A Frenly Escape to Cairns

In just under 3 hours you can fly direct from Newcastle to Cairns, a world-renowned holiday playground packed with adventures to suit every type of traveller.

Jetstar's 2022 season from Newcastle to Cairns was very popular with flights three times a week on a Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. This season concluded on the 29th of October.

The season will return in 2023, with dates to be confirmed by Jetstar.

In June last year we sent the stars of Channel 9’s Travel Guides on our inaugural flight to Cairns for a three-day tropical getaway. Newcastle locals the Fren Family have been the stars of Travel Guides for five hilarious seasons, with Mark, Cathy, Victoria and Jonathon making a name for themselves test driving holiday locations around the world. They are best known as loveable bargain hunters who don’t take life too seriously.

So, who better than the Fren Family to review the popular tropical holiday destination? Their verdict is a stress-free 5/5 stars!

Mark -
"This is my kind of holiday. You can do as much as you want or as little as you want. It’s chilled out, it’s relaxed."

Cathy –
“Coming to Cairns is a great getaway for the whole family. It’s affordable, it’s relaxing, and if we want to do one of those day trips they’re well worth it.”

Victoria –
“It’s the best we’ve ever seen the Great Barrier Reef. I think this is the perfect destination...you can party, you can do tours, there’s heaps to offer here in Cairns.”

Jono –
“I love the atmosphere down at the lagoon and esplanade in Cairns. The Skyrail through the rainforest is amazing.”

Watch the video below to discover Cairns with the Fren Family.

Top tips for your Cairns holiday

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Make a day of the Skyrail Rainforest cableway experience and discover the secrets of the world’s oldest rainforest. Our travel guides started at the Smithfield terminal, just 15-minutes’ drive from Cairns city, and glided above the pristine jungle canopy in a glass bottomed gondola called the diamond view. On the way they stopped at Red Peak for a ranger guided tour, and at Barron Falls to enjoy the panoramic gorge and waterfall views.

A roundtrip experience takes approximately 2½ hours; allow 2-3 hours additional time to explore Kuranda Village.

Skyrail Return Experience:

• Adult - $88.50
• Child (4-14 years) - $44.25
• Family (2 Ad + 2Ch) - $221.25

For more information visit the Skyrail Rainforest cableway website.

Moore Reef – outer reef tour from Cairns

Explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on a Sunlover catamaran that departs from Cairns Marina and docks alongside a floating pontoon stationed in a natural coral fringed lagoon. Our travel guides experienced a guided snorkel tour and Seawalker helmet dive, and had full use of the pontoon facilities including waterslide, enclosed ocean pool, glass bottom boat, underwater observatory, touch tank and snorkel equipment. 

Full day Reef tour:

• Adult - $249
• Child - $142
• Family - $640

Extras

• Guided snorkel tour - adult $49, child $29 
• Seawalker Helmet Dive - $149 per person

This is a full-day tour including a 2-hour trip to the outer reef; expect to check-in from 8:30am and return to Cairns Marina at 5:30pm. 

For more information visit the Sunlover Reef Cruises website.

Cairns Esplanade and Lagoon

The Cairns Esplanade is a 2.5km stretch of picturesque foreshore with landscaped parklands, playgrounds, recreational facilities and a stunning 4800sqm saltwater swimming lagoon offering a year-round safe swimming location without stingers and crocodiles.

Opening hours:

• Thursday to Tuesday - 6.00am to 9.00pm
• Wednesday - 12.00pm to 9.00pm (closed for weekly maintenance until midday)
• Lifeguards are on duty while the lagoon is open

Accommodation

While in Cairns the Frens stayed at Crystalbrook Flynn, a 5-star resort overlooking Cairns marina. The Crystalbrook collection of hotels has 3 luxurious options in Cairns, including Crystalbrook Riley and Bailey.