Cairns tours & vacations

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Cairns is the main airport for Tropical North Queensland with domestic flights flying to and from most major Australian cities.

There is a train service from Brisbane to Cairns multiple times per week and regular long-distance buses which travel up and down the coast.

Driving is also possible if you enjoy spending time on the road and don't mind long drives.  

Any time of year is a good time to visit Cairns. Summer is hot and humid and perfect for swimming. Spring and Autumn are cooler and the region tends to be quieter. Winter is ideal for those who don't enjoy humid temperatures and the weather is typically good. 

If you are visiting between October and May and swimming in the ocean, it is advisable to wear a 'stinger suit' to protect yourself from possible jellyfish stings. 

Learn more about wearing a stinger suit in Cairns

Cairns tends to be a casual place so you can leave your fancy clothes at home. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are a must, even in winter. If you forget any essentials, it is easy to pick up whatever you need in the Cairns CBD. 

Cairns is a laid back destination which means casual clothes or active wear are fine to wear during the day. Smart casual is the norm for restaurants including the more upmarket dining spots in town.

Wi-Fi is readily available throughout Cairns. There can be limited or no Wi-Fi available for a short time when you're on some sections of road in the Atherton Tablelands and other remote spots. There is no Wi-Fi signal throughout most of Cape Tribulation. 

Mobile coverage is readily available throughout Cairns. There can be limited or no mobile signal for a short time when you're on some sections of road in the Atherton Tablelands and other remote spots.

There is no mobile signal throughout most of Cape Tribulation. 

It is possible to swim at Cairns’ attractive northern beaches such as Palm Cove, Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach, but don't go swimming in the ocean around the CBD at any time of year. There is a lot of mud when the tide goes out, along with the occasional crocodile. Instead, head for the large man-made Esplanade Lagoon which is safe and free to use. 

If you don't want to travel too far or are visiting with young children, day trips to Fitzroy Island or Green Island are a good option. Full and half-day tours to the outer reef depart daily from downtown Cairns, including a First Nations tour with Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel. Overnight liveaboard trips are also available depending on demand. 

We are committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.