Flights from Brussels (BRU) to Cairns (CNS)

About Cairns

Discover Cairns

Why visit Cairns?
Cairns is a relaxed tropical city and a key gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and lush northern rainforests. You can expect palm-lined streets, waterfront promenades, and an easygoing atmosphere that makes it simple to slow down and enjoy the outdoors.

What to expect
The city’s compact centre is centred around the Esplanade, marina, and Lagoon, where locals and visitors gather to swim, stroll, and dine by the water. Nearby neighbourhoods offer leafy streets, small galleries, and coastal viewpoints, with reef and rainforest tours departing from the city throughout the day.

Plan your trip
Cairns works well as both a short break and the starting point for a longer journey through Queensland. From here you can explore island resorts, drive the scenic coast towards Port Douglas, or head inland to the Tablelands, making Cairns a practical base for wider tropical adventures.

Top sights in Cairns

Great Barrier Reef

Join a day cruise or snorkelling trip from the Cairns marina to explore vibrant coral gardens and marine life on the Great Barrier Reef.

Cairns Esplanade & Lagoon

Walk the waterfront Esplanade and swim in the landscaped Lagoon, a popular spot for families and sunset views over the Coral Sea.

Kuranda Scenic Railway

Ride the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway through rainforest-clad mountains to the village of Kuranda, then return via a panoramic cableway.

Daintree Rainforest tours

Take a guided day trip north to experience ancient rainforest, elevated boardwalks, and coastal viewpoints in the Daintree region.

Cairns Botanic Gardens

Stroll through the Cairns Botanic Gardens to see tropical plants, shaded walking paths, and lookout trails towards the surrounding hills.

Rusty’s Markets

Visit Rusty’s Markets on selected days for fresh tropical produce, flowers, and local food stalls in the heart of the city.

Palm Cove

Head to nearby Palm Cove to relax under coconut palms, enjoy calm beach waters, and dine at waterfront cafés and restaurants.

Atherton Tablelands

Join a tour to the Atherton Tablelands for cooler countryside, waterfalls, crater lakes, and farm visits just inland from Cairns.

Experience Cairns’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Cairns city centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, especially around the Esplanade and marina. Local buses connect the suburbs, beaches, and shopping areas, while organised tours handle transport for reef and rainforest excursions. For flexibility, many visitors choose to hire a car for day trips.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Cairns unfolds outdoors, from early-morning walks along the waterfront to evening gatherings around the Lagoon lawns. You will find street art, small galleries, and live music in bars and venues across the city, reflecting a creative community shaped by the tropics and nearby natural wonders.

Where to unwind
When you want to slow down, spend time at the Cairns Lagoon, in the Botanic Gardens, or at coastal spots like Trinity Beach and Palm Cove. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for walking, swimming, or simply sitting by the water as the light softens and the heat eases.

A taste of Cairns

Street food & local specialties
Cairns offers fresh seafood, tropical fruit, and a wide range of casual eateries, many found along the Esplanade and near the marina. You can try local fish, prawns, and contemporary Australian dishes that highlight regional ingredients from the sea and the surrounding countryside.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Around the city centre you will find cafés, bistros, and food courts that make it easy to dine between activities or before an evening stroll. Menus often combine Asian influences with Australian flavours, and smaller portions or shared plates let you sample a variety of dishes in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, book a table at waterfront restaurants overlooking the marina or the Coral Sea, where you can dine with views of the passing boats. Some venues in nearby beachside suburbs offer open-air terraces and relaxed fine dining, turning dinner into an unhurried part of your tropical stay.

Retail therapy in Cairns

Malls & lifestyle hubs
In central Cairns, shopping centres and arcades bring together fashion, travel essentials, and lifestyle stores under one roof. They provide a cool, air-conditioned break from the tropical climate and are convenient places to pick up anything you might need for your reef or rainforest excursions.

Markets & local crafts
Beyond the main malls, you can browse markets and smaller streets for local crafts, artwork, and souvenirs. Areas around Rusty’s Markets, Grafton Street, and the Esplanade feature stalls and boutiques where you may find handmade gifts, prints, and regionally inspired products to remember your trip.

Evening retail scene
In the evenings, the waterfront and city centre stay lively, with shops, night markets, and stalls catering to visitors returning from day tours. The atmosphere is relaxed, with illuminated walkways and open shops encouraging a leisurely browse, and local transport or a short walk makes these areas easy to reach from most hotels.

Best time to visit Cairns

Dry season (winter)
From June to August, the dry season brings warm days around 25°C (77°F) and cooler nights, with low humidity and clear skies. This is considered peak season, ideal for reef trips and outdoor activities while enjoying comfortable temperatures and excellent visibility.

Shoulder season (autumn and spring)
April to May and September to October are shoulder season months, with temperatures typically between 24°C and 29°C (75°F to 84°F). Humidity rises slightly, but conditions remain pleasant, and you can enjoy a good balance of active days, calmer attractions, and inviting sea temperatures.

Wet season (summer)
From November to March, Cairns experiences its wet season, with temperatures around 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F) and higher humidity. Short, intense showers and dramatic clouds are common, keeping landscapes lush and green, and this low season can feel tranquil while still offering many tours and activities.

Frequently Asked Questions