Cairns Great Barrier Reef brings together two World Heritage icons – the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforests of the Wet Tropics of Queensland. Cairns is the gateway to TNQ, a vibrant modern city and an ideal base for discovering the tropics. A vast array of accommodation, some outstanding dining options, great shopping, the inviting oasis of the Esplanade Lagoon, and a lively night scene including a casino combine to make the ideal holiday destination. With around 600 daytrip activities on offer you’ll be spoiled for choice but top of the list are the reef cruises to experience the natural wonder of the Great Barrier Reef.
There is much beyond Cairns to discover starting with the seaside holiday locations of Trinity Beach, Palm Cove and Port Douglas to the north and Mission Beach to the south. Settle into the rhythm of the tropics in a luxury resort and unwind or gear up for adventure on the day tours. Take the Kuranda Scenic Rail train up to the picturesque hinterland community or glide over the rainforest canopy aboard Skyrail. There is much to explore up on the Atherton Tableland for those who are touring.
The World Heritage listed Wet Tropics of Queensland encompasses some 900,000 hectares in sites sprinkled along 450km of coast from Townsville to Cooktown. The Wet Tropics is thought to be the oldest of the world’s rainforests, dating back over 135 million years and pre-dating the Amazon rainforest. You can explore the Daintree on safari tours, spend the day with an Aboriginal guide or take a crocodile cruise along the Daintree River.
Find out more about the Cairns Great Barrier Reef region
Begin your Journey with Queensland Explore Centres
There are a number of Queensland Explore Centres throughout the Cairns Great Barrier Reef region who are the experts in their region.
Atherton
Babinda
Georgetown
Karumba
Kuranda
Malanda
Mareeba
Mission Beach
Ravenshoe
Tully
Yungaburra