Far North Queensland hospital visit planner
Cairns Hospital emergency access, outpatient appointments, parking, map and visitor guide
Cairns Hospital is the main public hospital for Cairns and a major referral hospital for Far North Queensland. This guide is made for patients, carers, families and visitors who need clear action details before calling, booking, attending Emergency, going to an outpatient clinic, parking at E Block, visiting a ward, arranging interpreter or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support, or preparing for admission.
Use this page to quickly find the official address, phone number, Emergency Department rules, outpatient appointment process, parking costs, map shortcuts, ward visiting hours, pharmacy, cafés, telehealth, Medicare/private insurance notes, Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme, medical record access and practical “what to ask” checklists.
For a life-threatening emergency in Australia, call 000 and ask for an ambulance. Do not wait for an appointment or rely on an online hospital guide.
Call000, switchboard, clinic, pharmacy or records
ConfirmReferral, appointment, ward, interpreter or cost risk
TravelLake Street bus, Esplanade taxi, E Block car park
Check inMain entry, Emergency, clinic, ward or Transit Lounge
EscalateRyan’s Rule, liaison officer, social work or feedback
Quick contact: address, phone, Emergency, parking and patient support
Main hospital
Cairns Hospital
165 The Esplanade, Cairns North QLD 4870
Main phone: 07 4226 0000
Postal: PO Box 902, Cairns North QLD 4870
Emergency Department
Open 24 hours, 365 days/year
Address also appears in Queensland Health ED data as 165-171 Esplanade, Cairns City QLD 4870.
Emergency: 000
Parking snapshot
E Block multi-storey car park
Access from Digger Street.
Open 6:00am to 8:00pm daily.
All-day parking: $11.20; concessional all-day: $5.60.
| Need | Use this action / contact | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | Call 000 | Use for severe chest pain, stroke signs, major bleeding, collapse, severe breathing difficulty, major trauma, poisoning, severe allergic reaction or immediate danger. |
| Emergency Department | Attend Cairns Hospital Emergency Department if urgent care is needed. | Patients are treated by urgency, not arrival order. Queensland Health says critical patients are given priority. |
| Unsure whether ED is needed | Call 13 HEALTH on 13 43 25 84. | 13 HEALTH provides 24-hour health advice. Call 000 instead for emergencies. |
| General hospital enquiry | 07 4226 0000 | Hospital is open 24/7; general enquiry office hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm. |
| Health service general enquiries | 07 4226 6000 | Use for Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service general enquiries during business hours. |
| Outpatient appointment | Start with your GP referral, then wait for clinic contact. | Outpatient clinics need an appointment. Referrals are assessed and categorised by urgency. |
| Interpreter for appointment | Call the hospital or clinic at least 2 weeks before your appointment. | Interpreter services are free and can be provided by phone or in person. |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support | 07 4226 6361 | Use to arrange support from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Hospital Liaison Officer at Cairns Hospital. |
| Hospital pharmacy | 07 4226 6754 | Ground floor, D Block. Open Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm. For hospital-issued prescriptions, not general community pharmacy use. |
| Medical records / RTI | Information Access Unit: 07 4226 8683 | For administrative access, Right to Information and personal information access questions. |
Local access warning for 2026-2027: construction works are changing hospital entrances and parking access. Walking access to D Block near dCafé is affected, patient pick-up/drop-off areas may be shorter or close at times, and visitors should allow extra time before appointments.
Cairns Hospital map, entrances, E Block parking and patient video
Cairns Hospital sits along The Esplanade and is also accessed from Lake Street, Digger Street, Grove Street and surrounding streets. The official map identifies main entry, Lake Street entry, Esplanade entry, Emergency entry, E Block car park, bus stop, taxi rank, patient drop-off, disabled parking, pharmacy, cafés, pathology, medical imaging, wards and outpatient clinics.
Best entry by purpose
- Emergency: follow signs to Emergency entry.
- Main hospital / wards: use the main Esplanade entrance unless your letter gives another route.
- Transit Lounge / Lake Street side: use Lake Street entry where appropriate.
- Parking: use E Block multi-storey car park, accessed from Digger Street.
- Mental Health Unit: official map shows access via Kerwin Street.
- Outpatient clinics: check whether your clinic is in A, B, C or D Block before travel.
Official map shortcuts
- Medical Imaging / X-ray: C Block, ground floor.
- Blood Collection: B Block, ground floor.
