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Cairns

Cairns, Coastal city in Far North Queensland, Australia

Description

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.

History

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.

Culture

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.

Practical

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.

Did you know?

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
Inception
1876
Elevation above the sea
7 m
Part of
Far North Queensland
Address
Cairns QLD, Australia
GPS coordinates
-16.92067,145.77219
Latest update
December 18, 2025 19:20

AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Cairns Region).

« Cairns - Coastal city in Far North Queensland, Australia » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

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