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Getting Here …
Although Cairns is classified as a regional destination, it is serviced by a modern international airport, which connects with all the major cities of Australia and has direct flights to Asia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Cairns International Airport is Australia’s largest regional airport. It is the 5th busiest airport for international passengers and the 6th busiest airport overall in Australia, handling around 130,000 flights per year. Its airport code is CNS.
Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Blue are the main airlines for travel within Australia. Information about their flight times and fares can be found on their websites:
www.jetstar.com.au
www.qantas.com.au
www.virginblue.com.au
Cairns is also the last stop on the northern railway line from Brisbane. There are several trains each week to and from Brisbane, stopping at the major towns along the east coast. The main trains are the ‘Queenslander’ and the faster ‘Tilt’ train. They are operated by Queensland Rail. Information about their departure times and fares can be found on their website:
www.qr.com.au
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Getting Around …
It is easy to get around Cairns. Its outer suburbs are only 30 minutes from the CBD.
… By bus
Cairns has a very efficient public bus service operated by Sunbus. The suburbs are divided into eleven zones, with Zone 1 being to the north of the city, Zone 10 being to the south of the city and Zone 11 being to the west of the city. Cairns town centre is Zone 20. Tickets can be purchased on board the bus – the drivers request that you have small change ready. Ticket types available are:
- Single – A one-way ticket to reach your destination, including transfers within two hours within the zones purchased
- Daily – Unlimited travel within the zones purchased until the last service scheduled on the day of issue, valid on all Sunbus services
- Weekly – Unlimited travel within the zones purchased for one week, valid on all Sunbus services
- Monthly – Unlimited travel within the zones purchased for one month, valid on all Sunbus services
Cairns buses operate on a Hail ‘n’ Ride basis. Hail ‘n’ Ride enables you to get on and off buses between regular stops, as long as it is safe for the driver to stop.
To board the bus at a regular stop, or between stops, just signal the driver clearly by placing your hand straight out as the bus approaches.
When you want to get off at the next regular stop, ring the bell in good time and exit by the nearest door.
If you want to get off the bus between regular stops, make your way to the front of the bus and tell the driver where you want to get off, then exit by the front door.
More information about bus travel can be found on the Sunbus website:
www.sunbus.com.au
… By car
There are many car hire companies in Cairns. Information on car hire can be found at:
www.discovery-carhire.com.au
… By Taxi
The major taxi company in Cairns is Black and White Taxis. Taxis can be hired from the airport and at the taxi ranks around the city.
To book a taxi you can phone: 131 008. More information can be found on their website:
www.blackandwhitetaxis.com.au
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Setting up Home …
Moving home can be a stressful experience. So to help ease the pain, here are some helpful contacts you may need when you move in.
Water
www.cairnswater.qld.gov.au
Phone: 4044 8200
Electricity
www.ergon.com.au
Phone: 13 1046
City Council
www.cairns.qld.gov.au
Phone: 4044 3044
Driver Licensing, Motor Vehicle Registration
www.transport.qld.gov.au
Phone: 13 2380
RACQ Road Service
www.racq.com.au
Phone: 13 1905
Places of Worship
www.cairns-australia.com/101958.php
Now that you are a local,
why not start saving on a range of services and activities:
www.lovebeingalocal.com.au
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Business …
Tropical North Queensland is a unique and diverse region offering extensive investment and business opportunities on a local, national and international level. Its greatest advantages include its tropical setting and its proximity to growing Asian markets.
Advance Cairns is the peak economic development agency for Far North Queensland. The purpose of Advance Cairns is to promote growth and business development in the Tropical North Queensland region.
www.advancecairns.com
Cairns Chamber of Commerce
www.cairnschamber.com.au
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Medical Facilities …
This resource, managed by General Practice Cairns, provides valuable information about health care providers and other health and welfare services available in the Cairns area.
www.cairnshealthonline.com
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Golf Clubs …
An easy 20 minute drive from the Cairns CBD is a tight par 70, all-weather-course overlooking the Coral Sea. Half Moon Bay Golf Club features sweeping views looking west to the rainforest-clad mountain ranges behind Cairns.
www.halfmoonbaygolf.com.au
Paradise Palms Country Club is constantly ranked as one of Australia’s best golf courses, challenging golfers of all levels. Open to the public seven days a week, this course is one of the most serene playing fields you could ever experience. The backdrop alone is worth the effort – regardless of form.
www.paradisepalms.com.au
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Employment and Schools …
Employment Agencies
www.cityofcairns.com/jobs/agencies.html
www.careerone.com.au
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Schools
Cairns has a good mix of public and private schools at both primary and secondary level. James Cook University also has a campus in Cairns and it is one of the most renowned marine science institutions in the world.
www.cairns-australia.com/101957.php
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Entertainment …
There is a multitude of things to do in and around Cairns – which is probably why tourists love our town so much. Not only are we blessed with the Great Barrier Reef, Mossman Gorge and The Daintree Rainforest, we also have plenty of movie and theatre houses, art galleries and museums, tropical beaches, swimming pools, pubs and clubs and a casino that has a rainforest – complete with animals and birds – on its roof!
Check out all this and more at these websites:
www.coca.org.au
www.reefcasino.com.au
www.cairnsmuseum.org.au
www.cairnslittletheatre.com
www.cairnscivictheatre.com.au
http://my247.com.au/cairns/cinemas
http://my247.com.au/cairns/whats-on/gigs
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Eating out …
When it comes to restaurants, Cairns rivals Melbourne for choice and quality. Some of Australia’s best restaurants can be found here, with many constantly winning awards. Of course, alfresco dining is the norm. You can sit on the banks of the Inlet, along the shores of the beaches or you can people watch whilst seated at the restaurants along the Esplanade. To find out more visit these websites:
www.cairnsdining.com
www.nightmarkets.com.au
www.cairnsrsl.com
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Shopping …
You can certainly find all the usual chain stores in and around Cairns, but Cairns also boasts many independent retailers, which makes shopping in Cairns a unique and exciting experience. The main shopping centre, Cairns Central, is located between Bunda and McLeod Streets. More information can be found on their website:
www.cairnscentral.com.au
There are major shopping centres located throughout the Cairns area and many shops, cafes and restaurants along the Esplanade. More information on shopping centre locations can be found at this website:
www.coastshop.com.au/tropicalnorth/shopping/1shop_home.htm
A must is a visit to Rusty’s Market, open Friday to Sunday, where you can find Cairns locals shopping for their fresh fruit and vegetables. It is located on Sheridan Street, near the corner of Spence Street. And, if you are out at night, there is always lots of atmosphere to be found at the Night Markets, located between the Esplanade and Abbott Street.
www.nightmarkets.com.au
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