Travelling from Sydney to Cairns
The gateway to Far North Queensland, Cairns is home to some of the country’s most visited natural landmarks, attracting millions of visitors each year. Discover the wonder of the Sunshine State when you book flights from Sydney to Cairns with Virgin Australia.
Ready to explore? Book Sydney to Cairns flights with Virgin Australia now or read on for more information about flying to this tropical destination.
Arriving at Cairns Airport
Central Cairns is approximately 6.3 kilometres from Cairns Airport. Commute options include taxi and rideshare, shuttle bus services with Excellence Coaches, hotel transfers where included, limousine, and car hire.
Transfer times and cost guide (to Cairns City)
- Taxi: 10mins - $25-$30 to Cairns City ($65 to Palm Cove)
- Bus Transfer: 20-40mins - $16
Departing from Sydney Airport
Located a close 8km from Sydney CBD, Sydney Airport is best accessed by a convenient 13-minute train ride on the Air Train service. Use your Opal Card for the service, or tap on with your credit card - Amex, Visa or Mastercard.
You can also commute to Sydney Airport via shuttle or public bus, taxi or rideshare. Alternatively, self-drive and utilise the airport parking options available. In non-peak hour the drive is approximately 25-minutes from the centre of Sydney, however be mindful of congestion in peak hour and allow more time for the commute during these times.
Virgin Australia operates from Terminal 2 (T2) for your domestic flight to Cairns.
What time do I need to arrive at Sydney Airport?
If you’re planning to check in luggage we recommend that you plan to arrive at the airport 60 minutes prior to your flight time, as check-in is 45 minutes prior departure. This should allow you enough spare time to grab a coffee on your way to the departure gate, without feeling too rushed.
Cairns Itinerary – What to do in a day?
Only have 48 hours to explore Cairns? Here’s our handy guide to make every minute count, squeezing in lots of attractions and things to do, without feeling like you’re a contender on The Amazing Race.
Day 1
7.30am – Breakfast at Caffiend
After a great night’s sleep in your Cairns hotel (we love the new 5-starRiley a Crystalbrook property), make tracks to Caffiend for breakfast. Tucked away in a graffitied alleyway off Grafton Street, this café proudly serves the local Tattooed Sailor Coffee Roasters coffee, great food – and is simply bursting with local hipsters.
9.00am – Cruise Cairns Esplanade
Time to walk off breakfast and take a walk along the Cairns Esplanade, featuring its enormous saltwater swimming lagoon acting as the local ‘beach’. If visiting on the weekend, don’t miss the markets held on Saturday, selling everything from pottery to jewellery.
10.00am – Botanic Gardens
Next up is a visit to the Botanic Gardens, a quick 5-minute stroll away, boasting an incredible array of tropical plants. Join the 10am tour or self-walk Red Arrow track that takes approximately 1.5 hours – take in the spectacular views overlooking the City and Green Island from the lookout.
12noon - Shopping time
Time for a spot of shopping - you’ll discover everything from local crafts at the markets, street fashion at Cairns Central Shopping Centre, indigenous paintings at Yarraabah Arts and Cultural Precinct, and even vintage wares at the legendary Crackerbox Palace.
1.00pm – Lunch at Salthouse
It’s lunch time and today you’re off to Salthouse, a restaurant located on the Cairns Marina, boasting stunning mountain and ocean views. Enjoy local seasonal produce cooked on their unique Argentinian wood fire grill.
2.30pm – Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway
Time to glide above the rainforest, an easy 15-minute drive and you’re ready to hop on board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway gondola to Kuranda – known as the ‘village in the rainforest’. Enjoy this artsy town – spend time in the rainforest or at the Heritage Markets - then make your way back to Cairns via the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway.
7.00pm – Beachfront dining in Palm Cove
After a freshen-and -frock-up at your hotel you’re off to dinner in Palm Cove, at Vivo, an idyllic beachfront setting an easy 20-minute drive from Cairns. Offering fresh seasonal produce Vivo also caters for all dietary needs.
9.00pm – Nightcap at Three Wolves
Back to Cairns for a sneaky nightcap at Three Wolves, hidden down a laneway in the heart of Cairns. Next time you’re in Cairns, book in for one of their Cocktail or Whiskey Master Classes.
