Cairns City, QLD 4870
Ranked 26th best suburb by locals in Far North Region, QLD
Great for
- Parks and recreation
- Eating out
- Internet access
- Clean & green
- Neighbourly spirit
Not great for
- Childcare
Who lives here?
- Families With Kids
- Singles
- Retirees
- Professionals
- Tourists
Reviews of Cairns City, QLD
"Left."
I never really fell in love with Cairns and I now live Pallarenda, Townsville region. I am much happier here and the people have been so supportive, I didn't find that up in Cairns.
I spent 8 years living and working in Cairns and now realize how much friendlier people up FNQ to more populated areas such as GC etc. Heat and petty crime plus the absolute lack of accountability to those committing break-ins unsociable behavior and car theft did get to us. I would move back to tablelands though best of all worlds I think
"It is amazing!"
I moved here with my then husband and two young children in the 2000s. I have lived in Gold Coast, Sydney, Tasmania, England, South Africa among other places and I honestly can't say anywhere has felt like home like Cairns. There is a view of a beautiful mountaintop pretty much from absolutely anywhere in Cairns, the freshwater creeks and swimming holes are world class and the beaches are tropical with coconuts and windswept palms. Cape Tribulation is a 3 hour drive, the Tablelands are beautiful blah blah blah...I could go on. However there is a youth crime problem, there aren't a lot of jobs although I do well here. I now live with teens and a few animals, including a large dog which I would recommend to anyone moving here as it deters break ins (only if you love dogs though). I have lived in 6 suburbs in Cairns and finally found a house on a street that I love. Great neighbours, affordable rent, HEAPS of space and a NICE Queenslander, you know, wooden floorboards (it's what everyone coming from out of state wants in house, amiright?). BUT yes, you need a job or an income. It gets really freaking hot in summer so if you don't like heat don't move here. It pisses everyone off at some point because it is so dang humid. I like to go outside and look at a mountain whenever the humidity gets on my nerves! Cairns is what you make it at the end of the day. It is not the safest city. If you like to live in complete safety in a community then this might not be for you. Personally I hate the sterility and snubbery that I associate with that type of living so it was never a consideration for me even though I had young kids. Couldn't recommend a dog enough though! There is a community vibe here and the people are generally really friendly and laid back. No one cares where you came from, there's not much snobbery in Cairns and it's pretty inclusive, given that there are people from remote idigenous communities to Europeans who just never left and everything in between. If you focus on the negative that's what you will get out of it, if you focus on the positives of Cairns THAT'S what you will get out of it and there are a hell of a lot of positives.
Who lives here?
- Families with kids
Just curios about suburbs - which would you recommend?
That's exactly right. If you're a redneck or won't mind living among them, Cairns is the place for you. Many people relocate there and many leave. The best suburbs are Redlynch, Whifield, Edge Hill, even Smithfield and Palm Cove. Unfortunately, they are not immune from the ever increasing crime. A friend lives on one of these and had her brand new car stolen within 3 days. My best advice still is, if you really want to live there, rent for 6-12 months to see how you'll go before you waste your money as well. Whatever you do, DON'T buy anywhere with a body corporate setup.
"Whether you think you can (make a life in Cairns), or you think you can't – you're right."
We moved to Cairns in 2015 from Sydney to begin a new chapter and start a new adventure before doing it later in our life and possibly regretting doing it sooner or not.
The good news is property is very affordable to buy when compared to capital cities, which means lower mortgage repayments and the opportunity to experience a better lifestyle.
Two international travel destinations and a relatively short flight away is Japan and Bali. So if you love these countries its an easy commute from Cairns intentional airport only 10 min from Cairns cbd.
If you love tropical fruit then cairns has the second best asian/exotic fruit market in Australia (Rusty's) I think the best market is in Darwin.
As long as you have a job or have an existing business you should do fine in Cairns. The locals will need to warm up to you and this may take some time, however give it time (it's a process and a right of passage to make sure your not a transient), so if you can hold out and still be there (with no negative gossip) they will embrace you as one of their own.
My tip: Be yourself and deliver on your promises as these are the foundations of building trust everywhere.
Cairns is a tropical paradise and a holiday destination for world travelers so sooner you can relax, go with the flow, support and be involved with your local community the smoother your transition will be. And if you ever feel the itch or need to travel to a big city Brisbane is 2 hrs flight, Sydney is 3 hrs and Melbourne is only 3.5hrs away.
All the very best living your ideal life :)
Who lives here?