- Pharmacy: D Block, ground floor.
- Pathology: E Block, level 2.
- Patient Liaison Officer: A Block, level 4.
- Transit Procedure Unit: D Block, ground floor.
- PET/CT Scan: E Block, ground floor.
- Cancer Care Centre: E Block, level 1.
Official patient video: Welcome to Cairns Hospital
This Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service video is a useful orientation resource for people coming to Cairns Hospital.
Which Cairns Hospital pathway should you use?
| Your situation | Best next step | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening symptoms or major injury | Call 000 and ask for an ambulance. | Do not compare waiting times, parking or appointment options first. |
| Urgent but unsure if ED is needed | Call 13 HEALTH on 13 43 25 84 or speak to your GP. | Queensland Health says some issues such as stitch removal, sprains/strains and bites/stings may be managed by GP rather than ED if not serious. |
| You need a specialist outpatient appointment | See your GP for referral; referrals are sent to the hospital and triaged. | Outpatient clinics require appointments and are prioritised by clinical urgency. |
| You already have an appointment | Check date, time, clinic, building, level, transport and parking before travel. | Different clinics are spread across A, B, C and D Blocks. |
| You are having surgery | Attend pre-admission and follow hospital/surgeon instructions. | Pre-admission may include anaesthetist, doctor, nurse and pharmacist review. |
| You live far from specialist care | Check Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme eligibility. | PTSS may help eligible rural/remote patients with travel and accommodation costs. |
| You need cultural, language or disability support | Tell the clinic early or call the hospital before attending. | Interpreter and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander liaison support can be arranged. |
Emergency Department: when to go, what to bring and what happens
Call 000 immediately for chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe breathing difficulty, severe bleeding, major injury, collapse, poisoning, severe allergic reaction or any life-threatening emergency.
| Emergency Department status | Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. |
|---|---|
| How patients are seen | Patients are assessed by a triage nurse and treated in order of urgency. The sickest patients are seen first. |
| Visitor rule in ED | Cairns Hospital lists one visitor per bedside for the Emergency Department. |
| If you leave before treatment | Tell the emergency department receptionist or triage nurse before leaving. |
| After ED consultation | You may be discharged, observed longer, admitted, treated with plaster/stitches/medication, referred to a specialist, or transferred to another hospital. |
Bring to Emergency if safe and practical
Cards and documents
- Medicare card.
- Pension or concession card if you have one.
- DVA card if relevant.
- Private health insurance details if relevant.
- GP address and phone number.
- WorkCover or accident details if injury happened at work or in a crash.
Medical and practical items
- List of current medications or the actual medicines.
- Relevant X-rays, scans and test results.
- Food, bottles, nappies, spare clothing and a toy for babies or children.
- Money for phone calls, vending machines or taxi home if needed.
- Mobile phone and charger.
- Something to read if the condition is stable enough to wait.
Ask early: tell triage if symptoms are getting worse, pain increases, you are pregnant or breastfeeding, recently travelled overseas, need an interpreter, need Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support, have housing/social concerns, or do not have Medicare/DVA details.
Outpatient appointments: referral, triage, interpreter and telehealth steps
Appointment rule: outpatient clinics provide specialist medical and surgical care without hospital admission. You need an appointment, and the first step is usually a GP referral.
How a specialist appointment starts
- See your GP or referring clinician.
- If specialist care is needed, your GP writes a referral.
- The referral is sent directly to the hospital.
- The hospital/specialist clinic assesses and categorises the referral by urgency.
- You are placed on a waiting list if an appointment is needed.
- The clinic contacts you with the appointment details.
Before the appointment
- Confirm the date, time, clinic name, building and level.
- Plan parking, bus, taxi or drop-off before leaving home.
- Bring a family member or friend if that helps you understand the plan.
- Call the hospital/clinic at least 2 weeks before if an interpreter is needed.
- Write questions for the doctor, including costs, tests, medicines and follow-up.
- Bring your referral, Medicare card, medication list and previous results if requested.
