CairnsvsSydney
Can't decide between Cairns and Sydney? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
Cairns
Cairns is the gateway to two UNESCO World Heritage sites—the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. This tropical North Queensland city offers world-class diving, ancient rainforest, and the unique experience of "reef meets rainforest" in one destination.
Known for
Sydney
Sydney is Australia's sparkling harbor city, where iconic architecture meets pristine beaches and outdoor lifestyle. The Harbour Bridge and Opera House frame a metropolis of diverse neighborhoods, world-class dining, and endless sunshine.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
Cairns offers Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Kuranda Scenic Railway
Sydney offers Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach
Food & Dining
Cairns is famous for its local dining scene
Sydney is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Cairns offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Sydney offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season)
September to November, March to May
Weather
Summer: 31°C, Winter: 26°C
Summer: 26°C, Winter: 17°C
Top Attractions in Cairns
- 1Great Barrier Reef
- 2Daintree Rainforest
- 3Kuranda Scenic Railway
- 4Cairns Esplanade
- 5Skydiving
- 6Reef Snorkeling & Diving
Top Attractions in Sydney
- 1Sydney Opera House
- 2Sydney Harbour Bridge
- 3Bondi Beach
- 4The Rocks
- 5Taronga Zoo
- 6Blue Mountains Day Trip
Cairns is Popular With
Sydney is Popular With
Joyas Ocultas
Descubre atracciones menos conocidas en cada ciudad
Joyas Ocultas en Cairns
- 1
Crystal Cascades
A series of beautiful freshwater swimming holes and small waterfalls in a rainforest gorge, just a 20-minute drive from the CBD.
- 2
Babinda Boulders & The Devil's Pool
A stunning, clear creek with huge granite boulders and deep swimming holes, located about an hour south of Cairns near the town of Babinda.
Joyas Ocultas en Sydney
- 1
Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden
A magical, volunteer-tended garden created by artist Wendy Whiteley on a disused railway plot in Lavender Bay.
- 2
The Sunken Garden in Paddington
A serene, formal garden hidden within the grounds of the Paddington Reservoir, featuring ponds, arches, and boardwalks.
Barrios para Explorar
Descubre las mejores zonas para visitar en cada ciudad
Mejores Zonas en Cairns
Cairns City Centre & Esplanade
The bustling heart of Cairns, focused around the iconic lagoon and marina.
Port Douglas
An upscale, resort-style town about an hour north of Cairns.
Mejores Zonas en Sydney
The Rocks
The historic birthplace of modern Sydney, where cobblestone lanes and convict-built sandstone warehouses sit in the shadow of the Harbour Bridge.
Surry Hills
The epicenter of Sydney's food, fashion, and design scene.
Comparación de Presupuesto
Compara el coste de viajar en cada ciudad
Presupuesto en Cairns
Presupuesto en Sydney
Book Activities
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Reserva Actividades en Cairns
Salta la cola con tours y atracciones reservadas
Reserva Actividades en Sydney
Salta la cola con tours y atracciones reservadas
Getting There
Compare transport options to both destinations
Encuentra transporte barato a Cairns
Compara precios de trenes, autobuses y vuelos a Cairns
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Encuentra transporte barato a Sydney
Compara precios de trenes, autobuses y vuelos a Sydney
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Our Verdict
Both Cairns and Sydney are incredible destinations. Cairns excels in Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, while Sydney stands out for Opera House and beaches.
Best destination for:
beaches
Sydney
families
Cairns
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