Which is nicer Cairns or Port Douglas?

If you're after a city vibe, with a mix of beaches, shopping, nightlife, and a plethora of activities, Cairns is your pick. On the other hand, if you're seeking a laid-back, luxury, beachy vacation, with closer access to the Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas is the go-to.



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The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometres over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres.

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Cairns is undoubtedly the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is the worlds largest reef system comprised of over 2,900 individual reefs. Each year, people flock to the reef from around the world to swim, snorkel, and dive with the more than 1,500 marine species that call the reef home.

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Cairns is the gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef, with most dive and snorkel tours leaving here each day taking visitors on Great Barrier Reef tours to explore this World Heritage listed reef system. Visitors can charter boats, take scenic flights in helicopters or liveaboard extended dive tours on the reef.

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Honestly, a lifetime is not enough to explore and enjoy all the amazing natural wonders of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. But if you can't spend your life on holiday, we recommend at least three days in Cairns to discover the main attractions. If you have more time, great!

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There are so many reasons! From its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, to the surrounding waterfalls and rainforests, to the year-round warm weather, to the fun nightlife and laid-back vibe of the city itself, it's no surprise why people love Cairns.

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Port Douglas is famous for being so close to some of the top attractions in Australia, from the Great Barrier Reef to the oldest rainforest in the world, Daintree Rainforest. You also have the Four Mile Beach which is almost like a tropical island.

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However, Palm Cove is ideal for couples on a weekend getaway, in need of relaxation but with the option of adventure. Whereas we recommend Port Douglas for families or large groups with a car who are intending to stay for longer than three days. Or, if you still can't decide, why not experience both?

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We recommend getting there in the shoulder months of April and May and September and October. The weather is amazing at these times and you'll be beating the dry season crowds!

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Cairns City is known for sunny weather, warm winters, and for being the gateway to the tropics of Australia. The town itself is small, it's easy to walk around the entire city in a day, or jump on a shuttle or bus to get around.

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