*This page contains a promotion in collaboration with Jetstar Airways.
In September 2025, our editorial team headed to Cairns in Queensland, Australia. The purpose? To take part in the “Port Douglas Gran Fondo” ride-and-run event (https://portdouglasgranfondo.com.au/). Now in its fourth year, the highlight of this event is undoubtedly its stunning highway route that runs along the Pacific coast—home to the world’s largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef.
In this series, we’ll bring you a three-part story of cycling in Cairns—before, during, and after the event—featuring the exclusive highway ride, the vast natural beauty of Queensland, fresh local cuisine, and fascinating historical landmarks.
Why not spend your next winter holiday experiencing the great outdoors of the Southern Hemisphere with your bike—on a direct Jetstar flight to Cairns?
Text＆Photo_Mayumi Kamura / Global Ride
Cairns is a tropical city of about 150,000 people located in northeastern Queensland, Australia. Situated close to the equator, it enjoys warm weather all year round, with an average temperature of around 25°C. Known as the gateway to two UNESCO World Heritage sites—the Great Barrier Reef and the world’s oldest tropical rainforest—Cairns offers both resort-style comfort and rich natural experiences. With its wide range of hotels, marine activities, and vibrant city life surrounded by nature, it’s also an ideal base for cycling adventures.
Cairns is a vibrant tourist city surrounded by magnificent nature. Just beyond the urban area, you’ll find a paradise for cyclists. To the north stretches a scenic coastal route along the Northern Beaches, where you can enjoy smooth riding with the brilliant blue Coral Sea beside you. Head inland, and a challenging climb awaits up to the Kuranda Range at over 400 meters above sea level. Further beyond lies the Atherton Tablelands—an expansive region connecting farmland and tropical rainforest—highly popular among long-distance riders.
While the city center and highways can be busy with traffic, Cairns offers a remarkable variety of routes linking the sea, mountains, and highlands. Its warm climate and dynamic landscapes promise an unforgettable, quintessentially Australian cycling experience.
The most convenient way is, of course, via Jetstar—the only airline offering direct flights from Japan to Cairns. Departures are from Narita Airport. If you’re used to Haneda Airport, it might feel a bit farther, but it’s actually quite manageable.
● Narita Is Surprisingly Close Once You’re On Board
From central Tokyo, it takes just 36 minutes from Nippori via the Skyliner, or about 70 minutes from Shibuya on the Narita Express to reach Terminal 2. The train’s luggage racks are large and lockable, so you can store your bags with peace of mind. Alternatively, a low-cost bus from Tokyo Station takes roughly one hour for around ¥1,500.
● Daily Flights and Just a One-Hour Time Difference
Flights between Tokyo (Narita) and Cairns operate daily, while Osaka (Kansai)–Cairns flights run four times a week. Outbound flights are overnight, arriving the next morning. With only a one-hour time difference, you can start exploring immediately without worrying about jet lag. The airport cafés are even open from around 4:30 a.m., so grabbing a light breakfast is no problem.
● Great Value Fares
Jetstar offers attractive fares with no fuel surcharges, making it an affordable choice.
-Tokyo (Narita) → Cairns: from ¥28,000* one-way
-Osaka (Kansai) → Cairns: from ¥23,470* one-way
*Economy Class “Starter” one-way fare. Carry-on baggage is limited to a total of 7 kg. Payment fees, airport charges, and other conditions apply. No fuel surcharge is required. Checked baggage fees are not included in Economy Class fares. Business Class fares include checked baggage up to 30 kg.
● With a Low-Cost Carrier, You Can Choose and Add Only the Services You Really Need
These days, in-flight entertainment often comes from your own devices. When traveling with a bicycle, it’s convenient to add options smartly as needed.
-Checked Baggage | Jetstar
-Fare Guide & Conditions | Jetstar
*For preparing your bike for travel, check here:
https://www.jetstar.com/au/en/help/can-i-bring-my-bicycle
In Cairns—and in nearby Port Douglas, where the ride-and-run event “Port Douglas Gran Fondo” takes place—there are numerous rental bike shops where you can enjoy road bikes or e-bikes on-site. Some companies also offer guided tours, which are worth trying.
For exploring areas that are too large to cover on foot, yet too tricky to stop and enjoy by car, nothing beats a bicycle. All that’s left is to hope for clear skies!
To Be Continued: Part 2
In “Cycling Adventures in Queensland, Part 2”, we’ll share the story of a Brisbane-based architect and cyclist taking part in the Port Douglas Gran Fondo, as well as the journey to Cairns. Stay tuned!
Post Date：2025.10.27
