The capital of Queensland’s far north, Cairns is now one of the most desirable residential locations for native Australians and one of the most important gateways for visitors to the area.
Found directly across from Melbourne's best-known landmark Flinders Street Station, Federation Square (which is better known as 'Fed Square') is a melting pot of culture. Here you can visit attractions such as the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and the National Gallery of Victocia (NGV). In this podcast Hostelworld.com's Colm Hanratty speaks to Kim Polkinghorne to find out about this great attraction.
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Download Cairns Pocket Guide View all guides »Cairns is a great city to get your way out into the Great Barrier Reef. The city is actually quite small but has a lot of things to do. The lagoon is beautiful (a must see).
Insider Tip:Everything is within walking distance in this city. Things are much cheaper than Sydney in Cairns.
Cairns has a reputation as backpackers town and thats how it felt. I had a good time for one night but wouldnt stay longer than few days unless you are really into partying.
Insider Tip:Leave Cairns and go up to Daintree rainforest for unique experience
We found Cairns to be good for either partying or Diving other than that there isn't much else to do or see. However around the surrounding areas there seems to be good transport and trips to lots of other activities. personally we did a 6 day dive course with Cairns Dive center that was Awesome.
Insider Tip:Cairns Dive Center .. staff are great and very friendly. Have the best dive spots on the Reef (as quoted by another Dive company). Great Value for money..
I believe going to Cairns is only worth it if you intend to do snorkeling on the reef, as the city is not very nice. If you are not keen on snorkeling, do not waste money going there.
Insider Tip:If you have some extra money, spend it on snorkeling in Port Douglas. The reef is much better than in Cairns!!!
cairns is not what i would call a beautiful city, but it is a good place to meet nice people, go snorkling,diving, fishing..., partying and off course to chill out!!! the lagoon is fabulous and i really enjoyed my stay....
Insider Tip:tip: if you want to go snorkeling chose: ocean spirit, its very relaxing, nice stuff, good food and nice locations to snorkel if you are not the perfect snorkler!! tip: have a nice day on the lagoon, just relaxe in the shadow and listen to a guitar player: thats absolutely fabulous!!!
Northern Queensland is where you will find some of Australia’s most diverse land. After returning from an island boasting over 320 days of sunshine, there is a sleepy coastal town to chill out for a day or two, a hectic with to party in and the meeting of the rainforest and the reef.
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