Cairns is a picturesque town located in the heart of Far North Queensland's tropical paradise. The stunning palm-lined streets, surrounded by rainforest-clad mountains, and the close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef make Cairns a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience a laid-back tropical lifestyle.
Experience the Best of Cairns' City Centre
Over the past two decades, Cairns has undergone a significant transformation focussing on tourism with the development of the Esplanade, the Reef Fleet Terminal, and the marina upgrade. These projects have transformed Cairns into a vibrant and exciting destination for visitors to the region.
The Esplanade is the heart of Cairns and a popular recreational area. The stunning panoramic views of the Coral Sea, rainforest mountains, mangroves, and marina provide the perfect backdrop for any outing. Take a walk out to the White Boats that are always parked on the main Marina near the Salthouse restaurant at the Northern end.
The boardwalk along the Esplanade is breathtaking, and the Cairns Swimming Lagoon Pool is a must-visit for anyone visiting the region. There are excellent facilities, including BBQs, making it the perfect spot for a family outing.
For the kids, Muddys Playground on the Esplanade is a paradise! This modern and fun playground features water fountains, climbing frames, brightly coloured sculptures and interactive fun for kids of all ages.
The Cairns Aquarium is one of Australia's most exciting and world-class tourist attractions. This iconic three-level landmark attraction, located in the heart of Cairns, showcases the animals, plants and habitats of the only two adjoining World Heritage protected areas - The Great Barrier Reef and The Wet Tropics Rainforest.
There's plenty going on in the main city area too, with a large number of restaurants, bars, shops, theatres, cinemas, and cafes to choose from. The Reef Casino provides nightly entertainment, and the Rainforest Dome is a handy stop for those who want to experience the rainforest in a short time. The Pier features a number of exclusive alfresco dining options overlooking the marina, and come September, the Festival Cairns programme provides weeks of cultural performances, including live music and special events. Many of these events are free, while some have entry fees.
