Cairns Live Cam

Cairns History

Cairns is a city located in Far North Queensland, Australia. The area has a rich history that dates back thousands of years to the time of the Indigenous Australians, who were the first inhabitants of the region. The Indigenous people of the area are the Yidinji, Djabugay, Gimuy Walubara Yidinji, and Mandingalbay Yidinji, who have lived in the region for over 40,000 years.

In the late 1700s, Captain James Cook sailed past the Cairns region on his way up the east coast of Australia. However, it wasn't until the late 1800s that Cairns was founded as a town. The town was named after William Wellington Cairns, the Governor of Queensland at the time.

In the early years, Cairns was a small port town that served the local mining and agricultural industries. The region's natural resources, including gold, tin, and sugar, were important economic drivers in the area. In 1923, the construction of the Cairns Railway helped to boost the local economy by connecting Cairns to the rest of the country.

During World War II, Cairns played an important role as a base for the Allies in the Pacific. The city was a hub for military operations and the construction of the Cairns Airport was completed in 1943 to support the military operations.

In the post-war period, Cairns experienced significant growth and development. The opening of the Great Barrier Reef to tourism in the 1970s helped to establish Cairns as a popular tourist destination. Today, Cairns is a thriving city with a diverse economy that includes tourism, agriculture, mining, and healthcare. Throughout its history, Cairns has been shaped by its natural environment, including the Great Barrier Reef and the surrounding rainforests. The city's Indigenous heritage has also played an important role in shaping its culture and identity.

Cairns Top Tourist Attractions

Cairns is a popular tourist destination in Australia, with a variety of attractions to suit different interests. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Cairns:

• Great Barrier Reef: The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's natural wonders and is a must-see attraction in Cairns. Visitors can take a boat tour or go scuba diving or snorkeling to experience the beauty of the reef up close.
• Kuranda Scenic Railway: The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a historic railway that runs through the rainforest from Cairns to the village of Kuranda. The journey offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
• Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a cable car that takes visitors on a scenic journey above the rainforest canopy. The ride offers panoramic views of the rainforest and the coast.
• Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park: The Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is a cultural center that showcases the history and traditions of the Indigenous people of the Cairns region. Visitors can learn about traditional dance, music, and art.
• Cairns Esplanade: The Cairns Esplanade is a waterfront promenade that features a swimming lagoon, barbecue areas, and playgrounds. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy the scenery.
• Cairns Botanic Gardens: The Cairns Botanic Gardens is a tranquil oasis that features a variety of tropical plants and gardens. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore the gardens on their own.
• Cape Tribulation: Cape Tribulation is a scenic coastal area located north of Cairns. It is a popular spot for hiking, beachcombing, and wildlife watching.
• Daintree Rainforest: The Daintree Rainforest is a World Heritage-listed rainforest that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can take guided tours or explore the area on their own.
• Mossman Gorge: Mossman Gorge is a popular spot for swimming and hiking in the Daintree Rainforest. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore the area on their own.
• Green Island: Green Island is a coral cay located off the coast of Cairns. Visitors can take a boat tour or snorkel to see the colorful coral and fish that inhabit the area.

Cairns Climate

The climate in Cairns is tropical, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The city experiences two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season.

The wet season in Cairns typically runs from November to April, with December to March being the wettest months. During this time, the city experiences high humidity and heavy rainfall, with occasional tropical cyclones. Temperatures during the wet season range from 23°C (73°F) to 31°C (88°F).

The dry season in Cairns runs from May to October, with June to August being the coolest months. During this time, the weather is mild and comfortable, with lower humidity and clear blue skies. Temperatures during the dry season range from 18°C (64°F) to 26°C (79°F).

Overall, Cairns has a warm and pleasant climate throughout the year, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking sun, sea, and sand. However, visitors should be aware of the risks of tropical weather during the wet season, such as heavy rainfall and tropical cyclones.

Cairns Geography

Cairns is a coastal city located in Far North Queensland, Australia. The city is situated on a narrow coastal strip between the Coral Sea and the Great Dividing Range. The region is known for its tropical climate, stunning natural beauty, and biodiversity.

The terrain around Cairns is characterized by rolling hills, lush rainforests, and golden beaches. The city is surrounded by a number of natural attractions, including the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and the Atherton Tablelands.

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system and is located off the coast of Cairns. The reef is made up of thousands of individual reefs and islands and is home to a diverse range of marine life.

The Daintree Rainforest is a World Heritage-listed rainforest located north of Cairns. It is one of the oldest rainforests in the world and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including the endangered cassowary.

The Atherton Tablelands is a fertile plateau located west of Cairns. It is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular spot for hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring the region's waterfalls and natural swimming holes. The coastal area around Cairns features a number of beautiful beaches, including Trinity Beach, Palm Cove, and Ellis Beach. The beaches offer a range of water activities, including swimming, surfing, and snorkeling. Overall, Cairns is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and is a popular destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and beachgoers alike.