Key Industries
Cairns & Great Barrier Reef is a thriving regional centre where tourism, marine studies, agriculture, aviation, education and training, renewable energy and tropical health and life sciences intersect. Backed by strong infrastructure, respected research institutions and an extraordinary natural environment, the region supports innovation, knowledge sharing and workforce development across these priority industries.
Tourism
Cairns & Great Barrier Reef are at the forefront of tourism management in environmentally sensitive areas. Innovative programs like Savannah Guides and Master Reef Guides offer specialised training in interpreting and protecting our World Heritage sites.
Local tour operators go beyond guiding, they play an active role in environmental stewardship, supporting scientific monitoring and contributing to cutting edge research, ensuring that visitors can experience these natural wonders sustainably.
Agriculture
Tropical North Queensland has a rich agricultural heritage, producing tropical fruits, sugar, coffee, grass fed beef, free range pork, dairy and abundant seafood. The region is also embracing exciting new crops like cacao and vanilla, adding to its diverse agricultural portfolio.
Innovation extends beyond the farm, with food processing driving new products from banana flour to smoked meats, charcuterie and award winning spirits. This dynamic combination of tradition and creativity makes Tropical North Queensland a hub for premium, world class produce.
Aviation
Cairns Airport is the northern gateway to Australia with nine direct international connections and direct flights to all Australian capital cities that provide seamless connectivity for conferences, incentives and corporate events. Key international gateways include Singapore, Hong Kong, Fiji, Narita, Auckland, and Christchurch.
More than 25 daily domestic flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane ensure flexible options for any group size and the airport’s proximity to Cairns city means delegates can be at their accommodation within 10 minutes of leaving the airport.
Education and Training
From primary through to tertiary studies, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef offers exceptional learning opportunities in a stunning natural setting. The region is home to world class institutions including James Cook University, ranked in the top 4% of universities globally, Central Queensland University, Great Barrier Reef International Marine College and TAFE North.
Students, both domestic and international, can access a diverse range of pathways, including apprenticeships, traineeships, industry based training and specialised courses across multiple fields, preparing them for successful, hands on careers.
Marine Studies
Cairns boasts a vibrant marine precinct, featuring three major shipyards, the HMAS Cairns naval base and leading Defence contractors. Beyond supporting defence, the city is home to a diverse marine sector from a world renowned tourism reef fleet and commercial fishing and shipping, to welcoming super yachts and cruise ships.
With its combination of strategic infrastructure and breathtaking natural surroundings, Cairns is truly a gateway for marine innovation, commerce and adventure.
Renewable Energy
The Cairns & Great Barrier Reef region is rich in renewable energy resources, including solar, wind and biomass. Harnessing this potential, the region is home to over 100 businesses driving innovation in the renewable energy sector.
From household and commercial solutions to industrial and utility scale projects, the region offers expertise across every level of renewable energy development, positioning Cairns as a leader in sustainable power and clean energy innovation.
Tropical Health and Life Services
Cairns & Great Barrier Reef is the perfect environment for tropical forest science, biopharmaceuticals, tropical health, tropical foods and natural resource management. At the forefront is James Cook University, home to the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, the Australian Tropical Forest Institute and the Australian Tropical Herbarium, conducting world renowned research in areas ranging from public health and bimolecular science to clinical and translational health systems.
Research at James Cook University spans tropical infectious diseases, health security and biosecurity, chronic tropical disorders, genetic conditions and health services for regional and remote communities, driving innovation that has global impact while addressing the unique challenges of the tropics.
