General Information about Cairns

The estimated residential population of the Cairns region was 162,451 people as at 30 June 2016. The region has experienced an average annual growth rate of 2.1% over the last 10 years.

As the city is located in the Tropics, Cairns has a wet and dry season (rather than spring, summer, autumn and winter) with day time temperatures ranging from 24C in the dry to 33C in the wet.

The city is well known for its wide range of natural and man-made tourist attractions.  There are many activities that are free that are provided by the Cairns Regional Council and local community groups.

You can explore the botanic gardens, go bush walking through rainforest, laze by the lagoon in the city, zip along a flying fox or soak up local, national and international musicians and stage performances, Cairns Regional Council provides activities for all tastes.

While aimed at our local residents, international students and visitors to Cairns region are encouraged to enjoy our libraries, cultural facilities, water park, playgrounds, patrolled beaches, sports grounds and walking and cycling tracks, and take part in free exercise classes, lectures and talks.

An event calendar is also provided as a service to residents, international students and visitors to promote community events taking place within the Cairns Regional Council area.  Council also hosts and supports many exciting community events each year.