Travel Fair Guide

1.Attractions
Arts & Culture:
Ancient Earth Indigenous Art Gallery: Pier Marketplace (07 4051 0211)
Cairns Civic Theatre: Sheridan & Florence Sts, Cairns (07 4031 9933);
Cairns Mu... More>>>

1.Attractions
Arts & Culture:
Ancient Earth Indigenous Art Gallery: Pier Marketplace (07 4051 0211)
Cairns Civic Theatre: Sheridan & Florence Sts, Cairns (07 4031 9933);
Cairns Museum: Lake & Shields StS, City Place (07 4051 5582);
Cairns Regional Gallery: Abbott & Shields Streets, Cairns (07 4046 4800);
Cominos House: 27 Greenslopes Street, (07 4032 1368);
Shipwreck Museum: Pier Marketplace. (07 4031 0102);
Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre: 1 Junction Street, Cairns. (07 4053 1952);
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park: Kamerunga Road, Smithfield (07 4042 9900).
Beaches:
Machans Beach: First beach heading North out of Cairns;
Holloways Beach: Close to Cairns International Airport;
Yorkey's Knob: 10 mins north of Cairns International Airport;
Trinity Beach: 15 mins north of Cairns International Airport;
Kewarra Beach: 20 mins north of Cairns International Airport;
Clifton Beach: 20 kms north of Cairns International Airport;
Palm Cove: 30 mins north of Cairns International Airport.
Family Fun:
Cairns Esplanade: Marquee central city attraction with outdoor amphitheatre, swimming lagoon, picnic and public barbeques areas, foreshore boardwalk, children's playground, shops, restaurants, bars, a cruise departure terminal & an environmental interpretation centre.
Cairns Rainforest Dome: 35 - 41 Wharf Street, Cairns. (07 4031 7250);
Cairns Tropical Zoo: Captain Cook Highway, Palm Cove (07 4055 3669);
Flecker Botanical Gardens: Collins Avenue (07 4044 3398);
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures: Palm Cove (07 4055 3576);
Undersea World: Pier Marketplace, (07 4041 1777).
2.Activities
Fishing offshore or Cairns' mangrove lined creeks for your 1000+ lbs trophy black marlin;
4WD or quad bike riding off-the-beaten-track through pristine World Heritage rainforest;
Gambling at the Cairns Reef Casino;
Golfing the many championship courses right by the beaches;
Hang gliding off the Rex Point Lookout;
Hiking through the heathland, mangroves and rainforests surrounding Cairns;
Horseback riding in the hills or on the beaches;
Hot air ballooning over the stunning landscape of the Atherton Tablelands and beyond;
Motor biking or cycling along scenic routes that surround Cairns;
Rainforest excursions into the Daintree Rainforest, as far as Cape Tribulation,
Scuba diving, snorkelling, sea kayaking, and glass-bottom boating the Great Barrier Reef;
Skyrail riding between Kuranda to Smithfield over rainforest canopy and Coral Sea;
Sunworshipping and people-watching by the saltwater lagoon along the Esplanade;
White water rafting the Russell, Tully and Barron Rivers.

Cairns enjoys a typical tropical climate and the weather is almost always sunny.
There are actually two seasons in Cairns, the Green season of November to April when the monsoonal rains acount for... More>>>

Cairns enjoys a typical tropical climate and the weather is almost always sunny.
There are actually two seasons in Cairns, the Green season of November to April when the monsoonal rains acount for nearly 75 to 90% of the annual rainfall, and the Dry of May to October when mild temperatures, low humidity and cool sea breezes making it a perfect time to carry on all kinds of activities.
Clothing is causal on most occasions, although reasonable dress code is observed in rather fancy restaurants, lusury hotels and classy clubs.
Due to its average of 320 days of sunshine each year, summer attire, like lightweight loose clothing, sandshoes or comfortable walking shoes, is worn year round in Cairns.
A light jacket or something warmer is recommended while you¡¯re out in cooler winter evenings or mountainous terrains.
It is worth preparing for higher heat and humidity than you may be used to, and by all means put on your sunhat, sunglasses and sunblock lotion at all times. And don¡¯t forget your swimwear!
A lightweight raincoat is optional for the Green season. And you may find that you need to take the set of mask/snorkel/flippers of your own with you for scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef.

