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.
This is your sign to unplug and drift. 🍃✨
📍Mossman River
🎥 @silkyoakslodge
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #QueenslandHolidayFeeling #seeaustralia @portdouglasdaintree @queensland @australia
ID Aerial footage of the Mossman River, capturing a person gently floating through the calm, rainforest-lined waters
Oct 28
Dunk Island is perfect for exploring, snorkelling, and soaking up that island serenity. 🌴🌞
📸 @thecapturingcouple
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #QueenslandHolidayFeeling #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
ID Aerial image of a couple strolling along the golden sands of Dunk Island, framed by palm trees.
Oct 24
When home feels like a permanent vacation 🌴☀️
Does it get any better than this?
🎥 @island.files
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #QueenslandHolidayFeeling #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
Oct 22
Peaceful? Check. Adventurous? Double check.
Rainforest views? Next level. 🌿🙌
@backcountryblissadventures has the experience for you.
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #QueenslandHolidayFeeling #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
ID Aerial image of people floating down the Mossman River in the rainforest.
Oct 21
🎥 @amys.camera.lens knows the best way to experience @cassowarycoastaustralia
✨ Stroll 14km of pristine shoreline
🌴 Day trip to Dunk Island
🐠 Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
🌊 Tackle the Tully River`s white-water rapids
🦖 Spot wild cassowaries in ancient rainforest
Whether you`re chasing sunrise walks, island hopping, or sipping beachside cocktails, Cassowary Coast delivers it all!
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #QueenslandHolidayFeeling #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
ID Aerial footage of people walking along the beach with white sand and swaying palm trees.
Oct 20
🎉 Cheers to 150 Years of the Lion’s Den Hotel! 🍻
Established in 1875 by Jack and Annie Ross, this legendary pub has been a landmark for miners, travellers, and adventurers ever since. After Jack’s early passing, Annie ran the hotel solo while raising two kids and it stayed in the family until 1964.
Famous for its signature-covered walls, the tradition began when miners marked their spending in chalk, a ritual that’s still part of the Lion’s Den unique charm today.
In 2023, Cyclone Jasper flooded the pub to the roof, but thanks to resilience and a strong community, it is back stronger than ever and is ready to celebrate 150 years all weekend long! 🦁
Snapped a pic with Leo the lion or signed the wall? Share your memories below! 👇
📸 @just_cruisin_aus
📸 @lions_den_hotel (Owner Judy with her sister Linda and Darryl Paradise)
📸 @fudgin_around
📸 @overland.exposure
📸 @busylivnoz
📸 @swagalongtours
📸 @jesstruccolo
📸 @adventuring_dickos
📸 @uncharted_touring
📸 @beachbumstravl
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #QueenslandHolidayFeeling #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
Oct 18
Waking up to a sunrise like this might just be the best way to start the day. Miniature donkeys, hot air balloons, and a cup of local brew - yes please! ☕️🌄
🎥 @birdsheavenmareeba
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #QueenslandHolidayFeeling #seeaustralia Visit Mareeba Shire @queensland @australia
ID Footage of pink and purple sunrise skies, hot air balloons drifting gently above, and miniature donkeys grazing peacefully on the grass.
Oct 17
Meet the Mareeba Rock Wallaby. Thanks to special grippy foot pads and a long tail for balance, they are perfect rock climbers!
Have you seen these cuties before? 🦘💛
📸 @jasminewildlife
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #QueenslandHolidayFeeling #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
ID Image of Mareeba Rock Wallaby on a rock at Granite Gorge.
Oct 15