Thinking about moving to Cairns Australia for your working holiday? If you’re ready to swap the concrete jungle for lush rainforests, breathtaking reef adventures, and that “no dramas” Aussie lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of, Cairns is calling your name.
Yes, living in Cairns has its quirks – the wet season can be a bit intense… But if lounging on tropical islands, snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef and hiking through the dense rainforests on your days off sounds good to you, Cairns will win you over in no time.
Here are my top reasons to do your Australia working holiday in Cairns!
1. Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
Cairns is the ultimate launchpad for exploring the Great Barrier Reef. On your days off, swap your work gear for a snorkel or diving suit and dive into one of the world’s most famous underwater ecosystems!
Companies like Quicksilver Cruises and Reef Magic Cruises run epic day trips out to the reef, where you can snorkel or scuba dive among bright and bold coral gardens and tropical fish. Whether you’re an experienced diver or just learning, the reef’s stunning beauty is a must-see.
Plus, did you even do an Australia working holiday if you didn’t go to see the Great Barrier Reef?
2. Tropical Climate
If you hate the cold, Cairns is for you. Since it’s in tropical north Queensland, you’ll enjoy a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Summers can be humid (and downright disgusting some days) due to the “wet season” from November to April, but temperatures rarely drop below 20°C in winter.
When the rest of Australia is in winter, it’s the dry season up in tropical north Queensland, which is the best time to visit Cairns. At this time of year, the weather is perfect and sunny, ideal for outdoor adventures and topping up your tan!
If, like many other working holidaymakers, you fancy escaping the cold winters of Sydney or Melbourne, here’s a top tip: arrive a month or two early. If you show up right when winter hits, most of the decent Cairns working holiday jobs will already be filled. Instead, head to Cairns in late autumn for the best chances at landing the job you want.
3. Affordable Living
Compared to other Australian cities, the cost of living in Cairns is relatively low, making it a great option for working holiday makers on a budget.
Rent for a room in a shared house averages around $225 per week, significantly cheaper than Sydney or Melbourne, where similar accommodations can cost upwards of $300 per week. Utilities in Cairns are also affordable, typically around $25 per week.
Eating out won’t break the bank either. You can enjoy a meal at a local restaurant for around $20. Groceries are also reasonably priced, with a weekly shop for essentials costing around $60-$80. Public transport in Cairns is wallet-friendly, with a weekly bus pass costing approximately $25 depending on how many zones you need to travel through.
4. Job Opportunities
Thanks mainly to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns has a thriving tourism industry. For backpackers, that means plenty of working holiday visa jobs in hospitality, retail, and tour operations. Whether you’re pulling pints at a local pub, helping tourists book their reef tours, or working in one of the many busy cafes, there’s no shortage of work.
If you need to do your regional work, the areas surrounding Cairns are perfect for it (in the dry season, of course). The weather remains mild, and you’ll find plenty of seasonal work in agriculture, including fruit picking and farm work. Many of these jobs count towards your regional work requirement for your second or third year working holiday visa.
5. Adventure Activities
You’ll struggle to find a more adventurous city to do your working holiday in than Cairns. Almost every thrilling activity you can think of is on offer here.
Whitewater rafting on the Tully River, bungee jumping at Skypark, skydiving over the Great Barrier Reef and ziplining through Daintree Rainforest, where you can soar through the treetops like a real-life Tarzan, are all options!
With so many adventure activities to choose from, your working holiday in Queensland will be anything but boring.
6. Laid-Back Lifestyle
Cairns is the epitome of the Australian saying “no dramas”. With its near-constant sunshine and tropical vibes, it’s hard to worry about anything here.
Life in Cairns moves at a relaxed pace, making it the perfect place if you want the convenience of living and working in a city without the stress and chaos of larger East Coast cities like Sydney or Melbourne.
7. Island Life
Want to feel like you’re on holiday even when you’re off work? Cairns’ location near some of Australia’s most stunning islands makes it perfect for you. Fitzroy Island and Green Island are just a short ferry ride away – about 45 minutes to an hour. These islands boast gasp-worthy beaches, epic snorkelling spots, and glorious hiking trails!
You can spend your days off exploring coral reefs, lounging on sandy shores, or trekking through tropical landscapes. The ability to easily escape city life and delve head-first into island paradise is what makes living in Cairns so special.
8. Close to Rainforests
Cairns isn’t just about islands – it’s also about rainforests! It may come as a surprise, I know, but Cairns is actually surrounded by World Heritage-listed rainforests, with the Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest in the world, and the Kuranda Rainforest just a short trip away.
Get your hiking boots ready to trek through jungle trails, soar above the treetops on canopy tours, and spot unique wildlife like cassowaries and tree kangaroos from the cool rainforests surrounding Cairns. For a killer view, hop on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or the Kuranda Scenic Railway – both offer mind-bending views that will blow up your Instagram!
Is Cairns Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Cairns is a top-notch destination for your working holiday, and you won’t regret moving to Cairns to escape the Australian winter. With its stunning natural beauty, adventure activities, and laid-back vibe, it has a tonne of things to do and see.
Whether you’re snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, exploring ancient rainforests, or just soaking up the sun, your Cairns working holiday will be unforgettable.
Ready to dive into more working holiday adventures in Australia? Check out our other working holiday posts here!
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