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
175,400Languages
EnglishCurrency
Australian Dollar (AUD)Trending Trips
Unforgettable Journeys.19 Trips Found
Showper page
9
19 Trips Found
Classic Australia: Sydney, Uluru, Reef & Melbourne
Sydney, New South Wales, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Atherton Tablelands, Queensland, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Northern Territory, Ayers Rock (Uluru), Victoria, and MelbourneDiscover Australia on an independent journey through harbour, reef, desert and city, where vibrant culture meets extraordinary natural beauty.
12 days
From US$4,817/p.p.
Request a Quote
Aussie Fly & Stay: Melbourne, Great Barrier Reef & Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Atherton Tablelands, Queensland, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Victoria, and MelbourneDiscover Australia on an air inclusive trip, mixing Independent and Small group touring, with coral reefs, ancient rainforest, wild coastlines, wildlife and harbour views.
12 days
From US$4,299/p.p.
Request a Quote
Pacific Coast Road Trip: Sydney to Cairns
Atherton Tablelands, Queensland, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Whitsundays, Brisbane, New South Wales, Hunter Valley, Sydney, Sydney Opera House, and Bondi BeachSet off along Australia's captivating east coast, where vineyards meet golden sands. From Hunter Valley's wines to Cairns’ tropical allure, this classic road trip beckons.
20 days
From US$4,785/p.p.
Request a Quote
Classic Downunder: New Zealand & Australia
Victoria, Melbourne, Atherton Tablelands, Queensland, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Northern Territory, Ayers Rock (Uluru), Sydney, New South Wales, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Christchurch, Rotorua, and AucklandVenture through New Zealand and Australia, where ancient landscapes meet cities. From Auckland's museums to the Great Barrier Reef's wonders, each stop tells a story.
22 days
From US$8,684/p.p.
Request a Quote
Ultimate Australia: A Luxury Journey
Victoria, Melbourne, Queensland, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Northern Territory, Ayers Rock (Uluru), Sydney, New South Wales, Sydney Opera House, and Bondi BeachA luxury, private-guided Australia journey pairs harbour sparkle, ancient rainforest, red desert silence, and reef-blue horizons in one unforgettable escape.
15 days
From US$19,608/p.p.
Request a Quote
Australia Soul, Sea & Wellness
Queensland, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, New South Wales, Sydney, Sydney Opera House, and Bondi BeachUnwind and rejuvenate on a wellness retreat across Australia. Experience the lively atmosphere of Sydney, the calming vibes of Byron Bay, and the tranquil shores of Palm Cove.
13 days
From US$5,369/p.p.
Request a Quote
Rail, Reef & Islands: Queensland's Coastal Journey
Atherton Tablelands, Queensland, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, and WhitsundaysJourney along Australia's stunning east coast from Brisbane to Cairns. Enjoy two spectacular rail journeys, a Great Barrier Reef adventure, Fraser Island safari, and more.
11 days
From US$3,243/p.p.
Request a Quote
Highlights of Downunder: Australia & New Zealand
Atherton Tablelands, Queensland, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, New South Wales, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Rotorua, and AucklandDiscover the stunning landscapes of Australia and New Zealand. Experience lush rainforests, wildlife, and cultural feasts, culminating in breathtaking scenery
14 days
From US$4,851/p.p.
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.
Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
Classic Australia: Sydney, Uluru, Reef & Melbourne
Sydney, New South Wales, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Atherton Tablelands, Queensland, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Northern Territory, Ayers Rock (Uluru), Victoria, and MelbourneDiscover Australia on an independent journey through harbour, reef, desert and city, where vibrant culture meets extraordinary natural beauty.
12 days
From US$4,817/p.p.
Request a Quote
Aussie Fly & Stay: Melbourne, Great Barrier Reef & Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Atherton Tablelands, Queensland, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Victoria, and MelbourneDiscover Australia on an air inclusive trip, mixing Independent and Small group touring, with coral reefs, ancient rainforest, wild coastlines, wildlife and harbour views.
12 days
From US$4,299/p.p.
Request a Quote
Pacific Coast Road Trip: Sydney to Cairns
Atherton Tablelands, Queensland, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Whitsundays, Brisbane, New South Wales, Hunter Valley, Sydney, Sydney Opera House, and Bondi BeachSet off along Australia's captivating east coast, where vineyards meet golden sands. From Hunter Valley's wines to Cairns’ tropical allure, this classic road trip beckons.
20 days
From US$4,785/p.p.
Request a Quote
Classic Downunder: New Zealand & Australia
Victoria, Melbourne, Atherton Tablelands, Queensland, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Northern Territory, Ayers Rock (Uluru), Sydney, New South Wales, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Christchurch, Rotorua, and AucklandVenture through New Zealand and Australia, where ancient landscapes meet cities. From Auckland's museums to the Great Barrier Reef's wonders, each stop tells a story.
22 days
From US$8,684/p.p.
Request a Quote
Ultimate Australia: A Luxury Journey
Victoria, Melbourne, Queensland, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Northern Territory, Ayers Rock (Uluru), Sydney, New South Wales, Sydney Opera House, and Bondi BeachA luxury, private-guided Australia journey pairs harbour sparkle, ancient rainforest, red desert silence, and reef-blue horizons in one unforgettable escape.
15 days
From US$19,608/p.p.
