Cairns

• Accommodation
• Climate
• Currency and Exchange Rate
• Dialling Codes
• Dining
• Electrical
• Emergencies
• Language
• Time
• Tourist Information
• Transport
• Visas

Accommodation

SMI Knowledge Transfer has arranged preferred rates with the following hotels - simply quote “JKTech” to receive these rates (please note conditions may apply):

Alternatively go to www.globalbackpackerscairns.com.au for Global Central and Global Waterfront affordable hostels.

For further accommodation options: Business Events Cairns and Great Barrier Reef.

Climate

For most of the year the climate in Cairns is simply perfect: blue skies, warm weather and gentle breezes but there are only two seasons - the wet and the dry. The dry season runs from June to October and with the low humidity and cool breeze makes it pleasurable for activities. The average temperature in winter (dry season) is 14-26°C and 52-78°F, with 6.9 hours of sunshine.

Currency and Exchange Rate

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. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Diners, and American Express) are generally accepted at a majority of locations.

For more information on currency exchange please click here.

Dialling Codes

International country code: +61 (Australia)
Area code: 7

Dining

Cairns restaurants rank among the best in Australia. Dining in Cairns is unique because they have access to outstanding fresh local produce (especially seafood), and also because the thriving tourism industry attracts world-renowned chefs to the region. Locals and tourists must take advantage of the flourishing dining establishments in Cairns.

Electrical

The domestic mains power supply in Australia is 240V AC, 50Hz. Standard 3-pin earthed power outlets are rated at 10Amps and are usually switched.

Emergencies

In case of emergency, you can free-call 000 from landlines, or free-call 112 from mobiles, for police, ambulance, and fire services.

Language

Although Australia has no official language, it is largely monolingual with English being the de facto national language.

Time

In relation to Greenwich Mean Time, Cairns is +10 hours. The time zone abbreviation is EST (Eastern Standard Time)

Tourist Information

Please refer to the Brochure for a suggested list of Pre and Post Optional Tours and Places of Interest.

Great Barrier Reef Fact Sheet

Transport

Cairns International Airport is the nation's sixth busiest in terms of combined international and domestic passenger movements.  Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar operate daily flights to and from cities all around Australia.  Most international airlines service the Cairns International Airport.

Cairns is serviced by a modern railway station (the Tilt Train and Sunlander operate between Brisbane and Cairns), coach transit station, a large rail freight terminal, a privately owned public bus transport system subsidised by the State Government and a taxi company with a fleet of 140 vehicles.

For more information about getting to and from the airport please click here.

Visas

Australia welcomes millions of overseas visitors each year. Anyone who is not an Australian citizen needs a valid visa to enter and spend time in Australia. There are different visas for tourists, business people, sports people, students and others.

All visas must be obtained before travelling. The only exception is for New Zealanders, who are granted an electronic visa on arrival in Australia. Visitors can apply for Australian visas at Australian government missions overseas or electronically through travel agents and airlines in many parts of the world.

People from many countries also now apply for certain visas online – Australia’s Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is the most advanced and streamlined travel authorisation system in the world.

Visitors – Online Application Form