Can you do Cairns without a car?


Can you do Cairns without a car? There are plenty of ways to get around, whether you want to travel by car or motorhome, bus, taxi, train or even jumping on a tour – with most tours arranging pick-ups from your hotel.


How many days in Cairns is enough?

Honestly, a lifetime is not enough to explore and enjoy all the amazing natural wonders of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. But if you can't spend your life on holiday, we recommend at least three days in Cairns to discover the main attractions. If you have more time, great!


When not to visit the Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef is also prone to thunderstorms and the occasional cyclone. If you want reliably good underwater visibility, summer might not be the best time as rain and storms can cause the water to become murky. It's not all bad though.


Is it easy to get around Cairns without a car?

If you plan on booking tours for your day trips, most of them include complimentary pick-up! Or if you want to rent a car, there are plenty of places to do that in Cairns. But Cairns is a very walkable city, so you should be able to get by without a car easily.


What is the best month to visit Cairns?

We recommend getting there in the shoulder months of April and May and September and October. The weather is amazing at these times and you'll be beating the dry season crowds!


Why is Cairns so popular?

Cairns is undoubtedly the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is the worlds largest reef system comprised of over 2,900 individual reefs. Each year, people flock to the reef from around the world to swim, snorkel, and dive with the more than 1,500 marine species that call the reef home.


How much is taxi from Cairns Airport to the town?

The Cairns International and Domestic Airport is located within ten minutes drive from the Cairns CBD and is easily accessible by hire car, taxi or airport shuttle bus. A taxi will only cost you around $25/$30 one way into the CBD and the airport shuttle will set you back around $16 per person.


Do I need a car for Great Barrier Reef?

The best way to get around the Great Barrier Reef is by car or boat, depending on where you plan to spend the majority of your time. If you're on the mainland, renting a car is the best way to get to and from the attractions in and around Cairns.


Is there a lot to do in Cairns?

Cairns is the gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef, with most dive and snorkel tours leaving here each day taking visitors on Great Barrier Reef tours to explore this World Heritage listed reef system. Visitors can charter boats, take scenic flights in helicopters or liveaboard extended dive tours on the reef.


Is it bad to swim in the Great Barrier Reef?

A: It is safe to swim all year round in Cairns, Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef but it is highly recommended that you wear a lycra suit when entering the water in the warmer months of November-April.


Is Cairns a walkable city?

Cairns City is known for sunny weather, warm winters, and for being the gateway to the tropics of Australia. The town itself is small, it's easy to walk around the entire city in a day, or jump on a shuttle or bus to get around.


What not to do at the Great Barrier Reef?

Take care when diving and snorkelling Be aware of where your fins are and avoid touching anything with them. Don't rest or stand on coral. If you must stand up, make sure it is on sand or use rest stations. Observe animals rather than handling them directly, and avoid blocking the path of free swimming animals.