The gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a short two hour flight from Brisbane, Queensland’s capital, and just three hours by plane from Sydney. A tropical city with the ultra laid-back lifestyle Queensland is famous for, Cairns is a great place to base yourself to explore the Great Barrier Reef and the mainland. Around 600 tours leave Cairns daily for experiences ranging from scenic train journeys to guided rainforest walks, Aboriginal culture, wildlife parks, white water rafting, croc-spotting river cruises, and country craft markets. Great shopping, restaurants and nightlife make Cairns the perfect place to spend the time between exploring the region’s natural wonders.

Residents of the area are also proud to be custodians of two of the world’s greatest natural treasures - the Great Barrier Reef [One of Australia 's greatest assets is the magnificent reef that runs along virtually the entire coast of Queensland . Considered one of the world's natural wonders, it is the most extensive reef system and the biggest structure made by living organisms on earth. In the north, the reef is virtually continuous and is located only 50km (30 miles) from the shore. In the south, individual reefs are more common, and in some places up to 300km (190 miles) offshore. Hundreds of islands dot the reef area. About 20 of them have resort facilities, but it's possible to camp on many others.] and the Wet Tropics Rainforests. Both of these wonderful attractions are World Heritage listed, and there are very few places on Earth where two such treasures rest side by side.