CaPTA Group

Destinations

Cairns, located in Far North Queensland, Australia, is a bustling city known for its proximity to two World Heritage-listed natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Cairns is the perfect gateway to exploring these two unique environments, with many day trips and multi-day excursions to both locations on offer. Just a short drive from Cairns lies the quaint town of Port Douglas, a popular tourist destination known for its relaxed atmosphere, stunning beaches, and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. Further inland, visitors can explore the Atherton Tablelands, a region known for its picturesque waterfalls, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife. Kuranda, located in the heart of the rainforest, is another popular destination for visitors to Cairns, known for its vibrant arts and crafts markets, scenic railway, and spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness. With so much natural beauty to explore, Cairns and its surrounding regions offer a wealth of opportunities for adventure and discovery.

Cairns

The Cairns region is renowned as a premier tourist destination. It’s one of the few places in the world where the Rainforest literally meets the Reef.

Why not book a tour with Tropic Wings Cairns Tours & Charters to explore the region and visit our wildlife nature parks Rainforestation Nature Park and Australian Butterfly Sanctuary located in Kuranda and the Wildlife Habitat which is located in Port Douglas.

To help you plan activities during your stay, below we have also provided weather and other information which you might find useful

Cairns is located on the north east coast of Queensland; a two-hour flight from Brisbane, or three-hour flight from Sydney.

Spring / Summer (September – March)
Daytime 31°C / Evening 28°C

Autumn / Winter (April – August)
Daytime 28°C / Evening 21°C

Banks are generally open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
ATMs are available 24hours / 7 days.

General shopping centre hours are 9am to 5:30pm Monday to Saturday; 10am to 4pm Sunday. Independent shops are often closes Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday, with most shops closed on Public Holidays.

Airport to Cairns: 10 minutes / 7km.

To check your flight details, use the link below:
www.cairnsairport.com.au

Stretching 2.5km along the foreshore of Cairns CBD, the Esplanade has bike and foot paths, as well as children’s playgrounds, skateboard park, volleyball courts, exercise areas, barbeques and the Cairns lagoon.

Located at the southern end of the Esplanade, this is the primary departure point for trips to the Great Barrier Reef.

Kuranda

Kuranda is a small town located in the Atherton Tablelands region of Far North Queensland, Australia. Surrounded by lush rainforest and bordered by the Barron River, Kuranda is known for its natural beauty and unique cultural offerings.

Visitors can explore the many shops and markets offering locally made crafts and souvenirs or visit one of the many attractions and learn more about the unique flora and fauna of the region. With its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Kuranda is a popular destination.

The travel time from Cairns to Kuranda is approximately 30-45 minutes by car, depending on traffic and road conditions. There are also other transportation options available, such as the Kuranda Scenic Railway or the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which offer scenic routes and take around 1-2 hours to reach Kuranda from Cairns.

Getting  from Kuranda to Cairns Airport takes around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.

Port Douglas

Port Douglas is a small town located on the Coral Sea coast approximately 1 hour north of Cairns. Known for its stunning beaches, scenic views, and laid-back atmosphere, Port Douglas is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities in and around the town, including swimming and snorkelling at Four Mile Beach, exploring the nearby Great Barrier Reef, and taking a scenic drive through the surrounding rainforest.

Port Douglas also boasts a variety of restaurants and cafes, offering a range of local and international cuisine, as well as boutique shops and art galleries. With its picturesque location and relaxed vibe, Port Douglas is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to the Far North Queensland region.

Port Douglas is approximately 70km north of Cairns, and the drive takes just over an hour along a scenic highway, making it a convenient and pleasant journey.

Cairns Airport is the closest Domestic and International airport.

Banks are generally open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday.

ATMs are available 24 hours / 7 days a week.

General shopping centre hours are 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Saturday; 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Sunday, although some centres are open later on Thursday evenings. Public holidays follow Sunday opening hours. Port Douglas Markets: Sunday – 8 am – 1 pm.

At one end of Macrossan street, the main street of Port Douglas, is beautiful 4 Mile Beach, at the other end is scenic Rex Smeal Park; both boasting areas to relax and enjoy the Port Douglas lifestyle including children’s playgrounds, barbeques, exercise areas with breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Located in Port Douglas, Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

great barrier reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, and it’s one of the most amazing places on Earth. It’s home to an incredible diversity of marine life, including over 1,500 species of fish, 411 species of hard coral, 134 species of sharks and rays, and six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles.

The Great Barrier Reef is a must-see for anyone who loves nature and adventure. Visitors can snorkel or dive in the crystal-clear waters, and can see some of the most incredible marine creatures in the world.

Tropic Wings Cairns Tours & Charters offers great value package options to explore Kuranda and the Great Barrier Reef that can include Big Cat Green Island, Reef Magic, Sunlover Reef Cruises or Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel.

Daintree

Daintree is located approximately 110 km north of Cairns and just north of Port Douglas. The region covers an area of approximately 1,200 square kilometres and is characterised by its rugged coastline, dense rainforest, and pristine beaches. Some of the most unique features of the area are Cape Tribulation, Alexandra Lookout and the Daintree River, which winds through the rainforest and is home to a variety of wildlife, including Estuarine crocodiles. Visitors can take a river cruise to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. Overall, Daintree is a must-visit destination for those who love nature and outdoor adventures.

Atherton Tablelands

Atherton Tablelands is a fertile plateau known for its stunning landscapes, including waterfalls, volcanic crater lakes, rainforests, and rolling hills. The area has a mild climate that is perfect for growing a variety of crops, including tropical fruits, coffee, tea, and vegetables. Visitors to the Atherton Tablelands can explore the region through scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife tours. The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including tree kangaroos, possums, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can also visit the charming towns and villages in the area, which offer a unique blend of Indigenous and European cultures.

Gift A Year of Amazing Experiences!

Gift the CaPTA Group Annual Pass

Unlock a year of extraordinary value with the CaPTA Group Annual Pass! Enjoy visits to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, and Rainforestation Nature Park as often as you’d like for an entire year, and make memories that last a lifetime.