Surrounded by lush rainforests and pristine beaches, Cairns is Queensland’s far northern city and the gateway to two World Heritage-listed treasures: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest.
Bigger than New Mexico, the Great Barrier Reef offers snorkelling, diving, game fishing and sailing through more than 1,000 islands. The Wet Tropics Rainforest is a “living museum” of ancient plants and rare wildlife covering 900,000 hectares (2,223,948 acres).
Cairns beaches are stunning — 26 kilometres (16 miles) of uncrowded tropical paradise. Numerous islands hold resorts, with Green Island and Fitzroy Island a catamaran ride from the city.
Thrill-seekers delight in local adventures, from hot air ballooning and white water rafting to bungy jumping and mountain climbing.
Calmer nature experiences are available within the city, including Flecker Botanic Gardens, Mt Whitfield Conservation Park and the Jack Barnes Bicentennial Mangrove Boardwalk. Get close to koalas and crocodiles at Wild World or hand-feed fish and sharks at Undersea World Oceanarium.
For history and culture, visit the Cairns Historical Museum, Cairns Regional Gallery and James Cook Historical Museum.
Alternatively, pick up hot international and Australian designer buys on the Esplanade or in DFS Galleria — other major shopping centres are on nearby streets. Wander Grafton Street for little boutiques, such as Tea Lily, and vintage stores. The weekend Mud Markets feature locally designed fashion, jewellery and art.
Cairns dining bursts with locally grown flavours. Devour seafood at Café China Seafood Restaurant and Noodle Bar or Springs Restaurant. Try unique Australian foods at Red Ochre Grill and Dundee’s Licensed Grill. Perotta’s and C’est Bon provide conventional fine dining, while Mondo Cafe Bar and Grill and Lillipad Cafe sate hunger on a budget. Pubs provide cheap eats — including Rattle ‘n’ Hum Bar and Grill and Sports Bar Nightclub and Cafe.
Cairns offers all accommodation types, including major hotels. Plentiful backpacker stays include the Serpent Hostel and Bar and Gilligan’s Backpacker Hotel and Resort. Bay Village Tropical Retreat, Fitzroy Island Resort, Royal Palm Villa Apartments and Reef Gateway Apartments are mid-priced. Luxury resides at Reef Casino Cairns, Green Island Resort and world-renowned spa resorts in nearby Palm Cove.