Day 2
7.00am – Breakfast at The Chambers
You’re in for a breakfast treat today at The Chambers, labelled a locals’ favourite this café is set in a former NAB Bank from the 1920s, the interior hosting the original brick, bank shutters and steel beams that are over 90 years old. Local produce is the hero at this café, come restaurant and bar, featuring hashtag-worthy dishes across their extensive menu.
8.00am – A day on the Great Barrier Reef
Make your way to Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal on Spence Street for today’s marine adventure aboard Reef Magic Cruises. Check-in for your departure at 9.00am.
Enjoy the 90-minute catamaran trip to Marine World on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll have 5 hours to snorkel or scuba-dive the wonder that is world-heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Your catamaran will arrive back in Cairns at 5.00pm.
Where to stay in Cairns?
Cairns, and the neighbouring beaches to north, offer a diverse range of accommodation to suit all styles and budgets.
Cairns CBD
Central Cairns is an ideal area to stay for little-city-vibes, great amenities, and ease of access to the North Queensland tours and key attractions. Cairns CBD offers everything from backpackers to luxury 5-star accommodation.
Palm Cove
For a more relaxed, resort feel, opt for a stay in Palm Cove, just 20-minute drive north of Cairns, featuring fantastic eateries, palm-fringed beaches, and pampering day spas. Palm Cove is home to Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove, and The Reef House – M Gallery Hotel Collection, amongst the accommodation options.
Port Douglas
Port Douglas is the idyllic beach area to stay, offering plenty of eateries and amenities, and great access for tours. Located a 1-hour drive north of Cairns, the scenery stunning as you wind along the coastline. You’ll find a great range from 3.5 star, to 5-star luxury boutique apartments in Port Douglas.
When to visit Cairns?
Cairns and surrounding Port Douglas and Palm Cove offers plenty of things to do year-round, although you may find the summer months a tad humid, even for those used to it in Brisbane.
Cairns and surrounding Palm Cove and Port Douglas offers plenty of things to do year-round, although you may find the summer months a tad humid than at home in Sydney.
April to September is the best time to visit Cairns for the ideal blend of warm dry weather (temperatures rarely dip below 24 degrees), less crowds, and great value hotels too. You’ll also miss the Christmas crowds and high humidity - ideal weather for exploring neighbouring islands, Daintree rainforest, and for those wanting to be a beach bum.
The summer months (December through to March) is Tropical North Queensland’s wet season, a time that you’ll experience the wonder of Queensland’s stunning storms, but with it you’ll also nab good deals on your accommodation and tours. Note however that summer is stinger season in Cairns, and some beaches close during this time as a result.
June through to November is a great time of year for snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, with little chance of rain. It’s also an ideal time for riding the Kuranda Scenic Railway for clear views from the carriages.
What to pack for your trip to Cairns?
With hot weather year-round (even in the winter months) and a much more relaxed vibe than Sydney, you’ll only need to pack summer (and casual) clothes for this humid destination, such as shorts, t-shirts, singlets. havaianas, and swimwear. Bring some outfits for going out to restaurants or clubs, but you’ll find the attire is casual compared to home.
A light rain jacket is essential if travelling to Cairns in the wet season, walking shoes if you’re planning to hike, and a light jacket for the winter evenings (if you need one at all).
Don’t forget your sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent. We also recommend to pack an eco-friendly water bottle for your day trips.
Must Pack
- Summer: lightweight clothes in breathable fabrics, sunscreen, waterproof jacket, comfortable casual dresses for women, short-sleeved/ T-shirts for the men
- Autumn: similar packing to summer
- Winter: similar packing to summer but throw in a light/ denim jacket for the evening
- Spring: similar packing to summer
Frequently asked questions
The average time for your flight from Sydney to Cairns is 3 hours and 15 minutes, direct.
*Note: flight times should be used as a guide only. Carefully consider your requirements before travelling and always allow extra time to arrive at your destination.
You will travel over 960 kilometres on your flight from Sydney to Cairns.
During peak periods, Virgin Australia flies up to 2 times a day direct from Sydney to Cairns, plus up to an additional 11 flights including a stopover, operating regularly scheduled flights from 8.30am to 2pm.
Virgin Australia flies our Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 on the Sydney to Cairns route. Find more on our fleet here.