1. Modern Australian,
Red Ochre Grill:
Tel: 61 07 4051 0100
Location: 43 Shields Street, Cairns
Price: Entree, $9 - $32; Main, $29 - $34; Dessert, $12 - $14
What to eat:
... More>>>

1. Modern Australian,
Red Ochre Grill:
Tel: 61 07 4051 0100
Location: 43 Shields Street, Cairns
Price: Entree, $9 - $32; Main, $29 - $34; Dessert, $12 - $14
What to eat:
Char grilled kangaroo sirloin- quandong chilli glaze- sweet potato fritter and bok choy;
Chicken supreme pocketed with gulf bugs-macadamia poached- wasabi mash;
Grilled lamb loin-panzella salad with buffalo boconccini- artichoke and pepper leaf aioli;
Iced pineapple and mint souffle- poached quandongs and coriander tuille;
Risotto with porcini mushrooms- pecorino crisps, roast capsicum and pesto dressing;
Roast duck breast, confit leg- Asian green salad- Davidson plum and sambal sauce ;
Salt pepper crocodile and prawns with Vietnamese pickles and desert lime sambal;
Seared Ocean trout fillet- soba noodle, mango, cucumber and riberry salad;
Selected Australian cheese, wattle seed lavosh- fig chutney;
Slow roast emu fan fillet- smashed kipfler's,crisp prosciutto- wild mushroom cream sauce;
Wattle seed Pavlova- Davidson plum sorbet- macadamia biscotti.

Pesci's on the Water:
Tel: +61 07 4041 1133
Location: Radisson Side of marina, The Pier Marketplace, Pier Road, Cairns
Price: Entree, $15; Main, $25; Dessert, $8
What to eat:
Char grilled Ciabatta with Garlic and Herb Aioli and Olive oil;
Cicken & Avocado tier w/capsicum coulis & parmesan en crute;
Falafel, house made chic pea patties with rocket salad,Hummus and raita;
Fresh local fish, scallops, prawns, calamari with rich tomato Napoletana;
Pan roasted lamb rump encrusted with sumac, sesame and thyme;
Pan Seared lime dressed Scallops, Steaming Black Shell Mussels;
Polenta coated escalope of veal filled with Parma ham, crisp sage and mozzarella;
Seared red eye yellow fin tuna over Greek style salad, tomato, olives, Cucumber and feta;
Steak, Kidney, roasted field mushroom pot pie With shallot mash and Guinness jus;
Steamed black shell mussels in a light creamy curry sauce, Served with crusty bread;
Szechwan fried calamari with a rocket, roma andRoast pepper salad and garlic aioli;
Tarragon and garlic prawn hot pot with julienne spring vegetable.

2. Japanese
Kamome Restaurant:
Tel: +61 07 4051 4318
Location: Shop 12-14, Abbott Street, Cairns
Price: Entree, $10-$15; Main, $20-$30; Dessert, $5
What to eat:
Assorted raw fish on sushi rice;
Deep friend crumbed pork tender loin/ prawn and vegetables;
Fresh live mud crab table cooked with mis soup, vegetables, noodles and tofu;
Grilled beef with yakiniku sauce;
Grilled eel served on bowl of rice;
Lamb Steak in Soy sauce and garlic;
Large platter of fresh seafood chicken and Japanese noodles and tofu;
Mixed seafood and vegetables in batter, served with ginger and daikonn dipping sauce;
Rib Fillet Steak in White radish and ponzu sauce;
Seasoned medallions of tender pork fillet, deep fried in spicy Japanese bread crumbs;
Shaved beef cooked in a shiyabushiyabu pot, tofu, vegetables and noodles;
Shaved rib fillet with vegetables noodles and tofu pan cooked in sweet sauce;
Tender Loin Steak in White radish and ponzu sauce.