- Singles
Unless you're a tradie or a real estate agent, forget about getting a job in Cairns. I too got sucked in by all of the above points, only to live a nightmare in tropical paradise. You won't be able to make may trips anywhere if you don't have money. If you must go and find out for yourself, DON'T buy into any Body Corporate setup. You may enjoy the place if you can afford your own house. I'm back in Sydney, enjoying civilisation and will never invest another dollar in QLD.
"Cairns feels like a police state, I moved back to the country were there is more freedom to move without having to look over my shoulder for a predatory cop on every corner"
Cairns has some beautiful rain forest and beaches, the locals are really laid back and friendly for the most part. The one thing to keep in mind this is a small area, so it is over policed beyond belief to raise obvious much needed revenue. Be warned drive like Miss Daisy at all times, do not let your guard down for even a second as their are cameras and police everywhere!
Who lives here?
- Families with kids
"Small somewhat backward town with a lot of tourism"
Pro's: beautiful dry season from april to november, affordable housing although it's getting more expensive rapidly, sea or tree change, it's all possible here. Gateway to daintree and GBR, and a lot to see and do in the area, perfect for weekend trips. Esplanade area and lagoon are amazing. Northern beaches are beautiful to live in, traffic is fine compared to the big smoke , although locals think it's terrible. Tablelands are gorgeous for day trips. If you have your own boat and love fishing than this place can't be beaten.
Cons: Huge (youth) unemployment rates, many jobs/careers (especially mid career jobs) are non existent and if they do they are impossible to land due to competition from all over OZ , especially SA people seem to love Cairns. If you haven't lined a job up already or don't have a network in Cairns don't even bother of coming. Small town mentality, a lot of bogan and small minded people. It's not what you know but who you know here. Not easy to get fully accepted as an outsider here. Service levels are poor and very slow compared to big(ger) cities, wherever you go: doctors, car dealers and what not, its all dreadful. Drivers are crazy and uneducated here, never felt so unsafe anywhere in the world on the road as I do here. (Compared to other civilised western countries that is). Wet season is an absolute disaster, hot and humid and you sweat 24/7. everything goes mouldy even with use of aircon it's harsh. You need a pool to cool off in. Safety is an issue here, especially in the M suburbs and in and around the city. Youth unemployment causes a wave of petty crimes like car theft for joyriding and break ins. Council does well to keep the tourist zones safe but you can tell the town clearly has issues. Don't go out at night in most areas except from the northern beaches. Avoid some schools on the south side. I forgot to mention the (car) insurance and rates are much much higher than the rest of Australia. thank the youth car theft and tropical cyclone hazard for that.
Conclusion: if you are retired, a tradie or work in healthcare or government, or have a job lined up already and love the heat and humidity and the outdoor lifestyle, it's a fine place to live if you pick your spot right. Otherwise, there are much better options troughout OZ. Careerwise it's not a smart move for a LOT of people. Do your research properly before coming would be my advise.
Who lives here?
- Singles
- Families with kids
Hi I've visited Cairns many of times, love it there, beautiful place with an abundance of things to do, I visited Holiday Collection Cairns Beaches located in Trinity Beach (Northern Beach suburb) they looked after all my accommodation, travel & tour bookings. highly recommend seeing the team at Holiday Collection Cairns Beaches if ever visiting Cairns or Far North Queensland in general. You can see all of what they do here: www.cairnsholidayhouses.com.au
Samr10 the only thing I agree with from your "small minded" post is the mad drivers. True. I'm from Melbourne, lived in Broome 4 years (terrible place to live), came from Broome to Cairns. Love it here. There's unemployment and crime everywhere. Re rates in Cairns. They are higher than Melb but much lower than Broome. If buying a unit the cost of body corp is the killer. Extremely high but again not as high as Broome generally. Jobs are there if you want them. Took me 3 months, longer than norm, however I was looking for specificalky 3 days werk. Full time would have been quicker. Doctors and prof services are same as anywhere else. Don't know what you're on about there. Customer service can be a bit slower than say Melbourne but it's a much more laid back place. I guess some people come here and they just don't like it therefore posts like samr10 above.
I fully agree with samr's observation of Cairns. It's a beautiful place to visit but a very different story if you come to live here. You'll tear your hair out very soon when you'll meet the bogans and experience the 'local' service, i.e. lack of it. Yes, it's a very laid back lifestyle, i.e. nobody gives a stuff about anything but their own little world. If you don't think it will bother you by all means come here. Otherwise give it a big miss as I will soon. I also like warm weather but have fun here in summer! And yes, you'll get cheap accommodation that will most likel;y come with many problems. You'll find out what hell is like if you get somewhere managed by body corporate. Try to avoid it if you must come here. If you do come, be sure not to burn your bridges to wherever you come from as you're likely to go back there. Trey to come and rent for a while to see if this lifestyle and weather will suit you, before you make the big move that you're likely to regret.
