Cairns

Cairns is a coastal city in northern Queensland, Australia, stretching along the Coral Sea with green mountains to the west. The waterfront connects parks, swimming areas and public spaces, while residential neighborhoods spread across the surrounding hills.

The settlement began in 1876 following gold discoveries along the Hodgkinson River and was named after Sir William Wellington Cairns, the Governor of Queensland at the time. The harbor developed into a major export center for sugarcane and minerals from the hinterland.

The Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people maintain their traditional connections through art galleries, guided tours and public events across the city. Visitors can attend workshops or experience local festivals that showcase indigenous stories and craftsmanship.

The international airport sits a few kilometers north of downtown and offers connections to Australian cities as well as several Pacific destinations. The weather stays warm throughout the year, with more frequent showers expected from November to May.

The city serves as a gateway to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Daintree Rainforest, among the oldest on Earth, and the marine ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef. Both lie in different directions and can be reached within a day.

Location: Cairns Region

Inception: 1876

Elevation above the sea: 7 m

Part of: Far North Queensland

Address: Cairns QLD, Australia

Website: https://cairns.qld.gov.au

GPS coordinates: -16.92067,145.77219

Latest update: December 18, 2025 19:20