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
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Unforgettable Journeys.18 Trips Found
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18 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$4,748/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$8,458/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$19,327/p.p.
Request a Quote
Rail, Reef & Islands: Queensland's Coastal Journey
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$3,197/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$5,212/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$4,782/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$4,748/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$8,458/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$19,327/p.p.
Request a Quote
Rail, Reef & Islands: Queensland's Coastal Journey
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$3,197/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$5,212/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$4,782/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
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Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
CairnsPartly Cloudy
33°C / 91°F
25mm / 1.0"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
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ExcellentBased on 5,294 ReviewsMy wife and I have just returned from our 5th trip with Goway. Once again everything ran smoothly from first day to last. This trip was the 9 day all Ireland tour which covered both north & south Ireland. The tour was operated by Rabbies tours whom we used in Scotland and the 16 passenger van only had 6 passengers including us.Other than a couple of days the weather was prety good although the wind did get a bit wild. The pub food was delicious & i got a taste for real Guiness. We spent a few extra days in Dublin and found it very expensive, the excange rate didn't help. Our travel consultant Jaqueline personalised the trip and was very helpful. George CroomeWe were able to see the perfect amount of sites during our nearly 3 weeks in Australia. Sam Day was extremely knowledgable about every step of the travel process. He was incredibly patient with all the demand my wife and me had. We really look forward to using his services again.Alan RosenbergMy husband and I booked a tour to Portugal using Goway travel. Working with Phoebe was a pleasure. She responded promptly and professionally to all of my requests, concerns and queries. Our trip was filled with lovely details and unexpected treasures.Kristen RemsenMy trip to China was a wonderful experience, and everything was planned very well. The itinerary was well organized by Ms. Harpreet Litt. The arrangements were smooth, and the overall trip was enjoyable.
I appreciated the attention to detail and the excellent coordination throughout the journey. It was a memorable experience, and I would highly recommend this trip to anyone planning to visit China!edytaHarpreet Litt provided us with a rich experience for our week. She offered good choices for local tour companies. We had a very good guide in Osaka. She is an Osaka resident with good English skills. She took extra pains to include opportunities we requested Osaka was a beautiful city at night. My photos of restaurants and street food were colorful and fun. Food was good too.Noel ChrismanI had a fantastic experience working with Lisa D. on the Goway team. She was helpful, attentive and made sure we were comfortable with our bookings and itinerary before departure, and also checked in with us following our trip. Would definitely book with Goway again!Mandi S.1186952 trip reference - Croatia and Montenegro.
Dear Goway Travel Team!
I wanted to reach out and share some well-deserved praise for Jacqueline, who has assisted me closely with several of my travels. She recently curated a trip for me to Croatia, the beautiful islands, and Montenegro, and it was an absolute home run.
Jacqueline has an incredible ability to listen to her clients' needs and translate them perfectly into a flawless itinerary. Her articulation, guideline execution, and professionalism are unmatched. What sets her apart is her forward-thinking approach—she always knows the exact hotspots and trends, ensuring the pace of the trip matches my speed perfectly.
Everything transitioned seamlessly thanks to her attention to detail and care. She is a massive asset to your organization, and her consideration makes every vacation stress-free. I will absolutely continue to use her for all my future travels.
Kindest regards,
Vince Sacco Vince SaccoAbsolutely incredible trip! From beginning to end! All accommodations were excellent. If you want to experience Safaris this trip will fulfill all your expectations! A special thanks to our driver we had for our entire trip Evans! He made our trip over the top! The Hot air balloon ride in the Masai Mara is a must…it’s breathtaking!Pam SeitzI have worked with Goway several times in the past two years and every single trip has been unforgettable. Specifically, our travel advisor, Maria, has helped us book phenomenal trips to Thailand, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, and most recently, Iceland. Maria is so wonderful and easy to talk to, but what really stands out is her ability to get to know her clients so she can plan trips that perfectly align with our interests and desires. I cannot recommend her strongly enough! Her expertise, hard-work, and dedication towards each trip has given myself, my family, and friends memories to last a lifetime! Kayla CovelloJamil made our 40th birthday trip to Portugal so so very amazing and special! Great service, fabulous hotels, and wonderful day trips! Lane Strickland
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