Where is it?
Located 145º 46' E and 16º 55' S, Cairns is close enough to the Equator to share its latitude with the tropical islands of the Pacific Ocean. Situated 1,700 km north of Queensland's capital, Brisbane, Cairns is a suitable starting- or finishing-point for international or interstate visitors. Several days are needed to drive the Bruce Highway from Brisbane, allowing time to absorb the many interesting sights, towns, islands and beaches on the way. Train, coach, air and sea travel is possible from all parts of Australia, while international visitors are well-served by cruise ships and air transport.
How to get there
Cairns airport serves both international and domestic flights. Check respective airlines for international flights. Daily domestic Qantas flights from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Townsville, Ayers Rock, Darwin and Hamilton Island. Virgin Blue offers daily flights from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Queensland Rail has two trains which travel from Brisbane to Cairns five times per week. The Sunlander has seats and berths and takes 31 hours. The Tilt Train offers only business class seats and takes 25 hours. Visit Queensland Rail's website for full information. Arriving by sea is easy: either by yacht to one of the world-class marinas or by cruise ship.
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SAVE! www.bookaflight.com.au : offers cheap airline tickets through Virgin Blue - you save $10 per ticket by booking online. Virgin Blue flies direct to Cairns from most Australian capital cities. |
If you're a train buff, this is the region to satisfy your cravings: the historic Gulflander travels between the old pioneering towns of Normanton and Croydon in the tough and wild gulf country, up near the Gulf of Carpentaria. The Savannahlander is pure Australian Outback romance; a 1960 Rail Motor travelling between Cairns and the remote town of Forsayth in the open Queensland savannah. Take some side trips and make a few days journey of your rail trip.
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