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Cairns' CBD is in the area between The Esplanade and McLeod Street and Wharf and Aplin Streets. Reef Fleet terminal is the main departure point for reef trips. Trinity Wharf, where long-distance buses arrive and depart, is east of the CBD. Cairns train station is hidden inside Cairns Central Shopping Centre on McLeod Street. Local buses (Sunbus) leave from the Lake Street Transit Centre.
The airport is about 7km (4mi) north of the city centre, just south of the Barron River estuary.
Getting There
Plenty of Australian-based carriers connect Cairns International Airport, about 7km (4.3mi) from central Cairns, with Australian and Australasian destinations.
Quicksilver charters boats from the Pier Marina in Cairns to Port Douglas. Several bus lines operate regular services between Cairns and larger Queensland destinations such as Brisbane, Rockhampton and Mackay.
Ample options exist for car rental from Cairns. Cape Tribulation is easy to reach in a 2WD, but most car companies prohibit you from taking vehicles to Cooktown or Chillagoe. Queensland Rail can book you tickets for the Queenslander , which travels between Brisbane and Cairns three times a week.
Getting Around
If you're here for a while bike hire is a great way to see the city. Sunbus operates regular bus services in and around Cairns, from the Lake St Transit Centre at City Place. Buses run from early morning to late evening. All are served by the (almost) round-the-clock night service (N) on Friday and Saturday.
Black & White Taxis has a rank on the corner of Lake and Shields Sts and one outside Cairns Central.
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