Cairns is the great way to Great Barrier Reef and Tropical Rainforests with enormous adventure. It is a perfect family destination where you can enjoy the adventure, water adventure with amazing scenic beauty. Cairns Airport is the main airport serves domestic and international flights. It was initially operated by Cairns Port Authority as taken from Queensland Government in the year 2008. Cairns airport is the seventh busiest airport in Australia and is located 4 miles on the north of Cairns central business district in Aeroglen. Cairns International Airport lies between Mount Whitfield on the west side while Trinity Bay on the east. There are many helicopter operators which are also operated from here. It is the main airport to reach major Australian cities and destinations. From Far North Queensland to Asia-Pacific region this is the first step to reach the destinations of world. This airport is the main base of Australian Airlines from June 2006. It is also the main place for Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia with search and rescue helicopters of the State Emergency Service. Recently this airport is renovated and extended to new modern design.
In the year 1928 Tom McDonald was the person who was traveling in his Gypsy Moth in the sandy area of present airport. He was unable to take off and land in the high tides and in the time of emergency he was forced to take off from barrels. Royal Australian Air Force used this place during the Second World War. The main runway of the airport was made long for the RAAF aircraft. During 1942 the airport was the transport base for American Air Force with their 33rd Troop Carrier Squadron. In the year 1943 the first Runway was sealed and from that year to 1997 the airport saw many changes and after all these changes and renovations Cairns International Airport became the main airport hub for all the domestic and international flights. Ansett Australia faced financial collapse in September 2001and gave off services to this airport after 66 years. The terminals of the airport were sold to Cairns Port Authority and given on lease to Jet Star and Virgin Blue. The Golden Wing Lounge is still the temporarily lounge used by Qantas as interim Qantas Club. The replacement lounge was renovated while the remains of Ansett are still there on this lounge.
There are two passenger terminals on this airport which are located on the eastern side. These terminals have two separate buildings of 200 meters with the air traffic control tower. Near to the Captain Cook Highway on the western side the area is for general aviation. There is new Qantas Club lounge which is under construction and the Golden Wing lounge is under Qantas Club. The domestic terminal is utilized by Virgin Blue and Jet Star. The cost of redevelopment of the terminal is $200 million which was started in 2007 and is expected to complete by 2010. The building of the terminal is also enlarged and the Check in facilities will be expanded. The old air bridges are replaced by five new air bridges. There are six air bridges on International Terminal. It is situated on Airport Avenue off Sheridan Street. Rental Cars are available at domestic terminal in the arrival lounge. Busses and Taxis are available 24 hours with reasonable prices.
Parking & Transport
Short term and long term parking both are available for tourists nearby the Domestic and International Terminals. Parking and help for disable people is also available at the same place. Wilson Parking holds the parking area which is fully automated and run 24 hours. Taxi ranks and White Taxis are available on both Domestic and International terminals. The taxi fair start from $15 depends on the destination point. Sun Palm Express and Australia coach are the bus services operates in this airport. There are shuttle bus services for city centre, hotels, Palm Cove, Northern Beaches and Cape Tribulation. The pick up point of these busses is in front of arrivals of both the terminals. Information desk is located within the terminal with no staff but is has direct dial telephone with no pre-booking. When you will enter the car parks area there is a machine to insert your credit card and you have to push the button to get the ticket. If you are paying cash for parking than you need to put your ticket into the pay station and you will get the receipt for the same. Motor bikes parking are also available on the bays within the public car parks.
Shopping & Dining
Cairns Airport offers great shopping on both the terminals. Located in the stunning rainforest and coastal waters it is a budding city. Cairns airport offers great services and accessibility. Around 3.7 million passengers travel on this airport annually the shopping centers of Cairns are for everyone. There are around 27 downtown duty free stores and variety of food and beverage options. Spend some time on this airport and enjoy shopping and dining. There are many designer and branded stores on airport once you finish your shopping relax in quality food outlets with local and international cuisine. This is the best place for excellent shopping during your tour to beautiful Tropical North Queensland. Beach Culture, Bico, Ampiji, First Tax & Duty Free, Galerie Tropical, Newslink, Produce of Australia, Purely Merino, Sunglass Hut, International Currency Exchange, Vodafone, and World of Chocolate etc are some of the stores on the International and Domestic Terminals.
To and from the Reef
Don’t miss a trip to the Great Barrier Reef if you are in Cairns. There are high class reef operators on Cairns International Airport. Book the world class Cairns Marlin Marina tour to reach the great reef. Your journey to the great reef starts with Cairns Marlin Marina. There is Reef Fleet parking and drop off from airport and near to this parking there is large Cairns Regional Council public car park which provides parking to the reef visitors. There are special parking and drop off procedures on the Reef Fleet Terminal which is available for the tourists all around the world. Facilities for disable persons are also available. There is a vehicle drop down zone located near the terminal of Cairns International Airport.
Other facilities on International and Domestic terminals are Accommodation boards, automatic teller machines, currency exchange, porter services, post office, public amenities and bathrooms (including disabled facilities) terminal transfers, and Baggage Trolley. You can also have access to film and photography on request on this airport. The security of this airport is well maintained with automatic cameras. Get to the beautiful city of Cairns and start your tour with Cairns International Airport and reach the Great Reef with ease.
