General Information

Travelling to and from Cairns ...

By air - see airport section below
By train - Two major trains operate between Brisbane and Cairns at least three times a week. The journey takes approximately 32 hours.
By road - Major coach companies operate luxury, air-conditioned vehicles with express services between major Australian cities and Cairns.
By sea - The Cairns district is well serviced with marinas and an increasing number of overseas cruise ships call at the port of Cairns regularly.

Car Rental

Major rental companies are represented at the airport and there are many additional rental companies with offices in Cairns and larger towns.

In Australia, vehicles are right-hand drive and you travel on the left-hand side of the road.

Generally, any current driver's licence is acceptable for driving in Queensland.

Public Transport

Public bus transport operates in Cairns city areas, suburbs and beaches.

Immigration Requirements

International visitors require a current passport and may also require a visitors' visa. Please check at your local Australian embassy or consulate.

Customs Regulations

Limitations apply to bringing in many items including quota for tobacco products, alcohol, motor vehicles and other personal possessions - details can be obtained from an Australian Customs Booklet.

Strict quarantine regulations apply to plants and food items.

Health Regulations

There are no compulsory immunisations required before arriving in Australia unless travellers have been in a yellow fever epidemic zone within 14 days preceding arrival.

There are no entry and exit requirements between Australian states.

Travellers are not permitted to carry fruit, vegetables and plants across state borders.

Travellers Cheques, Credit Cards and Foreign Exchange in Cairns

Travellers Cheques can be cashed at most banks, hotels and motels.

Major credit cards are accepted in most establishments.

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the airport and various Bureau de Change around the city, many of which are open 7 days a week.

Duty Free

Cairns and Port Douglas have duty free stores and you can also purchase duty free items on arrival and departure at Cairns International Airport.