Cairns, named after the Governor of Queensland, William Wellington Cairns is a city located in Australia’s Far North Queensland region. It is situated between the Coral Sea and the Great Dividing Range, on the east coast of Cape York Peninsula. It is one of the most splendid cities in Queensland having an abundance of natural beauty lakes, rivers, waterfalls, parks and an amazing variety of the most exotic fauna and flora and exceptional species of animals all of which are found in the world renowned Tropical Rainforest for which Cairns is famous.
Apart from the Tropical Rainforest, Cairns is also home to the Great Barrier Reef, both of which are World Heritage Sites. One can get to the Great Barrier Reef by boat, which takes a little less than an hour to reach. The Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation that are located 130 km from Cairns give you an insight to the famous Rainforest. Tourists from all over the world come to Cairns to see these two natural wonders. Many start their holiday from Cairns, exploring the city’s attractions as well as those of its neighboring areas before they carry on into the country.
Originally a land of the Walubarra Yidinji tribe and known as Gimuy in Yidiny, the city was established in 1876. It developed as a tourism centre after World War II and with the opening of the Cairns International Airport; it became all the more possible for tourists to travel to the city. Today it is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Australia after the major cities of Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Tourists, apart from visiting the Great Barrier Reef and the Tropical Rainforest also seek to explore the Atherton Tableland, Paronella Park and the Kuranda crocodile farms.
Besides the crocodile farms, Kuranda is well known for its Barron Falls, crater lakes, spectacular waterfalls and splendid Spanish castles. A gondola ride is available for Kuranda and all along the way; you can experience some breathtaking views of the mesmerizing landscape that surrounds the area. Since the city is located on a coastal strip, it is obvious that one will find some great beaches. Cairns offers swimming areas where people can indulge in water sport activities, besides swimming or lazing on the beach.
Cairns has a vibrant nightlife with bars, pubs, discos, casinos, clubs and theatres remaining open till the wee hours of the morning. The city experiences a tropical climate with mild and dry winters and warm and wet summers. Cairns is easily accessed from other cities via air, rail, sea, car and coaches. Its close proximity to Brisbane and Sydney makes it a popular tourist destination.
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