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Sunshine Coast to Cairns

Major Events and Festivals

Travellers in August can expect to visit during one of the most exciting times of the year. The Whitsunday Reef Festival attracts visitors from all over Australia, thanks to its line-up of 14-plus events that include food, wine, and live entertainment. Come hungry and feast at the Esplanade dinner party, which hosts an oversized dinner table laden with local food and produce. The Cairns Festival is one of the most popular events in Queensland. If you arrive between late August through to September, you can take part in a variety of events taking place throughout the town. 
Find cheap flights from Maroochydore to Cairns and bring the entire family to the Festival to watch competitions of food and wine, sports, music, and performing arts. Book September flights to Cairns to see the longest-running festival in Queensland. The Burdekin Water Festival can be a great way to enjoy the scenery. The festival celebrates the abundance of water in the area, and visitors can join in the festivities that include dance performances, art competitions, parades, family activities, and even magic shows. Spring travellers booking cheap flights to Cairns from Sunshine Coast in October can enjoy the sights and sounds from the Reef Feast in Palm Cove. This community event celebrates cuisine, fresh produce, and relaxed culture of the tropical region.

Public Transport and How to Get Around

Cairns is an easy city to get around. When arriving at Cairns Airport arrivals terminal from Maroochydore, you can take a taxi or hop on the public bus to take you into the city centre. Public transportation via the Translink is a popular mode of transfer for visitors. A single fare is less than $5 for a single-zone transfer. Some tourists prefer to use Black and White taxis for airport transfer. If the weather cooperates, consider hiring a bicycle to get around the city. Cairns has a wonderful network of bike paths that include routes to the Esplanade and the Botanic Gardens. Bicycle hire kiosks can be found throughout the city.

Best Things To Do on Weekends

Plan a quick getaway with weekend flights from the Sunshine Coast to Cairns and enjoy an incredible two days filled with entertainment, local cuisines and lively markets. Head to Cairns Night Markets to pick up some souvenirs or a bite to eat. You can find a large selection of local produce, handicrafts and paintings. If you’re feeling a bit tense after your long flight, you can even enjoy a massage at the Night Markets too! Every Saturday, you can find a host of hand-made and locally crafted items inside the Esplanade Market. Look for pottery, woodcrafts, leather creations and more between 8am to 4pm, then take a dip in the refreshing water nearby. 

Bargain-hunters can head to Rusty’s Market on the weekend to find the best deals on local produce and other handmade items. This gem of a marketplace is located in the heart of the city centre and is open Fridays and Saturdays between 5am to 6pm, and on Sundays between 5am to 3pm.

Top Experiences For Visitors

Save money on booking cheap flights from the Sunshine Coast to Cairns and then treat yourself to a Great Barrier Reef sightseeing, diving or snorkelling tour. You can bring your own gear or hire kit. If diving and snorkelling doesn’t appeal to you, look for a tour company that offers a trip on glass-bottomed boat. Although Cairns is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, don’t ignore the hinterland and inland opportunities. 

Plot your own itinerary through the lush rainforest, mountains and surrounding towns, or purchase tickets for a guided experience. Some tours include the chance to hand-feed kangaroos at the Wildlife Habitat at Port Douglas, and educate guests about the biodiversity inside Daintree National Park. Full-day tours may also include a guided walk through the lush vegetation of Mossman Gorge, swimming spots in the Coral Sea, or a cruise on the Daintree River. Before you head home on your Cairns to Sunshine Coast flights, plan a trip on the Kuranda Scenic Railway to admire the incredible views of Barron Gorge National Park.