Cherry Blossom Restaurant:
Tel: +61 07 4052 1050
Location: Cnr Spence & Lake St, Cairns
Price: Entree, $3.5 - $14.5; Main, $16.5 - $24.5
What to eat:
Cold bean curd served with soy sauce, dried shaved fish flakes, shallots and ginger;
Deep fried bean curd served in light soy sauce and finished with grated white radish;
Deep fried chicken pieces marinated in ginger, garlic and soy sauce;
Egg custard pudding with prawn, chicken and ginkgo nut;
Grilled skewered chicken in home made sweet soy sauce;
Pork belly cooked in sweet soy sauce;
Rice cooked in fish stock with prawn until fluffy and served with seaweed in ceramic pot;
Salmon roe served on top of of grated radish;
Salted grilled Salmon with ground radish;
Selection of sashimi,grilled/fried seafood,smoked eel,meat and rice served with miso soup;
Soy bean paste blended with fish stock base;
Vinegared rice topped with varieties of fresh fish served with miso soup.
3. Italian
Ristorante RIMINI:
Tel:+61 07 4044 9796
Location: 183 Lake Street, Cairns
Price: Entree,$5.95 - $25.5; Main, $23.5 - $30.5
What to eat:
Aged Sirloin, Scallop Potatoes, Trussed Cherry Tomatoes, Merlot Jus;
Chicken & Pecorino Spaghetti with Broccolini, Pinenuts, and Cream;
Chicken & Saffron Risotto with Roasted Zucchini and Sparkling Wine
Confit of Duck on Fettuccini;
Filo Wrapped Salmon with Roasted Vegetables, Filo Pastry, Basil Oil;
Garlic Prawns (Prawns, Garlic Rossti, Rocket, Cream, Garlic);
House Made Ciabatta, Tomato, Basil, Green Olive Tapenade, Pesto;
Margarita Pizza with Roma Tomatoes, Basil, Cracked Salt, Extra Virgin Olive Oil;
Morton Bay Bug & Scallop Ravioli;
Rimini Pizza with Fig, Rocket, Buffalo Mozzarella, Prosciutto;
Risotto de Mare with Arborio Rice, Thyme, Morton Bay Bugs;
Seared Scallops, Witlof, Celeriac Puree, Prosciutto, Honey Infused Truffle;
Veal, Prosciutto, Thyme, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Butter & Chardonnay Glaze.

4.Chinese
Cafe China:
Tel: +61 7 4041 2828
Location: Rydges Plaza Complex, Corner of Spencer &Grafton Street, Cairns
Price: Entree, $4.8-$16.8; Mains, $21-$69.5; Dessert, $14.5-$15.5
What to eat:
Beef Hor Fun (silky rice noodle with sliced beef & beanshoots);
Beef with Black bean sauce;
Cantonese Roasted Duck;
Cantonese Fillet Steak;
Fukein Fried Rice (Fukein style seafood, chicken & mushroom risotto);
Premium Oysters Natural or Steamed with Black Bean Sauce;
Pork Loin Chops with boney peppercorn;
Shark's Fin with Crab Meat Soup;
Sliced Pork with Ginger & Shallots;
Sliced Tasmanian Abalone with Chinese Mushrooms;
Spicy Mapo Tofu with Chicken;
Steamed Har Gow (prawn dumplings);
Yee Mee (Chinese le quini with a shitake mushroom sauce);
Wok Fried Seafood Omelette.

5.French
C'est Bon French Restaurant:
Tel: +61 074051 4488
Location: 20 Lake St, Cairns
Price: Entree, $13-$15; Main, $27-$32; Dessert, $9-$12
What to eat:
Chicken thighs cooked in white wine, tomatoes, tarragon and potatoes;
Duck liver parfait served with a pinot noir and black currant jam;
Fillet of beef with leeks and garlic mash, roasted field mushrooms and pepper sauce;
Fresh fish of the day accompanied by chefs special creations;
Pork Belly resting on slowly cooked lentils, carrots and bacon;
Rack of lamb, served with a spiced saffron couscous, minted yoghurt and rocket;
Roasted duck on butternut pumpkin and coriander;
Tasmanian quail deboned stuffed with dried fruit and roasted garlic;
Twelve snails served with garlic and parsley butter;
Twice baked salmon and cheese souffle served with caramelised onions and summer greens;
Upside down wild mushroom and roquefort tart with rocket and balsamic drizzle.

