Cairns is the gateway to the tropical north and provides myriad activities for those who go there to sail, swim, surf, dive or explore the amazing shops, restaurants and cafes and the even more amazing hinterland. Cairns truly has it all… the Great Barrier Reef, primeval rainforests and the modern luxuries of any major city. No wonder it is a ‘must see’ destination for so many sailors.
Cairns Seaport is Australia’s busiest cruise port with over 200 international and domestic cruise ship visits every year, and it is also home to Australia’s largest fishing fleet. Its location virtually in the heart of the city is one of its many attractions.
When entering Cairns Shipping Channel, contact Cairns Harbour Control on VHF Channel 16, with an estimated time of arrival. Yachts are usually directed to the Marlin Marina. International vessels can contact Customs, also on Channel 16.
Cairns Marlin Marina has a 214-berth marina, which accommodates superyachts up to 80 metres in world-class berths, as well as a variety of reef and cruising vessels. Marlin Marina is only 10 minutes from Cairns International Airport and is only a stroll away from 5 star hotels, fabulous restaurants and all the nightlife a city as vibrant as Cairns has to offer. For those who love casinos the outstanding Cairns Casino is also only a few minutes away.
The marina also features a heli-pad, alongside vehicle parking, wireless internet connection, laundry, fuel dock, parklands, a tropical swimming lagoon and 24 hour security with CCTV surveillance.
Confirmation of your booking is required 48 hours prior to arrival, at which time the marina will confirm your berth allocation. Report to the Seaport Operations Office at the Reef Fleet Terminal on arrival. International vessels should go to the ‘A’ finger at Marlin Marina for Customs and Quarantine.
There are also 65 pile moorings for vessels up to 18 metres in length on the eastern side of Trinity Inlet, as well as areas designated for anchorage adjacent to the piles and off the eastern end of Admiralty Island. Half Moon Bay Marina, a few miles north of Cairns, provides an alternative base, although it has only basic repair facilities.
The Cairns Seaport is the most northern port on the eastern seaboard and is the closest port to the Great Barrier Reef. It caters for a diverse range of customers from bulk and general cargo, cruise shipping, fishing fleet and reef passenger ferries.
The Reef Fleet Terminal is the gateway to the Reef for more than 650,000 people who visit this world-heritage listed icon each year. However, many of the people who visit Cairns clearly come aboard their own vessels and there are many opportunities to take part in the sailing that is so much a part of the city.
The Cairns Yacht Club is located at Trinity Inlet and has a history that spans over 100 years. They welcome visitors and offer a range of sailing activities with a focus on keel boat and junior dingy sailing, and the WAGS (Wednesday Afternoon Gentleman’s Sailing) has been running for over 15 years and is an excellent way for visitor’s to “get on the water”. Wednesday sailing runs all year round and starts around 12.30pm, with boats arriving back at the club between 4.30-5.30pm.
Casual membership fee for Wednesday racing is $15 per race, which includes a sausage sizzle and a drink, and all cruising vessels are welcome. Dinghy sailing is generally on a Saturday, and keel boat events are sometimes scheduled for Saturday as well. The Cairns Yacht Club will be moving from Trinity Inlet to a new building in the Marlin Marina at some time in the next 12-18 months.
If you are lucky enough to drop anchor in Cairns, there are plenty of other attractions that may well take your mind off sailing. Diving on the Great Barrier Reef is one of life’s most memorable adventures and there are many ways to do it. Cairns Dive Centre offers day cruises and live aboard trips for the snorkeller and diver, as well as learn-to-dive courses through all levels from Open Water to Instructors.
Of course not everyone arrives in Cairns via water, but they still want to get out on it to enjoy the variety of maritime activities available, and once again that is easily done from the Reef Fleet Terminal. There is a host of information on dive boats, charters and the many ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef.
What about those who don’t like to get their feet wet? Cairns is home to the only bungy jump in the world with a choice of up to12 different jump styles. Everyone starts with the classic swan dive and then the choice is up to you and how brave you feel on the day! Or try the pristine waters of Lake Placid, only a 20 minute drive from Cairns and located in the World Heritage listed Barron Gorge National Park, it is surrounded by walking trails winding through the superb rainforest. Nearby attractions include Skyrail, the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the northern beaches.
For those who prefer their lawns manicured and with carefully placed holes, Cairns also has a number of fine golf courses such as the Half Moon course at Yorkeys Knob, Paradise Palms, Cairns City Golf Club and Novotel Palm Cove, to name a few.
Cairns offers fabulous sailing, the unparalleled beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical hinterland, shopping, restaurants, nightlife – can you think of a reason not to add it to your list of must-see holiday destinations? Visit TakeABreak for some great accommodation options in Cairns.
About the Author
Lisa Monk is a marketing communications writer with a diverse background that includes experience in travel, hotels, finance, public relations and advertising. She has worked with Club Med, the Holiday Inn group and on a number of other travel projects on a freelance basis. Lisa has travelled throughout Asia Pacific, North America and England.
She now works with TakeABreak.com.au as editor of the Holiday Inspirations newsletter and other publications. Lisa lives in Sydney with her husband Andy, and sons Joseph and Nicholas.