Arrivals 

Airport Pick Up

What To Expect

Those who arrive on the designated arrival day and within the arrival window (8am-4pm) will be met at the Cairns (CNS) airport by Grace Gutwein, the CIS Abroad Gold Coast Site Director. You will then be taken to your accommodation, which is approximately 10 minutes by taxi from the airport.

If You Miss Your Airport Pick up

Please do not worry, it’s okay and it has happened before! Depending on what airport you are in it will differ on what you should do. Please note you will not be reimbursed for any missed airport pick up. 

If you miss your pick up in the Cairns Airport: First, use the airport Wi-Fi or a courtesy phone to call Grace (Phone +61 432 558 534), it might be possible to get you on the next airport pickup transfer. If you are past the last airport pick up and need to find your own way to the accommodation:

• Head outside of the terminal to reach the taxis
• Each terminal has its own sheltered taxi rank at the front of each terminal building, simply follow the signage in the terminal. Give them your Orientation Address : 
• Gilligan's
  Address: 57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns
• Fare Estimate: $30 AUD and it will be about a 10 minute drive.

* As a reminder you do NOT have to tip in Australia. *

Lost Baggage

If your bags decide to take a later flight, don’t panic. If the airline loses your luggage you must file a report with the airline while you are still in the baggage area. It is much more difficult to file this report once you’ve left the baggage claim area. The information you will need to provide on that form include the following: 

• NAME (you can give your name)
• PHONE # (give Grace's phone number: +61 432 558 534)
• ADDRESS (YHA Cairns Central, 20-26 McLeod St, Cairns City QLD 4870)

The airline baggage claim service will usually give you a website and a code where you can track your misplaced bag if you want updates.

How To Get To The Accommodations From The Airport

The orientation accommodation is a quick 10 minute taxi or Uber ride from the airport. Expect to pay approximately 30 AUD- cash or cards are accepted.

Early Arrivals

We recommend arriving on the designated arrival day. However, if you choose to arrive before your program start date, you are responsible for yourself until the day the program begins. This includes your transportation, housing, meals and safety. Don't worry, many students choose this option and exploring the city for a day or two on your own can be a fun way to start your program and beat the jet lag before things start!