Rentals in Cairns City
"A rip off place"
Living in cairns has been hell. Everyone here is out to rip the other person off. No one is your friend. Petrol is $1.55/litre, council rates are $2500_3000/annum, electricity is one of the highest with one monopoly ergon, people are dumb, most people are racist too, councils tell you to pay to dump your own waste, water bill is another wrought, the cost of services is unheard of and most people just drink themselves stupid to numb their boredom. So if you want a horrible horrible lifestyle where you work just to pay your bills and save nothing then come to cairns it's bound to make you poor.
Unfortunately, I primarily agree with what you have said. I have been extremely disappointed with my move here. The people are...hmmm, nothing to do unless you fish or pig hunt, very expensive to live or buy most things, over policed like crazy, monopoly on electricity, ridiculous council rates for no real reason, corruption EVERYWHERE... Avoid!!
Honestly why council rates so pricey in QLD???
Ha ha I'd say live in Broome if that's what you want
Yep agree, rates and body corp for a unit are stupid expensive, been living in Cairns for a few years, cant wait to get the hell out of here, yes there is the reef etc but thats all good if you dont mind sharing it with 100s of backpackers, everything from food is a rip off, generally things open up here for a matter of months then shut down, eating out is so expensive for absolute crap, i mean you dont mind paying for expensive food if its good, well i dont anyway.
Most people dont have much to do here and the general attitude is drink and take drugs if you are not working, im not sure where this mentality comes from? I have moved houses and areas a number of times to find somewhere thats a bit more civilized where you dont go to sleep listening to people carrying on and incredibly loud music.
Cairns is great for a holiday but not to live, general health care in my aspect are an absolute joke, doctors, dentist anything really are massivley over priced from other places and really bad, ive been to one doctor who insisted that i had my tonsils out(i havent by the way)??
Main employment here is tourism and hospitality most jobs like that are given to backpackers as they can be paid with cash and no super etc
I do agree with all above comments. Just come for a holiday and don't even think of moving here to live. I'm planning a departure as soon as covid allows. It's a great bogan town, they are everywhere and hard to avoid. Do you want to live with hillbillies?
Best move i have ever made moving away from Cairns crime out of control the councils crooked i wouldn't recommend this place to anybody
Cant believe what you are saying came to cairns 30 years ago best place in Australia
Maybe the excessive heat is something you enjoy and the expensive electricity bill that comes with cooling your own home but I have to say I do regret coming here and have plans to move back to NSW where the council rates are more affordable, electricity bills are reasonable, weather patterns are comfortable but more than anything are the people who reside in NSW have a sense of class and respect for one another where here I have failed to observe and find.
Yes there is heat 34 and humidity its tropical you dont have to have an aircon on 24/7 go have a swim in a beautiful fresh water creek stoneys crystals or a pool which most places have or the beach fans work great cheap to run gas cooking there are free bbq everywhere, council rates are high but look around you cairns is clean so many beautiful trees plants bins bbq playgrounds parks ect ect the council look after these beautifully s I dont mind paying a bit more.The weather is tropical wet season dry season in winter 26/27 everyday average beautiful nights wet season summer months30/36 everyday cooler at night and lots of rain more consistent than anywhere else except Darwin
Respect and class mmmm
Cairns people are easy going and friendly genuine lovely people the tourists are also lovely enjoying what nature has to offer
Seeya
"Cairns living"
Cairns has a population of over 155,000. The best thing about this town is our backyard has the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree National Heritage Park and also the Atherton Tablelands and Crater Lakes and waterfalls and is visited by a large amount of international travellers every year. We have our own international airport and domestic flights alike is frequent every day of the week. Depending on your lifestyle you may want to live out at one of our northern beaches such as Kewarra, Palm Cove or Trinity. You also need to take into account your cost of living budget, before choosing which beach. There are public buses that frequently depart between the city of Cairns out to the northern beaches as well as inner city suburbs and south Cairns. Do your homework before deciding where to live. Its not really the suburbs that are the problem but where you live in that suburb. For example one of my foreign friends brought a villa in Whitfield without realising this villa is backed onto a dodgy street - trying to resell this villa is difficult - generally homes in Whitfield are snapped up quite quickly. My advise is ask Cairns city council which streets need alot more attention than other streets and also look at crimemap.info . I have lived in this town since 1992 and I would never dream of leaving it , its my slice of paradise.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Tourists
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
- Beach Lovers
Hi Suzies,
Thank you for your helpful information, I am wondering what your thoughts are on State high schools and if you can recommend?
