Getting to Cairns.
Rail
Experience the ultimate journey from Brisbane to Cairns on the iconic Spirit of Queensland train. Traveling a whopping 1,700 kilometres over a leisurely 25-hour ride, you'll arrive in Cairns at the ideal time of 2:30 PM.
This allows you to seamlessly settle into your accommodation, explore the scenic Esplanade, and embark on a captivating Cairns City orientation.
When the morning dawns, kickstart your day with a delightful cup of coffee selected from our meticulously curated list of the finest cafes in Cairns.
Road
Embark on an awe-inspiring adventure along the enchanting 1,700 km Bruce Highway from Brisbane to Cairns, exploring captivating destinations like Hervey Bay, Fraser Island, Agnes Water, Seventeen Seventy, Airlie Beach, and Magnetic Island.
Consider alternative routes like the Savannah Way from the West - a 3,700 km epic odyssey from the historic pearling town of Broome in Western Australia’s Kimberley to Cairns.
Let the allure of these diverse routes invigorate your wanderlust as you journey towards Tropical North Queensland and the popular visitor destination of Cairns.
Backpacker Roadie to Cairns - Travel Australia’s East Coast.
East Coast Tours - an Australian, family-owned travel company provide customised itineraries that bring you to Cairns, with an unforgettable adventure along the way.
Traverse the stunning east coast of Australia, starting your journey from the vibrant cities of Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane.
Prepare to immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and diverse experiences that await you along this captivating coastal route.
Champagne Pools @ Fraser Island © East Coast Tours
With endless opportunities for exploration and numerous exquisite destinations to discover, you can tailor your trip to span anywhere from an exciting 1-week budget escapade to a 6-week expedition.
Simply visit East Coast Tours website at https://eastcoasttours.com.au/ to begin planning your dream journey of a lifetime.
Townsville - The Strand
Bus
Greyhound offers a convenient and flexible transportation option from Brisbane to Cairns. With the flexibility to hop on and off at various destinations along the way, or choose a direct travel option that takes approximately 29 hours, Greyhound ensures a comfortable and efficient journey to your destination.
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Greyhound Bus drop you in the heart of Cairns City
Premier Motor Service also do an East Coast run. Their network extends from Eden in New South Wales to Cairns.
Sea
Traveling to Cairns by boat may not be the fastest method, but it offers an array of benefits worth considering. Opting for a leisurely cruise ship journey from the southern part of Australia allows you to marvel at the captivating eastern coast, explore diverse ports of call, and ultimately arrive right in the heart of Cairns. As you set foot on land, you'll find yourself conveniently located next to the charming Wharf One Cafe and the renowned Hemingway's Bar/Brewery.
Cruise ships visit the ports of Cairns, Yorkeys Knob and Port Douglas. At Yorkeys and Port Douglas the ships anchor off shore and tenders bring the passengers ashore. Cairns has a deep water harbour at Trinity Inlet and the cruise liners berth almost in the heart of Cairns CBD.
Check out the cruise liner port visit schedule at Ports North here.
Pacific Explorer visits The Port of Cairns, June 2022
Air
Travelers have the convenience of flying directly to Cairns International Airport from various destinations including Auckland, Singapore, Denpasar, Port Moresby, Tokyo, and Osaka.
If travelling from North America, there are currently no direct flights into Cairns. However, some options include via. Auckland, New Zealand (seasonal flights only), Brisbane and also via. Indonesia’s idyllic island of Bali.
Domestic flights reach Cairns from many destinations across Australia.
Click below to view the full list of direct flights to Cairns:
Hervey Bay
Shute Harbour, Whitsundays