Telehealth appointment steps
| Telehealth item | What Cairns and Hinterland HHS says | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Used for | Outpatient appointments, inpatient ward rounds, at-home patient appointments, clinical image transfer and emergency support/advice. | Ask your clinician if telehealth is suitable. |
| At home requirements | Computer, tablet or smartphone; internet/Wi-Fi; webcam, headset or speakers. | Set up a quiet private place before the appointment. |
| Appointment link | The clinic sends an email or SMS with a video link and a test link. | Use the test link before the appointment day to check webcam and audio. |
| Support person | A family member, carer or friend can sit in on the telehealth appointment. | Ask the clinic if consent or privacy steps are needed. |
| Technical help | Telehealth Helpdesk: 1800 066 888. | Call if the video link, audio or camera fails. |
For health professionals: referral submission routes
| Referral route | Official detail | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Referrals | Health professionals can use Smart Referrals. | Use when available for the specialist department. |
| Medical Objects | ID: CC4870000GB. | Use for electronic referral transmission where available. |
| HealthLink | ID: qldcandh. | Use for electronic referral transmission where available. |
| Post | PO Box 902, Cairns QLD 4870. | Use only if appropriate and accepted for the referral type. |
| Health-professional fax | 07 4226 8100. | Listed as health professionals use only. |
Official map guide: wards, clinics and departments by block and level
The official Cairns Hospital map was updated in May 2026. Use this table to orient yourself, but always follow your appointment letter and onsite signage because construction and service locations can change.
| Service / area | Official map location | User tip |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Department | C Block, ground floor | Use Emergency entry; call 000 for life-threatening symptoms. |
| Medical Imaging / X-ray | C Block, ground floor | Bring request form and previous imaging if requested. |
| Blood Collection | B Block, ground floor | Ask clinic if bloods are needed before appointment. |
| Pharmacy | D Block, ground floor | For hospital-issued prescriptions; not for general community pharmacy use. |
| Pathology | E Block, level 2 | Check whether fasting or timed collection applies. |
| PET/CT Scan | E Block, ground floor | Confirm preparation and arrival time before travel. |
| Transit Procedure Unit | D Block, ground floor | Useful for some procedures, treatments and discharge pathways. |
| Rapid Access Medical Service / Hospital in the Home / Minor Procedures | B Block, level 1 | Use appointment instructions; do not attend without clinic direction. |
| Medical Assessment Unit / Medical Ambulatory Care Unit | B Block, level 1 | Follow hospital direction if being assessed or reviewed. |
| Pre-Admission Clinic | B Block, level 1 | Important before surgery; missing it may delay surgery. |
| Surgical Admissions | D Block, level 1 | Follow your admission letter for arrival time and fasting. |
| Day Surgery and Overnight Stay Unit | D Block, level 1 | Arrange transport home if required after anaesthetic/procedure. |
| Endoscopy Clinic | D Block, level 1 | Do not guess fasting or bowel preparation instructions. |
| Cardiac Cath Lab and Investigations Unit | D Block, level 1 | Confirm medication and escort requirements. |
| Cardiac Ward and Coronary Care Unit | D Block, level 1 | Confirm ward visitor rules before travelling. |
| Intensive Care Unit | C Block, level 1 | Call ward before visiting; ICU rules may differ. |
| Maternity Ward | C Block, level 2 | Bring pregnancy/maternity documents and follow urgent pregnancy advice. |
| Birth Suites | C Block, level 2 | Use maternity instructions from your care team. |
| Special Care Nursery | C Block, level 2 | Parents may visit at any time; consent forms can allow others to visit with parents. |
| Children’s and Adolescent Wards | B Block, level 2 | Bring child medicines, comfort items and family contact details. |
| Children’s Clinics | B Block, level 3 | Confirm clinic and bring child’s record/results if requested. |
| Women’s Health Clinic | C Block, level 2 | Check appointment letter for exact instructions. |
| Respiratory and Renal Ward | D Block, level 3 | Confirm treatment/visitor rules for dialysis or respiratory care. |
| Dialysis Unit | B Block, level 6 | Parking concessions may be relevant for renal dialysis patients. |
| Cancer Care Centre, Liz Plummer | E Block, level 1 | Visiting hours differ from general wards. |
| Cancer Care Ward | D Block, level 4 | Check visitor rules and infection precautions. |
| Orthopaedic Ward | D Block, level 6 | Visiting hours differ from general wards. |