Agree! Suzie
Suzie do your homework the schools are not safe i can save you a fortune by saying dont move to Cairns the crime is out of control I ended up moving away best thing ever
I feel blessed to have lived in cairns stunning place
"Everything at your fingertips"
I have lived in Cairns Suburbs/beaches for 28years, and I have to say that a move to the city in the past 6 months has been the best. I am in easy distance to all types of entertainment, food, gym and work, I have a teenage daughter who is very happy with the move too,
Great for
- Close to all facilities
- Great Community feel
- Easy access to transport
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Tourists
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
- Beach Lovers
Hi Jeromek,
I am looking at moving to Cairns with my teenage son, any recommendations on suburbs and state high schooling?
"Warm Weather, poor service"
We moved here from a large overseas city. We knew we had to lower our standards but it is unbearable. The people of Cairns are not interested in being of great service to another individual. Everything you need or ask for will be asking for them to go out of their way. When you are raising a family, you need to have many trusted professionals surrounding you, doctors, teachers, daycare staff, restaurant employees, etc. You will not find that here and if you do, they will have wait lists. You will pay a lot of money for very little in return, shopping, food, groceries. you can get a big house for cheap though. I actually feel nervous to ask for things anymore because I am so afraid of being hugely disappointed over and over. There are really special parts like being safe and sound living in the northern beaches, our children run from house to house in our neighbourhood which is very nice. Go to the beach, I don't know, Crocodiles and stingers are always on your mind. Its a small town with small town mentality. If you have lower standards and can overlook service, you could be fine enjoying the nature and weather alone. We are moving as soon as we can.
Who lives here?
- Tourists
- Country Lovers
So true we moved to Cairns last year and found the service and the locals very different to say the least ( a lot of red necks that don't welcome new comers.
We moved from Perth 2 months ago we everything and dogs. Not many good drivers around too..My brother also got car accident because a lady hit and run. The weather is ok, you finish work your car is super hot...people said I will need to wait for wet season..but come on, then is gonna be rain all the time..I can't wait to move too
P.S. gas is also expensive, no more petrol day on Tuesday
You should try living in wellington in nz. This place has shit houses shut weather shit food and it's all over priced.
I totally agree with the above comments. Cairns is a great place to visit and then leave. It's been mainly a horror story for me since I moved here over 5 years ago. Also had a woman driver hot my car and cause damage, abuse me and disappear even though it was her fault. I'll be moving back to civilisation as soon as the virus allows. Unless you're a redneck who will find plenty of friends here or don't mind considerably lowering your standards, don't even consider moving here to live. Leave the place to the bogans, seems to be their paradise.
Lower your standards please dont go back to where your from you definitely wont fit in !!
"Really good weather - never gets cold!!"
i am moving to cairns shortly. this is the best of my researched places to live in australia. it never gets cold in cairns, and is certainly liveable for the majority of the year. i am one who is fussy about cold weather .it is absolutely awful in western sydney.
also looks like a lot of attractions available.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
How mong have you lived in Cairbs for now. Are you enjoying it this far?
I also want to know as I'm wanting to move up here eventually. Sydney has become an ugly place to live in my opinion and too chilly in winter
I am searching for houses around Cairns. Would love to hear updates from you Halna. Thanks
I think mm11 is a troll
Wanted to say that I have lived in Cairns for 6 years and am describing SOME of my experiences here. Am very happy living in a civilised Sydney.
NO, I'll definitely NEVER regret the move out of Cairns. If you think Sydney is ugly, just wait till you live in Cairns.
"Jewel of the North"
Everyone who holidays here secretly wishes they lived here.... the only thing that would make Cairns perfect is a proper surf beach but then the developers would come in and totally ruin it for everyone!!!! No traffic (but locals think it is terrible - get them to drive in a capital city and compare then!)
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Families with kids
- Retirees
lol um Traffic? It is a nightmare. Reservoir road sux. Cook hidhway sux. Try driving from Edmonton to the city in peak hour... Worse than sydney or melbourne. You must be an estate agent trying to spin something. Maybe you live in Gordonvale. :-(
I lived in Edge Hill and worked in Woree. Leave at the wrong time morning or afternoon and it took up to 50 minutes to get there or back on weekdays. Weekends takes maybe 12 minutes depending on traffic.
dono13 you have no idea. Ive lived in Sydney most of my life and now live in Cairns. Edmonton to Cairns City is like 1/4 of the time it takes from places like the Blue Mountains, Campbelltown, Wollongong, Central Coast and Newcastle to the Sydney CBD in peak hour.
