Is it safe to holiday in Cairns?


Is it safe to holiday in Cairns? Cairns is generally a safe destination with a relatively low level of petty crimes. Like anywhere, tourists can be targets for pickpocketing or bag snatching, particularly in crowded tourist areas. Always keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings.


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!


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.


Can I swim in the ocean in Cairns?

Yes you can swim in Cairns beaches, however it can be very dangerous between the months of November – May. Most locals would recommend swimming in freshwater lagoons, lakes and waterfalls to avoid crocodiles, jellyfish and other dangerous animals in the sea.


Is it safe to snorkel in Cairns?

Two types of marine stingers, or jellyfish, are found on Cairns' Great Barrier Reef. Both are poisonous and can leave painful stings and sometimes scars. Usually, they are only present in the waters between November and May, but this may change pending weather conditions.


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!


What are the disadvantages of Cairns?

Con: The humidity is real If you love year-round warm weather, Cairns is your jam. However, the humidity during wet season can be pretty intolerable.


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.


Can you get around Cairns without a car?

Getting around Cairns can actually be very easy without a car. If you plan to stay within the city centre, you can walk, or use a bike to get around.


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 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.