This coastal region is framed by two features of such pristine beauty and exceptional value they have been listed by the World Heritage Society and today rank in importance with Americas Grand Canyon and the renowned Galapagos Islands. These two natural features, now acclaimed as amongst the world's most wonderful assets are The Great Barrier Reef and The Wet Tropics Rainforests.

The year-round natural attractions are truly memorable and inspiring. The colourful, sophisticated capital of the Tropical North, Cairns city is alive with life and charm. Here, warm northern hospitality and enthusiasm are the order of the day. Ask a local why they love their home and they're likely to say 'because its simply...beautiful'.

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By Air
The main gateway to Cairns is its airport, which has international, domestic and general aviation terminals, and is served by major international, national and state air carriers. International visitors can fly direct to Australia with Cairns as their point of entry, with flights from:Air New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Europe & the UK, and outbound to these destinations and to the United States of America.

Within Australia, Qantas, Virgin Blue, Sunstate, Flight West Air Link and local charter companies provide regular flights from major southern cities and regional Queensland towns.

By Rail
Two major trains operate between Brisbane and Cairns. The Sunlander with Queenslander class operates two days a week and the new Cairns Tilt Train starts 15 June at three days a week. The full journey between Brisbane and Cairns is 24 hours and 55 minutes over a distance of 1681 kilometres, an average of 67 km/h. The existing Sunlander train in comparison takes at least 31 hours. First class passengers have private, air-conditioned accommodation and the trains have complete dining and refreshment services. There is a backpacker-style carriage option named the Spirit of the Tropics operating on this service.

For an excellent source of information on all the rail trips in Queensland, please visit the Queensland Rail web site.

By Road
Coach travel is an efficient and enjoyable way to see the countryside, and major coach companies operate luxury, air conditioned vehicles with express services between major Australian cities and Cairns.

By Sea
The Cairns district is well serviced with marinas for the boating enthusiast, and an increasing number of overseas cruise ships call at the port of Cairns regularly - your travel agent will have up to date information on what cruise companies are offering.

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Immigration Requirements
All international visitors require a current passport, and a visitors' visa (excepting New Zealand residents), so check carefully before finalising your travel plans. If you're planning a working holiday, there are formalities to be observed so make inquiries at your local Australian consulate.

Customs Regulations
Limitations apply to bringing in many items including quotas for tobacco products, alcohol, motor vehicles and other personal possessions - details can be obtained from an Australian Custom Booklet. As Australia is an island, strict quarantine regulations apply to plants and food items so again please ask before you embark.

Health Regulations
There are no compulsory immunisations required before arriving in Australia unless travellers have been in a quarantine zone within 14 days preceding arrival. Travellers journeying to Far North Queensland via tropical countries should seek medical advice about those countries before departing home. There are no entry and exit requirements between Australian states.

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Cairns Airport Transfer Services Bus shuttle services regularly pick up and set down travellers at most hotels and accommodation establishments. In addition to a public airport shuttle service, many hotels and motels have private transfer buses, so ask with your travel agent when booking your accommodation.

Car Rentals
Major rental companies are represented at the airport, and there are many additional rental companies with offices in Cairns and larger towns. Reservations prior to arrival are recommended although not essential. In Australia, vehicles are right-hand drive and you travel on the left hand side of the road.

Limousine Services
Cairns is well serviced with excellent limousine fleets, and everything from airport transfers to limousine sight seeing tours can be organised upon request by phone.

Taxis
Reasonably priced, and available from cab ranks at airports, railway stations, coach terminals and other locations throughout the city and in smaller towns. Taxis can be hailed or booked by telephone.

Public Transport
Public bus transport operates to all Cairns city areas, suburbs and beaches. Timetables are available at hotels and bus depots.

Licence Requirements
Generally, any current drivers license is acceptable for driving in Queensland. Note, however, that interstate and international licenses are valid for a period of three months.

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Hours
9.30am till 4.00pm Monday to Thursday
9.30am till 5.00pm Friday

Most major banks and some stores have electronic banking machines operating 24 hours per day at selected locations.

Travellers Cheques, Credit Cards and Foriegn Exchange
Travellers cheques can be cashed at most banks, hotels and motels. Major credit cards are acceptable in most establishments. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the airport, and at various Bureau de Change and foreign currency bureaus around the city, many of which are open 7 days a week. In many cases you will need to produce current, suitable identification to conduct financial transactions. The currency denominations in Australia are: $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 notes and 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $2 coins.

