Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef in Far North Queensland Australia. Cairns is a small city with a population of approx. 130,000 that is very focused on the tourist industry, but is also surrounded by agricultural activities including sugar cane, banana and other tropical fruits. Cairns is popular with international tourists, particularly the Japanese.

There is a lot of budget accommodation with plenty of drinking establishments and cheap restaurants for backpackers. The atmosphere is relatively inexpensive tourism, with t-shirt shops and lots of clubs and places to go out for young travellers. Travellers might prefer the more sedate and upscale Port Douglas, 30 miles to the north.

 
Cairns is popular with many travellers because it is easily reached by plane and offers a perfect spot to explore the rest of Queensland. It offers some interesting sights, such as a handful of museums and the old wharf area. You think of an activity and there is probably the possibility to arrange it in Cairns. Or at least discuss it over a beer in one of the many bars that make Cairns’ nightlife into what it is known for these days. There are five shopping centres that you can find in the Cairns central business district. The Pier Marketplace has also a variety of shops and markets. From the pier, several boats set off for one of the islands known for their natural beauty. Because face it, Cairns is a nice place but the main reason why you came over here is probably to visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest Area.  One of the marquee destinations on the Great Barrier Reef is Dunk Island, with a single resort surrounded by rain forest.

Cairns shines with the carnival atmosphere of travellers all year round and the city is positively booming. In 2003 the foreshore was given a Hollywood makeover, with lagoons and the spanking Pier Marketplace, equipping Cairns to be a truly international tourist destination.

Aside from limitless accommodation and dining options, markets, culture, shopping and seaside atmosphere, Cairns' big drawcard is its access to the outer tentacles of the Great Barrier Reef. It's also a good base to discover Port Douglas, the Atherton Tableland, Cape Tribulation and beyond.