Key Industries
Cairns & Great Barrier Reef attracts thousands of thought leaders, innovators and high achievers who influence and inspire colleagues across a range of diverse industries. The diversity of the surrounding natural environment frequently attracts the attention of a range of various professions.
Agriculture
Tropical fruits, sugar, coffee, fishing, grass-fed beef, free-range pork and dairy have long been part of the agriculture industry in Tropical North Queensland, while new exotic crops include cacao and vanilla. Food processing is also innovating with banana flour the newest food product in a region producing smoked meats, charcuterie, and award-winning spirits.
Tourism
Tourism management and training in environmentally sensitive areas is an area of expertise in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef. Innovative programs like the Savannah Guides and the Master Reef Guides provide focused training for guide interpretation in our World Heritage areas. Tour operators also assist in managing the environment they work in with scientific monitoring and by assisting in research.
Marine Services
Cairns has a thriving marine precinct, including three shipyards as well as HMAS Cairns naval base and Defence contractors. In addition to servicing the needs of defence, Cairns is home to a large and diverse marine sector that includes a world-renowned tourism reef fleet, commercial fishing and shipping and plays host to superyachts and cruise ships.
Renewable Energy
Cairns & Great Barrier Reef have abundant renewable energy resources such as solar, wind and biomass. As a result of this resource the region has over 100 businesses operating in the renewable energy sector. The renewable energy industry includes household, commercial and industrial, and utility-scale project expertise.
Education and Training
From primary to tertiary, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef is perfectly positioned for education. The region boasts world-class facilities including James Cook University, ranked in the world’s top 4% of tertiary institutions, Central Queensland University, Great Barrier Reef International Marine College and TAFE North. Apprenticeships, traineeships, industry-based training and courses for domestic and international students cover a wide range of topics and areas of expertise.
Aviation
Aviation is an emerging sector for the region due to its strategic location in Asia Pacific and excellent infrastructure. Several international and national companies have major service centres in Cairns including Jet Aviation, who are an official Bombardier service centre and have the largest avionics workshop in the southern hemisphere, and UK owned Cobham Aviation Services. Cairns Aviation Skills Centre and CQUniversity Aviation Campus are both located at Cairns Airport, delivering vocational and Bachelor Qualifications.
Tropical Health and Life Sciences
Cairns & Great Barrier Reef is the ideal location for tropical forest science, biopharmaceuticals, tropical health, tropical foods, and natural resource management. James Cook University, home of the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, the Australian Tropical Forest Institute and the Australian Tropical Herbarium, conducts internationally acclaimed research encompassing public health, bimolecular, clinical, and translational health systems. Research is conducted across several James Cook University centres exploring key areas including tropical infectious diseases, health security and biosecurity, chronic disorders with high prevalence in the tropics, genetic diseases and health services in regional and remote communities.
When the sunrise hits harder than the snooze button. 🌴🔥
📍 Mission Beach, @cassowarycoastaustralia
📸 @_markfitz
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #queenslandholidayfeeling #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
ID Image of Mission Beach at sunrise, with calm waters, soft pink skies, and palm trees along the shore.
Jan 21
Rare gentle giants sighting 🐋✨
A humbling and unforgettable whale shark encounter onboard @divers_den
Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean, growing up to 12 meters long. Despite their incredible size they remain peaceful filter feeders, gracefully moving through the water while feeding on plankton and small fish.
These encounters are rare at this time of year, but recent coral spawning has brought increased activity to the reef. A magical reminder of just how incredible our oceans are! 🪸
🎥 @carlosrodriguez_photo
📍Wild Side, Norman Reef, @tropicalnorthqueensland
@queensland
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #queenslandholidayfeeling #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Jan 19
Time to grab your bestie and soak up the food, fun, and vibes at Mexicairns! 🌮🍹
🎥 @mexicairns
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #queenslandholidayfeeling #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
Jan 16
Finding Nemo on the Great Barrier Reef never gets old 🐠🤿
🎥 @passionsofparadise
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #queenslandholidayfeeling #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
ID footage of clownfish weaving through anemones at the Great Barrier Reef
Jan 15
After the rain, Barron Falls roars. The perfect time to visit 💦🌿
Travel by @skyrailcairns, @kurandascenicrailway, or take the scenic drive!
🎥 @amys.camera.lens
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #queenslandholidayfeeling #seeaustralia @visitkuranda @visitmareebashire @queensland @australia
ID Aerial footage of raoring water at Barron Falls
Jan 13
Good vibes, great food, and tropical cocktails at @nunurestaurant
Living the dream at Palm Cove 🌴🍹
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #queenslandholidayfeeling #seeaustralia @visitpalmcove @queensland @australia
ID Footage showcasing tropical fruit and plants and cocktails at Nu Nu Palm Cove,
Jan 12
No matter how many times we visit, we can’t help but fall in love with the ocean 🪸🐠
🎥 @jadeexplores
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #queenslandholidayfeeling #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
Jan 9
Looking for holiday inspo for 2026?
Here’s where you should travel based on your Zodiac sign ✨✈️
Where are you heading on your next adventure?
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #queenslandholidayfeeling #seeaustralia @cassowarycoastaustralia @portdouglasdaintree @visitkuranda @athertontablelands @queensland @australia
Jan 8