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South PacificSouth Pacific - Australia

Michaelmas Cay Australia Cruise Port

Michaelmas Cay Australia
Michaelmas Cay Australia is a small sand cay located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, off the coast of Cairns in Queensland.

Ships in port today
No ships in port today
Safety rank
#63
of 318 ports in the South Pacific
Today · high / low
80° / 71°
September normals
Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port
South Pacific - Australia
Michaelmas Cay Australia
// Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port overview

The cruise port in Michaelmas Cay Australia,
explained

Lat: 16.6°SLong: 146.0°E

Michaelmas Cay Australia is a small sand cay located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, off the coast of Cairns in Queensland. It is a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, and bird watching.

The cay is home to a large seabird colony, including terns, noddies, and frigate birds. The cay is surrounded by a shallow lagoon, which is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.

The cay is also a great spot for fishing, with a variety of species including mackerel, trevally, and coral trout. The cay is also a great spot for spotting turtles, dolphins, and other marine life.

The cay is a popular spot for day trips, with boats departing from Cairns daily. Michaelmas Cay Australia is a great spot for a day of fun in the sun, with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.

// Michaelmas Cay Australia Cruise Port location

Where is Michaelmas Cay Australia Cruise Port?

Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port is located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, off the coast of Cairns in Far North Queensland. The port is situated on a small sand cay surrounded by coral reefs and is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. It is also a popular spot for bird watching, as the cay is home to a large number of seabirds.

General location
South Pacific
Category
South Pacific - Australia
Coordinates
16.61°S, 145.97°E
Cruise port · 16.61°S, 145.97°E
Map data · OpenStreetMap
// Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port guide

What to do in Michaelmas Cay Australia

A shortlist of places worth your hours ashore, grouped by the kind of day you want.

Ways to spend the day

3 themes
Theme 1

Bird Watching

Bird watching is a popular activity for cruise passengers visiting Michaelmas Cay Australia. The cay is home to a variety of seabirds, including terns, boobies, and frigatebirds. Bird watchers can also spot a variety of migratory birds, such as pelicans and ospreys, as they make their way through the area. The cay is also home to a variety of shorebirds, such as sandpipers and plovers.

Theme 2

Kayaking

Kayaking is another popular activity for cruise passengers visiting Michaelmas Cay Australia. Kayakers can explore the cay's many coves and inlets, as well as the surrounding reefs and islands. The calm waters of the cay provide an ideal environment for kayaking, and the views of the surrounding islands and reefs are breathtaking.

Theme 3

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a popular activity for cruise passengers visiting Michaelmas Cay Australia. The crystal clear waters of the cay provide an ideal environment for snorkeling, with a variety of colorful fish and coral to explore. Snorkelers can also explore the many shipwrecks in the area, which provide a unique and fascinating glimpse into the past.

Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port beaches

3 in our guide
C

Cairns Esplanade

Cairns Esplanade is a popular beach near Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the stunning views. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy, as well as a range of activities such as fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding. It is a great place to relax and take in the stunning views.

F

Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island is a popular beach near Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port. It is a tropical paradise with white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush rainforest. It is a great spot for snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking, and is a great place to relax and take in the stunning views. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy.

G

Green Island

Green Island is another popular beach near Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port. It is a small coral cay surrounded by a stunning reef and is a great spot for snorkeling and swimming. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy, as well as a range of activities such as glass bottom boat tours and helicopter rides. It is a great place to relax and take in the stunning views.

// Michaelmas Cay Australia fun facts

A Popular Tourist Destination

Michaelmas Cay is a popular tourist destination, located just off the coast of Cairns in Australia. It is a small sand cay surrounded by coral reefs and is a popular spot for snorkeling, diving, and bird watching. Tourists can take a boat tour to the cay, or take a scenic helicopter ride to get a bird's eye view of the cay and its surrounding reefs.

A Unique Ecosystem

Michaelmas Cay is home to a unique ecosystem, with its own unique species of plants and animals. The cay is surrounded by a coral reef, which provides a habitat for a variety of fish and other marine life. The cay is also home to a variety of seabirds, including terns, noddies, and boobies. The cay is also a nesting site for green and loggerhead turtles.

Home to a Variety of Wildlife

Michaelmas Cay is home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, turtles, and reef fish. It is a protected sanctuary for migratory seabirds, and is home to over 20,000 birds during the peak season. The cay is also a nesting site for green and loggerhead turtles, and is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving due to its vibrant coral reef.

Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port shopping

3 in our guide
C

Cairns Esplanade Markets

The Cairns Esplanade Markets are a great place to find unique souvenirs from your cruise to Michaelmas Cay. Here you can find a variety of handmade items, including jewelry, clothing, and art. There are also plenty of food stalls to enjoy a snack or a meal while you shop. The markets are open every day and are located close to the cruise port, making them easy to get to.

C

Cairns Night Markets

The Cairns Night Markets are a great place to find souvenirs from your cruise to Michaelmas Cay. Here you can find a variety of handmade items, including jewelry, clothing, and art. There are also plenty of food stalls to enjoy a snack or a meal while you shop. The markets are open every night and are located close to the cruise port, making them easy to get to.

C

Cairns Shopping Centre

Cairns Shopping Centre is the perfect place to find souvenirs from your cruise to Michaelmas Cay. With a wide variety of stores, you can find everything from clothing and jewelry to local art and crafts. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy a bite to eat while you shop. The centre is conveniently located near the cruise port, making it easy to get to and from.

