Great Barrier Reef cruises, tropical-island escapes, wilderness adventures in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, and scenic trips to the rainforest village of Kuranda are high on most sightseeing agendas. No wonder Cairns graces the top four list of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations.
Cairns Esplanade
Enjoy a sunrise or sunset stroll and soak up the vibe of this friendly town along Cairns Esplanade. A massive facelift transformed this seafront strip into a vibrant social hub and recreation center catering to both locals and tourists. Stretching along the seafront in town, the esplanade now boasts lush tropical parks, playgrounds, a swimming lagoon, and foreshore promenade. Birdlife is abundant in the fringing mangroves and tidal flats, and interpretative signs share fascinating tidbits about the region’s ecology.
Cairns Botanic Gardens
Originally laid out in 1886, Cairns Botanic Gardens boasts one of the finest collections of tropical plants in Australia. It is one of the attractions nearest to any Cairns City Accommodation where green thumbs can take a self-guided tour through several kaleidoscopic gardens showcasing more than 4,000 different species of plants. The formal Flecker Garden spotlights tropical habitats from around the globe with jungle and rainforest plants from Southeast Asia, Africa, South America, and Far North Queensland. From here, visitors can stroll along the Rainforest Boardwalk to Centenary Lakes, a haven for birds with both freshwater and saltwater habitats.
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
Tucked in lush rainforest, about a 15 minute-drive from Cairns City Accommodation, the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park offers enriching insight into one of the oldest cultures on earth. For more than 25 years, the center has been a popular stop on the tourist circuit and is often packaged with tours to Kuranda thanks to the adjacent Skyrail station. Dance performances, music, storytelling, and exhibits bring the fascinating culture of the Tjapukai people to life. Guests can learn how to play a didgeridoo, fling a boomerang, throw a spear, and discover the medicinal bonuses of bush tucker. Day visits with interactive activities and night visits with a buffet dinner, fire-starter ceremony, and live performances are on the lineup. After all the activities, guests can enjoy a meal at the Boomerang Restaurant, or browse the center’s retail art gallery.
