Overview
Cairns Cruise Port is a bustling gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. It offers a variety of cruise options and is a hub for tourists exploring the region's natural wonders.
Major departure point for cruises to the Great Barrier Reef and other local destinations.
Location
Address
Wharf Street, Cairns, Queensland
Neighborhood: Cairns City Centre
Coordinates
-16.921800, 145.774900
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Admission
Best Time to Visit
Overall Best Period
May-September
Best Time of Day
Morning
Fewer crowds, better weather
Duration Recommendations
Seasonal Highlights
spring
Warm and humid
- • Whale watching cruises
summer
Hot and humid, rainy
- • Great Barrier Reef cruises
autumn
Warm and dry
- • Daintree Rainforest tours
winter
Cool and dry
- • Whale watching
Know Before You Go
Essential Information
- Book cruise tickets in advance
- Check weather conditions
- Bring sun protection
What to Bring
essential
recommended
seasonal
not allowed
Health & Safety
Physical Requirements: Moderate
- • Sun exposure
- • Heat
Medical facilities: First aid available on-site
Payment Information
Accepted
Cash, Credit/Debit cards
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Typical Costs
Dress Code
Casual, Comfortable clothing and shoes, Comfortable walking shoes, Formal wear, Inappropriate clothing
Booking Tips
- • At least 2 weeks
- • Official cruise line website
- • 48 hours in advance
- • Available for certain cruises
Amenities
Digital Services
Mobile App
Cairns Cruise Port App
Size: 30 MB
Features: Cruise bookings, Maps, Event information
Platforms: iOS, Android
WiFi Zones: Terminal building, Outdoor seating areas
Charging Stations: Terminal building
How to Reach
From Airport
Nearest: Cairns Airport
Distance: 7 km
Travel Time: 15 minutes
From City Center
Distance: 1 km
Local Insights
Cultural Context
Why Locals Love It: Gateway to stunning natural attractions
Historical Significance: Developed to support tourism in the region
Insider Tips
- Arrive early for the best cruise options
- Check for local events and festivals
- Visit nearby attractions like the Cairns Esplanade
Local Recommendations
- • Try local seafood at nearby restaurants
- • Visit the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
- • Explore the Cairns Night Markets
Language Help
Useful Phrases
Guide Languages: English, Mandarin, Japanese
Photography Guide
Best Photo Spots
Main terminal entrance
Best Time: Morning
Tips: Capture the modern architecture
Result: Striking photos of the terminal
Photography Rules
Nearby Attractions
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Distance: 500m
Walking: 7 min
Type: Beach/Lagoon
Cairns Botanical Gardens
Distance: 3km
Walking: 40 min
Type: Garden
Cairns Aquarium
Distance: 1km
Walking: 15 min
Type: Aquarium
Rusty's Markets
Distance: 1.5km
Walking: 20 min
Type: Market
Daintree Rainforest
Distance: 100km
Walking: N/A
Type: Rainforest
Reviews
Based on 5,000 reviews
Recent Visitor Tips
- "Book cruises in advance"
- "Visit the Esplanade Lagoon"
- "Try local seafood"
Contact Information
Related Tours & Activities (24)
Cairns Small-Group Kuranda Tour: Skyrail & Scenic Railway
INVERGORDON PORT Tour of Culloden, Cairns & Cawdor Castle
Barefoot Atherton Tablelands Adventure by Cairns Waterfalls
Morning Daintree Tour with River Cruise from Port Douglas
Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns
Cairns Airport Private Transfer: Door-to-Door to/from City Hotels
Cairns: Tandem Skydive Experience over Reef & Rainforest
Behana Canyoning Tour by Cairns Waterfalls
One Way Port Douglas to Cairns Shuttle Services
Shared Shuttle Return Transfers (ex Cairns) Transfers Only
Cairns Brewery Tours
Private Vacation Photoshoot with Photographer in Cairns
Cairns Paronella Park Herberton and Wild life Tour
Small Group Waterfall Wetlands+ Skyrail All Inclusive from Cairns
Small-Group Afternoon Cairns City Tour with Harbour Dinner Cruise
Zoom Around Cairns - 10 minute City Scenic Flight
Wavedancer Low Isles Great Barrier Reef Sailing Cruise from Cairns
Tandem Paragliding Cairns
Cairns to Daintree Cape Tribulation 3 Day Tour via Port Douglas
Cairns hidden gems, Historic Village Herberton and Tableland
Cairns Hotair Balloon + Kuranda Day Tour Combo
From Cairns: Cooktown, Daintree & Outback 3 Day Small-Group Tour
Full-Day Outlander Experience (inc Invergordon Cruise Port)
9-Day Small Group Fully Accommodated Cape York 4WD Tour from Cairns
Quick Info
Available Tours
2
Rating
4.3 / 5.0
Reviews
5,000
Adult Entry
Free