| Rehabilitation Ward and Acute Stroke Unit | D Block, level 2 | Ask about therapy schedule before visiting. |
| Respiratory and Rheumatology Clinics | A Block, ground floor | Lake Street or other entry may be easier depending on construction changes. |
| Lake Street Outpatient Clinics | A Block, ground floor | Access via Lake Street. |
| Surgical Outpatient Clinics | B Block, ground floor | Bring referral and imaging if requested. |
| Neurology and Dermatology Clinics | B Block, ground floor | Confirm whether tests/photos/results are needed. |
| Medical Outpatient Clinics | B Block, level 1 | Arrive early to check in. |
| Allied Health Clinics | B Block, level 4 | Bring mobility aids or therapy equipment if requested. |
| Post Acute Wound Clinic | D Block, level 2 | Bring dressing information and discharge notes. |
| Sleep Disorders Centre | D Block, level 3 | Confirm overnight or test preparation instructions. |
| Crisis Support Space | D Block, ground floor | Use urgent mental health pathways if safety risk is immediate. |
| Mental Health Unit | A Block, ground floor; access via Kerwin Street | Use mental health referral or crisis pathway as directed. |
| Social Work | D Block, level 2 | Useful for discharge, accommodation, family support and financial/social concerns. |
| Patient Liaison Officer | A Block, level 4 | Use for patient support, concerns and hospital communication. |
| Multi-Faith Centre | D Block, ground floor | Near D Block pharmacy/dCafé area. |
| Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation | E Block, ground floor | Concessional parking vouchers are claimed here. |
Parking, public transport, drop-off and local access tips
| Car park | Multi-storey car park at Cairns Hospital E Block. |
|---|---|
| Car park access | Access from Digger Street. |
| Opening hours | 6:00am to 8:00pm daily. |
| Disabled parking | Disabled parking spaces are available in several locations around the hospital and in the E Block multi-storey car park. |
| Bus | Bus stop outside Cairns Hospital in Lake Street. Use TransLink for current routes. |
| Taxi | Taxi rank is on the Esplanade side of the hospital, outside C Block. |
| Pick-up / drop-off | Designated areas are outside the Lake Street entrance near the Transit Lounge, D Block, and near the main entrance on The Esplanade. |
| Wheelchair help | If you need to borrow a wheelchair, ask a volunteer at the main entrance. |
Parking costs as at 9 March 2026
| Time | Full parking cost | Concessional parking cost |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 30 minutes | Free | Free |
| Up to 1 hour | $4.10 | $2.10 |
| Up to 2 hours | $7.70 | $3.90 |
| Up to 4 hours | $9.60 | $4.80 |
| All day | $11.20 | $5.60 |
| Lost ticket | $11.20 | $11.20 |
Who may qualify for concessional parking?
- Pensioner Concession card holder.
- Health Care card holder.
- Gold Veteran Affairs card holder.
- Staying in hospital for at least 1 week.
- Need to go to hospital more than 2 times per week.
- Need to go to hospital at least once a week for 4 weeks or more.
- Renal dialysis, oncology or radiology treatment patients may ask the ward or social workers about a special parking card.
How to claim concessional parking: Cairns Hospital says patients can go to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation on the ground floor of E Block, corner of Digger and Grove Streets, to get a concessional voucher for the pay station. Concessional parking is available weekdays 8:30am to 4:30pm, not weekends or public holidays.
Visiting hours by ward and when to call before travelling
| Area | Visiting hours / rule | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| General wards | 10:00am-1:00pm and 3:00pm-8:00pm daily. | Most wards have a 1:00pm-3:00pm rest period. |
| Cancer Care Centre | 8:00am-5:00pm daily. | Check treatment and infection-control rules. |
| Emergency Department | Open 24 hours. | One visitor per bedside is allowed. |
| Oncology ward | 10:00am-1:00pm and 4:00pm-8:00pm daily. | Do not visit if unwell or exposed to contagious illness. |
| Mental Health Ward | 10:00am-8:00pm daily. | Call ahead if there are safety or access concerns. |
| Orthopaedic Unit | 8:00am-8:00pm daily. | Therapy and rest times may affect visiting. |
| Special Care Nursery | Parents may visit at any time. | Consent forms can allow other people to visit the baby with parents. |
| Surgical Care Unit | 10:00am-8:00pm daily. | Rest time is 1:30pm-3:30pm. |
| Outside visiting hours | Talk to the staff in charge of the ward. | Another time may be arranged if you cannot visit during normal hours. |
Visitor safety: do not visit if you have cold/flu symptoms, fever, gastro symptoms or other contagious illness. Prefer not to bring home-prepared food for patient consumption unless staff say it is safe.
