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Aerial view of the Captain Cook Highway where the rainforest meets the reef in tropical Far North Queensland, Australia
Home/Destinations/Australia & New Zealand/Australia/Cairns

Cairns Tours and Trip Packages

Captain Cook Highway
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Overview

Take a trip to Cairns on your Australia Vacation

Cairns is a small city and Australia vacation staple in the tropical north of Queensland, best known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. It enjoys easy access to mountainous rainforests including the ancient Daintree, the oldest rainforest on earth. Offshore, you can enjoy world-class diving or snorkeling, getting close to schools of tropical fish and abundant marine life.

As you stroll along Cairns' Promenade, dip your toes in the very large saltwater lagoon, or shop for souvenirs and tasty treats at the Cairns Night Market. Follow the picturesque coastal drive towards Port Douglas, where most cruises depart for the Great Barrier Reef. Hop on the century-old scenic train to the rainforest village of Kuranda, the perfect spot to take in an Aboriginal “Dreamtime” walk and cultural performance. or an army duck river safari through Rainforestation Nature Park.

To the north of Cairns are a number of excellent beaches perfect for swimming and snorkeling in the winter months. If time allows, don't miss a trip to the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest, where you can explore the trails or experience a unique guided rainforest tour.

Including at least one of our Cairns tours in your Australia vacation is essential, as this tropical city, with its Great Barrier Reef and stunning rainforests, won't disappoint.

At a Glance

Population

175,400

Languages

English

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD)

What do the experts say?

Erin Hutchinson

Erin Hutchinson

Destination Specialist
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Tasmania is under the radar for many travelers, but it’s great for hikes, natural landscapes and now modern art!
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Erin Hutchinson

Erin Hutchinson

Destination Specialist
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Sydney and Melbourne are a great combination for first-time visitors to Australia, with Brisbane, Adelaide and/or the Outback added in, depending on how much time you have. Returnees should take in Perth, Darwin and the Kakadu National Park area and/or Tasmania if they can, plus spend some time in the cities they loved the first time around
Erin Hutchinson

Erin Hutchinson

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
It might sound cliche, but you really can visit year-round. Australia is a big country, so there is always somewhere with amazing weather!
Alice Teramoto

Alice Teramoto

Destination Specialist
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Goway’s trips to Australia are not stock itineraries. We can put together trips of a few weeks or a few months, allowing you to see as much of the land Downunder as you can. And we offer a mix of travel options, from self drives to train journeys to long stay
Alice Teramoto

Alice Teramoto

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
Goway has partnerships with many unique inns and hotels in Australia. Among the most memorable are Qualia on Hamilton Island, Longitude 131 at Uluru and Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island.

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