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Flight Guide to Cairns - Now With
Top Things to Do and See in Cairns
Great Barrier Reef
One of the main reasons people book cheap flights to Cairns is to see the Great Barrier Reef. You can explore this natural wonder by snorkelling, scuba diving, going on a glass-bottom boat cruise, or flying over in a helicopter. The best way to see the Great Barrier Reef is by booking a tour with a local operator.
Daintree Rainforest
Adrenaline addicts visiting Cairns should add Daintree Rainforest to the top of their holiday itinerary. Located in the Cape Tribulation area, you can spend an entire day jungle surfing through the rainforest! This is a fun activity for families travelling on return flights to Cairns and will have you zip-lining through the forest canopy. There are also full-day tours into the rainforest; many which include a pick-up from Cairns and other activities such as a river cruise and visiting the Alexandra Lookout.
Josephine Falls
If you don't want to spend your entire holiday on the beach, plan a trip to Josephine Falls. Bring a towel, your swimwear and prepare take a dip with a difference as you jump into the different cascading pools. The water is crystal clear, and there are sandy banks surrounded by the rainforest for when you want to relax. Josephine Falls is located an hours’ drive outside of Cairns. You'll need to hire a car at Cairns Airport (CNS) or book one with Webjet when you confirm your tickets to Cairns.
Mission Beach
Mission Beach is one of the best beaches in the region. The coastline is pristine and is lined with gorgeous palm trees. Once you've had your dose of vitamin sea, travellers buying flights to Cairns can explore the nearby towns before heading back to the city.
Babinda Boulders
Babinda Boulders are one of the most popular swimming holes in Cairns. It's 20 minutes’ drive away from Josephine Falls, so travellers booking flights to Cairns can easily do both as a day trip. One thing you'll want to keep an eye out for is the current. If you're travelling on return flights to Cairns with young children, be sure to check current warnings and water conditions before letting the kids go in for a swim.
Packing Tips for Cairns
Insect repellent
Don't forget to pack insect repellent before boarding your flights to Cairns. The city is in the tropics, and if you're not prepared, the pests won't leave you alone. Remember to cover up with long pants and shirts between dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are their most active.
Reusable water bottle
The temperatures in Cairns are no joke. You're going to need to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated in the heat. Save money and help the environment out by packing a reusable water bottle. Be sure to finish any water in your bottle before going through security to catch your flights to Cairns!
Sunscreen
Don't fly back home to New Zealand with a terrible sunburn. Pack sunscreen and keep reapplying it throughout the day. It's also a good idea to bring polarised sunglasses and a hat for your flights to Cairns.
Swimwear
Whether you prefer bikinis, one-piece suits or board shorts, bring along all the favourites for your flights to Cairns. There are incredible waterfalls to discover, miles of beautiful beaches and crystal clear water that's going to lure you into the water one way or another.
The Best Time to Visit Cairns
The best time to book airfare to Cairns is for travel in August. It's winter in the city, and that means temperatures are still warm but without the high humidity levels and hardly any rain. While an airfare to Cairns is generally higher during this period, you can scoop up good deals if you plan your trip around the school holidays. Plus, you'll be around for the Cairns Festival. It takes place between August and September and is one of the major events on the city's social calendar.
A downside to buying flights to Cairns in the winter months is that the water temperatures are cool. You may need a wetsuit for swimming or snorkelling. Most tour companies will provide one, or you can rent one out from the shops along the beach. For budget travellers searching for cheap flights to Cairns, try to book your trip between November and May.
It's the region’s wet season, and storms mean that the water visibility isn't great and box jellyfish are close to mainland beaches. If you don't mind going to the Capricorn Coast or Fraser Island to swim, you'll find that it's much easier to find deals on tickets to Cairns, as long as you plan around the school holidays and Cairns Chinese New Year Festival.
