Top Cairns Experiences

About those beautiful beaches...

In this part of the world, soft, palm-fringed, sands are part of life: there are endless kilometres to choose from, whether you're craving a quiet cove or the buzz of a beach resort close to Cairns. Almost every place has its own character, but all share the same warm, aquamarine waters of the Coral Sea. And, of course, the variety of water sports is wide as the beaches themselves, so when you tire of swimming and soaking up the sun, you can try your hand at skim-boarding, kite-surfing, tubes, jet skiing, sea kayaking and a whole host more. Which beach is best for you? If you're looking for sophistication and stylish resorts in the Cairns area, try Palm Cove; Mission Beach is a good all-rounder, with something for most tastes. For tranquillity, try Kewarra or Ellis; for a touch of surf try Yorkeys Knob. And don't forget the idyllic bays of the nearby islands: head out to Fitzroy, Green or go snorkelling on the unspoiled Franklands - a taste of the timeless tropics. If you're heading north to Port Douglas, you'll be spoilt for choice, and if you're heading south, you can't go past stunning Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsundays.

Cairns for families - it couldn't be better!

There's a big selection of family-friendly accommodation in this area, and we think one of the best options is a multi-room beachfront unit or apartment in or near Cairns. Here, you and your kids can create a real home base, and enjoy all-day fun in the sun and sand without straying far from your doorstep. Which beach you choose depends on the type of holiday you and your family enjoy; and don't worry too much about whether the area is family-friendly, because almost the entire region is. You'll find family resorts at all the big beaches around Cairns, including Palm Cove, Mission and Trinity: check out their facilities and see which one suits best. It goes without saying that you'll want to take your family on a trip to the Reef; for a day (or a stay) on an island; for a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and visits to the zoos (day and night.). And, when you can drag your kids away from the sand, there are some great free things for them to do, including Muddy's Playground and the Botanical Gardens.

Looking for luxury?

The combination of multi-star luxury in a magical, tropical setting is one of the world's best travel experiences, and Cairns is an ideal place to sample it. Some of the best hotels here are complete destinations in their own right: superb spas and beach hideaways - there's even a resort on an exquisite coral cay. And if this doesn't sound like your thing, there are sophisticated apartments and hotels right in town and on the marina. But whatever your choice, you'll find they share one thing in common: outstanding service and a range of amenities designed to indulge their guests. If you're not staying at a spa, be sure to visit one for some extra pampering during your time in Cairns. And you'll want to see the sights, from reef to rainforest. Experienced sailors can charter their own boat for water-borne sightseeing; others can enjoy a superb cruise. There are scenic flight options for aerial sightseeing, and for something a little more down to earth, why not hop on an adventure tour to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation? Cairns offers everything the most discerning traveller could want for an unforgettable holiday in the sun.

Cairns for romance

This really is the region for romantic Australian getaways: perfect, palm-fringed beaches, tropical hideaway resorts and a world of relaxation on your doorstep. Book a stunning, secluded villa, a beachfront apartment where you can watch the sun rise over the Coral Sea, or a luxurious resort with every possible holiday amenity. You can simply stay put and relax, or enjoy days of adventure on the water, explore the magical realms of the rainforest and take an unforgettable cruise to the Great Barrier Reef or off-shore islands. Float in a hot-air balloon for views of the Atherton Tableland - is there any more romantic mode of transport? Evenings are the time for a sunset stroll and moonlit picnic on one of the many unspoiled beaches, a cruise on the harbour, an arm-in-arm walk along the Esplanade and a visit to the Night Markets. And you'll find a wealth of great restaurants and cafes for fine dining, whatever the hour of day or night.

Need a short break in the sun?

Sometimes there's no getting around it: you really do need to take a break. Just a few days in the sun can make a world of difference to the way you feel, and we can't think of anywhere much better to head for than the gorgeous tropical paradise that is Cairns and Queensland's Far North. It's just a short flight from home; it's welcoming, relaxing and full of unique things to do - whether you want a touch of adventure or a taste of romance. In just a few days here you can visit the unforgettable Great Barrier Reef, laze on the sands by the Coral Sea, journey into the rainforest or kayak along one of the world's most beautiful coastlines. And one more thing: a short break here can be as luxurious or as economical as you choose, because there's great short-break accommodation in Cairns to suit every traveller's budget.