Living in Cairns

Cairns is a vibrant and rapidly expanding city with a population of more than 130,000 people. Located north of Brisbane, it is a destination that is popular with foreign tourists because of its tropical climate and laid-back culture.

Cairns is close to some of Australia's favourite tourist destinations such as The Great Barrier Reef, which is only an hour away by boat. There is also the opportunity to explore the World Heritage rainforests, go white water rafting, bungy jumping, horse riding or bush walking and all activities are in close proximity to the city. For more information, visit www.cairns.com.au.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Cairns, like most of Queensland, is low. Rents are cheap and nearly everything you need is within comfortable walking or cycling distance, keeping costs down. Depending on your lifestyle and where you choose to live, you can expect to spend around AU$12,000 — $15,000 a year on living expenses (not including tuition fees).

Getting around

Cairns is serviced by a wide-reaching and reliable bus network. The city is relatively flat which makes it ideal for cycling. For more details on public transport, including timetables and fares, go to www.sunbus.com.au.

Climate

Cairns has a warm, tropical climate with two distinct seasons — wet and dry. The wet season runs from December through to April and during this time you can expect heavy rainfall and tropical monsoons. During the dry season, from May to November, expect warm to hot temperatures. The maximum average annual temperature is around 31°C and the minimum is 17°C. For up-to-date information on Cairns’ weather, head to www.bom.gov.au.