Cairns Cruise Terminal, located in Queensland, is one of Australia’s busiest cruise ports. With a dedicated cruise terminal on Wharf 2/3, Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal can cater for up to two large cruise ships at a time along its central wharves. 

The Port of Cairns is conveniently located in the heart Queensland’s 5th-most-populous city and is just a 10-minute drive from the airport. The port also provides easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage-listed tropical rainforests and, at the same time, also offers a vibrant urban experience for cruise enthusiasts and locals alike.  

Tagged as Australia’s premier cruise destination, Cairns Cruise Terminal is located at the corner of Wharf and Lake streets nears Cairns CBD. The port’s proximity to rich wilderness regions while offering accessible cosmopolitan conveniences makes Cairns one of the most favoured destinations for cruise passengers and cruise lines alokje. 

Homeported cruise lines

Cairns Cruise Terminal homeports the following cruise lines: Ponant, Silversea Cruises and Windstar Cruises.

How to get to there 

For cruisers going to Cairns Cruise Terminal, here are some essential directions:

Cairns airport to Cairns cruise port

There is no public transport available from the airport going to the cruise port. Cruisers are advised to take a taxi from the airport which will take approximately 10-15 minutes. 

In addition, there are also rideshare transportation available from the airport, such as Uber and 1300 Rideshare. 

Moreover, shuttle services such as Exemplar Coaches and Limousines, are also available to book from the airport to the port of Cairns. Guests need to look for ticket booths inside the airport terminal or they can opt to book online. Shuttle pick-up locations are just outside the Arrival Hall. 

Going to Cairns cruise port via A1

Passengers and visitors coming from north of Cairns, via National Route A1 must turn onto Sheridan St, then onto Hartley St, which leads to Lake Street. Alternatively, for those who are coming from the south, they have to look and follow the signs to Portsmith/ A1/ Bruce Highway then head straight onto Ray Jones Drive leading to Comport St. Then, take route to Draper St going to Kenny St. At the intersection after Kenny, take the route onto Wharf Street. 

Parking

A long-term ticketed car park is available at the Cairns Cruise Terminal Car Park for $12 per day up to 10 days. Payment can be made via cash or credit card through the ticket machines. 

Entry to the parking area is either from the corner of Wharf and Lake streets or the corner of Wharf and Abbott streets. For additional parking options, passengers and visitors can contact Cairns Regional Council at www.cairns.qld.gov.au.

Dining spots near Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal

Unlike some other cruise ports in Australia, the Cairns Cruise Terminal is within easy walking distance of cafes, restaurants and other dining options. 

Cairns Central Shopping Centre is also nearby where passengers can decide on last-minute purchases and souvenirs before sailing. The shopping centre is just a five-minute drive from the port. 

Hotels closest to port of Cairns

As the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal is roughly a five-minute drive to Cairns Central Business District, there are various hotels to choose from while waiting for your sailing day.

There is the 5-star Shangri-La Hotel which offers luxury accommodation with stunning views of the Cairns Marlin Marina, the Acacia Court Hotel on the Cairns Esplanade, and the Heritage Cairns Hotel which is a 15-minute walk from Cairns Central Station. In addition, The Abbott Boutique Hotel near Reef and Rainforest Research Centre is also a good choice for cruisers and visitors alike, as is the Oaks Cairns Hotel and Escape On Lake. 

Furthermore, there are other affordable hotels and accommodations near Cairns Cruise Terminal, including the Piermonde Apartments Cairns and Cairns Private Apartments.