Cairns, Australia 🇦🇺
#90
,
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Cairns is a vibrant city located in Far North Queensland, Australia, known for its tropical climate and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 150,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps, with many cafes and coworking spaces offering free Wi-Fi. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Australian Dollar (AUD) with current exchange rate approx. 1 AUD = 0.67 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, with Type I plugs. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone, with prepaid cards available from various convenience stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, and online options like Revolut are commonly used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hostels, and serviced apartments recommended for digital nomads. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, and mobile payment options like Apple Pay are available. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Stayz have numerous listings for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget options include Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort and Cairns City Backpackers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Cairns Esplanade offers stunning views and easy access to tourist attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Cairns CBD for its vibrant atmosphere, accessibility to coworking spaces, and amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Cairns Collective offers a vibrant environment and networking opportunities for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Club on the Esplanade provides a good atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups and networking events can be found on platforms like Meetup.com, focusing on tech and entrepreneurship. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Cairns Expat Facebook Group organizes regular meetups and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely used, along with local taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Cairns has several bike rental shops, including Cairns Bike Tours & Rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, located within the city. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | QantasLink operates regional flights to and from major cities in Australia. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Virgin Australia and Qantas provide international services. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Captain Cook Highway provides access along the coast to nearby regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Cairns Central Station is the main hub for rail services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | TransLink offers various public transport passes for bus and train services. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect Cairns to nearby areas including Port Douglas and Kuranda. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Cairns Base Hospital provides comprehensive medical care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Cairns offers various classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Youfit and Anytime Fitness have multiple locations in Cairns. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Cairns Laundry offers self-service and drop-off laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Menulog and UberEats are popular for food deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Barramundi is a must-try local fish dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cairns Diner and Spice's Kitchen offer superb plant-based menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Devine Gelato is a local favorite for tasty treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Cairns Night Markets feature various food stalls and affordable shopping options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Catch.com.au and eBay are widely used in Australia. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Coles and Woolworths offer grocery delivery services through their apps. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Cairns nightlife is vibrant along the Esplanade with many bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cairns Brewery offers locally produced beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Emporium has a great selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Cairns Night Markets also provide a variety of street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Cairns hosts a range of international restaurants, including Thai and Italian. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Cairns Esplanade and the Cairns Botanic Gardens are essential spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Cairns Cultural Precinct includes the Cairns Art Gallery. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome show the history of the area. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Monica's Cathedral is a notable Gothic-style church in Cairns. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Cairns Festival in August is a major annual celebration. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The CBD is rich in culture and local galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Tanks Arts Centre offers various performing arts events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Cairns Esplanade Markets happen every Sunday. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The local music scene can be enjoyed at venues like The Courty. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Cairns has numerous murals along its streets, showcasing local talent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Tropical Cuisine offers cooking classes focused on local flavors. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Two Fish Gallery presents works by local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Cairns Post Building showcases historical architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cairns is known for its Indigenous heritage and celebrates it in local culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kuranda National Park and the Great Barrier Reef offer stunning natural experiences. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Daintree National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and easily accessible from Cairns. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Cairns Esplanade Boardwalk provides beautiful paths for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Kuranda and Barron Gorge National Park are popular for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas of Palm Cove allow bonfires, check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Australia Post and Toll are reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Cairns Computers offers device repairs and IT services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Cairns Table Tennis Club hosts regular play sessions. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Cairns Language Centre offers classes in various languages. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Cairns City Library provides quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Cairns Regional Council Community Centre hosts various activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Cairns has several gaming shops and cafes offering gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Cairns Casino is a popular destination for entertainment and gaming. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 4,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AUD 180,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 3,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AUD 128,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 4,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AUD 240,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AUD 180,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 3,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AUD 280,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AUD 224,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax is based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for the highest earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | Goods and Services Tax (GST) is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply for tax purposes. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are according to property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp duty ranges from 1.5% to 5%, depending on the purchase price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Residents can enjoy tax benefits like low tax rates on foreign income under certain conditions. |