6 Cairns attractions
Slow down and match the pace of tropical North Queensland with a few days soaking up Cairns’ many charms.
While it may be tempting to dash off to visit its famous neighbours further north or swim, scuba or snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef, this laid-back town has plenty to discover.
1. Beautiful esplanade
You could spend a whole day exploring the Cairns esplanade – start north and walk towards the town centre past playgrounds, volleyball courts and waterplay stops. Grab a bite to eat at Muddy’s Cafe. You can’t go past the fish tacos.
While you can’t swim at the beach, you can spend a few hours at the saltwater lagoon. Free for all, this series of pools provides cool relief and plenty of splashing opportunities for little ones.
After a few hours lounging around, continue to the marina to finish the day with an ice cream.
2. Garden oasis
While away the hours reading under the trees in the Cairns Botanic Gardens. The gardens house an extensive collection of tropical plants and are also a well-known haven for tropical bird species.
The gardens are deceptively big, with several distinct areas including the rainforest boardwalk, Zhanjiang Friendship Garden and The Watkins Munro Martin Conservatory which has been designed to resemble the iconic licuala palm.
You can also learn how the local Aboriginal people used native plants via a walk through Flecker Garden.
3. Save a turtle
Cairns is a hub for turtle rescue efforts in Queensland, with the aquarium housing a turtle hospital looking after these stick and injured animals – often the result of getting caught in fishing gear or ingesting plastic.
Guided tours of the hospital are available daily, with proceeds going towards food, medicine and veterinary care for turtles.
Many turtles also spend time in rehabilitation facilities like the one located on Fitzroy Island – a 45-minute ferry ride away. They stay until they’re ready to be released back into the wild, with rehab sometimes taking as long as two years.
4. Follow the locals
If you want to sink your feet into the sand, head to Holloways Beach – a small suburb just outside of town.
The sleepy foreshore is the perfect place to take a stroll, and you can enjoy dinner at Strait on the Beach or Richards Salt & Pepper Takeaway. Look out for the delicious African curries. Unfortunately, crocodiles and jellyfish mean swimming is a no-go Holloways Beach.
For bushwalking, start at one of the trails near the Botanic Gardens and wind your way through the rainforest-clad Mount Whitfield Conservation Park – look for the Blue, Red, Yellow and Green Arrow Tracks.
5. Art scene
Escape the humidity and explore the exhibitions in the Cairns Art Gallery on your own or on a guided tour.
Set within a landmark heritage building, the gallery showcases historical and contemporary works by leading artists from the region, across Australia, and around the world.
It doesn’t stop there. Contemporary creations are displayed at the artist-owned Underart Gallery and a revolving calendar of artworks can be found at Bulmba-ja arts centre.
6. Eat local
Cairns provides the perfect opportunity to discover the culinary delights of tropical North Queensland.
Stock up on ingredients like local papaya, pineapple, lychee and jackfruit at the famous Rusty’s Market or Jonsson’s Farm Market. You can also get freshly grated coconut which you can add to your muesli or smoothies.
If you want to truly indulge, try a locally grown chocolate pudding fruit. Also known as black sapote, this fruit’s dark brown flesh, texture and taste are reminiscent of the popular dessert when ripe.
Try local seafood, mud crab, Davidson plum and finger lime at the Calypso Club, Dundees on the Waterfront or the Ochre Restaurant.
Whether you’re soaking up its vibrant arts scene, wandering its waterfront, or simply embracing tropical time, Cairns proves there’s plenty to do without leaving town.
Go tropical
Speak to an RAA Travel Agent about your next North Queensland adventure.
Or call 8202 4589