Services and clinical areas available at Cairns Hospital
Cairns Hospital provides referral services across a large region, extending from the Torres Strait in the north, south to Tully and Jumbun, and west to Normanton and Georgetown. It operates a 24-hour Emergency Department and provides inpatient, outpatient, specialist and community-linked services.
| Service area | What the hospital information guide lists | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency | 24-hour Emergency Department. | Call 000 for life-threatening emergencies. |
| Intensive and coronary care | Intensive care and coronary care are listed as inpatient services. | Ward visitor rules and patient condition updates. |
| Mental health | Acute adult inpatient mental health unit and specialised mental health services. | Crisis pathway, visitor rules, Independent Patient Rights Advisor if under Mental Health Act. |
| Drug and alcohol | Drug and alcohol brief intervention team and community options are listed. | Referral route and appointment location. |
| Children, maternity and nursery | Children’s ward, maternity, gynaecology and special care nursery. | Urgent pregnancy/child symptoms should use emergency pathway. |
| Renal and dialysis | Renal unit, dialysis unit and renal satellite pharmacy services. | Dialysis timing, transport, parking concession card and infection precautions. |
| Orthopaedics and surgery | Orthopaedics, general surgery, endoscopy, day procedures and surgical wards. | Pre-admission, fasting, medication and escort rules. |
| Ophthalmology and neurology | Ophthalmology and neurology services are listed. | Clinic location and test/report requirements. |
| Oncology and radiation oncology | Oncology, Cancer Care Centre and radiation oncology are listed. | Treatment schedule, parking support and infection precautions. |
| Cardiology and thoracic medicine | Cardiology, cardiac investigations and thoracic medicine are listed. | Pre-test medication, ECG/echo/stress test instructions. |
| Gastroenterology and hepatology | Gastroenterology and endoscopy are listed. | Preparation instructions and escort requirement. |
| Medical imaging | Wide range of medical imaging services, including MRI, plus PET/CT and X-ray locations on map. | Contrast, fasting, kidney function, pregnancy and previous imaging requirements. |
| Rehabilitation and aged care | Rehabilitation, aged care services, acute stroke unit and memory/aged care clinics are listed. | Therapy schedule, discharge plan, family meeting and aged care assessment. |
| Allied health | Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, nutrition/dietetics, social work and counselling. | Bring aids/equipment and ask for written home program if relevant. |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support | Liaison officers and navigator services support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. | Call 07 4226 6361 at Cairns Hospital to arrange support. |
Admission, pre-surgery, what to bring and hospital safety
When you are admitted
- A patient identification band is placed on your wrist or ankle.
- Staff will check your name and date of birth many times for safety.
- Staff will ask about allergies or bad reactions before giving medicines.
- You may be asked about your healthcare history, current medicines, GP, Medicare number, private health cover and advance health directive.
- Tell staff if you need an interpreter, cultural support worker or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander liaison support.
Before surgery
- You may attend a pre-admission appointment.
- You may see an anaesthetist, resident medical officer, registered nurse and pharmacist.
- Ask questions about the operation, anaesthetic, recovery, medicines and discharge.
- Hospitals try to keep scheduled appointments, but emergencies can cause surgery to be rescheduled.
- Follow your direct fasting and medication instructions; do not guess.
Bring if staying overnight or being admitted
| Bring / tell staff | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Medicare number and Medicare card | Needed for public hospital and Medicare details. |
| Private health cover details if you have them | Needed if choosing private patient pathway. |
| All medicines in original packaging | Includes prescriptions, inhalers, eye drops, creams, vitamins and herbal supplements. Give medicines to nursing staff. |
| Allergy and adverse reaction details | Important before medicines, procedures and anaesthetic. |
| GP and treating professional details | Helps discharge summaries and follow-up care. |
| Advance health directive or enduring power of attorney | Bring copies if relevant. |
| Next of kin / support person / nominated carer | Helps staff know who to contact or update. |
| WorkCover details | Supply details at admission or before discharge if the condition may be covered by WorkCover. |
| Glasses, dentures, hearing aids and mobility aids | Label and store safely; avoid bringing valuables. |
| Small personal items only | Keep valuables, jewellery and excess cash at home where possible. |
Ryan’s Rule: if the patient is getting worse
Ryan’s Rule is an escalation process for patients, families and carers in Queensland Health public hospitals, including the Emergency Department and some Hospital in the Home services. Discuss concerns with the nurse or treating team first. Ryan’s Rule is for worsening or not-improving health concerns, not for general complaints.
