Cairns guide
🇦🇺 Packing List
What to pack for Cairns
In February, Cairns is typically cold, expect showers (3–10°C). Pick the month you travel and the list changes with it.
Cairns essentials
- Very casual tropical.
Documents
- Photo ID
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Visa / e-visa printout
- Return / onward flight tickets
- Travel insurance policy
- Hotel booking confirmations
- Passport-size photographs (2-4)
- Photocopies / phone photos of passport and tickets, stored separately
Clothing
- Casual day outfits
- One smart-casual outfit for dinners
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm insulated coat
- Thermal base layers
- Warm hat, gloves and scarf
- Warm socks
- Light rain jacket or poncho
- Compact umbrella
- Undergarments and sleepwear
- Enough outfits for 7 days (6 sets)
Toiletries & health
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and toiletries
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), regular SPF bleaches coral
- Personal medication with prescription
- Basic first-aid: band-aids, painkillers, ORS
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Lip balm and moisturiser for cold, dry air
- Insect / mosquito repellent
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Camera (optional)
- Power adaptor: Type I, 230V.
Money
- Debit / credit cards
- Local currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
Local know-how
- Do not touch or remove coral or shells from the Great Barrier Reef — illegal and harmful
- Local SIM: Telstra best for remote.
- February highlights: Valentine's season
Trip gear
- Water shoes for the house reef
- Snorkel mask (or hire at the reef)