Cairns

Cairns is the main gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, sitting on the coast of tropical far-north Queensland. The cruise terminal is in the centre of town, though some larger ships anchor offshore and tender passengers in. The Esplanade runs along the waterfront with a free public swimming lagoon, since the beach itself is mudflats at low tide. Behind town, the Atherton Tablelands rise into rainforest-covered hills. Reef trips are the obvious draw. Boats leave from the marina for half-day and full-day snorkelling and diving tours to the outer reef. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway runs 7.5 kilometres over the canopy to the village of Kuranda, where markets sell local art and tropical fruit. Back in town, the Night Markets on the Esplanade have cheap food stalls and souvenir shops. The weather is hot and humid year-round, so pack light and carry water.