Relocating to Cairns| Moving stories

Most people who Choose Cairns come here for a more natural life. That's what our city is known for - the hiking, diving, camping, fishing, the natural beauty and the space to breathe.

Perhaps not so well-known is that we have hundreds of jobs in many and varied industries, a great arts scene, and all the city-life comforts without the inconveniences of living in a crowded place.

In these stories, hear from Cairns traditional owners who have lived here longest, and from some of our new arrivals who explain why they Choose Cairns and what they love about living here.

You'll also find insider knowledge to give you the lay of the land and to help you find your people and find your place in Cairns.

Welcome to Country

First Nations people in Cairns belong to many different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language groups. Learn stories of this land from Traditional Owners.

Why Cairns?

Cairns is a connected modern city, surrounded by ancient rainforest and fringed by the Great Barrier Reef. You can live a more natural life here, with the advantages of an international airport, two universities and amazing dining, arts and culture.

Fishing for tradies in Cairns

It's an easier life in Cairns, especially if you like fishing and work in the trades, says new arrival, electrician, Callum Scott.

Moving to Cairns

If you’re considering moving to Cairns, we’ve listed everything you need to know from finding a job or home, to getting around.

Working with nature and innovation

Meet Mallika. An entrepreneur and eco tech innovator who moved to Cairns to be in the heart of 'big nature' - an obvious place for her gaming app based on the fun and science of discovering and uncovering bugs, creatures and plants.

Small bars, big dreams

Darren Barber opened the small bar, Three Wolves, when he moved to Cairns from Sydney. He wanted to create the sort of smaller 'locals' gathering spots he loved in the big city. He now has several small bars in Cairns city and the suburbs.

Diet of adventure

Dietitian Quinton Ullrich moved to Cairns and set himself a goal of a new adventure every weekend. He's climbed mountains, dived reefs, run up hills and swum underneath waterfalls.

What's in Cairns?

In addition to the popular tours and attractions, Cairns locals have a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities that rival many of the bigger cities.

Creative in Cairns

When performer Patty Preece moved to Cairns she discovered a place where people were kooky, creative, supportive of the arts and open to new ideas.

Four reasons to advance your career in Cairns

Four reasons to Choose Cairns for your career progression: you'll have more time and money to play with,stronger networks, a supportive business community, and a little less competition.

Prescription for success

Meet Maggie - a medical student training at Cairns Hospital. Maggie lives down the road from the hospital and walks to work everyday. She enjoys the broad experience that comes with working in a regional location.

Flying for a career in Cairns

Meet David. A cadet in the 10-month Cadetship Program at the Cairns Aviation Skills Centre who has lived in Cairns his whole life. Now David is making the most of a growing aviation industry in the Far North.