Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, offering adventures above and below the Coral Sea blue, and is the perfect base to explore Tropical North Queensland’s world-famous rainforests.
A special place where rainforest meets reef, the tropical Far North sun warms winter, green season rains make waterfalls rumble, and the people here first tell Dreamtime stories. It's the spot to escape the ordinary and a destination that makes magical holiday memories lasting a lifetime.
Get on the GBR
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns sits steps from Reef Fleet Terminal making it a cinch to explore the reef. Tourist boats depart daily with some making the dash to Fitzroy and Green islands, others heading for pontoons anchored above the coral, and a few drifting towards remote stretches of blue that are home to Nemo and his mates.
Dreamy Daintree Day
A trip to TNQ isn’t complete without seeing the place rainforest meets reef. It’s a 90-minute motor north from Cairns and tours collect guests in the morning before dropping them back at the hotel after a day of exploring. It’s the easiest way to experience bucket-list destinations like Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation and the Bloomfield Track.
Wander to a Waterfall
The Far North is home to spectacular waterfalls with green-season showers bringing the wet stuff that makes these hidden gems rumble. Venture into the Atherton Tablelands – head up “The Gillies” for a spectacular journey before returning via Kuranda – with locations like Malanda Falls, Tchupala Falls and Millaa Millaa Falls perfect for a summertime soak.
Going to Market
Weekend markets are a way of life with communities from Palm Cove and Port Douglas to Tully and Tolga playing host. Remember to take a hat and arrive ready to eat as food is a highlight. And, if you can’t make it to the regions, Rusty’s Market and the Night Markets are within walking distance of the hotel while Kuranda is just a jaunt up the range.
South Pacific Perfect
Keen to see the islands but already crossed Fitzroy and Green from your to-do list? Then it’s time to book a Frankland Islands tour and see one of Tropical North Queensland’s true hidden gems. The excursion includes a cruise along the South Johnstone River to the Coral Sea and time to explore the empty islands from above and below the surface.
Flecker Botanic Gardens
Covering 38 hectares and home to exotic flora and fauna, Flecker Botanic Gardens is one of Cairns' favourite tourist destinations.
Visitors will enter into a different world where the hidden beauty of tropical nature can be appreciated. The gardens are filled with colourful rare flowers, thick foliage and several types of trees.
Cattana Wetlands
The Cattana Wetlands is around 80 hectares of degraded land that Cairns Regional Council has rehabilitated into a nature conservation park. It's situated off Dunne Road in Smithfield, accessed by either Yorkeys Knob Road or McGregor Road, approximately 20km north of the CBD.
The wetlands are open every day of the year from 5.30am to 7pm. (Note: The park may be closed at different times during the wet season).
Facilities available are BBQs, picnic areas, toilets, bird hides and a 420m boardwalk through the feather palm forest.
Daintree
The Daintree Rainforest is a tropical rainforest on the northeast coast of Queensland, approximately a two-hour drive north of Cairns. At around 1,200 sq km (460 sq mi), Daintree is the largest continuous area of tropical rainforest on the Australian continent and is the oldest living rainforest on Earth.
The Daintree Rainforest is a very spectacular piece of natural beauty you will encounter in your lifetime. There are a number of tours, ranging from adventurous to relaxing, operating to Daintree each and every day.
Tropical North Queensland crowns Australia’s Sunshine State, with Cairns sitting on the Coral Sea coast between the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics of Queensland rainforests. The region is famous for its warm weather, clean water, fresh air and abundant space.
The destination is popular with outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, boasting a high concentration of sustainable travel options and eco-friendly experiences, while an abundance of fresh local produce tempts foodies keen to feast on local flavours.
It’s only an hour by boat to the Great Barrier Reef – tourist vessels depart daily from Marlin Marina, only steps from the hotel’s lobby – and day-trip tours collect visitors from the front door to embark on excursions into the rainforest.
Cairns Performing Arts Centre
The Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) provides an extraordinarily enhanced audience experience and a state-of-the-art facility. At CPAC, you will witness innovative performances with a mix of classic and revived theatrical pieces. The versatility of the venue enables a variety of events including music, theatre, dance, opera, comedy, contemporary circus and film.
Tanks Art Centre
Far North culture, history and the great outdoors combine at a heritage-listed location a stone's throw from the Cairns Esplanade. The Tanks Art Centre was named after the oil storage tanks that have stood on this site beside the Cairns Botanical Gardens since World War Two - three tanks were built for the Royal Australian Navy in 1944 - and, after being decommissioned in 1987, were transformed into an innovative multi-use complex that celebrates the best of the region's arts scene. Tanks is celebrated for presenting a comprehensive program of live music, theatre performances, market days, exhibitions and workshops and is a favourite with the Far North's artists and art lovers alike who keep the laid-back venue buzzing with creative energy.
Cairns Regional Gallery
Experience the vibrant visual arts of Tropical North Queensland in this elegant gallery in the heart of Cairns.
Cairns Regional Gallery hosts major exhibitions of fine Australian and international collections covering historical and contemporary art. This includes the work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
Pier Shopping Complex
The Pier is a vibrant urban lifestyle hub, offering an exciting range of dining options that cater to every taste. From casual cafés to upscale dining experiences, the restaurants here provide something for everyone, all set against the stunning waterfront backdrop. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely meal, there's a perfect spot waiting for you.
To explore the full selection of restaurants, please visit our Dining and Leisure Partners page. In addition to these culinary delights, The Pier also features shopping outlets, specialty stores, offices, a gym, health spa, and a hotel, making it the ultimate destination for both work and relaxation. With marina access, underground parking, and breathtaking views, The Pier offers an experience like no other.
Cairns Central
The Cairns Central shopping centre is a popular shopping destination in Cairns. Home to more than 180 stores, Cairns Central is the largest mall in the whole North Queensland area. The place also has several boutique shops where visitors are sure to pick up some interesting merchandise.
Night Markets
Located at the Esplanade and full of treasures, the Night Markets come alive each evening as crowds of people stream into this area. The markets are famous for the sale of art items, crafts and Australian souvenirs of all kinds. Visitors can also sample delicious cuisine at the food outlets.
Esplanade Markets
The Esplanade Markets, which are open on Saturdays, are ideal for those looking to purchase lovely trinkets and delicate jewellery.
Tanks Market Day
Popular markets in the city include the Tanks Market Day which is held at the Tanks Art Centre situated on Edge Hill. Held on every last Sunday of specific months, this market showcases a different theme every time.