Embarkation in Cairns: Cruise Terminal Parking, Address and Amenities

Cairns Cruise Terminal Address

Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal

Corner Wharf and Lake Streets

Cairns  Qld  4870

07 4052 3888

Cruise ships dock at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal in the centre of Cairns. Travellers can pick up last-minute essentials at a nearby supermarket or one of the numerous convenience stores around town. Souvenir and fashion stores, cafes, and other retail options are plentiful and within easy walking distance.

Directions to Cairns Cruise Terminal

It is possible to get to the Cairns Cruise Terminal cruise terminal by private car, rideshare, airport shuttle, bus or taxi.

From the CBD

The Cairns Cruise Terminal is located in the CBD. Most centrally located Cairns hotels are no more than a 20- minute walk away. A wide shared path for both cyclists and pedestrians hugs the waterfront, making it easy to reach the cruise terminal from most parts of the CBD if you are travelling with wheeled luggage.

From the Airport

The Cairns Cruise Terminal is just under 7 km from Cairns Airport and takes about 15 minutes to reach by car. Head west on Airport Avenue and stay on this road for 2 km before turning left onto leafy Lake Street. Continue on Lake Street for just over 3 km, then take the first exit onto Florence Street and turn onto Abbott Street. Turn onto Wharf Street and you will see the cruise terminal ahead.

Private Car

Rideshare companies such as Uber and Ola are available in Cairns. These offer an efficient and cost-effective way to travel to the Cairns Cruise Terminal from the airport.

Bus

Various bus services travel from Cairns' outer suburbs to the cruise terminal. However, if you are staying at a hotel, this will almost certainly be located within walking distance of the terminal. A one-way bus fare is $4.80 for adults and $2.40 for seniors. For more information, see

https://translink.com.au

Airport Shuttle

The FNQ Airport Shuttle can be booked online and starts at $10 per person (cheaper for multiple travellers) for a one-way trip to the Cairns CBD.

Taxi

Taking a taxi is the most hassle-free way to travel to the cruise port from the airport. Rides will take roughly 15 minutes and cost about $30.

Rental Cars Near Cairns Cruise Port

Numerous car rental agencies such as Hertz (Cnr Abbott & Shields Streets), Budget (153 Lake Street and Avis (153 Lake Street) are located within walking distance of the cruise terminal.

Parking

Long-term public parking is available at the Cairns Cruise Terminal for a cost of \10 per day for up to 10 days. Ticket machines can take payment via credit card or cash.

What Time to Arrive/Embarkation

It is best to arrive at least two hours before the ship's departure time. Check your cruise documents/ticket/eDocs for a time specific to your party, and arrive as close to that time as possible. You don't want to arrive too early as some security regulations can prohibit early entrance to the ship.

The Cairns Cruise Terminal has limited space and seating. There are no different entrances based on cabin categories. Everyone should go through the terminal's main entrance to check in.

Wheelchair Service

Wheelchair access is available at the Cairns Cruise Terminal. Bring your own or hire from Complete Mobility & Rehab or Best Care.

Where to Grab a Bite or Last-Minute Essentials in Cairns

The Cairns Cruise Terminal is within walking distance of multiple retail and dining outlets.  

Bathrooms

Restrooms are plentiful at the Cairns Cruise Terminal and can be found in the passenger holding area prior to boarding the ship.

Wi-Fi

There is no dedicated free Wi-Fi service available at the Cairns Cruise Terminal, but free Wi-Fi is available nearby at various locations throughout the CBD.

Where to Store Luggage

Luggage storage is not available at the Cairns Cruise Terminal. Cruise passengers can store their bags in the port buildings during the morning of their cruise, up until the end of the passenger check-in period.

Where to Sit

There is seating available at the cruise terminal provided passengers keep to their allocated boarding times.

More Tips About the Cairns Cruise Terminal

Cairns can be hot and steamy -- it is in the tropics, after all. If you have a long wait between when your plane arrives in Cairns and when you can board the ship, it is more comfortable to wait at a cafe than the terminal. Alternately, pack swimmers in your carry-on bag and drop your checked luggage at the cruise terminal. It's an easy 10-minute walk from here to the city's free swimming lagoon, an attractive spot to spend a few hours.