6.Seafood
Splash Seafood Restaurant:
Tel: +61 07 4031 9300
Location: 103 The Esplanade, Cairns
Price:
What to eat:
Battered, or pan seared fish of your choice, served with tartare sauce & fries;
Char Grilled Coral Sea Tuna steak resting on sweet potato mash & rocket;
Chunky fish chowder, served with ciabatta bread;
Gulf tiger prawns & local reef fish simmered in laksa sauce with vermicelli noodles;
Prawn Cocktail with Gulf tiger prawns, fresh salad greens, avocado & cocktail sauce;
Premium Tasmanian Oysters Natural with lemon wedges & cocktail sauce;
Premium Tasmanian Oysters Tempura with sesame tempura, mango & sweet chilli sauce;
Premium Tasmanian Oysters Kilpatrick baked with bacon & spicy sauces;
Pan Roasted Garlic Gulf Bugs Served with kipfler potatoes, rocket, aoli & lemon;
Seafood Platter(Sand crab,tiger prawns,gulf bugs, east coast scallops &Tasmanian oyster);
Sesame Tempura Gulf Tiger Prawns served with greens, rice, and sweet dipping sauce;
Steamed fish with lemon grass, rice, bok choy, snow peas, sweet chilli & mango glaze;
Thai Style Fish Cakes Served with sprout salad & sweet dipping sauces.

7.International
Teshi's Restaurant:
Tel:+61 (07) 4051 8999
Location: 209/217 The Esplanade Cairns
Price: Entree, $10 - $14.5; Main, $25.5 - $45; Dessert, $8-$15
What to eat:
Chef's selection of French and Australian cheeses, lavoshe, house made quince paste;
Chef's selection of seafood served with salad and condiments on a platter for two;
Chilled Sesame King Prawns Soba noodles, sweet spicy dipping sauce and shellfish broth;
Duck liver parfait: five spice toast, spiced pear, port jelly;
Fresh Made Shell Pasta Filled with Moreton Bay bugs and Galliano cream;
Slow Cooked Duck Leg, Steamed apple bun, spicy green beans, apple glaze;
Spiced Chicken Breast With potato gnocchi, mushroom, fennel and spinach;
Spring bay scallops with scorched nashi butter ;
Today's Fish accompanied by lime, salad, red pepper aioli and tuna and caper dressing;
Tropical North Queensland Fruit Platter With Lemon and Galangal Sorbet.

1. Coral Tree Inn
Tel:+61 07 4031 3744
Location: 166-72 Grafton St, Cairns
58 rooms in total; Rates from AUD92
A modern midranger in a nifty spot which is 5-minute walk from the city cen... More>>>

