Are you planning on moving to Cairns in the Tropical North? Whether you’re relocating from somewhere in Queensland or interstate, Ready Movers should be your preferred choice of removalists.
Moving house, no matter how near or far, is a stressful time in anyone’s life. But when you add a new city into the mix, it’s always best to be prepared. This article has everything you need to prepare for your new life in Cairns, from the cost of buying and renting to the climate and best ways to get around the city.
Popular Areas To Live in Cairns
Palm Cove
As one of the Northern Beaches, Palm Cove is one of the best family-friendly suburbs in Cairns. Palm Cove is a fantastic place for families to live because of the many things available to do, such as the beach, tennis courts, riding stables, and more. Only 25 minutes north of Cairns CBD, Palm Cove feels worlds away and is a great place to live if you want to be close to the city but not right in the thick of it.
Smithfield
If you or anyone in your family plans to attend James Cook University, Smithfield is the best suburb to live in. Only a short drive from Cairns CBD, you’re never too far from restaurants and a shopping centre. Smithfield also has a vast public transport network that takes you to all corners of Cairns. Smithfield is also close to Barron Gorge National Park, allowing easy access to nature.
Trinity Beach
Another suburb, Trinity Beach, is an ideal area if you want to live in a place that emits all of the tropical vibes. Boasting stunning beaches, restaurants, cafes, schools and more, Trinity Beach is a fantastic place to live whether you have kids, are solo or are moving as a couple. Another thing that locals love about Trinity Beach is that it’s quiet, with very little traffic, while still being close to the CBD.
Freshwater
If you’re looking to move to a suburb that has a bit of everything, then Freshwater is for you. Freshwater is close to the airport and beaches and is only eight kilometres from Cairns CBD. However, one thing that locals love about living in Freshwater is that it’s home to the train station for the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway.
Redlynch
Do you want to be close to nature but also within a short driving distance from the city? Redlynch is your best choice. Only a 15-minute drive to Cairns CBD, Redlynch is located at the base of Barron Gorge National Park and sits alongside Freshwater Creek. Redlynch boasts a range of schools, shops, restaurants, supermarkets, pubs and walking trails. With everything you need and more, it’s no wonder Redlynch is one of the most popular suburbs in Cairns.
The Cost of Buying or Renting a Home in Cairns
Compared with Australia’s capital cities, Cairns is one of the most affordable places to buy a house and rent. According to Realestate.com.au, the median price to buy a three-bedroom house in Cairns is $500,000, and the median weekly rent for a three-bedroom house is $585.
Compared with Sydney or Melbourne, buying a house in Cairns will cost less than half of what people are paying to purchase a three-bedroom house.
How To Get Around Cairns
When moving to any new place, you need to know how to get around. In Cairns, the easiest way to get around is via car or public transport, specifically the bus. Buses run daily across Cairns, servicing the main suburbs from the Northern Beaches to various shopping centres to the CBD. If you have a bicycle, you’ll be pleased to know that there is a growing number of cycle paths, making it easier for you to get from A to B.
What Climate to Expect in Cairns
Cairns experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, characterised by high temperatures and humidity levels throughout the year.
Here is what you can expect in Cairns over the course of a year:
- Temperature: The annual temperature averages range with highs around 31°C in the warmer months and lows around 17°C in the cooler months. The annual mean temperature is around 25°C.
- Rainfall: The wet season typically runs from November to April, peaking in February with the highest rainfall, while the drier season runs from May to October, with September seeing the least rainfall.
- Humidity: Humidity remains high throughout the year, averaging around 75% to 80%.
Here is a breakdown of the weather by season:
Summer (December to February)
During the summer months, Cairns averages temperatures between 23°C and 31°C. Summer is also the first half of the wet season, with the wettest month being February. During the wet season, the region experiences most of the annual rainfall (around 2000mm).
Autumn (March to May)
Autumn marks the transition from the wet season to the dry season (beginning in April. During these months, it’s still very warm, with temperatures averaging between 21°C and 29°C. While the wet season finishes in April, the weather can still be quite windy until August, so that’s something to be mindful of.
Winter (June to August)
With slightly cooler temperatures, lower humidity and little rainfall, winter is the peak season for tourists in Cairns. The average temperatures during winter range from 17°C to 26°C. Due to the low rainfall and great temperatures, winter is the best time to move to Cairns.
Spring (September to November)
August and September are the two driest months of the year in Cairns. In October and November, the humidity starts building up again in time for the wet season to begin. The average temperatures in spring range from 20°C to 29°C.
Interesting Facts About Cairns
Now that you know the best suburbs to live in Cairns, how to get around and the weather you can expect, here are some interesting facts you may not know.
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- Cairns is home to the largest moth in Australia. The wingspan of female Hercules moths can measure up to 27cm!
- The world’s longest single-day mail run begins in Cairns and ends in Cape York. This 1,450km journey takes nine hours to complete, only stopping at ten places between the two locations.
- The Cairns region is home to the highest mountain in Queensland. Measuring 1,611m high, Mount Bartle Frere is located just south of the city and is definitely worth a visit.
- Six of the world’s seven turtle species are found on Fitzroy Island, 40 minutes off the coast of Cairns.
- Cairns is home to Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett, Australia’s only bungy tower.
Hassle-Free Moves to Cairns with Ready Movers
If you’re planning on moving to Cairns, Ready Movers is your preferred choice of removalists. Whether you’re relocating from somewhere in Queensland or interstate, we offer a range of services to make your relocation as seamless and hassle-free as possible. From packing up your belongings to transporting them via truck or rail and unpacking at your new home, our team is the best choice of furniture removalists for Cairns, as our priority is to take the stress of moving off your shoulders.
- Cairns is home to the largest moth in Australia. The wingspan of female Hercules moths can measure up to 27cm!
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