Tourism plays a major part in the Cairns economy. According to Tourism Australia, the Cairns region is the fourth-most popular destination for international tourists in Australia after Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.^[15] While the city does not rank amongst Australia’s top 10 destinations for domestic tourism, it attracts a significant number of Australian holiday makers despite its distance from major capitals.^[16] There is also a growing interest in Cairns from the Chinese leisure market with direct flights from Shanghai and Hong Kong. During the 2013 Chinese Lunar New Year period alone, Cairns saw 20,000 Chinese holidaymakers flying in on chartered flights.^[17]

The city is in close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, the Wet Tropics of Queensland, and the Atherton Tableland.

Cairns esplanade includes a swimming lagoon with adjoining barbecue areas. In May 2003, the then Cairns Mayor Kevin Byrne declared that topless sunbathing is permitted here, as the area is a gathering point for people from around the world who may wish to do so.

Source Wikipedia