Monos, can i ask how long have you lived in Cairns now from moving from sydney? Have you regretted it at all. Thinking of moving from sysney to cairns with my young family. Thanks in advance
amanda-stonea, Monos, we too are looking at moving from Sydney (western Sydney) to cairns with 2 little ones. We are actually looking at properties in Palm Cove next weekend. I too would love to hear your thoughts on the relocation. Any tips/suggestions :)
I am also considering a move with a young family (primary school age), from western sydney. Any suggestions on areas to avoid?
Any suburb starting with "M'.
What is everybody complaining about, there is no traffic in Cairns. not even in peak hour!!!!!
Samr10. You can't have lived here by that comment. Peak hour traffic can be bad. Depends where you live and work. It's due to the roads. Say driving from northern beaches to the city. Unlike large cities you might have 6 different routes you can choose. Here it's generally one route with one or two lanes. Nowhere near as bad as say melb or syd but it does get congested peak hour.
I moved here from Sydney over 5 years ago and can't wait to get back there. See all other comments. Cairns is a nice place to visit but it will become a nightmare in no time. You've never seen service like this, crooks everywhere out to get your money for unbelievably bad service. Yes, everything but housing is expensive. Morons will soon get to you, unless you're one of them. Try Central/South coast of Sydney, at least you'll be close to the big city if you need anything. No such luck here, you'll be stuck with the bogans and summer heat. Neither much fun!
They are building new bypass to ease congestion from the beaches
"Thriving Cairns - perfect for a laidback tropical lifestyle"
The city has a relaxed and laidback feel. Tourism thrives here, and so the esplanade and boardwalk are often packed as the many visitors from around the world make the most of this cruisy tropical spot.
Busy Cairns is the largest city in Tropial North Queensland, and so offers a number of job opportunities. The sugar industry is the second biggest industry here, after tourism of course. There are a number of schools and tertiary education options, and all of the other essential services.
The style of housing is quite typical of Queensland, with large raised houses on quite large blocks and many with swimming pools.
The climate is good - very tropical and warm all year round, with a rainy season from January to March.
Despite the distance (about 1,700 km from Brisbane!), Cairns is not isolated from the rest of Australia due to the frequent transport links including multiple flights every day from the nearby airport.
Who lives here?
- Families with kids
- Retirees
Do you actually live there or have u just compied that post from another website?
Its a Terrible place full of crime if your after a family holiday stay away from Cairns 90 cars a moth get stolen break inns Robberies Rapes this town is out of control I moved away 4 months ago after living there for 8 years its just terrible and crime gets covered up due to affecting Tourism
Why did you stay for 8 years if it was so bad. !!!!!
Cairns is the best place to live I have lived here for 12 years so I really don't know what is wrong with you snotty low life city people
Further to my previous comment: an unregistered tradie gave me a quote to build a pool fence. He only escaped QBCC prosecution and possible jail time because the statue of limitation for this ran out. Not before he also took money for materials and work not having been completed from other people. The next one rendered my friend's bedroom walls AROUND her very light temporary wardrobes from Bunnings that he could have effortlessly moved. An then threatened to harm her and her disabled daughter if she didn't pay him for this job.
I've had a break in to my backyard. Anther friend recently had her new car stolen that she only had for 2 DAYS. Thieves took it for a joyride and completely wrecked it. Crime and bashings are very rampart in Cairns and if you don't agree, you must be living under a rock. Just turn the TV on each day. You will also meet the bogans in no time that will waste your time and make life miserable.
TIP for people planning to relocate there in the current hot real estate market: have a valuation done of the property you're planning to buy. Many owners are asking for much more than their properties are worth. If you're happy to overpay, be aware that the current market won't last and you won't get your money back if you want to sell. Even though it's difficult, try to rent first. Whatever you do, DON'T buy into a strata set up. Very few take care of their properties and collect levies to sit in the bank.
Cairns and its humid weather is not for everyone. If you do get sucked in by the vision of a more relaxed lifestyle, make decisions that will enable you to leave it. I just did and am very happy to have left its low life behind. I'm investing my money elsewhere and will never have any further dealings with QLD again.
mm11, Why would you hire an unregistered tradie? It's easy to check. More fool you.
I never would. Unfortunately, the moronic body corporate did! There are plenty of such trades and body corporate members in Cairns so that;a another reason to beware of such set ups. I no longer live there and am enjoying a "civilised" life elsewhere.
I agree with you. Am now back in Sydney and am amazed by the difference. Don't have the time for the small mindedness and pettiness of Cairns.