Medicare, private insurance, non-Medicare patients and travel subsidy
Medicare and public care
Queensland Health information says clinics and most hospital care are free if you have a Medicare card. Bring your Medicare card to each appointment.
If you are not eligible for Medicare
Queensland Health says patients not eligible for Medicare need to pay for outpatient services. Ask the hospital before attending if you are visiting from overseas, do not hold Medicare or are unsure about coverage.
| Cost topic | Official detail | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Items that may be charged | Dental services, glasses, hearing aids, surgical supplies, prostheses, pharmaceuticals, home oxygen and other aids/appliances may have charges. | “Will this item be billed to me, Medicare, insurance or another scheme?” |
| Private health insurance in public hospital | You can use private insurance or choose to be treated as a public patient. | “Will I have out-of-pocket costs, invoices, excess or a doctor gap?” |
| Unplanned private admission | If your admission is unplanned and you choose a hospital doctor, insurance and Medicare will cover private hospital costs. | “Which doctor pathway am I choosing?” |
| Planned private doctor | If planned with your private doctor, you must pay costs not covered by insurance before hospital. | “What is not covered by my fund?” |
| Private room | Private patient status does not guarantee a private room; it depends on availability. | “Can you guarantee a private room?” |
| Long stay patient | Long stay can apply after 35 or more days in hospital and may involve accommodation fees. | “Has the patient become a nursing-home-type patient, and what fees apply?” |
| Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme | PTSS may help eligible rural/remote patients needing specialist care not available locally, including travel and accommodation support. | “Do I qualify because I live more than 50 km from my local public hospital or specialist service?” |
Fee safety: never rely on old forum posts or third-party fee lists. Confirm personal costs directly with the hospital, your insurer, Medicare or your referring doctor.
Interpreter, First Nations support, disability access, records and feedback
Interpreter services
- Interpreter services are free.
- They are available 24 hours a day.
- They support people who are hearing impaired or have difficulty communicating in English.
- Ask a staff member to contact translation and interpreter services.
- For outpatient appointments, call the hospital or clinic at least 2 weeks before your appointment.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support
- Cairns Hospital has Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officers.
- They can provide cultural support, advice, health education, practical assistance and advocacy.
- Call 07 4226 6361 to arrange support.
- Tell staff if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander so support can be offered.
| Need | Official contact / route | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Medical records / personal information | Information Access Unit: 07 4226 8683 | Ask whether your information is available through administrative access before making an RTI/IP application. |
| RTI/IP application in person | Health Information Services, Level 1 Block A, Cairns Hospital. | Bring identity documents and application details. |
| RTI/IP by post | Cairns Hospital, Information Access Unit, PO Box 902 Cairns QLD 4870. | Fees may apply for some RTI/IP applications. |
| RTI review discussion | Manager, Information Access Unit: 07 4226 8680 | Review requests generally have strict timeframes after decision letters. |
| Feedback, complaint or compliment | Use Cairns and Hinterland HHS feedback pathway or email chhhs_feedback@health.qld.gov.au. | For immediate safety concerns, talk to ward/clinic staff or use Ryan’s Rule where appropriate. |
| Disability support | Tell the clinic, ward or hospital before attending. | Ask about wheelchair access, accessible toilets, parking, communication support and appointment adjustments. |
Pharmacy, cafés, Wi-Fi and practical facilities
| Facility | Location / detail | Useful note |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital pharmacy | Ground floor, D Block, opposite the multi-faith centre and dCafé. | For hospital-issued prescriptions. Open Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm. Phone 07 4226 6754. |
| Satellite pharmacies | Cancer care, renal departments and sexual health. | Specialist pharmacists work with teams to optimise medications and educate referred patients/families. |
| dCafé | Ground floor, D Block, opposite the Esplanade. | Hot meals, wraps, rolls, salads, smoothies, juices, organic coffee and tea; outdoor eating area. |
| Sea Breeze Café | Ground floor, B Block, next to main hospital entrance and opposite the Esplanade. | Hot meals, salads, snacks, drinks, toiletries and gifts. |
| Free Wi-Fi | Network name: QH-FreeWiFi. | No password needed; works on most Wi-Fi devices. |
| Multi-Faith Centre | D Block, ground floor. | Quiet spiritual/reflection support area. |
| ATM / café / toilets / accessible toilets / parent room | Shown on the official Cairns Hospital map. | Ask the information desk or volunteers for directions if the map is unclear. |
Opening-hour note: café hours can change, so use current onsite signage or the official café social pages before relying on exact times.
