Whether you're chasing adventure or just looking to unwind, Cairns is your ultimate Aussie tropical escape. Just under three hours from Newcastle Airport, this laid-back gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and ancient rainforests has something for every kind of traveller.
1. Explore the Great Barrier Reef
Cairns is your launchpad to one of the world's most iconic natural wonders. From snorkelling vibrant coral gardens to diving with turtles and reef sharks, this World Heritage-listed site offers unforgettable underwater adventures. Prefer to stay dry? Take a reef cruise or hop aboard a glass-bottom boat.
2. Step into the Daintree Rainforest
A short drive north of Cairns brings you to the Daintree Rainforest—the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth. Walk among towering trees, spot native wildlife, and learn about the rich Indigenous culture of the area. It’s a nature-lover’s paradise with plenty of guided tours and eco experiences on offer.
3. Soak it up on the Esplanade
Right in the heart of the city, the Cairns Esplanade is the perfect place to unwind. Swim in the lagoon, enjoy a fitness class, or simply relax with fish and chips under the palm trees. It’s a local favourite for sunset strolls and weekend picnics.
4. Embrace the adventure
For the thrill-seekers, Cairns has no shortage of heart-pumping activities. Think white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and skydiving with views over the reef and rainforest. You can even take a hot-air balloon ride over the Atherton Tablelands at sunrise—pure magic.
5. Ride the rail or soar the sky
The Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offer two spectacular ways to see the lush tropics from above and below. Take one up and the other down—it’s a must-do experience that’s as relaxing as it is breathtaking.
6. Meet the locals (the furry and feathery ones)
Get up close with Aussie icons at attractions like Kuranda Koala Gardens or the Cairns Zoom & Wildlife Dome. There’s also the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
7. A great escape, year-round
With its tropical climate, Cairns is a warm-weather destination all year long. The dry season is ideal for outdoor adventures and reef trips, while the green season brings lush landscapes and refreshing tropical showers.
Plan your getaway
Jetstar’s seasonal direct service between Newcastle and Cairns is back for 2025, operating three times per week from 2 July to 24 October. Skip the stopovers and head straight to the tropics in under three hours. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, couples getaway or solo adventure, this convenient flight makes exploring Far North Queensland easier than ever.
Start your tropical journey right here at Newcastle Airport—where your easy getaway begins.
