Cairns started out as a sea-slug fishing encampment but when gold was discovered to the north, people came from all over and settled. This gold fever helped build up the town, but it was also its production of tin and timber which made it more prosperous than nearby rival, Port Douglas.
Today, Cairns is a vibrant and energetic destination with great access to nearby attractions, including the Atherton Tablelands. The only drawback is that it is so popular that at certain times you may not be able to escape the crowds but the friendliness of the locals, the stunning scenery and beautiful weather more than make up for it.
