Cairns, nestled in Tropical North Queensland, is a captivating destination renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich Aboriginal culture and vibrant atmosphere. The Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the ancient Daintree Rainforest are major draws, offering unparalleled opportunities for snorkelling, diving, and exploring unique ecosystems. Cairns also boasts a lively city centre, perfect for enjoying diverse culinary experiences and exploring local markets.

The average direct flight duration from Brisbane to Cairns is approximately 2 hours. However, this can be affected by weather conditions, air traffic, and the specific aircraft used. Several airlines offer frequent direct flights daily, including Qantas and Jetstar.

While direct flights are the most convenient option, there aren’t typically any stopover routes for this flight pairing. The ideal months for budget travellers to fly are January, February and March, generally considered the off-season, offering the best deals on flights and accommodations. The best time to book flights is generally 2-3 months in advance to secure the cheapest fares, especially during peak season.

Peak travel times coincide with school holidays and the dry season (May to October), when the weather is most favourable. Conversely, the wet season (November to April) is generally quieter, though rain showers are common. This season offers the benefit of fewer tourists and potentially lower prices.

Cairns enjoys a tropical climate, characterised by distinct wet and dry seasons. Summer (December to February) is hot and humid with average temperatures ranging from 23.6°C to 31.4°C, with significant rainfall and high humidity. Winter (June to August) is milder and drier, with average temperatures between 17.5°C and 26°C, making it the most popular time to visit. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer pleasant shoulder seasons with comfortable temperatures and less rainfall than the summer months. The region can also experience occasional cyclones during the wet season.

Brisbane has two major airports that are currently operating and serve commercial flights. These are Brisbane Airport (BNE) and Archerfield Airport (ACF).

Brisbane Airport (BNE)

Brisbane Airport is an international airport, one of the busiest in Australia. It's a large modern airport with multiple terminals, serving numerous international and domestic airlines and handling millions of passengers annually. It has undergone several renovations in recent years, focusing on enhancing passenger experiences.

Archerfield Airport (ACF)

Archerfield Airport is primarily a general aviation airport, but also caters to commercial flights. It is smaller than Brisbane Airport and primarily serves domestic flights. This airport is more centrally located in the city than BNE.

Main airlines for this route

• Qantas
• Jetstar
• Virgin Australia

Cairns has one major airport that is currently operating and serves commercial flights: Cairns Airport (CNS).

Cairns Airport (CNS)

Cairns Airport (CNS) is a leading regional airport in Australia, offering both domestic and international flights. It's well-equipped and serves as the gateway to North Queensland's stunning natural attractions. It opened in 1962, and serves a large number of passengers yearly, with multiple terminals.

To reach Cairns city centre from the airport, you can use public transport such as buses, hail a taxi or rent a car from one of the many car hire companies situated within the airport's arrivals hall. These offer a convenient and efficient way to get into the city.

Cairns is a vibrant city, serving as a gateway to some of Australia’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

• Great Barrier Reef trip: Explore the world’s largest coral reef system with various tours offering snorkelling, diving, and scenic flights.
• Kuranda Scenic Railway: Enjoy a stunning train journey through lush rainforests to the charming village of Kuranda.
• Daintree Rainforest exploration: Discover ancient rainforests teeming with unique wildlife, via guided walks, cruises, or 4WD tours.