// Michaelmas Cay Australia Cruise Port Terminals

Which Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise terminal will your ship use?

Your cruise line assigns the pier — here's what each one means for your day ashore.

3 piers in Michaelmas Cay Australia
Pier 1 of 3

Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal

1 Marlin Parade, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia

The Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal is the main port of call for cruise ships visiting Michaelmas Cay. It is located in the heart of Cairns City, and offers a range of services for passengers, including check-in, baggage handling, and access to the city's many attractions. The terminal is also home to a number of restaurants and shops, making it a great place to explore before or after your cruise.

Pier 2 of 3

Cooktown Cruise Terminal

Cooktown Rd, Cooktown QLD 4895, Australia

The Cooktown Cruise Terminal is located in the heart of Cooktown, and is the third major port of call for cruise ships visiting Michaelmas Cay. The terminal offers a range of services for passengers, including check-in, baggage handling, and access to the city's many attractions. The terminal is also home to a number of restaurants and shops, making it a great place to explore before or after your cruise.

Pier 3 of 3

Port Douglas Cruise Terminal

Port Douglas Rd, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia

The Port Douglas Cruise Terminal is located in the heart of Port Douglas, and is the second major port of call for cruise ships visiting Michaelmas Cay. The terminal offers a range of services for passengers, including check-in, baggage handling, and access to the city's many attractions. The terminal is also home to a number of restaurants and shops, making it a great place to explore before or after your cruise.

Wi-Fi

Unfortunately, there is no public wifi access available at Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port.

Safety

Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port is generally considered to be a safe port. The area is well-patrolled by the local police and security personnel, and there are no reports of any major security issues. Additionally, the cruise lines that visit the port have strict safety protocols in place to ensure the safety of their passengers.

Port address

Michaelmas Cay, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia

Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port car rental

The closest car rental option near Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port is Avis, located in Cairns, approximately 30 minutes away. Other car rental options in the area include Hertz, Budget, Europcar, Thrifty, and Redspot. All of these companies offer a variety of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury vehicles, and can provide pick-up and drop-off services at the cruise port.

Piers are assigned by the cruise line — check your ship's docking notice the morning you arrive.

// Weather

Michaelmas Cay Australia Cruise Port Weather

South Pacific - Australia·30-year historical averages
Sep averages · Michaelmas Cay Australia
75°
Avg · °F
Warm, mostly dry
High
80°F
Low
71°F
Rain
1.1 in
Excursions that suit this weather
// Year-round in Michaelmas Cay Australia

Average monthly temperature and rainfall. This month is highlighted.

Avg temp °FRainfall in
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDECMONTHLY NORMALS · °F AND IN
// Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise ship schedule

Michaelmas Cay Australia Cruise Port Traffic Today

No cruise ships are scheduled in Michaelmas Cay Australia today, Sunday, September 13, 2026. Check the schedule for another date to see when ships are next due alongside.

// Keep exploring

Popular ports in the South Pacific

Other ports cruisers visit most in the South Pacific.

// Questions

Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port, answered

The things cruisers ask most before a day ashore in Michaelmas Cay Australia.

Where is Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port located?

Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port is located in South Pacific. Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port is located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, off the coast of Cairns in Far North Queensland. The port is situated on a small sand cay surrounded by coral reefs and is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. It is also a popular spot for bird watching, as the cay is home to a large number of seabirds.

Is Michaelmas Cay Australia a good cruise port to visit?

Yes, Michaelmas Cay Australia is a great cruise port. It is a beautiful, protected island located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and it is a popular spot for snorkeling, swimming, and bird watching. The island is also home to a large colony of seabirds, making it a great spot for wildlife viewing.

How safe is Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port for passengers?

Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port has a safety score of 8.9 out of 10, ranking #63 of 318 ports in South Pacific. Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port is generally considered to be a safe port. The area is well-patrolled by the local police and security personnel, and there are no reports of any major security issues. Additionally, the cruise lines that visit the port have strict safety protocols in place to ensure the safety of their passengers.

What is the weather like at Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port in September?

In September, Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port has average high temperatures of 80°F (27°C) and average lows of 71°F (22°C).

What are the top things to do at Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port?

Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Bird Watching, Kayaking, Snorkeling. Michaelmas Cay Australia is known for its stunning natural beauty and its abundance of wildlife. It is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving, as the waters around the cay are home to a wide variety of colorful coral and marine life. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching, as the cay is a protected bird sanctuary. There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and sailing. With its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, Michaelmas Cay is a great destination for a relaxing day in the sun.

Can I rent a car at Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port?

The closest car rental option near Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port is Avis, located in Cairns, approximately 30 minutes away. Other car rental options in the area include Hertz, Budget, Europcar, Thrifty, and Redspot. All of these companies offer a variety of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury vehicles, and can provide pick-up and drop-off services at the cruise port.

What is the WiFi situation at Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port?

Unfortunately, there is no public wifi access available at Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port.

Where is the cruise terminal at Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port?

Michaelmas Cay Australia cruise port is located at Michaelmas Cay, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia.

What is the Michaelmas Cay Australia Cruise Port cruise schedule?

There are no cruise ships scheduled at Michaelmas Cay Australia today. Use the cruise ship schedule above to check Michaelmas Cay Australia on any past or future date.

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