1. Coral Tree Inn
Tel:+61 07 4031 3744
Location: 166-72 Grafton St, Cairns
58 rooms in total; Rates from AUD92
A modern midranger in a nifty spot which is 5-minute walk from the city center, with balconied basic neat guest rooms and huge and stylish suites, a pleasant central courtyard consisting of a friendly communal kitchen with free barbecue facilities and big shared tables overlooking the the smallish sparkling saltwater pool to give it some airy touch, plus packages of reef cruises and other tours thrown in for good measure, Coral Tree Inn offers excellent value for money to keep the budget conscious happy and a healthy splash of class and personality to do any comfort-conscious justice.
2.Hilton Cairns
Tel: +61 07 4050 2000
Location: 34 Esplanade, Cairns
264 rooms in total; Rates from AUD 160
Oceanfront location overlooking the Coral Sea at Trinity Inlet, balconied spacious rooms with magnificent views of Trinity Inlet and the Pacific Ocean, a heated 50m outdoor swimming pool & Health Club complete with sauna, gym & plunge pool, a 24-hour business center and 7 meeting rooms for 2,300 delegates, unique dining experiences at the Breezes Restaurant with with panoramic views over Trinity Inlet, and alfresco Mondo Cafe Bar & Grill right on the water¡¯s edge, plus the swift transport connections linking the Cairns International Airport within 10 mins, the local railway station within 2 mins and the Cairns Convention Centre at the doorstep, the Hilton Cairns makes it happen when it comes to exclusive tropical lifestyle!
3. Hotel Cairns
Tel: +61 07 4051 6188
Location: Cnr Florence & Abbott Streets, Cairns
92 rooms in total; Rates from AUD 125
Superbly situated in Cairns¡¯ Central Business District, virtually across the road from the Centre of Contemporary Art, and only one block from the the famous Cairns Esplanade, Hotel Cairns is a visual tropical oasis in the shades of green palm trees and lush tropical gardens, with a high architectural profile of a gracious old-school Casablanca exterior facade, spacious living space in a variety of styles and configurations, a functional choice of business and meeting facilities, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, a sparkling blue outdoor pool, a luxurious spa and impeccable service to match its 4 star resort hotel status.
4.Hotel Sofitel Reef Casino Cairns
Tel: +61 07 4030 8888
Location: 35-41 Wharf Street, Cairns
128 rooms in total; Rates from AUD 215
Exclusively designed with on-site gymnasium, spa, rooftop swimming pool, and wonderful rooms and suites equipped with spacious living areas, private jacuzzi style spa baths and tropical garden balconies, and centrally located in the heart of Cairns, with the business & shopping districts of the city on one side, and the Trinity Inlet and the departure point for the Great Barrier Reef on the other side of the expansive complex, which also offers the stunning Reef Casino, an auditorium, the Cairns Rainforest Dome and a variety of dining and entertainment options including Tamarind Restaurant, Pacific Flavours Brasserie, Vertigo Bar and Lounge and Casino Nightclub 1936, the Hotel Sofitel Reef Casino Cairns is unmistakably the most stylish and most prestigious hotel in town.
5. Il Palazzo Boutique Hotel
Tel: +61 07 4041 2155
Location: 62 Abbott Street, Cairns
38 rooms in total; Rates from AUD 125
Il Palazzo Boutique Hotel is a stylish boutique apartment hotel located in the heart of Cairns, whose neoclassical Mediterranean architectural style arouses an elegant and romantic atmosphere, the superbly appointed and softly lit apartments speak surely of stylish mod-cons and reliable comfort, the heated swimming pool, landscaped gazebo, barbecue and central atrium further your experience of recreation and relaxation, and the central location ensures walking access to most of the city attractions and destinations, including the Cairns Esplanade Promenade and Swimming Lagoon, Pier Marketplace, Cairns Convention Centre, Reef Fleet Terminal, Reef Hotel Casino, and the famous Night Markets.
6. Mantra Esplanade Cairns
Tel: +61 07 4046 4141, 1 800 688 7444
Location: 53-57 The Esplanade, Cairns
124 rooms in total; Rates from AUD 94
Formerly known as the Cairns Resort by Outrigger, which was originally the Cairns Courthouse, the Mantra Esplanade Cairns is superbly set right on the waterfront Esplanade in the very heart of Cairns central business district, a convenient location just steps from the Reef Casino, the Cairns Esplanade Swimming Lagoon, Marlin Marina, the yacht harbour, and the lively street cafes, upscale restaurants and duty-free shopping of the city, a commanding location promising that every city or ocean view from its rooms is sweeping and spectacular, and a privileged location that encourages this 4 star property to put up swimming pool, fitness room, sauna, whirlpool spa, landscaped gardens, function room, tour desk and shopping complex onsite to match.
7. Quality Hotel Sheridan Plaza
Tel: +61 07 4031 6500
Location: 295 Sheridan Street, Cairns
74 rooms in total; Rates from AUD 125
A veritable central city hotel that¡¯s only 5 minutes away from the Cairns International Airport and Cairns central business district, and an affordable boutique hotel offering tastefully appointed rooms with views of Trinity Bay or the Whitfield Range, air-conditioned or al fresco dining at the creative Kippin's Brasserie and cocktail bar, state-of-the-art conference, meeting and function space, a gymnasium and outdoor pool for your convenience of recreation, and extensive package deals for your complete soaking up of what Tropical North Queensland has to offer.
8. Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Tel: +61 07 40449000
Location: Corner The Esplanade & Kerwin Street, Cairns
342 rooms in total; Rates from AUD 109
Located on the Esplanade along the foreshore of Cairns waterfront overlooking the Coral Sea, Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns not only provides a desirable waterfront central location indicating stunning views of the Coral Sea and rainforest clad mountains from the fully self-contained rooms and suites, and walking distance to a vast array of fine dining, shopping, recreation and entertainment facilities, its extensive facilities and impeccable services, like the 3 swimming pools, 2 tennis courts, a children's pool, a Health Fitness Club, the informal Coral Hedge Brasserie, a hair salon in the resort foyer, and a convenience store on-site, are not usually come as easy in this spot of town at this range of price.
9. Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina Cairns
Tel: +61 07 4031 1411
Location: Pierpoint Road, Cairns
256 rooms in total; Rates from AUD 179
With wonderful rooms that are contemporarily stylish and exceptionally spacious, constant effert to upgrade its exsisting exclusive rooms and suites and adjoining dining, drinking, functioning and recreation facilities, and a welcoming central location overlooking the Marlin Marina, Trinity Bay and the Rainforest Gardens, and minutes walk from the Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, Pier Marketplace, Great Barrier Reef Departure Terminal and some of the city's hottest shopping and dining spots, this 5 star extravaganza prides itself in earning bashful compliments from even the fussiest critics.

