Is Cairns a good holiday destination?
Is Cairns a good holiday destination? Cairns is an ideal holiday destination; it is the gateway to both the Great Barrier Reef and the oldest living rainforest. Cairns (pronounced “cans”) has a tropical climate and is home to copious amounts of wildlife, tropical birds and iridescent butterflies.
Is it better to holiday at Cairns or Port Douglas?
If you're after a city vibe, with a mix of beaches, shopping, nightlife, and a plethora of activities, Cairns is your pick. On the other hand, if you're seeking a laid-back, luxury, beachy vacation, with closer access to the Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas is the go-to.
Why do people love Cairns?
There are so many reasons! From its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, to the surrounding waterfalls and rainforests, to the year-round warm weather, to the fun nightlife and laid-back vibe of the city itself, it's no surprise why people love Cairns.
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!
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!
Can tourists 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.
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 expensive is Cairns?
Compared with Australia's capital cities, Cairns is a far more affordable place to buy a house, send a child to private school, use childcare and park your car! Cost-of-living estimates for Cairns come in around $1500-$2100 monthly*, far lower than capital cities and on par with other major regional centres.
Is Cairns cheaper than Port Douglas?
And now we come to what is going to be, for many, the major sticking point between the two destinations. It's with this in mind that we can safely say that Cairns is generally cheaper across the board than Port Douglas, particularly if you're willing to book into backpacker style accommodations.
Why is Port Douglas so popular?
Port Douglas is famous for being so close to some of the top attractions in Australia, from the Great Barrier Reef to the oldest rainforest in the world, Daintree Rainforest. You also have the Four Mile Beach which is almost like a tropical island.
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.
Why is Cairns property so cheap?
Units in Cairns North top the list for highest property price declines, and this is due to the loss of international visitors that typically flock to the Queensland city. “Cairns' reliance on tourism is a big factor in its relatively poor performance,” Conisbee said.
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.