Ruth Haines
Cairns Airport is a great gateway to Tropical North Queensland, with its proximity to Cairns City and driving distance from Port Douglas and Palm Cove. The airport operates both international and domestic flights, making it easily accessible. For those looking to explore the area, there are plenty of attractions and activities nearby. From the airport, you can easily visit Australia's spectacular aquarium, explore the Kuranda Koala Gardens, or take a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef. With convenient transportation options, including taxis, buses, and rental cars, Cairns Airport offers a seamless arrival or departure for travellers looking to explore the region's natural wonders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Airport Ave, Cairns City |
| Distance from Cairns City | 12-minute car ride |
| Transport options to Cairns City | Bus, car, taxi, shuttle bus, coach |
| Transport options to other locations | Shuttle bus to Palm Cove, Port Douglas, and surrounding beaches |
| Attractions | Australia's most spectacular aquarium, Paronella Park, Mamu Tropical Skywalk, Kuranda Koala Gardens, Great Barrier Reef scenic flight |
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What You'll Learn
Visit the Great Barrier Reef
Cairns Airport is the perfect gateway to discovering the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest reef system. The airport is conveniently located just 5.5km from Cairns, offering easy access to this natural wonder.
Getting to Cairns Airport
Cairns Airport is easily accessible, with both international and domestic flights arriving daily. It is a mere 12-minute drive from Cairns City, and transport options include taxis, buses, and car rentals.
Exploring the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is a must-visit destination for any traveller exploring Australia. With its vibrant ecosystems and diverse marine life, it offers a unique underwater adventure. There are various tour options available, ranging from day trips to 3-day tours, providing an affordable and memorable experience.
Departing from Cairns, you can sail to top snorkelling locations like Upolu Reef, where you can explore the stunning coral and swim with the colourful fish. These tours cater to both beginners and certified divers, providing snorkelling gear and tuition. You'll also get to relax on sun decks, savour delicious meals, and even enjoy a drink under the stars.
For a truly unforgettable experience, consider a scenic flight over Heart Reef or sailing through the Whitsundays. The best time to visit the reef is from May to October when the water is warm and ideal for swimming, and underwater visibility is at its best.
So, whether you're snorkelling, diving, or simply relaxing on a sail boat, don't miss the opportunity to explore the Great Barrier Reef when visiting Cairns Airport.
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Explore the aquarium
The Cairns Aquarium is a must-visit attraction located in the heart of the Cairns CBD, close to all major hotels. It is Australia's newest and most spectacular aquarium, offering a world-class experience for all ages. The aquarium is open every day of the year and provides an educational and immersive journey into the underwater world of Tropical North Queensland.
At the Cairns Aquarium, you will explore the diverse ecosystems and habitats of the region. From the vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine creatures of the Great Barrier Reef to the lizards, snakes, and frogs of the Tropical Rainforest, there is much to discover. The aquarium is committed to conservation and education, raising awareness about protecting the oceans and their inhabitants. You will also learn about the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the unique challenges faced by Australia's sea turtles.
The aquarium offers a range of experiences to cater to different interests. For a unique perspective, join the ''Night at the Aquarium' guided tour, where you can observe the behaviours of nocturnal creatures in the darkness. The aquarium also has an onsite Turtle Rehabilitation centre, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their conservation efforts. Throughout the day, there are educational talks and interactive experiences, such as shark and ray feeding, and the marine touch tank, where you can get up close and personal with the marine life.
The Cairns Aquarium also offers a delightful dining experience at Dundee's, where Executive Chef James Wort and his team create culinary delights using local produce. The cafe serves light bites and beverages during the day, while the restaurant offers lunch and dinner services with a range of fresh, flavourful meals to satisfy all tastes and dietary needs. On Sundays, enjoy their special Seafood menu, accompanied by DJ Glenn's music selection in the afternoon.
Whether you're a marine life enthusiast or just looking for a fun and educational day out, the Cairns Aquarium promises an unforgettable journey into the underwater world of Cairns and its surrounding ecosystems. With its variety of exhibits, programmes, and dining options, the aquarium provides a well-rounded and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
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$7.98 $19.87
Adventure to Paronella Park
Paronella Park is a magical, eco-friendly tourist attraction nestled in 13 acres of lush Australian rainforest on the banks of the Mena Creek, just south of Innisfail. The distance from Cairns Airport to Paronella Park is about 66 miles, and the best way to get there is by car, which takes about 1 hour and 24 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi, which takes a bit longer at 1 hour and 29 minutes, or go by train, which takes 2 hours and 2 minutes.
