Cairns, QLD
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City Info
City of Cairns, QLD
Founded in 1876 and named after the then Governor of Queensland, William Wellington Cairns.
Location
Located in Far North Queensland in the Cape York Peninsula and it is 1,700 Kms North of the state capital Brisbane.
Cairns, QLD CBD
The city centre of Cairns is adjacent to the suburbs of Cairns North
Seasons
Winter
Jun to Aug
17°C - 26°CSpring
Sep to Nov
20°C - 29°CSummer
Dec to Feb
23°C - 31°CAutumn
Mar to May
21°C - 29°CTime
Queensland remains on Eastern Standard Time (GMT +10 hours) all year round.
No Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in Queensland within 5 metres of non-residential entrances, and between 5 to 10 metres at beaches, sporting stadiums, near children's playgrounds, at restaurants, bars or clubs either indoor or outdoors $220 on-the-spot fines apply for breaches.
Post Office
Mon-Fri 09:00 am – 5:00 pm
* Some Open Saturday 9:00 am – 12 noonPopulation
165.000
Money
Notes or Bills
$5, $10, $20, $50, $100Coins
5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1, $2 (odd cents rounded to the nearest 5¢)Education providers
CRICOS registered institutions for international students: 2 Public Universities, 6 Vocational Colleges, 6 English Language Centres, 2 Public Schools (International)
Electricity
240/250volts/50Hz
Weather
Tropical Monsoon Climate
Shopping
Mon-Wed 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thu (suburbs) & Fri (CBD) 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday 09:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pmBanks
Mon-Thu 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Fridays 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Some bank branches open Saturday morning 9:30 am – 12 noon -
Explore
EXPLORE CAIRNS
Just over 1600km north of Brisbane is Cairns. Cairns, considered the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, is a city in tropical North Queensland. Its Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park tells the stories of indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with music and dance. Cairns Esplanade, lined in bars and restaurants, has a saltwater swimming lagoon. Northwest of the city, Daintree National Park spans mountainous rainforest, gorges and beaches.
Great Barrier Reef
Daintree Rainforest
Skyway Rainforest Cableway
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Cape TribulationWeekly markets selling quality fashion, art, handcrafts, fresh produce, etc.
(Courtesy of Google)
EXPERIENCE AND LIFESTYLE AT CAIRNS
www.queensland.com
www.kidsafeqld.com.au
www.volunteeringaustralia.org -
Transport
Cairns Airport
https://www.cairnsairport.com.au/
https://www.cairnsairport.com.au/travelling/parking-and-transport/transport-options/
B 6 Kms approx. to CBD
10 minutes (allow more time for peak traffic hours)Getting around
It is important to learn about all the public transport modes around Cairns. The cheapest and more convenient way to go around is by bus. You can purchase a ticket when boarding the bus or from the Sunbus depot Bus services are divided in different zones. The closer your destination, the cheaper the fare is.
Useful tips
- Students doing VET (Vocational programs) and Higher Education (University courses) can obtain discount in public transport. See www.sunbus.com.au/cairns/cairns-bus-fares/
- If you are entitled to Student discount, carry your student ID card with you at all times.
- If you are travelling late at night on weekends, find out if there is a night route that goes near your destination as some routes are not scheduled on weekends.
- Disabled and elderly people as well as pregnant women have priority seating.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke in public transport or in taxis.
- Always make sure that you have sufficient money for fares.
WALKING
is a healthy alternative for transport. When crossing a street, wait for the green pedestrian icon. Do not walk or run over a red pedestrian light.
BUSES
Make sure you hail the bus so the driver stops to pick you up! The fare you pay for the trip depends on how far you travel (zones) and also the time of the day. Always keep a bus/train time table in your bag see www.sunbus.com.au/cairns/bus-timetable/ or download the Sunbus Tracker Cairns App play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cjappproductions.sunbustracker&hl=en . Remember that times for the above services change on weekends and designated holidays.
RIDE A BIKE
To cycle you must wear a helmet at all times and follow the road rules.
RIDING A MOTORCYCLE
Always wear a helmet. It is now required by law to have a special motorcycle license for models of a certain size. Check with Queensland Transport www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/motorcycles/licence-types/.
DRIVING
We drive on the left side of the road. To drive in Australia, you need an English translation of your driver’s license. For driving rules in Queensland, check this link https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/road/. If you are going to drink alcohol, do not drive.
TAXIS
A safe mode of transportation in particular if you have been drinking after a party. You can pay the taxi fare with your credit card if you do not carry cash. Always ask for a receipt.
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Hospitals
IMPORTANT NOTE:
International Students must go to Public Hospitals as their Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC) does not cover expenses in private hospitals.
Seeking Medical Assistance
- Carry your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) card with you at all times.