1.By Air
Airport:
Cairns International Airport, 7km north of Cairns, the fifth busiest airport in Australia;
For further information, contact the airport on 07/4052 3888.
Major... More>>>

1.By Air
Airport:
Cairns International Airport, 7km north of Cairns, the fifth busiest airport in Australia;
For further information, contact the airport on 07/4052 3888.
Major airlines:
Air New Zealand (132476): serves Auckland;
Air Niugini (1300 361 380): serves Port Moresby (with connections to Lae);
Cathay Pacific (131747): serves Hong Kong;
Continental Micronesia (1300 737 640): serves Guam;
Jetstar (131538): serves Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney;
Macair Airlines (131313): serves Normanton, Kowanyama, Pompuraaw, Mount Isa, Edward River, Mornington Island;
Qantas (131313): serves Brisbane, Darwin, Melbourne,Perth, Sydney, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Gladstone, Gove Mackay, Horn Island, Thursday Island, Townsville, Weipa, Hamilton Island; Nagoya, Narita/Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore (via Darwin);
Regional Pacific (07/4053 8222): serves Bamaga;
United Airlines serves Auckland;
Virgin Blue (13678): serves Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane.
Airport Transfer:
Buses:
Australia Coach (07/4048 8355) offers transfers to city hotels Cairns CBD;
Sun Palm Express Coaches (07/4084 2626) provide services to to the Northern Beaches, Palm Cove, Cape Tribulation, Mission Beach and Port Douglas.
Taxis:
Taxi ranks are located immediately outside the International Terminals.
The average fare is $16.50 to the city, $30 to Trinity Beach and $40 to Palm Cove.
Rental cars:
Car-rental offices are located at the at the northern end of the Domestic Terminal
Major car hire companies include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Red Spot and Thrifty.
2. By train
Train station:
Cairns Railway Station:on Bunda St,beside Cairns Central Shopping Centre in the city center.
For further information, contact the station on 07/4036 9250.
Routes facts:
From Brisbane:
Queensland Railways Tilt train: twice a week, $300 one way;
Queensland Railways The Sunlander: four times a week, $200 for a seating berth, $250 for an economic classs sleepr, $400 for a first-class sleeper, and over $700 for the all-inclusive Queenslander Class.
From Kuranda:
QR Traveltrain (07/3235 1133): twice daily, on Kuranda Scenic Railway, $39.00 one way;
Savannahlander (07/4053 6848): once a week, on the Kuranda Scenic Railway to Kuranda and goes a lot further than Kuranda, $39.00 one way (Kuranda).
3.By Bus
Bus terminal:
Trinity Wharf Centre: on Wharf Street in the center of town
Operators:
Greyhound Australia (1300 4739 46863, 07/4690 9950);
Premier Motor Service (133 410);
Coral Reef Coaches (07/4098 2800);
Sun Palm Transport (07/4084 2626);
Country Road Coachlines (07/4045 2794).
Routes:
South: From Brisbane via Townsville, Maclay Rockhampton on the Bruce Highway,
North: from Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation and Cooktown on the Captain Cook Highway;
West: from Alice Springs and Darwin via Tennant Creek on the Stuart Highway.
4.By Car
Distance from Brisbane: 1750km;
Distance from Darwin: 2800km;
Distance from Sydney: 2850km;
Distance from Melbourne: 3200km.

