners, thsey offer intimate rock art and ranger experiences at Normanby Station near Cooktown. The Harrigan family guides guests through immersive journeys into traditional and contemporary Indigenous culture. Private tours are available, featuring a range of cultural activities with Traditional Owners on their homelands. Accommodation and transport cater to educational, corporate, and special interest groups. Culture Connect supports the preservation of Aboriginal culture through genuine, unique experiences, promoting both traditional and contemporary practices.
