Cairns, Queensland, Australia: A naturalist’s paradise 

My name is Ignacio and I am from Chile. It’s been a year and a half since I moved to Cairns, Australia. I came to learn English and I fell in love with the city and its surroundings. 

The Great Barrier Reef, the biggest coral reef system in the world, is accessible from Cairns. It’s an amazing experience to snorkel and dive on the Great Barrier Reef, as I have done. Surrounded by an abundance of fish, coral, and other aquatic life, it feels as though you are on a different planet. 

Daintree National Park is just another wonderful natural feature of Cairns that I like. This World Heritage Site is a tropical rainforest. Having gone on multiple excursions through the rainforest, I’m constantly in awe of the variety of flora and fauna I come across. Among many other species, I have seen birds, snakes, wallabies, and koalas. 

I like to engage in outdoor activities as well as in the Cairns culture. About 20 kilometres from Cairns, in the middle of the rainforest, sits the village of Kuranda. Native Australian culture abounds in this area. I learned about the history and culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when I went to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park located in Smithfield. I’ve also hiked through the rainforest and seen suspension bridges, waterfalls, and other natural beauties. 

A multicultural city, Cairns is home to individuals from all over the world. People from other countries that I have met have amazed me with their warmth and kindness. They are always happy to assist and greet you.  All things considered, Cairns is a great place to live and study. This is the ideal city for you if you enjoy the outdoors, culture, and kind people. Here are some pointers for overseas students wishing to settle in Cairns: 

Learn English: If you wish to live and study in Australia, you must be able to communicate in English. For overseas students, Cairns offers a wide variety of English language courses. 

Accommodation: Accommodation in Cairns can be affordable and it’s best to start looking for it well in advance. There are lots of possibilities, ranging from guesthouses and hostels to apartments and shared houses. 

Enrol in activities: International students can choose from a huge range of events and activities in Cairns. It’s a fantastic opportunity to network and get to learn about Australian culture. 

Welcome to Cairns!