Micro call scripts: what to ask before you go
For outpatient appointments
- “Which building, level and clinic desk should I go to?”
- “Is my referral received and triaged?”
- “Is the appointment face-to-face, phone or telehealth?”
- “Do I need blood tests, scans or reports before the appointment?”
- “Can an interpreter be arranged for my appointment?”
- “Should I bring a support person, medication list or previous results?”
For parking, admission and costs
- “Is E Block car park the closest option for my clinic or ward?”
- “Am I eligible for concessional parking?”
- “Should I go to Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation for a parking voucher?”
- “Will I have any cost as a public, private, overseas or non-Medicare patient?”
- “Do I need PTSS paperwork because I live far away?”
- “What time should I arrive if there is construction or changed access?”
Official Cairns Hospital links for actions and latest checks
Use these official links to perform an action, check current access changes or open the official PDF. The important practical details from these sources have already been summarised above.
| User need | Official link |
|---|---|
| Main Cairns Hospital page | Cairns Hospital official page |
| Health service contact | Cairns and Hinterland HHS contact |
| Parking and public transport | Cairns Hospital parking and public transport |
| Hospital map PDF | Cairns Hospital map PDF |
| Patient information PDF | Cairns Hospital patient information guide PDF |
| Emergency Department guidance | Emergency Department information |
| Live ED activity / wait information | Cairns Hospital ED activity |
| Outpatient appointments | Appointments and outpatients |
| Before surgery | Before your surgery |
| Telehealth | Telehealth information |
| Costs, insurance and financial support | Health costs and financial support |
| Private health insurance | Using private health insurance |
| Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme | Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme |
| Refer a patient | Refer your patient |
| Right to Information / records | Right to Information |
| Official YouTube channel | Cairns and Hinterland HHS YouTube |
Cairns Hospital FAQs
What is the address of Cairns Hospital?
Cairns Hospital is located at 165 The Esplanade, Cairns North QLD 4870, Australia.
What is the phone number for Cairns Hospital?
The main Cairns Hospital phone number is 07 4226 0000.
Does Cairns Hospital have a 24-hour Emergency Department?
Yes. Cairns Hospital Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For life-threatening emergencies, call 000.
How do I get an outpatient appointment at Cairns Hospital?
You usually need a GP referral. The referral is sent to the hospital, assessed by the specialist clinic and categorised by urgency. You will be contacted with appointment details if an appointment is needed.
Where is the Cairns Hospital car park?
The multi-storey Cairns Hospital car park is at E Block and is accessed from Digger Street. It is open from 6:00am to 8:00pm daily.
How much is parking at Cairns Hospital?
As at 9 March 2026, parking is free up to 30 minutes, $4.10 up to 1 hour, $7.70 up to 2 hours, $9.60 up to 4 hours and $11.20 all day. Concessional rates are available for eligible patients during weekday concession hours.
What are Cairns Hospital general visiting hours?
General wards can be visited daily from 10:00am to 1:00pm and 3:00pm to 8:00pm. Some areas have different visiting hours, including Cancer Care Centre, Emergency Department, Oncology ward, Mental Health Ward, Orthopaedic Unit, Special Care Nursery and Surgical Care Unit.
How do I arrange an interpreter at Cairns Hospital?
Ask a staff member to contact translation and interpreter services. For outpatient appointments, call the hospital or clinic at least 2 weeks before the appointment to arrange an interpreter.
How do I arrange Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support at Cairns Hospital?
Call 07 4226 6361 to arrange support from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Hospital Liaison Officer at Cairns Hospital.
Where is the Cairns Hospital pharmacy?
The hospital pharmacy is on the ground floor of D Block, opposite the multi-faith centre and dCafé. It is open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm and can be contacted on 07 4226 6754.
Source and update note
This guide is based on official Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service / Queensland Health pages and official PDFs for Cairns Hospital contact details, Emergency Department information, outpatient appointments, parking and public transport, hospital map, patient information guide, telehealth, costs, private insurance, Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme, referrals, records and patient support.
Hospital contacts, parking prices, building access, visitor rules, clinic locations, appointment processes, fees and service availability can change. Confirm urgent, appointment-specific or patient-specific details directly with Cairns Hospital before travelling or making care decisions.
This page is an informational hospital guide only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.