- When visting the doctor, you will need to pay for their services (some doctors may bulk bill at no cost to you).
- Keep all receipts so you can obtain reimbursement later.
- All medical emergencies are covered by your Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC).
- If you are unable to attend classes due to being sick, you should obtain a medical certificate from your doctor.
Cairns Hospital
(07) 422 60000
165 The Esplanade, Cairns Qld 4870
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Government Offices
State Library
N/A
City Library
Website
https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library/my-library/locationsAustralian Taxation Office
Website
https://www.ato.gov.auResidential Tenancy Authority
Website
https://www.rta.qld.gov.auDept. of Immigration & Citizenship
Website
https://www.border.gov.auFair Work Ombudsman
Address
Level 1, 104 Grafton Street
CairnsOpening hours
By appointment only -
Emergency & Assistance
How to make an International call:
0011 + Country Code + City Code + Number
If you don't know your country code, call 1225National Phone Codes
(02) Sydney (NSW) & Canberra (ACT)
(07) Brisbane & Gold Coast (QLD)
(08) Perth (WA), Adelaide (SA) & Darwin (NT)
(04) Mobile (Australia wide)
(03) Melbourne (VIC) & Hobart (TAS)
(13 or 1300) Local calls
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Assistance, Health and Welfare
- Australian Red Cross Queensland www.redcross.org.au 07 3362, 7222
- Directory Assistance (within Australia) 1800 810 211
- Directory Assistance (International) 1225
- Domestic and Family Violence 1800 811 811
- Gambling Help Line 1800 858 858
- Lifeline (Counselling Services) www.lifeline.org.au
- Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.org.au
- Sexual Assault Help www.dvconnect.org 1800 010 020
- Sexual Help Service www.health.qld.gov.au 13 43 25 84
- Surf Life Saving Queensland www.lifesaving.com.au 07 3846 8000
- Queensland Health www.health.qld.gov.au 13 43 25 84
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Emergency Numbers
- Ambulance, Police and Fire (emergency only) 000
- Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000
- Policelink (non emergencies) 13 14 44
- School Watch 13 17 88
- Digital Mobile Phone Services (alternative for 000) 112
- Directory Assistance (from a land line) 1234
- Poison Information Centre 13 11 26
- State emergency Service (Cairns) 07 4032 8682
- Surf Life Saving Queensland 07 3846 8000
- Cairns Regional Council 07 4044 3044
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Employment and Work Experience
- Fair Work Ombudsman www.fairwork.gov.au
- Australian Internships www.internships.com.au
- Indeed www.indeed.com
- GCA Graduate Careers www.graduatecareers.com.au
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Diplomatic Missions In Australia
List of Diplomatic Missions http://dfat.gov.au
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Government Departments and Agencies
- National Innovation and Science Agenda www.innovation.gov.au
- Australian Human Rights Commission www.humanrights.gov.au
- Residential Tenancies Authority www.rta.qld.gov.au 1300 366 311
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Legal Aid
Legal Aid Queensland www.legalaid.qld.gov.au 1300 651 188
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Lost Credit Cards
- Mastercard www.mastercard.com.au 1800 120 113
- VISA www.visa.com.au 1800-125-440
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Translating and Interpreting
Translating and Interpreting Service www.naati.com.au
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Transport
- Translink https://translink.com.au/cairns
- Buses http://www.sunbus.com.au/cairns/
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Utility Services
- LPG Gas www.elgas.com.au 131 161
- Energex www.energex.com.au 13 12 53
- Origin Energy www.originenergy.com.au 13 24 61
- Cairns Regional Council www.cairns.qld.gov.au 07 4044 3044
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Volunteering
Volunteering Queensland www.volunteeringqld.org.au
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Worship
- Anglican Church anglicanchurchsq.org.au
- Buddhist Church www.buddhistcouncilofqueensland.org/directory
- Catholic Church brisbanecatholic.org.au
- Mosques www.muslimdirectory.com.au/directory/mosques
- Sikh Temple www.brisbanesikhtemple.org.au
- Seventh Day Adventists brisbanecentral.adventist.org.au/
- Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.org.au
- Synagogue www.brisbanehebrewcongregation.com
- Other religions directory brisbane-australia.com/brisbane-religion.html
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Assistance, Health and Welfare
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Student Services Directory
Cricos: 03020E
TAFE Cairns
TAFE Queensland has over 180 courses across 15 study areas, ranging from entry level certificates to bachelor degrees. Whether you’re looking to study English in Australia or upskill in another profession, TAFE Queensland has a range of pathway options to help you get the qualifications you need to launch your career. You can view our full selection of courses and study areas below.
07 3244 5100
Email
Website
Gatton, Newton, Eureka and Wilkinson Streets, Cairns Qld 4870
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