Cairns Airfares

Cairns, 1730 kilometers north of Brisbane, is best known as the gateway to Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef. The reef is the largest natural feature on earth, covering 2300km off the coast of north-east Australia, and boasting nearly 3000 different species of fish.

Snorkeling or scuba-diving amidst the colorful coral and sea creatures is an unforgettable experience, and even those reluctant to get wet can enjoy the marine life from one of the many glass-bottomed boats offering coral viewing cruises. Not all the marine life is friendly, however, with the box jellyfish, stone fish and blue ringed octopus just some of the creatures best observed without touching.

The reef, declared a World Heritage site in 1981, risks damage as a result of the huge tourism interest, and visitors are asked not to touch or break the coral. Cairns’ location also makes it a logical start point for exploration of the tropical rainforests of far north Queensland, also a World Heritage site.

Despite its proximity to some of the world’s most glorious beaches, Cairns itself has only a man-made beach beside the Esplanade in the heart of town. However, there is a vibrant nightlife and restaurant scene, much of it focused around The Pier Marketplace, on the Esplanade.

Cairns is easy to access, located only 6km from its international airport.