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Cairns is situated on the eastern coast of Cape York Peninsula at Trinity Bay between the Coral Sea and the Great Dividing Range. It is a 1700 kilometre drive from Brisbane, the capital of Queensland and has both a domestic and international airport.

It was founded in 1876 when gold was discovered on the tablelands to the west, and over time it has grown into a major port used for exports of sugar cane, gold, metals and agricultural produce. It is now the sixteenth largest city in Australia, with a population of over 140,000 people, and is known as the gateway to North Queensland

It is popular with tourists because of its tropical climate, colourful coastal character and proximity to many attractions. To the east is the Great Barrier Reef marine park, coral cays and tropical islands, to the west is mountainous Rainforest and the plains of the Atherton Tablelands. North is wet tropics rainforest and World Heritage national Parks while to the south there are rugged ranges with waterfalls and lakes. This gives it a rare mixture of ecological environments which attracts eco-tourists.

There is no real beach at Cairns as it is essentially a mud-flat, but there are fantastic beaches both north and south of the city. At any time of the year there are flocks of different bird species which feed on the tidal mudflats as they migrate. There is a substantial pedestrian promenade and a very large open air public swimming pool. Adjacent to this precinct are many restaurants and a large undercover shopping mall.

The streets are lined with cafes, restaurants, hotels, plazas, galleries, markets and modern facilities to help visitors enjoy the treasures of Tropical North Queensland. The city also boasts a Casino and a Convention Centre that were both built in 1996.

Cairns has two distinct seasons; a winter 'Dry' season of balmy temperatures and low rainfall, and a summer 'Wet' season of warmer temperatures and tropical evening showers. The 'Dry' season goes from  May to October and usually means idyllic weather - sunshine, fresh breezes and not too much humidity. The 'Wet' extends from November to April when tropical downpours are common late afternoons and overnight, sometimes with dramatic lightning displays.

A variety ofCairns holiday packages are available including family, discovery and self-drive, which will help you discover the delights of Cairns and the surrounding attractions.

Visit Tropical Cairns >>