Introduction to Cairns

Still remembered by many as a sleepy little sugar town, Cairns, 1,120 miles north of Brisbane, is blooming and booming into a tourism titan. It's no wonder, as it's a gateway to Far North Queensland and the only place on earth where two World Heritage-listed sites -- the Wet Tropics Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef -- lie side by side. Explore the reef and offshore islands and be humbled by the lush forest, home to half of Australia's animal and plant species. Slip into the distinctive pace, heat and style of tropical Cairns.

Things to Do

Cairns Esplanade offers top-to-bottom-dollar shopping, but its sparkling jewel is the seaside Lagoon. Cool off from the heat at weekend concerts at this manmade pool and park. Fascinating Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park spotlights the indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Kuranda Scenic Railway winds up and along forested hillside tracks carved out by early settlers. Make the return trip on the 4.6-mile Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offering unbeatable ocean views as it glides above the steamy rainforest canopy.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Opt for a thirst-slaking drink while gazing out to sea along the Esplanade, or join a mixed crowd at the Courthouse Hotel, Cairns's most historic pub. Gilligan's Hotel, hosting up to 400 keen revelers, and Shenanigans are the hubs of a lively backpacker scene, with DJs and live music at weekends. Fancy that superyacht? Take your chances at the Reef Casino. Smart-casual is tropical Cairns' dress code, but many places strictly prohibit men who wear flip-flops and sleeveless shirts.

Restaurants and Dining

Cairns offers an unusually wide range of foreign cuisines for a city its size. Spice up weekends with inexpensive Asian food at Rusty's Markets. Besides its array of food halls, the Esplanade tempts with traditional Aussie surf 'n' turf and seafood fusion fare. Nearby Palm Cove offers fine dining by a pristine palm-fringed beach; treat yourself to dishes like wok-fried Queensland mud crab with chilli and tamarind caramel at award-winning Nu Nu.

Active Pursuits

The young -- and young at heart -- come to Cairns for bungee jumping and white-water rafting. However, because of its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, diving, snorkeling and sailing are definitely the big fish here. Diving and dive courses cater to beginners and up, and are carefully regulated to protect the reef and humans alike. Or cruise out on a catamaran to designated snorkeling sites to find your very own Nemo.