Flights from Brisbane to Cairns

A Brief History

When you book Brisbane to Cairns flights, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in its diverse history. Before Europeans arrived to Australia, Aboriginal tribes inhabited northern Queensland for more than 60,000 years. English explorer James Cook first visited the area in 1770. Over the next 96 years, a few more explorers visited until the region was settled by the British in 1866. The population of Cairns grew when gold was discovered nearby in 1872. It was around this time that Cairns was given its current name after then-governor of Queensland, William Wellington Cairns. In the 20th century, tourism to the area increased after Cairns was featured as the backdrop to several films. Today, it’s still one of the most-visited cities in Australia due to its location between the Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforests.

Top Experiences for Visitors

The Great Barrier Reef

The main draw for visitors who book cheap flights to Cairns from Brisbane is the city’s easy access to the Great Barrier Reef. When you book flights Brisbane to Cairns, there are a variety of ways you can experience the Reef. You could book onto a snorkel or scuba diving tour of the Reef, take a ride on a glass-bottom boat, take a helicopter flight, or go on an overnight sailing tour and wake up in the heart of the Reef. No matter which way you choose to experience the Great Barrier Reef after your Brisbane to Cairns flights, it’s sure to be an unforgettable memory.

Port Douglas

About an hours’ drive north of Cairns is the much-loved resort town of Port Douglas. When you have cheap flights Brisbane to Cairns, Port Douglas will offer a much quieter experience than Cairns. The town has excellent beaches, mountain views, close proximity to the Daintree, and some great cafes and restaurants. Some Port Douglas landmarks to visit after your flights Brisbane to Cairns include Four Mile Beach, the Wildlife Habitat, and the Flagstaff Hill Lookout.

The Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge

Another natural landmark to visit when you book tickets to Cairns from Brisbane is the Daintree Rainforest. Known as the oldest tropical rainforest in the world, the Daintree is made up of lush greenery and winding streams where you can spot some wild crocodiles in their natural habitat. Within the Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge is an iconic site teeming with Aboriginal history and stories. Aboriginal guides offer Dreamtime walks in which visitors with Brisbane to Cairns flights can learn more about the importance of the Daintree and Mossman Gorge. The area also offers scenic hikes and crocodile-free swimming holes.

Palm Cove Beach

Travellers with cheap flights Brisbane to Cairns have the option of visiting many different beaches. Palm Cove Beach is located in the northern suburbs of Cairns and is a favourite among locals. The beach offers gorgeous views of the Pacific and nearby mountains and is lined with tropical palm trees. Palm Cove Beach has a relaxing atmosphere to it and is a great beach to spend time at after your flights Brisbane to Cairns.

Public Transport and How to Get Around

Cairns offers a public bus network called Sunbus, which you can use to get around when you have Brisbane to Cairns return flights. There are 16 Sunbus routes that travel throughout the Cairns CBD, suburbs, and northern beaches. Buses depart regularly throughout the day, making them a reliable transport option when you book flights Brisbane to Cairns. Public transport is also available from Cairns Airport (CNS). The Airport Connect bus travels between the airport and the CBD for $6 AUD one-way and $8 AUD return.

In order to give yourself unlimited freedom to explore the Cairns area, you may want to consider renting a car after your Brisbane to Cairns flights. Car hire is available at Cairns Airport (CNS) from the major rental car companies. You can reserve a hire car through Webjet for as low as $42 AUD per day.

Packing Tips

No matter what time of year you book cheap flights to Cairns from Brisbane, you can expect hot weather during the day. Pack lightweight clothing, such as shorts, t-shirts, dresses, and sandals. If you’ll be spending time on the Great Barrier Reef and the beaches of Cairns, you’ll also want to pack a couple of swimsuits, a hat, and sunglasses. There are plenty of hiking opportunities around Cairns, so a pair of sturdy shoes will come in handy, particularly while visiting the Daintree. Lastly, if you’ll be booking Brisbane to Cairns flights for travel in the wet season between November and March, bring an umbrella along in case you experience some tropical rain showers.