Walking

Cairns city is compact and easy to navigate, with most local facilities and attractions within easy walking distance.

Public Transport

The public bus system, Sunbus, services the city, suburbs and beaches including Palm Cove which is a 30-minute drive from the city.
Sunbus: www.sunbus.com.au

Taxis

Taxis are readily available in Cairns. Cairns Airport is a 10 minute drive from the city centre which costs approximately $20.
Black & White Taxis: Phone 131 008

Private Hire

A diverse range of transport options are available throughout the region, with many car hire facilities centrally located, as well as limousine hires or private coach charters.

Population

Cairns has an estimated population of just over 150,000. The Cairns region is one of the fastest growing in Australia, with more than 3% annual growth.

Time Zones

Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST). This can be calculated by adding 10 hours to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Medical

Medical centres are available 24 hours a day in Cairns city. Cairns has a public hospital and a private hospital which service the region. Smaller hospitals are in Mossman near Port Douglas, Innisfail and Tully near Mission Beach, Atherton and Mareeba on the Cairns Highlands.

Money

Banks throughout the region are open for business Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm; some central banking facilities may also be open Saturday mornings. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are conveniently located throughout the Cairns region. Australia’s currency comprises coins of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent and one and two dollar denominations; and notes of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollar denominations.

Visitor Information

The region’s official accredited information centre, the Visitor Information Centre (VIC), is operated by Tourism Tropical North Queensland and is centrally located in Cairns city at the southern end of the Esplanade. The VIC is open seven days with friendly staff offering you a wealth of information, personal assistance and booking services to help you enjoy a tropical experience just right for you.

Language

English is the main language spoken. Cairns is a multicultural destination, so multilingual guides and interpreters are available.

Goods & Services Tax

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a flat 10% tax on all goods and services including accommodation, dining, transport, clothing, art and souvenirs. Basic foods such as milk, bread, fruit and vegetables are the only exception. The tax is included in the quoted or shelf prices by law. International air and sea travel to/ from Australia is GST-free, as is domestic air travel when purchased outside Australia by non-residents.

Tipping & Gratuities

These are not required in Australia – this includes taxis – however you are welcome to do so if you wish to express satisfaction with service received.

Passport & Visa Requirements

All travellers, except New Zealand citizens, will need a valid visa or electronic travel authority to enter Australia. For event organisers, information on how best to deal with visa issues is now quickly and easily available through the International Event Co-ordinator Network (IECN), part of Australia’s Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs.

The IECN is a designated group of experienced immigration employees who provide advice and support on visa issues to event organisers. They also act as a conduit of information between event organisers and the Australian visa offices overseas who will then process visa applications for intending participants. To contact an IECN coordinator, or for more information on visas, visit www.immi.gov.au.

Communications & IT

Internet, email, telephone and postal services are readily available all through the region and WiFi hotspots can be found throughout Cairns city.

Most areas have very good mobile phone reception and you can either hire a mobile phone on arrival or bring your own with you. Contact your telecommunications supplier for the best option during your visit.