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Australia · Queensland

Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef travel guide

Snorkelling the reef and the world's oldest rainforest

The Great Barrier Reef. Photo: NASA/Kjell Lindgren, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

19hflight from London
CNSnearest main airport
25° in Decwarmest month
19° in Julcoolest month

Cairns is the main gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, with daily boat trips to the outer reef for snorkelling and diving.

North of town is the Daintree, the oldest rainforest in the world, where it meets the reef at Cape Tribulation, and Port Douglas is a relaxed resort town.

Good forWildlifeSnorkellingDivingRainforest

What Cairns is known for

  • The reef

    Snorkel and dive trips daily.

  • The Daintree

    The world's oldest rainforest.

  • Kuranda

    A scenic railway and cable car.

  • Crocodiles

    River cruises.

Top things to do in Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef

  1. 1

    A Great Barrier Reef trip

    Outer reef snorkelling and dives.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    The Daintree and Cape Tribulation

    Rainforest meets reef.

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  3. 3

    The Kuranda Scenic Railway

    Up to a rainforest village.

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  4. 4

    Port Douglas

    Four Mile Beach and boat trips.

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See all tours and tickets in Cairns

Where to stay in Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef

Find a hotel in Cairns

Best time to visit Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef

Best value: Apr, Oct–Nov. May to October: the dry season, with no stingers and clear water.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
25 C25°J24.9 C25°F24 C24°M22.4 C22°A20.7 C21°M19.3 C19°J18.6 C19°J19.3 C19°A21.2 C21°S23.1 C23°O24.4 C24°N25.4 C25°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 19h from London to CNS, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?

Tours pick up from hotels. Hire a car for the Daintree.

Car hire in Cairns Airport transfer to Cairns

Find flights to Cairns (CNS)

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Good to know

  • Wear a stinger suit from November to May.
  • Choose a trip to the outer reef for the best coral.
  • Don't swim in rivers: crocodiles live there.
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Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef FAQ

When is the best time to see the reef?

June to October.

Cairns or Port Douglas?

Cairns for budget, Port Douglas for a relaxed resort.

More places in Australia

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