1.Time to visit
Summer (December-February): Average temperature 23-31C; Wet season with monsoonal rains, rainfall peaks in January and February; Constant threats of potentially dangerous je... More>>>

1.Time to visit
Summer (December-February): Average temperature 23-31C; Wet season with monsoonal rains, rainfall peaks in January and February; Constant threats of potentially dangerous jellyfish (stingers); Possible risk of tropical cyclones (January to February).
Autumn (March-May): Average temperature 20-30C; Gnerally sunny days followed by balmy nights, with occaional rains in early Autumn; Possible threats of potentially dangerous marine stingers (March to April); Possible risk of tropical cyclones (March to April).
Winter (June-August): Average temperature 18-26C; Generally more constant sunny and lower humidty- Ideal conditions for enjoying what the tropical north has to offer.
Spring (September-November): Average temperature 18-30C; Similar to Autumn, with weather conditions suitable for outdoor and indoor activities. With the first monsoonal rain set in around November comes the arrival of box jellyfish close to the beach.
2.Health
Dehydration:
Cairns climate is typically tropical and travellers to the region, particularly during summer, should drink a lot of water to prevent dehydration. Tap water in Cairns is safe to drink as it is throughout the country.
Sunburn:
Care should be taken at all times to prevent yourself from being burned by the extremely strong Australian UV radiation, especially in Cairns, Topical North Queensland.
Sun-protective clothing, hat and sunglasses and UV protection sunscreen are a must while out in the sun.
Immunisations:
No compulsory immunisations required, unless you have been in a yellow fever quarantine zone within 14 days preceding arrival.
3.Safety
Personal safety tips:
Do not carry large amounts of money around;
Put valuables in hotel safe if available;
Do not walk in dark areas alone late at night, especially if you're a female;
Do not speed and/or drink and drive while dring a vehicle.
Stinger Season (Nov-Apr) tips:
Read and obey warning signs of all kind;
Always swim in the marked enclosures patrolled by lifeguards;
Wear a "stinger suit" or stockings to protect exposed skin in unprotected waters;
If you are stung:
Remove patient from the water;
Treat the sting with household vinegar;
Seek Medical Aid: call lifesaver/lifeguard, or dial 000 for Ambulance;
Rainforest tips:
Check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly;
Use a local guide and a map;
Stay on the track and watch where you walk;
Obey the fire restrictions and watch out for bushfires;
Don't try to surprise or touch anything, there might be poisonous spiders, deadly snakes, aggressive crocs, grumpy lizards as well as nasty plants.
4.Useful Phone Numbers
Emergency:
Ambulance/Fire/Police 000;
Cairns Police Station: (+61/07)40 30 7000;
Coastguard: (+61/07)40 51 2192.
Hospitals:
Cairns Base Hospital: (+61/07)40 50 6333;
Calvary Hospital (after hrs): (+61/07)40 52 5111.
Tourist information:
Tropical Tourism North Queensland: (+61/07) 4051 3588;
Queensland Parks & Wildlife Centre: (+61/07) 4046 6600;
Travellers Contact Point: (+61/07) 4041 4677