Here is everything you need to know about Cairns Airport, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
Located a few kilometres from the Cairns CBD, between Mount Whitfield and Trinity Bay, the airport serves both domestic and international airlines, including a number of helicopters operators.
Getting to and from Perth Airport
- Ride share. There are dedicated ride booking and ride share pick up areas at both international and domestic terminals.
- Bus. Exemplar Coaches and Limousines offers scheduled coach services from the airport to and Port Douglas, Cairns CBD, and Palm Cove.
- Taxi. Each terminal has its own sheltered taxi ranks monitored 24/7 by the Cairns Taxis Booking call centre.
- Hire cars. There are multiple car hire options located at the terminal for both international and domestic travellers.
Parking options
The Cairns Airport Parking is the only official in airport parking facility. There are three parking options with the T1 Budget, T2 Covered, and T2 Uncovered lots. Each lot is only a short walk from the terminal and provides a safe and secure parking solution. They also offer flexible rates with up to 40 per cent discounts when travellers pre-book online.
- Jetsetter (3 days) rates. From $67 with a minimum 3-day stay at the Terminal 2 Covered Carpark Domestic.
- Weekly stay (7 days) rates. From $77 with a minimum 7-day stay at the Terminal 2 Uncovered Carpark Domestic.
- Two-week treat (14 days) rates. From $88 with a minimum 14-day stay at the Terminal 1 Budget Carpark International.
Paying for parking is easy and convenient. Aside from online booking, travellers can use their credit card or make use of the Automatic Pay Stations (APSs) that accept both cash and cards.
Cairns Airport also offers 10-minute free parking options at both T1 and T2 uncovered car parks for those dropping off loved ones.
Departure procedures
The check-in area for the airport is on the left side of the terminal. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before a flight’s scheduled departure and check luggage requirements with specific airlines.
For international flights, all liquids, aerosols, and gels over 100ml must be packed in checked luggage. They can be taken in carry-ons as long as they are in containers of at most 100ml and are in a clear bag for scanning at the security check point.
After check-in, passengers proceed through Border Protection for clearance then to the Security Screening point. There is also a full body screening and explosive trace detection process.
Arrival procedures
In preparation on arrival to Cairns, travellers must ensure their passport, completed Incoming Passenger Cards, and airline tickets are available for inspection. On the card, travellers can tick the “yes” to the question or ask a Border Protection officer for any unsure items or to help determine what goods should be declared. Phones must also be switched off until customs has been cleared.
For international passengers, a currency exchange booth is located within the Internation baggage claim area as well as ATMs that accepts most international cards.
Facilities at Cairns Airport
- Free Wi-Fi. Cairns Airport offers free Wi-Fi
- Shopping. The airport hosts a number of retail shops from clothing, souvenirs, books, tech items, and other goods for any items travellers may have forgotten to bring or what to take on their vacation.
- Gastronomy. There are various dining options to satisfy any craving, from full meals, quick bites, and desserts.
- Lounges. QANTAS Club members can head to the QANTAS Club Lounge at the first level of the T2 Domestic Terminal Departures Lounge, after passing through the security check point. The airport has also completed the remodel of its executive lounge at the international terminal. It is open to airline partners and will soon cater to pay-as-you-go travellers as well.
- Duty Free. Aside from the retail stores, the airport also offers the Aelia Duty Free where travellers can purchase premium goods. They are located at both international departures and arrivals areas of the airport.
Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
Visitors to the country can claim a refund on goods and services tax (GST) and wine equilisation tax (WET) that they have paid on certain good during their stay. It is open to all overseas travellers and Australian residents. There are certain conditions to claim the refund:
- Spend $300 or more (including GST)
- Goods must be purchased no more than 60 days before departing Australia
- Goods must be paid by the traveller themself
- They must have an original tax invoice for the goods
- wear or carry the goods on board as hand luggage (unless they are liquids, gels or aerosols or oversized or bulky goods which must be checked-in) and present them along with your tax invoice, passport and boarding pass to a Tourist Refund Scheme desk prior to departing.
New aviation precinct project
Cairns Airport announced the commencement of work on its new aviation precinct that includes an array of purpose-built infrastructure and facilities. It will enable key local industries, businesses, and airport partners to expand operations and explore new opportunities.
The first stage includes construction of four new aeronautical stands that enable quicker turnaround for aircraft and cater to more passengers. Also earmarked for development are new aeromedical and emergency response facilities, aircraft maintenance and repair resources, training facilities, and an area for renewable fuel and energy production. Also planned is a new dedicated base for helicopter operators, allowing for more frequent scenic flights and increasing tourism capacity.
The project is being developed on a vacant parcel of already-cleared land to the left of Airport Avenue. Construction follows a staged approach, with completion of the aeronautical stands expected in 2027, followed by further ongoing, phased development. The Eastern Aviation Precinct is expected to cost up to $60 million.
