
Cairns is a city in Queensland, Australia, on the tropical northeast coast of Far North Queensland. It is a major commercial centre for the region and is a popular tourist destination. The city is located approximately 1,169 miles (1,882 kilometres) south of the equator, in the southern hemisphere. This distance is calculated using the latitude and longitude coordinates of Cairns, which are -16.846, 145.746, or -16° -50' -45.60'', 145° 44' 45.60'' using DMS latitude-longitude coordinates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance from the Equator | Approximately 1450 miles or 2334 kilometers |
| Location | Cairns is a city in Far North Queensland, Australia |
| Latitude | 16.91 degrees South of the Equator |
| Climate | Tropical climate with a dry season and a wet season |
| Nearest Equator City | Merauke, Indonesia (approximately 1100 miles or 1770 km north of Cairns) |
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What You'll Learn

Cairns is 1,169 miles south of the equator
Cairns is a tropical city located in Far North Queensland, Australia. It is a popular tourist destination known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and its tropical climate. The city is situated at a latitude of approximately 16 degrees south of the equator, which translates to a distance of about 1,169 miles (or approximately 1,881 kilometers).
To put this distance into perspective, it is equivalent to just over a quarter of the earth's circumference at the equator. If you were to start at the equator and travel south in a straight line, you would cross through Indonesia, and then into the Indian Ocean, bypassing Papua New Guinea and the northern tip of Australia, before eventually reaching Cairns, which sits on the eastern coast of the Australian continent.
Being positioned just south of the equator places Cairns firmly in the tropical zone, which is one of the reasons for its warm climate. The city experiences an average of 300 days of sunshine per year and has a wet season from November to May, during which it receives the majority of its annual rainfall. Despite being located in the tropical zone, Cairns does not experience extremely hot temperatures year-round due to the influence of ocean breezes and its proximity to the sea.
The unique geography and climate of Cairns make it an ideal location for a range of outdoor activities, including snorkeling and diving on the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the nearby Daintree Rainforest, and visiting local beaches. The city's position in Far North Queensland also provides easy access to other natural attractions, such as the Atherton Tablelands and Cape Tribulation, offering a diverse range of ecosystems to discover.
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It is located in the southern hemisphere
Cairns is a city in Queensland, Australia, located on the tropical north-east coast of Far North Queensland. It is named after Sir William Wellington Cairns, following the discovery of gold in the Hodgkinson River. The city is a major commercial centre for the Far North Queensland and Cape York Peninsula regions, and its economy is largely based on tourism, healthcare, and education, with a significant capacity in aviation, marine, and defence industries.
Cairns is situated in the southern hemisphere, approximately 1,169 miles (1,882 kilometres) south of the equator. This distance places it firmly in the southern hemisphere, with its southern location also influencing the length of its days and the timing of its sunrise and sunset.
Being in the southern hemisphere, Cairns is closer to the South Pole than the North Pole. It is around 5,048 miles (8,124 kilometres) north of the South Pole, whereas it is 7,387 miles (11,889 kilometres) south of the North Pole. This southern location contributes to Cairns' tropical climate, with the city experiencing warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year.
The geographic coordinate system uses latitude and longitude to locate any place in the world. Cairns' latitude and longitude are -16.92366 and 145.76613, respectively. The latitude position relative to the equator indicates its north-south position, while the longitude specifies its east-west position from a reference meridian, typically the Greenwich Prime Meridian.
Cairns' southern hemisphere location also has cultural and ecological implications. The city has a significant Papua New Guinean community, with approximately 10,000 Papua New Guineans living there—more than anywhere else outside of Papua New Guinea. Additionally, the southern location influences the flora and fauna of the region, contributing to its unique biodiversity.
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The city is in Far North Queensland, Australia
Cairns is a city in Far North Queensland, Australia. It is the largest city in the region, with a population of around 280,638 in 2010. The city is located about 724 miles from the equator.
Far North Queensland is the northernmost part of the Australian state of Queensland. The region is dominated by the Cape York Peninsula, which stretches north to the Torres Strait and west to the Gulf Country. The waters of the Torres Strait form the only international border between the Australian mainland and Papua New Guinea.
Cairns is a popular tourist destination, known for its laid-back outdoor lifestyle and proximity to natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. The city has a strong regional economy, with a value of over A$16 billion, and is well-connected to the world through its international airport, cruise ship terminal, and passenger train services.
The region has a rich Indigenous history and is home to a large number of Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander communities. It is also known for its artistic and creative offerings, with events such as the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and the Cairns Festival held annually.
In addition to its cultural attractions, Far North Queensland boasts a diverse natural landscape, including tropical rainforests, national parks, and the Atherton Tablelands. The region is known for its agricultural produce, including sugar cane, tropical fruits, and coffee.
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It is a popular tourist destination
Cairns is a city in Australia, located around 724 miles from the equator. The city is a popular tourist destination for several reasons. Firstly, its proximity to the equator gives it a tropical climate, with sunshine throughout the year. This makes it an ideal holiday spot for those looking to enjoy the sun and explore the outdoors.
Secondly, Cairns serves as a gateway to Queensland's tropical north and is known for its stunning natural attractions. The region is home to the iconic Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's most famous natural wonders. The reef provides opportunities for snorkelling, diving, and other water activities, allowing visitors to explore its diverse marine life and majestic coral formations.
In addition to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is also the perfect base for discovering the Daintree Rainforest or Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest. This lush rainforest offers a unique experience, with its ancient trees, rare wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. The summer season brings tropical showers, while the dry season is characterised by great weather and the chance to witness migrating whales.
The city of Cairns itself has plenty to offer, with brilliant cafés, lively markets, and beautiful beaches nearby. Visitors can relax by resort pools or explore the city's cultural offerings, including Dreamtime stories woven into the land and sea experiences. The city's international airport, Cairns Airport (CNS), is conveniently located just 5.5km from the city centre, making it easily accessible for domestic and international visitors alike.
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Cairns is 724 miles from the equator
Cairns, a city in Queensland, Australia, is located 724 miles from the equator. It is part of Oceania and the southern hemisphere. The geographic coordinate system enables any place in the world to be located using its latitude and longitude. The latitude is the position relative to the equator, specifying the north-south position. The latitude and longitude of Cairns are -16.846, 145.746, or -16° -50' -45.60'', 145° 44' 45.60'' in DMS format.
Cairns is a popular tourist destination, serving as a major commercial centre for Far North Queensland and the Cape York Peninsula Regions. The city is also a base for regional offices of various government departments. Its economy is primarily based on tourism, healthcare, and education, with a significant presence in the aviation, marine, and defence industries.
The city was founded in 1876 and named after Sir William Wellington Cairns following the discovery of gold in the Hodgkinson River. During World War II, Cairns became a staging ground for the Allied Forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea. In the late 20th century, it became a centre of international tourism and has since developed into a major regional city.
Cairns is home to a diverse population, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people making up 9.7% of its residents. The city also has a large community of people of Melanesian origin, including approximately 10,000 Papua New Guineans, the largest population outside of Papua New Guinea itself.
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Frequently asked questions
Cairns is 1,169.43 miles (1,882.02 kilometres) south of the equator.
Cairns is a city in Queensland, Australia, on the tropical northeast coast of Far North Queensland.
In the 2021 census, the urban area of Cairns had a population of 153,181 people.
The economy of Cairns is primarily based on tourism, healthcare, and education, with a significant capacity in aviation, marine, and defence industries.
The latitude and longitude of Cairns are -16.92366 and 145.76613, respectively.








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