Cairns is a wonderful city in Far North Queensland in a great location, in between the Great Dividing Range of Australia and the great blue sea. There are many great natural locations close by which brings in lots of tourists such as the Daintree Rainforest, Atherton Tableland and the Great Barrier Reef. There are many places to stay in Cairn, plenty of beds available varying from luxury hotel penthouses and little one room cottages.

Cairns was founded in 1876 in response to gold strikes inland. Trinity Inlet was an ideal port for exporting gold, and the settlement soon boasted a saw mill and an agricultural base, ensuring its existence after the gold deposits were exhausted. Rail lines were built, bringing immigrant workers into the area and creating an even larger agricultural base. Soon Cairns became a center of commerce for the area, outshining the nearby towns of Port Douglas and Smithfield. This new status necessitated improvements in transportation and public utilities, including natural gas and railroads. Due to its increased population, by 1903, Cairns had gained official recognition as a town.

Cairns has a long history of environmental awareness and protection. In 1900, the nearby Barron Falls area was designated as a national park, preserving it as an unspoiled wildlife refuge for future generations. Today, Cairns is surrounded by national parks and nature preserves, including Daintree National Park, Undara Volcanic National Park, and the Hann Tableland protected area. These exotic natural environments provide homes for native wildlife and plants and are popular destinations for ecotourists and researchers alike. Most travelers find it most convenient to stay at one of the various Cairns accommodations due to the variety of options available, but smaller hotels and camping grounds are available near these national parks as well.

Another major destination for tourists is the architectural marvel of Paronella Park. It's a concrete castle with Moorish influence in its architecture built in the 30's by Jos Paronella. It's a very unusual structure, captivating even with some damage through the years. Mr Paronella is the builder also of the first hydroelectric generator for Queensland and it's now being brought back to life. Paronella Park has nice surrounding grounds that are kept in their original status as much as possible. There's also a ballroom and a theater that can be seen in a tour.

No discussion of the Cairns and Port Douglas area can fail to include the gorgeous beaches and tropical climate. International tourism is a major economic force in Cairns, and a number of luxury beach hotels serve beachcombers and sun seekers. Reasonably priced Cairns hotels are also available for travelers on a budget. For longer term visits, extended-stay apartments and holiday houses are available in and around Cairns. Luxury retreats and resorts round out the offerings in Cairns accommodations, providing the ultimate in privacy and comfort at a premium price. Be sure to book early, since even during the off-season Cairns hotels fill up fast.