Cairns is the gateway to Tropical North Queensland and is easily accessible by air, road and rail. Cairns Airport is conveniently located close to the city centre, making your journey from arrival gate to conference mode refreshingly short.

Travelling by Air

Cairns Airport services domestic, regional and international flights and is approximately a 10-minute drive from the Cairns city centre and Cairns Convention Centre.

Direct domestic flights operate from several Australian cities, including Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, the Gold Coast and other regional centres. Connecting services are also available through Australia’s major capital cities.

Delegates travelling from Aotearoa New Zealand or other international destinations can access Cairns through selected direct international services or connect through Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne. International routes and schedules may vary seasonally, so delegates should check current services when planning their travel.

Visit the Cairns Airport website for current airline, destination and flight information.

Getting from Cairns Airport to the City

Cairns Airport has separate domestic and international terminals, with several transport options available from both:

• Taxis are available from designated ranks outside each terminal.
• Rideshare services operate from clearly marked pick-up areas outside the domestic and international arrivals areas.
• Private airport shuttle services can be booked in advance.
• Car hire companies operate from both terminals.
• Pre-arranged private transfers and limousine services are also available.

The journey from Cairns Airport to the city centre and conference precinct generally takes around 10 minutes, although delegates should allow additional time during peak travel periods.

Further information is available from Cairns Airport—Transport Options.

Travelling by Car

Cairns is accessible via the Bruce Highway from Brisbane and other coastal Queensland centres. Approximate driving times include:

• Port Douglas to Cairns: approximately 1 hour
• Atherton Tablelands to Cairns: approximately 1–1.5 hours
• Townsville to Cairns: approximately 4–4.5 hours
• Brisbane to Cairns: approximately 19–20 hours

Delegates planning to drive long distances should allow additional time for rest stops, roadworks and changing weather conditions. Before travelling, check current conditions through the Queensland Traffic website.

Car hire is available at Cairns Airport and throughout the city. A car is not essential for delegates staying within central Cairns, but it can be useful for those planning to explore the surrounding region before or after the conference.

Travelling by Rail

Queensland Rail’s Spirit of Queensland operates between Brisbane and Cairns, travelling along the Queensland coast via destinations including Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay, Proserpine, Townsville and Innisfail.

The full journey between Brisbane and Cairns takes approximately 25 hours. Services operate on selected days, and advance bookings are recommended.

Visit Queensland Rail Travel for current timetables, fares and booking information.

Getting Around Cairns

Central Cairns is compact and easy to explore on foot. The Cairns Convention Centre, Esplanade, marina, restaurants, cafés and many accommodation options are located within or close to the city centre.

Taxis, rideshare services, local buses, private transfers and car hire are also available. Many reef, rainforest and regional tour operators offer pick-up services from central Cairns accommodation.

Plan Ahead

Delegates are encouraged to book flights and accommodation early, particularly when travelling during busy tourism periods. Flight schedules, routes, fares and ground transport arrangements may change, so please confirm all travel details directly with your airline or transport provider before departure.