Following on from last week’s highlights feature on the recent Australia Next incentive showcase, our founder and CEO Chetan Shah gives the lowdown on his experience travelling to Cairns, and why the tropical city leaves a lasting impression…

Flying with Singapore Airlines from London to the heart of Australia’s Tropical North Queensland is nothing short of a luxurious experience. With four weekly flights from Heathrow and now three flights from Gatwick, the connection to Asia and beyond has never been more accessible. For those in Business Class Singapore Airlines offers a personalised touch through their Book the Cook service, allowing passengers to pre-select gourmet meals like butter chicken with pilaf rice or Szechuan spicy beef, adding a flavour of comfort to your journey.

Departing Heathrow at 11:25 a.m., you find yourself in Singapore by 7:30 a.m. the next morning after a smooth flight, ready for a brief layover before heading to Cairns. Despite the long-haul, the journey is seamless, though the tricky part is catching some sleep on that odd schedule. Yet, once you arrive in Cairns, the charm of a smaller city instantly sets in. With no passport stamp—everything is electronically processed—you breeze through immigration and, just 10 minutes later, you’re at your hotel.

Cairns: A Tropical Gem for Business Events

Cairns may be small, but it is rapidly becoming a sought-after destination for the MICE market. The Crystal Riley Hotel, one of the top three hotels in the city, offers 341 elegantly designed rooms with a tranquil, resort-like ambiance.

The first evening kicked off with an informal reception in the hotel’s unique 12th-floor event space, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the ocean. Feeling surprisingly refreshed despite the travel, I was ready to embrace Cairns’ blend of business and nature.

Cairns Convention Centre: A Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef

The Cairns Convention Centre hosted the main event. As the premier venue for conferences in Tropical North Queensland, it boasts world-class amenities, including a newly expanded 410-seater plenary hall, an exhibition space, and a ballroom for up to 500 guests. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef and the world’s oldest rainforest, the Centre’s location is a major draw. Robin Mack, EGM of Business Events Australia, emphasised the economic value of business events to the country, noting that 70% of business travellers spend more than leisure visitors, with 40% going on to explore a second destination.

A highlight was the Welcome to Country ceremony performed by Minjil, a local Indigenous organisation, paying respect to the Traditional Owners of the land—the Yidinyadi people. This ceremony served as a reminder of the deep connection between the land and its people, a sentiment that resonated throughout the remainder of my time in Cairns.

Experiencing the Natural Wonders

Lunch that day was an extraordinary affair at the Trinity Beach Palace, a private beachfront estate just 20 minutes from Cairns. The estate, with its 135 meters of beachfront and luxurious tropical gardens, is perfect for corporate retreats or high-end events.

Later that evening, we were treated to a rustic experience at The Sugar Shed at Yorkeys Knob Cane Farm, surrounded by vast sugarcane fields. This venue blends the charm of Queensland’s countryside with modern event facilities, making it an ideal location for large gatherings.

But the true highlight came on day two when we embarked on a private charter to the Great Barrier Reef with Reef Magic. After a scenic 90-minute journey, we arrived at the Moore Reef Pontoon where delegates enjoyed snorkelling, glass-bottom boat tours, and even helicopter flights over the reef. I took part in a special coral restoration project, where we tied broken coral to metal frames that will later be planted to foster new growth. Being able to give back to the reef’s ecosystem, even in a small way, felt incredibly rewarding.

A Final Evening of Art and Reflection

The journey ended with an unforgettable evening at the Tanks Art Centre, a one-of-a-kind venue housed in repurposed World War II oil tanks. Nestled within the lush Cairns Botanic Gardens, this innovative arts centre provides a truly unique environment for business events. Surrounded by the tropical rainforest, the cylindrical tanks created a magical atmosphere for the closing gala, offering a fitting end to a few inspirational days in Cairns.

micebook Verdict

Cairns offers the perfect balance of world-class facilities, cultural experiences, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re attending a business event or looking to explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, this tropical city leaves a lasting impression. It’s more than a destination—it’s an experience.