Cairns is unlike any other Australian city, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. No other city in the world is located so close to two UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Anyone spending a year abroad here lives in the heart of one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, with a tropical climate, a laid-back atmosphere, and an outdoor culture that’s second to none.
On the Edge of the Tropics
Cairns is located in the far north of Queensland, on the edge of the Wet Tropics, one of the oldest rainforest regions in the world. The city nestles between the Coral Sea to the east and the Atherton Tablelands to the west. The Pacific Ocean begins right outside the city, and with it the Great Barrier Reef is only a 30-minute boat ride away. Brisbane and Sydney are far away, and you can really feel it: Cairns has the vibe of a city at the end of the world—in the best possible way.
Tropical Climate: Warm, Humid, Spectacular
The climate in Cairns is tropical and is divided into two distinct seasons. The dry season, from May through October, is the most pleasant time to visit: temperatures between 20 and 29 degrees, little rain, and clear views of the reef. The rainy season, from November through April, brings sweltering heat, heavy tropical showers, and impressive thunderstorms. But it also brings lush greenery, full waterfalls, and a natural spectacle you won’t soon forget. Even during the rainy season, the sun shines every day, and the showers are usually short and intense.
Relaxed, adventurous, cosmopolitan
Cairns is a small city with a big international vibe. Backpackers, divers, nature lovers, and adventurers from all over the world come together here, and the atmosphere is open and laid-back. The Esplanade by the sea is the central gathering spot, featuring the famous Lagoon swimming pool, barbecue areas, parks, and cafés. In the evenings, the restaurants and bars in downtown fill up, and anyone in the mood for markets, street food, or local music will quickly find what they’re looking for.
Highlights: Two World Natural Heritage Sites right on your doorstep
This is what sets Cairns apart from all other Australian destinations: Here, you literally live between two of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. The Great Barrier Reef – the world’s largest coral reef system, comprising over 2,900 individual reefs – is accessible via a day trip. And the Daintree Rainforest north of Cairns is the world’s oldest rainforest, dating back some 180 million years, and home to animals found nowhere else: cassowaries, tree kangaroos, and quolls.
Sports: Diving, rock climbing, and more
For sports-loving teens, Cairns is a paradise. Diving and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef are at the top of the list. Many get their first diving certification here. Other activities include whitewater rafting on the Tully River, mountain biking in the Atherton Tablelands, kayaking in the mangroves, bungee jumping and ziplining in the rainforest, as well as kitesurfing along the coast. Those who prefer hiking will find trails for every skill level in the Wet Tropics National Park.
However, if you want to surf, this isn’t the place for you, as the Great Barrier Reef breaks the waves. Surfers are best off on the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast.
Conclusion:
Cairns isn’t your typical city—it’s a gateway to two natural wonders of the world. Those who live here are literally immersed in a natural environment that can’t be experienced in any other classroom in the world. Cairns is perfect for teenagers seeking adventure, nature, and a year abroad that will truly be unforgettable.
City & Culture
- Cairns Esplanade Lagoon – Free outdoor pool right on the ocean, Cairns’ central meeting place
- Cairns Night Markets – Evening market featuring Asian street food and handicrafts
- Cairns Museum – History of the region from the Aboriginal peoples to the gold rush era
- Cairns Art Gallery – Modern and Indigenous art in a historic building
- Rusty’s Markets – Weekly market featuring exotic fruits and street food
- Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park – Culture and history of the local Aboriginal people
- Cairns Botanical Gardens – Rare plant species and hiking trails
Great Barrier Reef
- Reef Teaching – Guided snorkeling tours with marine biologists for school groups
- Outer Reef Platforms – Floating platforms on the outer reef serving as a base for half-day and full-day excursions
- Low Isles – Small coral atoll off Port Douglas
- Fitzroy Island – Inhabited island with its own reef, hiking trails, and sandy beach
- Green Island – Coral island located directly within the reef, featuring an underwater observatory
Daintree Rainforest & Wet Tropics
- Daintree National Park – The world’s oldest rainforest, 180 million years old, home to tree kangaroos and cassowaries
- Cape Tribulation – A dream coastline where the rainforest and the reef meet
- Daintree River Boat Tour – Crocodiles, waterfowl, and rare wildlife
- Mossman Gorge – Crystal-clear swimming pools in the rainforest, a sacred site of the Kuku Yalanji people, and a world-class hiking area
Atherton Tablelands
- Millaa Millaa Falls – One of Australia’s most beautiful and photogenic waterfalls, surrounded by rainforest
- Crater Lakes – Crater lakes such as Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine for swimming and kayaking
- Curtain Fig Tree – Ancient fig tree with impressive aerial roots, one of the Tablelands’ natural wonders
- Ravenshoe – Queensland’s highest town, featuring wind turbines and waterfalls
- Yungaburra – Charming village with a weekly market, platypus sightings, and historic buildings
- Mountain biking on the Atherton Tablelands – Extensive trails through rainforest and farmland
Adventure & Outdoor
- Whitewater rafting on the Tully River
- Ziplining through the rainforest – Zip lines through the canopy of the tropical rainforest
- Kayaking in the mangroves – Leisurely tours through the mangrove forests around Cairns
- Kitesurfing and windsurfing at Ellis Beach
Excursions
- Kuranda Scenic Railway – Historic steam train through the rainforest up to Kuranda
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway – Cable car ride over the rainforest canopy to Kuranda
- Port Douglas – A coastal town north of Cairns, the starting point for Great Barrier Reef and Daintree tours
- Cooktown – A historic town in the Far North
- Undara Lava Tubes – Huge underground lava tubes west of Cairns
- Paronella Park – The ruins of a Spanish castle in the rainforest
- Mission Beach – A dream beach surrounded by rainforest, where cassowaries can be spotted
Red: State Schools; White: Private Schools; Green: Regional Schools (For details see The Australian Education System; Prices see under Prices and Services)
