Oozing an infectious energy and sultry weather, Cairns is the ideal holiday destination with big global appeal. Local citizens, international visitors and even luxury cruise ships in need of a stopover flock to Cairns.

Cairns accommodation includes spectacular resorts in a tropical setting. It's smack-bang in the heart of Tropical North Queensland, and the prime location provides a direct route to diving and aquatic adventures in the Great Barrier Reef. Expect to encounter scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, bushwalking and reef cruises in this exciting tourist town.

Choose from a wide variety of Cairns hotels, apartments and resorts for a competitive price that will suit all types of budgets and needs. The same goes for location. The northern end of Cairns Esplanade is perfect for those who dream of evading city life and relaxing in a scenic environment full of pelicans, birdwatchers and joggers zipping along the 2.5km promenade stretch.

Cairns accommodation on the southern end acts as a smaller central hub, connecting upbeat travellers with more than 100 restaurants, shopping centres and car hire facilities. It is hands down the 'it' place to rent apartments or hotels, since it offers easy access to the Reef Fleet Terminal – where the best Great Barrier Reef tours kick off daily.

More than 600 tours depart Cairns each day, so the opportunities are endless. If you're seeking an adventure – scenic, cultural or otherwise – you'll find it here. And if you aren't completely confident in the ocean, there are many diverse water tours to take advantage of. There are reef cruises suited for novice snorkelers, advanced diving trips and even tours for those who don't need to swim in order to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.

Cairns isn't famed solely for its aquatic endeavours. Hit the road with affordable car hire and drive out to the Daintree Rainforest to see where this natural wonder meets the Reef. An Aboriginal-guided tour and bird-spotting await.

If the warm weather begins to take its toll, drive one scenic hour west of Cairns and you'll reach the cooler, tropical plateau of the highlands. Here, amid rolling hills and green pastures, are the very best of farm-grown teas, nuts, vegetables and flowers to be sampled at the local Yungaburra markets. Just remember to withdraw your cash in advance as ATMs aren't readily accessible.