Request a Quote
Australia Soul, Sea & Wellness
Queensland, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, New South Wales, Sydney, Sydney Opera House, and Bondi BeachUnwind and rejuvenate on a wellness retreat across Australia. Experience the lively atmosphere of Sydney, the calming vibes of Byron Bay, and the tranquil shores of Palm Cove.
13 days
From US$5,369/p.p.
Request a Quote
Rail, Reef & Islands: Queensland's Coastal Journey
Atherton Tablelands, Queensland, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, and WhitsundaysJourney along Australia's stunning east coast from Brisbane to Cairns. Enjoy two spectacular rail journeys, a Great Barrier Reef adventure, Fraser Island safari, and more.
11 days
From US$3,243/p.p.
Request a Quote
Highlights of Downunder: Australia & New Zealand
Atherton Tablelands, Queensland, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, New South Wales, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Rotorua, and AucklandDiscover the stunning landscapes of Australia and New Zealand. Experience lush rainforests, wildlife, and cultural feasts, culminating in breathtaking scenery
14 days
From US$4,851/p.p.
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.
Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
What do the experts say?
Tasmania is under the radar for many travelers, but it’s great for hikes, natural landscapes and now modern art!
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
It might sound cliche, but you really can visit year-round. Australia is a big country, so there is always somewhere with amazing weather!
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 stays.
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.
Most Popular Time to Travel
Know when to go.
Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
CairnsPartly Cloudy
33°C / 91°F
25mm / 1.0"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
-
Travel Stories
Get Inspired About Your Trip to Australia
Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.
With our newsletter, you’ll get access to regular communications that inspire you and help you explore the world your way.Exclusive Savings
Insider Benefits
Trending Stories
ExcellentBased on 5,317 ReviewsWe decided to go to France for 3 weeks in September and knew we needed help planning the trip (we made this decision in August so a very short time frame. We had traveled with Goway a few years ago and were hoping they could help. Our specialist, Farnaz Bagheri, was fantastic, she listened to what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go. She literally arranged everything with her French partners. The guides and drivers were wonderful the accommodations were excellent. Communication was easy from the first discussion to the time we got home. Farnaz planned for us an exceptional trip in a very short time frame. Promise next trip we will contact Goway much earlier. Thanks againSue BlakeOur experience was amazing! The booking process went great. We just had to pack our clothes and everything else was taken care of thanks to Goway Travel… Lori Mezzomo!!! Lori was fantastic. Everything from flights to transfers to excursions was perfect! Can’t wait to go back and i would definitely use Goway Travel again!!!Marie IdolMaria Spitman provided exemplary service to us! Her expertise, attention to detail, timely replies and kindness were unmatched. We will definitely recommend her to others who we know are considering travel to Asia. Alice StaniforthMichael Keon and his crew did a fine job coordinating our trip to Turkey. His contact in Turkey, Mr. Omer was in contact with us almost daily reminding us of our schedule and pick up info. He was terrific. Very informative and insightful guides. And large comfortable vehicles on every trip. Awesome trip. Tom and Sharon Tom and Sharon, Toronto, Canada We loved the trip itinerary and everything was organized so well! Lori was always very responsive and answered our questions promptly. Thank you for an amazing trip!Jelena PoprzenAs a travel advisor, I recently booked a group of clients on a Goway tour in China following their paddleboat competition, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience.
Christine and Tanya in the groups department were incredibly helpful and made the entire process seamless. Their support was greatly appreciated!
The feedback from my clients was overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise for the local tour guides, who helped make the trip so memorable. Everyone had a wonderful time.
Thank you, Christine, Tanya, and the Goway team, for taking such great care of my clients. I would happily recommend Goway and look forward to working with them again!customerI wanna start off by saying that Farnaz our agent was excellent!!! she planned the whole experience from start to finish. We did not have to worry about one thing the entire trip. All the hotels were great. Our transfers from hotels to fairies to airports were all available and always on time. The excursions she planned for us were all top-notch. I was a little skeptical, but just finding GOWAY online stumbling across it. But I’m so glad I made the choice to use them. I hope they definitely using the company again and especially our agent Farnaz!!! Thank you do mych for a wonderful experience! CatherineOur goal for this trip was a stress free honeymoon where we did not have to think about anything! Goway made that successful. Everything was planned and ready for us. We just had to show up. Brooke recommended fantastic accommodations that were in great locations, clean and comfortable. The tours were took with Thompson's Africa were incredible as well. Brooke was helpful throughout the entire booking process & we wouldn't have had such an incredible experience without her. We really loved our South African holiday and hope to travel there or other locations again with Goway.TaylorOctober 9, 2026, was our 50th wedding anniversary. To celebrate, I wanted to take my bride to Europe for 50 days. Also, other than the flight over, I wanted to make the trip by train. I contacted Farnaz at Goway. The trip we planned ultimately extended to 60 days. It was absolutely flawless. We had great hotels, great tours. Even though this trip was complex and had a lot of moving parts, there were no problems. Farnaz and the folks at Goway done a great job. I highly recommend them and will definitely use them on any future tripsDaniel GraffWe had a fabulous Croatia vacation with a cruise from Dubrovnik to Split, followed by land tours on Split and Opatija. Lodging was always comfortable and conveniently located. Tours and activities were perfectly suited to our interests. We have used GoWay for 2 vacations and are currently working on another. Karen
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified