Cairns Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city in Queensland, Australia
About Cairns
The Cairns area was historically inhabited by the Indigenous Walubarra Yidinji people. Mapped byJames Cookand named Trinity Bay in 1770, it was officially founded in 1876 as an export port for gold and renamed after the then-Governor of Queensland. The city's name is pronounced "Canz" by locals; use of the accepted pronunciation of the governor's surname, the Scottish town, and piles of stones is obsolete. The main industry for the city is tourism, with a focus on the European, Japanese and increasingly Chinese markets. There is a plethora of clubs and coffee shops, all overflowing with international tourists. Cairns is also supported by agricultural businesses which include sugar cane, bananas, coffee, tea and the world's first tropical fruit wine region. Peak season in Cairns is during t
Top Attractions in Cairns
Explore the best things to see and do in Cairns:
- ★Airplay Hang Gliding
- ★Ballooning with Hot Air
- ★Cairns Aquarium
- ★Cairns Botanic Gardens
- ★Cairns Museum
- ★Cairns Regional Gallery
- ★Champagne Balloon Flights
- ★Jungle Tours
Where to Eat in Cairns
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴La Pizza Trattoria
- 🍴Orient Express Sushi Train
- 🍴Perrotta's At The Gallery
- 🍴Villa Romana Trattoria
- 🍴Waffle On
- 🍴Yaya's Restaurant
Where to Stay in Cairns
- 🏨181 The Esplanade
- 🏨Amaroo At Trinity
- 🏨Asylum Cairns
- 🏨Bohemia Resort
- 🏨Bounce Cairns
- 🏨Cairns Central YHA Backpackers Hostel
Cairns Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: