Scuba diving in

Cairns and Port Douglas

Cairns is a modern, thriving, tropical oasis located 1,700-kilometres north of Brisbane, on the northeast coast of Australia. Just 70-kilometres north of Cairns, along one of the most scenic coastal drives, lies Port Douglas, an idyllic seaside town known for its luxurious laid-back style. Both are surrounded by an awe-inspiring natural wonderland with both the world’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest and the largest reef system on the planet on their doorsteps. Within this unparalleled natural amusement park, visitors can explore dramatic gorges and massive cave systems, swim beneath stunning waterfalls, and come face-to-face with all manner of iconic wildlife – from kangaroos and koalas to crocodiles and cassowaries.

Indigenous communities have respected and utilised this region’s natural prosperity for thousands of years, developing a rich and fascinating relationship with their surroundings. But, it wasn’t until the gold rush of the 1870s that the towns of Cairns and Port Douglas began to emerge. Fertile lands encouraged further agricultural development in the early 1900s, while the latter half of the century saw the birth of tourism, spurred by the establishment of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and recognition of several World Heritage sites.

Cairns International Airport is served by direct international flights arriving daily from major airports in Singapore, China, Japan, and New Zealand plus selected days of the week from Bali and Papua New Guinea. International travellers can also arrive in one of Australia’s other key destinations – such as Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth – before catching a domestic flight to Cairns.

Taxis, ride-sharing services and shuttle buses are available from the airport to the city centre which lies approximately seven-kilometres south of the airport. Travelling around Cairns is possible on foot, by bicycle, bus or car, depending on far you want to go, and the heat.

Port Douglas is located approximately 70-kilometres north of Cairns, an hour away along the stunning coastal drive. Local buses only travel as far north as Palm Cove, but shuttle buses can be arranged at the airport or booked prior to arrival. Most hotels will also arrange transport for their guests at an additional fee. The most popular way to reach Port Douglas is to hire a vehicle, and a wide choice of cars, campervans, and 4WD vehicles are available at the airport and in the city of Cairns.

Cairns is a relatively small city and the centre is concentrated around the waterfront at the Esplanade, the Marina, and the Cruise Liner Terminal. As one of Australia’s iconic east coast destinations, travellers will find a massive variety of accommodation available here, ranging from hectic backpacker hostels to tranquil luxury resorts, and everything in between.

The city’s Esplanade runs parallel to the ocean, with open parkland surrounding the lagoon and the nearby Pier Marina complex offering exceptional alfresco dining along the boardwalk. Several lively bars play music late into the night, but visitors can also find classy wine bars, microbreweries and cocktail lounges hiding down unsuspecting side streets.

Likewise, the palm-fringed town of Port Douglas has accommodation options for every budget, from luxury villas to budget camping. But, with a significantly more sleepy atmosphere than Cairns, this is the perfect destination to relax, unwind, and get in touch with nature. Those wanting to be in the heart of town can choose from several boutique hotels, while a selection of five-star resorts can be found just a few kilometres away, featuring sumptuous spas, 18-hole golf courses, and more.

Located in Tropical North Queensland, Cairns and Port Douglas enjoy a fantastic climate throughout the year. The wet season runs from November to March, bringing hot and humid conditions. Average air temperatures range from 24-32°C, with peaks in February, which is when the majority of the region’s rainfall occurs. Winds are generally light during this time and the waters usually calm, though tropical storms are possible.

As the wet season subsides, prevailing southeasterly winds return which continue to blow throughout the dry season from April to October. These winds can often blow with force, creating swell until August. During the dry season, Cairns and Port Douglas enjoy average air temperatures between 18-26°C and little rainfall - perfect weather during the high season for visitors.

In June and July, dwarf minke whales congregate in the northern reef section, while humpback whales migrate north along the coast before returning south to Antarctica in late August and into September. Six species of turtles can be found in the region and are present all year, but mating and nesting occurs from November to March, with hatchlings beginning to emerge in early January.

Jellyfish season generally lasts from November until May, and whilst the risk of marine stingers on the Great Barrier Reef is low, stinger suits are recommended and available for hire on tour boats.

So when is the best time of year to dive the Great Barrier Reef?

For the best all-round conditions, and to avoid the busy high season, September, October and November offer plentiful marine life, good visibility and calm sea conditions. At this time of year, liveaboards can sail north to explore the tip of the Cape York peninsula, and visit Raine Island - just in time for the arrival of thousands of breeding turtles. And to top it off, the corals of the Barrier Reef spawn in November.

If you would like to encounter a cetacean of two, then June and July is the best time of year. Visibility is often very good at this time of year, but the steady tradewinds can create swell - medication is a must if you are prone to seasickness.

In the early 1970s, plans to mine the reef for limestone led to public outcry. The establishment of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park followed in 1975, and practically the entire ecosystem was inscribed as a World Heritage site in 1981. Today, it is recognised as the world’s best managed marine park. Other ongoing local conservation initiatives include turtle rehabilitation on Fitzroy Island, tagging and monitoring of minke whales, and Crown of Thorns starfish population management, among many more.

Of course, this region has plenty to protect on land – not least the 135 million-year-old Daintree Rainforest, which was inscribed as a World Heritage site in 1988. Several organisations continue to work towards expanding the protections of this ancient rainforest by purchasing privately owned areas and restoring them to their previous state.