Tropical North Queensland is closer than you think – and it’s really easy to get to. Cairns is the main airport hub, with lots of domestic and international flights arriving daily. You can catch the Spirit of Queensland train from Brisbane to Cairns five days a week and there are regular buses running up and down the coast. Driving is also a great option so you can hire a car, four-wheel drive or campervan and hit the road. 

It’s easy to fly right into the heart of Tropical North Queensland. A range of domestic and international airlines service Cairns Airport, including  Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Air New Zealand and Singapore Air, as well as small local airlines Skytrans, Alliance Airlines and Air North.

Direct flights arrive from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin, plus a number of major regional centres. It won’t take you long to get here – most domestic flights are only three to four hours.

International destinations include Auckland, Port Moresby, Tokyo, Osaka, Bali and Singapore. From here, you can connect with almost anywhere in the world.

Cairns Airport is just outside of the city and is easily accessible from Cairns, Port Douglas and Palm Cove.

Find rail, bus and car options here.

Map

View on Google Maps.

Cairns Airport

For information, please visit Cairns Airport.

Transport to and from Cairns Airport

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns is located in the heart of Cairns beside Marlin Marina in the heart of the city’s dynamic waterside dining precinct. The compact city is easy to explore on foot while taxis, Ubers and buses are also practical ways to get around.

The travel time between Cairns Airport to the Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns is approximate fifteen (15) minutes.

Cairns Airport provides a range of transport options for travellers catering for all needs:

Taxis

Each terminal has its own sheltered taxi rank at the front of each terminal building, simply follow the signage in the terminal. You cannot pre-book for fares from the Terminals however taxis are always available, and the rank is monitored 24/7 by the Cairns Taxis Booking call centre. There are free intercom call buttons at the start of each taxi rank which connect directly to the call centre should you require additional assistance.

The company operates a fleet of 137 government licensed taxi vehicles comprising sedans and station wagons for up to four passengers, maxi taxis for up to 10 passengers as well as wheelchair capable vehicles.

Cairns Shuttle Bus Service

Exemplar Coaches and Limousines offers scheduled Seat-in-Coach services from Cairns Airport to/from Port Douglas, Cairns CBD and Palm Cove. Simply visit the Exemplar Transfer Desk in Domestic Arrivals or International Arrivals to book. Alternatively, you can book online direct or call Exemplar Coaches on (07) 4213 3333, 7 days per week from 9am - 5pm.

Cairns Airport Car Rentals

An extensive choice of car hire options is available for both international and domestic travellers. The below six car hire companies are located on site and have car hire counters located in the Arrivals Hall of both T1 and T2.

Returning a vehicle to the Airport? Car rental return car parks are located at both terminals, click here to view on the map.

Whether you prefer an international hotel in the city, a beachside resort, a retreat in the rainforest, or a tropical island escape, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef has an accommodation option to suit.

Only a 10-minute drive from Cairns Airport, the city centre boasts over 8,000 accommodation rooms including four and five-star hotels and resorts. Those seeking apartment life will enjoy the diversity of self-contained apartments boasting incredible views of the city, water and mountains. The city also features a range of hostels and motels all within walking distance of the marina, local restaurants, bars and night spots.

Click here for places to stay and scroll down to the ‘Stay’ section.

Get wet on the Great Barrier Reef snorkelling or diving the largest coral reef system in the world, luxuriate on a palm-fringed island on golden sands or venture into the lush, green rainforest of the Wet Tropics with an indigenous guide to learn about bush medicines and native foods. Take a bird’s eye view of the world’s oldest living rainforest from a glass gondola, or if adventure is what you're looking for, take a leap Skydiving or Bungee Jumping, float over the Tablelands in a Hot Air Balloon, jump on a jetboat or rocket down the rapids white water rafting!

In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk along the 2.5km Cairns Esplanade, or start your morning with a power walk on one of the four, challenging Arrow tracks. Those looking to truly immerse themselves in nature can explore some of the region’s hiking and walking trails.

Experience Australia’s unique wildlife up close and personal. Breakfast with Koalas, hand feed kangaroos, pose with a python or get the adrenalin pumping watching Australia’s very own dinosaur – the crocodile – launch out of the water during a feeding demonstration.

May is one of the most beautiful months in terms of weather in Cairns. At this time of the year, the wet season is long over but temperatures are still warm and comfortable with low humidity.

Typically, May temperatures reach about 27 degrees at the height of the day. At night, they drop down to about 20 degrees.

For more information about weather closer to the conference, please visit:

https://www.weatherzone.com.au/qld/north-coast-and-tableland/cairns