Cairns is northern Queensland's tropical crown jewel. This vibrant and modern city is home to the state's rich indigenous heritage and played an outsized role in Australia's World War II legacy.

Today, it's one of the state's bustling tourism hubs. It's the popular jump-off point to the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef and the lush Atherton Tablelands. It's also the gateway point to the Daintree Rainforest and Wooroonooran National Park.

In Cairns, tourists can get a glimpse of one of Australia's aboriginal cultures, particularly the Tjapukai people.

With its historical significance, natural beauty, and diverse activities, Cairns is an excellent destination for tourists looking to experience the best of tropical North Queensland.

But there are some things you need to know about this jewel of a city before you head over to visit. Check them out below.

Visiting Cairns in the summer? Pack for comfort instead of fashion

Summer in Cairns is warm. Its tropical location means it receives sunshine all year long. While the adjacent ocean does moderate temperature extremes, it can also lead to increased humidity. So, how can you keep comfy in Cairns? Pack light weight clothing, stay hydrated, and have sun protection on hand. You might also wish to schedule any outdoor activities in the early morning or later in the afternoon.

Cairns is still the best jump-off point to the Great Barrier Reef.

You can reach the world-famous reef via Port Douglas, but Cairns is still the most popular way to get to it.

You'll find a lot of tour operators in Cairns City, QLD, that offer day trips and liveaboard cruises. Some even offer scenic flights to different parts of the Great Barrier Reef.

Day trips suit tourists with limited time to spend in the area. These trips typically involve a boat ride to a specific part of the reef where you can snorkel or dive for a few hours. 

If you have more time, consider a liveaboard trip where you stay on a boat overnight and have more opportunities to explore different areas of the reef. 

Which tour operator should you choose for your Great Barrier Reef excursion? Simply ask our front desk officer, and we'll help you book an unforgettable tropical outing.

You can experience the tropical rainforest via the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Not keen on hiking but still want to experience tropical rainforests? 

The Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway are two popular ways to experience the tropical rainforest in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. These attractions offer Cairns tourists different perspectives and experiences while immersing themselves in the beauty of the rainforest.

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a historic train journey that takes you from Cairns to the village of Kuranda, passing through the lush rainforest and picturesque landscapes.

The journey offers breathtaking rainforest views, steep ravines, and beautiful waterfalls. The railway was constructed in the late 19th century and is known as an engineering marvel.

The railway itself is a historical attraction, and during the journey, you'll learn about its construction and the challenges faced by the workers.

The train stops at Barron Falls and Stoney Creek, providing opportunities to disembark, take photos, and explore the surroundings.

The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offers a unique and panoramic perspective of the rainforest. It's a gondola cableway above the treetops, providing magnificent aerial views. 

The cable cars offer a bird's eye view of the rainforest canopy, Barron Gorge, and Barron Falls. You can see the lushness of the rainforest since the gondolas offer unhindered views from above.

The Skyrail experience includes two stations where you can disembark and explore the rainforest on guided boardwalks. It allows for a more in-depth understanding of the ecosystem.

You can see Australia's marine life up close at the Cairns Aquarium.

Visit the Cairns Aquarium if you're not keen on boarding a boat and snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef. 

While the aquarium may not replace the experience of visiting the reef itself, it still offers an educational perspective. Plus, you get to see marine creatures up close!

The Cairns Aquarium features indoor aquariums home to the region's diverse and dazzling marine life. Here, you'll see different tropical fishes, sharks, and more. It also has interactive displays and educational shows.

Tropic Towers Apartments – Your Luxurious Cairns City Accommodation

Ready for your great Cairns trip this summer? Book your Cairns, QLD accommodation with Tropic Towers Apartments today. We're a few blocks from the Cairns Aquarium, shops, and other popular Cairns attractions.

Experience the height of comfort and luxury when you stay in one of our apartments. From simple one-bedroom apartments to two-bedroom ones suitable for families or groups, we have a room best suited for your needs.

Our world-class facilities include a barbecue area, swimming pool, and spa. We also have a tour desk where our friendly assistants are waiting to help you book a ticket for your preferred tour.

Visit Cairns this summer and make Tropic Towers your temporary home!