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.

Environmental awarenss and protection of the natural environment are strong in Cairns.  Many national parks and preserves such as Hann Tableland protected area, Barron Falls National Park and Daintree National Park are very nearby.  These bring in lots of visitors and researchers who come to see the exotic natural areas, home to wildlife and plants.  Due to Cairns proximity it is the place where most of these tourists choose to stay, and there are many options there.  The national parks do have camp grounds and small hotels also.

Paronella Park is an architectural marvel and a major tourist attraction located near Cairns. Built in the 1930s by Jos Paronella, the Moorish-influenced concrete castle has suffered damage over the years, but retains much of its unique charm. Paronella also built the first hydroelectric generator in Queensland, currently being restored to working condition. The grounds of Paronella Park are maintained in approximately their original state, and the ballroom and cinema are available for tours.

If you’re a sun seeker, Cairns and Port Douglas have the beaches and tropical climate you dream about.  There are plenty of accommodations to choose from, luxury resorts to hotels right on the beach to extended stay apartments and homes for rent.  Budget challenged visitors will have a good choice also.  But make sure to book your stay early as the places in Cairns fill up quickly even in the off season due to the international appeal.