Locality Guide
Get to know the Cairns area.
Cairns, positioned within a coastal stretch between the Great Dividing Range and the Coral Sea in Far North Queensland, serves as the gateway to Australia's renowned Great Barrier Reef. It stands as the primary city in the tropical Far North Queensland region, boasting a growing population of over 153,500 residents. Its exceptional blend of ecological attractions and vibrant coastal character contribute to its status as a highly sought-after tourist destination.
Cairns holds a unique significance in the global landscape, offering residents an exceptional way of life. Unmatched natural wonders, an excellent climate, and a tropical lifestyle combine to establish Cairns as one of the most desirable places to reside, explore, and conduct business within Australia. The city provides an abundance of attractions, including the Edge Hill Botanic Gardens, Munro Martin Parklands, the picturesque northern beaches, as well as walking and BMX tracks.
History
Originally, the land we inhabit was home to the Yirrganydji people, an indigenous rainforest and coastal culture belonging to the Djabugay language group in Far North Queensland. The Yirrganydji territory encompassed the coastal strip spanning from Cairns to Port Douglas, including landmarks like Freshwater Creek and the Barron River. For a deeper understanding of indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, consider visiting the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, where stories are shared through music and dance.
Cairns' history is rich and diverse. The town was officially established in 1876 and named after Sir William Wellington Cairns, the State Governor at the time. By 1903, it had gained town status with a registered population of 3,500. The region's initial European settlement in the 1860s was driven by beche de mer fishing, and the discovery of gold to the north and Atherton Tableland further fueled population growth. Through the late 1800s, European and Chinese settlers played pivotal roles in opening the region to agriculture, leading to the declaration of Cairns as a municipality with its first mayor, R.A. Kingsford, elected in 1885.
Experience Cairns
The ever-popular Cairns Esplanade is adorned with bars and restaurants and features the iconic Lagoon swimming pool. Both residents and visitors can relish in the Esplanade’s attractions including Muddy's Playground, an award-winning skate plaza, as well as shaded paths and parklands.
Facilities
Cairns offers a range of shopping options, including Cairns Central Shopping Plaza, Stockland Shopping Centre, Smithfield Shopping Centre, Mt Sheridan Plaza, and the bustling Night Markets in the CBD.
Education
From primary to tertiary levels, Cairns hosts an array of superb private and public schools, the TAFE Cairns Campus, James Cook University, and CQUniversity.
Community Services
Cairns provides access to essential healthcare through the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, along with the Ramsay Private Hospital.
Transport
Cairns benefits from a well-established public Sunbus service that traverses the city from the northern beaches to the southern suburbs via the Lake Street bus terminal. The Cairns International Airport ranks as the nation's sixth busiest, handling approximately 130,000 aircraft movements and over 1 million visitors annually. Multiple airlines, including QANTAS, Virgin, and Jetstar, operate daily flights to and from cities across Australia. Additionally, the Ports North, located on Trinity Inlet, serves as the closest port to the Great Barrier Reef, catering to tourist craft, private vessels, international cruise ships, and visiting naval ships.
Sports and Fitness
The local area offers an array of sports facilities, including football, tennis, lawn bowls, netball, basketball, and public pools. Fitness enthusiasts can also find gyms, fitness centers, and martial arts training facilities throughout the region.
Edge Hill
Our office is situated in the charming suburb of Edge Hill, characterized by lush greenery and a distinctive village ambiance. Just a five-minute drive from the city center and Cairns International and Domestic Airport, our location places us at the heart of Edge Hill's vibrant "Hub," replete with cafes, restaurants, shops, and attractions like the Botanic Gardens, the Tanks Precinct, and the "Arrow" walking tracks.