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
Planifiez votre voyage à Cairns or Sydney
Créez un itinéraire personnalisé pour Cairns or Sydney avec l'IA. Décrivez votre style de voyage et nous ferons le reste.
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
Trésors Cachés
Découvrez les attractions méconnues de chaque ville
Trésors Cachés à 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.
Trésors Cachés à 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.
Quartiers à Explorer
Découvrez les meilleurs quartiers de chaque ville
Meilleurs Quartiers à 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.
Meilleurs Quartiers à 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.
Comparaison des Budgets
Comparez le coût de voyage dans chaque ville
Budget à Cairns
Budget à Sydney
Book Activities
Find tours and experiences in both cities
Réserver des Activités à Cairns
Évitez la file avec des visites et attractions pré-réservées
Réserver des Activités à Sydney
Évitez la file avec des visites et attractions pré-réservées
Getting There
Compare transport options to both destinations
Trouvez un transport pas cher vers Cairns
Comparez les prix des trains, bus et vols vers Cairns
Entrez votre ville de départ pour voir les prix
Trouvez un transport pas cher vers Sydney
Comparez les prix des trains, bus et vols vers Sydney
Entrez votre ville de départ pour voir les prix
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
Prêt à planifier votre aventure?