Cairns Prices & Travel Costs

Last Updated: Jan 2024

Most international visitors who come to Cairns do so to visit the nearby Great Barrier Reef. This city is officially in the Tropics so it’s warm or hot all year round, and the main variable is that summer (December through February) sees higher humidity and much more rainfall than the rest of the year.

Cairns City Featured Image

Travel Costs to Cairns

Population 142,500
Area 142,500
Timezone UTC+10
Currency Australian dollar
Airports Cairns Airport (CNS)
BACKPACKER INDEX: US$74.99
1 USD = 1.5200 AUD
134 World cities ranked cheapest to most expensive: Backpacker Index for 2024

Accommodation Costs in Cairns

Cairns Hotel Seasons

Cairns Hotel Prices

Rating Price(USD)
starstarstarstarstar12.50 - 33.55
starstarstarstarstar21.05 - 49.34
starstarstarstarstar23.03 - 100.66
starstarstarstarstar39.47 - 123.68
starstarstarstarstar148.03 - 221.71

Cairns Hostels Prices

Type Price(USD)
Hostel Bed11.84 - 24.34

Cairns Attractions Prices

Location Description Type Price(USD)
Whale WatchingTake a ride in a small boat as you take a guided cruise looking for humpback whales during the months of July and August. Prices do vary depending on tour company.
all ages
78.95
Mountain Bike ToursTake a ride on the wild side as you tour the country while stopping for food and drinks along the way. This cost is for a full day.
adult
60.53

Cairns Food and Drink Prices

Food Type Description Price(USD)
Budget breakfastIf you're looking to enjoy breakfast outside of the hotel, there are plenty of places to pick from.4.61 - 7.89
Budget lunchLunch is a great time for pizza with most eateries offering a slice or two.5.26 - 11.84
Budget dinnerDinner options are endless with both local and international cuisine available. Just keep in mind that if you pay for your meal before 7:30pm you have a good chance of getting the early bird discount at some restaurants. 8.55 - 16.45
BeerBoth domestic and imported beers can be found at most restaurants but be prepared to pay a higher price than you're used to.3.29 - 5.92

Cairns Transport Prices

Type Price(USD)
Shuttle transport into Cairns13.16
Taxi from airport into Cairns16.45 - 23.03
3km taxi ride in Cairns8.55 - 11.84
Bus ride in Cairns1.97
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When to visit Cairns

Temperature and rainfall

Month High F Low F Precip (inches)
January897515.6
February887517.7
March877316.7
April85717.7
May82683.6
June79641.8
July78631.2
August80631.0
September83661.0
October85691.8
November87723.7
December89746.9

Cairns Weather advice

Sunrise and sunset

21 Mar6:21am6\"27pm
21 Jun6:45am5:52pm
21 Sep6:08am6:13pm
21 Dec5:40am6:49pm

Where to go before and after