Cairns started off as a beachhead amidst mangrove forests and swamps that still border the city to the north and south. Cairns was surveyed and settled by Europeans in 1876 and named after William Wellington Cairns, the then governor of the state of Queensland. Cairns was first given the status of a town in 1885 before it became a full fledged city in 1923. Fine beaches and a beautiful coastline were amongst its early attractions. Unfortunately, the mass influx of tourists has made Cairns very overcrowded and all the good, relatively unpopulated beaches are some way out the city.

Cairns is important as it happens to be the starting point for the railway line to the Atherton Tableland in the west. Getting to Cairns is no problem by air, bus or train. The best way is, of course, if you can hire a car or a bike and wend your way across the area. Trains and planes are time consuming or expensive, though good connections are available.The best time to go climatically and in terms of having the most fun is from May to October. Winters are most pleasant, summers tend to be extremely humid and muggy.

Accommodation is available in abundance with plenty of places to stay in ranging from top class hotels to motels, guesthouses, service apartments, campsites and caravan parks and youth hostels. Prices go up 30% - 40% during peak season. If you have a VIP or a YHA membership, most of the hostels will give you a discount.