Pack your sunglasses and sun hat to explore Cairns, in Australia’s tropical north. There are plenty of nightclubs, bars and stylish eateries in this gateway to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Take your pick of nearby palm-fringed sandy beaches, golf courses or historic hinterland.
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Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the largest living thing on Earth
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Featuring a swimming lagoon and lined with bars and restaurants, Cairns Esplanade is an idyllic destination to spend a day
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Easy-going Cairns is a perfect city base from which to explore Queensland’s tropical north
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Situated on the shores of the Coral Sea, Clifton Beach in Cairns is an unspoilt paradise
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Easily reached from Cairns, the Daintree Rainforest is more than 100 million years old
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The Cairns War Memorial is a heritage listed monument that commemorates the city’s efforts in World War I
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Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the largest living thing on Earth
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Featuring a swimming lagoon and lined with bars and restaurants, Cairns Esplanade is an idyllic destination to spend a day
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Easy-going Cairns is a perfect city base from which to explore Queensland’s tropical north
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Situated on the shores of the Coral Sea, Clifton Beach in Cairns is an unspoilt paradise
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Easily reached from Cairns, the Daintree Rainforest is more than 100 million years old
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The Cairns War Memorial is a heritage listed monument that commemorates the city’s efforts in World War I
Do
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
A trip to North Queensland is not complete without visiting some of Australia's most famous creatures. Take the boat cruise on the lagoon to see crocs launch their powerful jaws towards their meal of the day. Don't miss the daily crocodile "Attack Show" in which a zookeeper gets into the water with a crocodile.
Location
Captain Cook Highway, Wangetti Beach
Phone
Visit website
See
Barron River and Barron Falls
The gushing Barron River and Barron Falls are best seen from the tree-top canopies along the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Go up by train and down via the cable car for phenomenal views of the World Heritage-listed rainforest nestling the township of Kuranda.
Location
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, corner of Captain Cook Highway and Cairns Western Arterial Road, Smithfield
Phone
Visit website
Drink
Salt House
You can't go past this bar and restaurant at Marina Point without encountering encompassing ocean views, the bustling waterfront and the Cairns mountains. Wine is sourced from across the world and includes a far-reaching range of beers. The expert staff is trained to create some tasty, if not complicated, concoctions.
See
Kuranda Village
Kuranda village is a great destination for authentic Aboriginal art, handcrafted goods and indigenous artefacts. Start at one end of the street and work your way through the market stalls and shops. The laid-back atmosphere creates an easy relaxing stroll through the township.
Do
Mossman Gorge Centre
The Daintree Rainforest was one of the inspirations behind the hit film Avatar and it's easy to see the magic revealed through the massive ferns, granite boulders and ancient Karri trees. Learn the ways of Aboriginal forefathers through one of the centre's dreamtime walks.
Eat
Nu Nu Restaurant
This restaurant at Palm Cove has won a stack of industry awards. Chef Nick Holloway knows how to impress with a contemporary and sophisticated menu using tropical North Queensland's finest ingredients with unique dishes such as crisped oysters with green tea noodles and ginger caramel to tantalise the tastebuds.
Shop
Cairns Esplanade
With more than 130 stalls, the boutique stores and night markets at the Esplanade offer a lively and exciting shopping experience. Cast an eye over the kangaroo and crocodile-hide goods, pearls and a large range of local artisanal souvenirs.