The park offers a unique experience where history and romance meet. It was built by Jose Paronella, who designed and constructed the distinctive structures and ruins that remain today. Visitors can explore the architecturally unique ruins of the Spanish-style Castle and other buildings, taking in the fusion of history and natural beauty. The park is also home to cascading waterfalls, a delightful tea house, and an abundance of wildlife, including Emerald Ground-Doves, Yellow-Bellied Sunbirds, butterflies, and fish and turtles that visitors can hand-feed in Mena Creek.
A day trip to Paronella Park can be combined with visits to other nearby attractions, such as Lake Barrine, Curtain Fig Tree, Milla Milla Falls, and Babinda Boulders, where you can take a refreshing swim. The park is open daily from 9 am to 7:30 pm, except on Christmas Day.
With its mix of history, natural beauty, and wildlife, Paronella Park is a must-visit attraction when exploring the Tropical North Queensland region. The park offers a magical and unforgettable experience, showcasing the spirit of its creation and the abundance of Australian wilderness.
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Kuranda Koala Gardens
Cairns Airport is the gateway to the stunning tropical paradise of Cairns, Tropical North Queensland. The airport is conveniently located just north of Cairns City and is within driving distance of popular destinations such as Port Douglas and Palm Cove.
One popular attraction near Cairns Airport is the Kuranda Koala Gardens, an award-winning boutique wildlife park located in the world-famous Kuranda Rainforest Village. Kuranda Koala Gardens is home to an amazing array of iconic Australian animals, including koalas, wallabies, wombats, quokkas, gliders, kangaroos, lizards, and freshwater crocodiles.
At Kuranda Koala Gardens, visitors have the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures. One of the most popular experiences is the chance to pat a koala and take a souvenir photo, an opportunity that is available only at a few select places. For an extra cost, you can even cuddle a koala or have your photo taken with one of the large, friendly pythons.
The park also features the only nocturnal exhibit in the Tableland region, where you can observe nocturnal marsupials such as the greater bilby, northern bettong, and gliders in their natural habitat. Other rare and endangered species at the park include the cassowary, the Lumholtz's tree kangaroo, and the mahogany glider.
In addition to its wildlife offerings, Kuranda Koala Gardens provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about the local history at its historical display. The park also features a boutique gift shop area at reception, where visitors can purchase Australian souvenirs and cute collectibles. Kuranda Koala Gardens is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (9:30 am on Christmas Day), making it an easily accessible and memorable experience for anyone visiting the Cairns region.
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Scenic flight over Green Island
If you're looking for a thrilling adventure that showcases the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, look no further than a scenic flight over Green Island. This once-in-a-lifetime experience offers breathtaking views and a unique perspective of this natural wonder.
Departing from Cairns Airport, you'll soar high into the skies and be treated to a bird's-eye view of the intricate coral systems, pristine islands, and abundant marine life that make up the Great Barrier Reef. As you glide over Green Island, a stunning coral cay, you'll be captivated by the contrast of its white sandy beaches and lush tropical rainforests.
The flight typically lasts around 40 minutes, ensuring you have ample time to take in the sights and capture memorable photographs. With a window seat guaranteed for every passenger, you won't miss a single detail of the spectacular scenery below. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles, rays, and even whales during the winter months!
After your exhilarating flight, you'll descend upon the Reef Terminal, where a ferry awaits to transport you to Green Island. Here, you can spend approximately four hours exploring this tropical paradise at your leisure. Go snorkelling and immerse yourself in the vibrant underwater world, or opt for a glass-bottom boat tour if you prefer to stay dry. Indulge in a delicious buffet lunch and consider trying introductory diving or helmet diving for an additional thrill.
Whether you choose to explore the Great Barrier Reef by helicopter or seaplane, a scenic flight over Green Island is an unforgettable way to experience the beauty and wonder of this unique ecosystem. It's an experience that will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to get to Cairns Airport from the train station is by bus, car, or taxi. You can organise taxi services through an app or your hotel concierge. If you're travelling by bus, you can use the Con-X-ion or Coral Sea Coaches shuttle bus services.
You can visit Australia's most spectacular aquarium, where you can explore aquatic wildlife from two World Heritage-listed areas. You can also visit the Kuranda Koala Gardens to see some of Australia's unique wildlife, including koalas and pythons.
You can go on a Great Barrier Reef scenic flight, glide over the reef and enjoy picture-postcard views of Green Island, Arlington Reef, and Middle Cay. You can also visit Paronella Park and Mamu Tropical Skywalk.