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Post offices are open 8.30am until 5pm Monday to Friday. In Cairns, the main Post Office is on the corner of Grafton and Hartley Streets opposite the Cairns Convention Centre. Another central city post office, Orchid Plaza, is also open on Saturdays. Stamps may also be obtained from some hotels and motels as a guest service. Post offices or agencies operate in all towns.

Wherever you travel in the Tropical North, you'll find authentic local souvenirs, art, craft, fashion, accessories and fresh local produce. There are many elegant shopping arcades, courts, plazas, galleries and boutiques where you will find the best of local, national and international products. Markets are very much part of the tropical lifestyle and you'll find a variety of bargains, local art and crafts and produce once you start exploring. In Cairns, there are the popular weekend Mud Markets at The Pier and the colourful Rusty's Bazaar Markets. Port Douglas has a delightful seaside market every Sunday, Kuranda offers popular markets four days a week, and regional towns such as Atherton, Tolga, and Yungaburra have market days once a month.

Retails Hours
While many shops trade 7 days a week, the general opening hours of most shops in the Cairns city area tend to be Monday - Friday 8.00am - 9.00pm. Saturday trading is usually 8.00am to 5.30pm and Sundays 1.00pm - 8.00pm. Some shopping plazas such as The Pier are open later and trade 7 days a week, and there are many convenience stores dotted around the Far North that are open late hours.

Duty Free
Cairns and Port Douglas have duty free stores and you can also purchase duty free items on arrival and departure at Cairns International Airport. Many other stores offer duty free prices to overseas visitors upon presentation of passports and travel documents.

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Night Life
Cosmopolitan Cairns has much to offer after dark - whether your style is theatre or movies, discos or karaoke bars. There are the pubs and bars where the locals will have a drink and a yarn with you, clubs where you can play the pokies and enjoy terrific live entertainment, or step inside the exciting world of the new Reef Casino and try your luck on the tables. For real life entertainment there are street buskers and a variety of performing artists in and around the taverns, clubs and bars where you can relax with the locals, who after all, are the best people to ask about what's on at night.

Sports & Leisure
Naturally, the tropical environment lends itself to a wealth of traditional outdoor pursuits such as golf, fishing, and all kind of water sports. Everything is easy to arrange - all you need to is decide which are the available options to take up! Many visitors find themselves taking up new interests. The North is a birdwatcher's delight, with many species of indigenous and migratory birds congregating at different seasons. The Cairns Esplanade and the area north of Mossman named Julatten are well known bird-watching venues.

Churches
Most religious denominations are represented in Cairns, and services are frequent and accessible. Further details are easily available from your hotel concierge or accommodation reception.

Medical Services
Cairns is well represented with medical services, with major hospitals capable of administering advanced and specialised medical care. An in-hotel general practitioner (GP) is available for visits by a local phone call, however it is recommended you consider purchasing travel insurance for your holiday.

Weather & Climate
Like most tropical climates, Cairns has two distinct seasons; a winter period of balmy temperatures and low rainfall, and a summer period of warmer temperatures and tropical evening showers. Winter, or the 'Dry' season, as the locals call it, typically begins in May and ends in October and usually means idyllic weather - sunshine, fresh breezes and not too much humidity.

The tropical summer season extends from November to April, and is known as the 'Wet'. Tropical downpours are common late afternoons and overnight, sometimes with dramatic lightning displays. There is a beauty about the monsoonal 'Wet' season and its soothing, greening effect that is very attractive.

What To Bring With You
It is best to consider the climate you are anticipating when packing for your Cairns holiday. Remember to minimise your sun exposure and bring a good sunscreen, or buy one locally. Pack loose, comfortable clothing, walking shoes, one or two hats, swimwear and sunglasses. All venues accept a good standard of casual tropical dress, and you may care to pack a light jacket for evening wear in the winter. The domestic electricity supply is 240 volts, 50 cycles so keep this in mind when bringing personal appliances.

Don't forget your camera!

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The World Heritage listed Wet Tropics are a major visitor attraction. If you're looking for further information, you'll find Wet Tropics Information Centres and displays located at Ravenshoe, Lake Barrine, The Big Croc Cafe in Daintree, the Daintree Rainforest Environment Centre, the Rainforest Habitat in Port Douglas, the Esplanade Visitor Information Centre, Mission Beach, Ingham, and at Copperlode Dam.

Information courtesy of Tourism Tropical North Queensland

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