Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef in Far North Queensland Australia. Cairns is a cosmopolitan city with a population of approx. 130,000 that is very focused on the tourist industry. Cairns is surrounded by rainforest. Agricultural activities include sugar cane, banana tropical fruits and the world's first tropical fruit wine region. Cairns is very popular with international tourists. There is a lot of accommodation to suit all budgets with plenty of drinking establishments and restaurants catering for all tastes. The atmosphere is relatively inexpensive tourism, laid back and unpretentious, loads of clubs and coffee shops overflowing with international tourists give Cairns it's cosmopolitan feel. There is no swimming beach to speak of in central Cairns, although there are many choices just to the north and the south of the city. If you are aiming to a beach side resort holiday there are several resorts a short drive north of Cairns. http://wikitravel.org/en/Cairns