Visitor Information
Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef Region
The Cairns & Great Barrier Reef region is Australia’s premier tropical escape combining some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery with a diverse range of activities that attracts more than 2 million domestic and international visitors each year.
The region’s environment is as unique as it is diverse – the reef, rainforest and outback.
Nowhere else on earth do two World Heritage listed sites sit side by side, The Great Barrier Reef and Australia’s Tropical Rainforests. These two areas are renowned for their scientific value and beauty and this region brings them to life better than anywhere else.
In sharp contrast to the aqua and green colours of the reef and rainforest coastline are the rustic ochres and open spaces of the Tropical Savannah and Cape York Peninsula wilderness areas that are home to mythical geological and cultural wonders.
Other serene settings include the Cairns Highlands, a patchwork of farmlands, rainforest and lakes offering a cool rural retreat from the coast and the beachside hamlets that make up the Great Green Way. From Cairns serene beaches stretch along the coast including the popular boutique destinations of Palm Cove, Port Douglas, the Daintree, Cape Tribulation and Mission Beach and other quiet beach havens such as Trinity Beach and Yorkey’s Knob while ten of the Great Barrier Reef’s premier Tropical Islands sit atop the azure waters off the coast.
Health
H1N1 Influenza 2009
Up to date information on H1N1 Influenza 2009 can be located on the Health Emergency website.
Dengue Fever
The number of confirmed dengue cases during a recent Cairns dengue outbreak has slowed considerably after a concerted effort from the State Government, and is also very low risk during this time of the year, when the cooler and drier winter weather marks a significant reduction in the number of dengue mosquitoes.
Further information can be found on the Queensland Health website.
Weather
The Tropical North has two distinct seasons, the green and the dry, with each having their own appeal.
The green season begins with the first monsoonal rains, usually around November, with most rainfall in January and February, and ends around May. Average temperatures range from 24-33C (75-91F).
The dry season is less humid, with temperatures from 14-26C (52-78F) and more clear, sunny days. Highest temperatures usually occur in January and the lowest in June, July and August. The Cairns Highlands areas are cooler, with average dry season temperatures of 9-22C (48-71F).
Cairns Business District Map