Cairns Geography

Cairns facts has everything you need to know about Cairns. Everything from creeks and parks to hills and history to various activities or things to do. If you are looking for facts about this tropical city or have questions, you can find your answers here.

Cairns is situated on a narrow coastal plain largely surrounded by mountains, at the base of the Great Dividing Range, specifically the Whitfield Range and the Lamb Range. The Cairns CBD is on the flat western shores of Trinity Inlet, where deep water provides a safe anchorage for ships.

As the area became more accessible, the natural landscape of the Cairns hinterland attracted attention as an area of natural beauty. However as a low lying coastal area Cairns has become subject to increased flooding as a result of Climate Change.

Where is Cairns on the map?

Cairns Region

The wider Cairns region includes the neighbouring local government areas of:

• Cassowary Coast Regional Council
• Douglas Shire Council
• Mareeba Shire Council
• Tablelands Regional Council
• Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council

10 Facts About Cairns

1. Reliable postal and delivery devices are just as important now as they were 100 years ago. The Cairns Post Office is a useful resource. In addition we have listed Cairns postcodes as well as the latitude and longitude of this tropical city.
2. You should also be aware of the risks of Cairns Flooding especially king tide flooding. Understanding the danger of tropical cyclones is also important.
3. Cairns is in the tropics so understanding the weather and Cairns humidity levels is also important.
4. Cairns gets its drinking water from copperlode dam.
5. Cairns was established on Aboriginal land. The Traditional Owners of Cairns are the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people. These people know Cairns as Gimuy.
6. The Mayor of Cairns is Amy Eden.
7. The biggest industry in Cairns is the Social and Community Services Sector.
8. Cairns is regarded as the ‘Arts Capital’ of Northern Australia.
9. Cairns was named in 1876 after the Queensland Governor of the day – William Wellington Cairns.
10. The floral emblem of Cairns is the Golden Penda.

Information about Cairns

Cairns Population 2024

The current population of Cairns is 172,272.

Cairns History

In colonial history, the place was ‘discovered’ by the English in 1876 and named Cairns after Sir William Wellington Cairns, who was the Queensland Governor at the time. Today, it is the 5th biggest city in Queensland, and 14th in Australia.

Why was Cairns established?

Initially, Cairns was founded to provide supplies and support for the miners who worked the Hodgkinson River goldfields.

However, after an easier track to the goldfields was discovered from Port Douglas, Cairns became a rail port exporting sugar cane, gold, precious metals and other agricultural based products. Then sugar cane farms were developed on the lowlands around Cairns as there was now access to transport the cane to the southern sugar mills.

Cairns Traditional Owners

We link to images and resources from Cairns history. However, Cairns has a rich Indigenous history stretching back over 50,000 years.

The Yidinji people have traditionally lived in the region around Cairns, making use of its abundant natural resources to survive and thrive. The Yidinji know Cairns as Gimuy.

From fishing, hunting and gathering in the rainforests to developing unique art styles, music and storytelling traditions – the Yidinji people are an integral part of the cultural landscape today.

Cairns Facts – Local Government

Local Government in Cairns has a long and proud history. The Cairns City Council (including the former Mulgrave Shire jurisdiction) was superseded in 2008 by the a new Council.

Subsequently, Cairns Regional Council became and remains the Local Government Authority (LGA). The Cairns Mayor and 9 other Cairns Councillors are elected every 4 years.

Things to do in Cairns

Cairns has a vibrant tourism industry and consequently it is easy to find fun things to do.

Cairns Parks

Cairns parks are an important part of the identity of this tropical city. From picturesque rainforest trails to stunning beach views, you can explore these beautiful public spaces.

Rainforests and Beaches

The rainforests that surround Cairns are some of the most stunning in Australia. Home to hundreds of plants and animal species, these lush greenscapes provide an opportunity to explore and connect with nature like never before.

Visitors to the region can also take advantage of the breathtaking beaches located on its coastline, with golden sand and pristine waters.

Cairns Facts About Cultures and Markets

Cairns is known for its diverse array of cultures, with a wide range of nationalities and people living in the city. With residents coming from countries such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand, China, and India, Cairns is a unique melting pot of cultures that makes it an exciting place to explore and experience.

From lush markets offering exotic cuisine to beautiful multicultural festivals, there’s plenty to do in this city!

Cairns Waterways

Cairns creeks and waterways are an important part of the wet tropics, from the upper reaches of the Mulgrave River to the salty mouth of the Barron River.

Many Cairns facts we list relate to geography and place. Natural areas, waterways as well as parks, flora and fauna are all worth your time to explore.

The upstream portion of our creeks and waterfalls include many great places to relax and take a dip. Some great locations are:

• Davies Creek Falls Infinity Pool. Time from Cairns: 1 hour. Walk in: 300m. … •
• Fairy Falls. Time from Cairns: 30 mins. Walk in: 15 mins. … •
• Emerald Creek. Time from Cairns: 1 hour 15 mins. Walk in: 1.9km to waterfall. …
• Crystal Cascades. Time from Cairns: 25 mins. Walk in: 1.5km.

Other Cairns Facts

• Cairns Flooding
• Cairns Parks
• Cairns Showgrounds
• Gimuy
• Cairns History
• Cairns Humidity
• Cairns Waterfront
• Old Pictures of Cairns

Other Areas

• Central Cairns
• Cairns West
• Mount Whitfield
• North Cairns
• South Cairns

Cairns