Traveller Information

Getting Around Cairns

Unlike super-sized cities that require major hop-on and hop-off buses, the laidback lifestyle of Cairns means that the central area of the city is very walkable. It is specifically designed for locals and tourists to get around on foot and enjoy the sights the city has to offer.

Stop by the Cairns Tour office on the Corner of Florence and Abbott Streets for helpful, friendly advice.

Walking and cycling

Walking and Cycling Maps are available from the local council. For cycling enthusiasts, there are many operators who offer to hire bicycles, mountain bikes, scooters and other electric bikes.

https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/region/tourist-information/things-to-do/cycle

 Buses

The local bus network is managed by Sunbus, is very easy to use and is a highly popular way to travel from the city centre to one of the northern beaches. https://translink.com.au/cairns

The MyTransLink app is available free to download from the App Store and Google Play.

Attractions outside of the city centre can be reached by bus, taxi or car. Coach transfers are often included in ticket prices for major attractions, so always ask about transportation when making bookings for tours.

 

Taxis, Uber, Car

Local taxis and Uber provide other alternatives to getting around the city. Private operators also run shuttle bus services further north to Port Douglas.

If you are keen to take control of the wheel, you can take advantage of car, motorcycle and bicycle hire, all of which are available from multiple providers.

 

Rail

Queensland Rail operates the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway. The Cairns Station is adjoined to Cairns Central shopping complex in the heart of the city.

https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/Railexperiences/ourtrains/spiritofqueensland

 

Boat

The Reef Fleet Terminal in the city centre down by the Esplanade is the base for ferries and charters to the Great Barrier Reef as well as domestic and international cruise ships.

Air

Scenic light plane and helicopter tours depart from Cairns Airport, located only 10 minutes from the city centre, and the Cairns city central heliport on the Esplanade.