Cairns is the heart of the Tropical North, and as such gives you an excellent base for exploring and enjoying the rich, diverse pleasures of this location. Founded in 1876 as the port for inland goldfields, cairns has matured from a flighty frontier town to friendly international gateway and has come to be the most welcoming of all Queensland cities.
In 1995 it was named Australia’s most liveable regional centre, which is mirrored in its increasing population of some 100, 000 residents. Almost a century of architecture, from standard Queensland hi-set to contemporary high rise, blend on the tree lined streets. Much of the vacation accommodation is close to shops, restaurants, theatres, galleries, nightclubs and the two fun fresh new venues of 1996- the glass-domed Reef Hotel Casino and the Cairns Convention Centre, featuring 21 meeting rooms, total number of people- 7330 theatre style with the greatest assembly area capability- 5000 people theatre style.
The airport is only a short drive from the city and visiting cruise liners and yachts moor at a marina and wharves merely a block from the main centre.
The Esplanade is a major focal point of the city, and invites you to stroll, fly a kite, chill out on the grass beneath a shady tree, or share a barbeque or picnic with friends. At any time of the year, you will see the flocks of different birds which migrate annually from around the world to feed on the tidal mudflats, much to the pleasure of the world’s birdwatchers who pack cameras and binoculars and follow them here.
Excellent swimming beaches begin to the north and south of the city, and most vacation accommodation features a pool. Each day, over 600 sea, air and land tours leave from Cairns to practically each and every part of the Tropical North, with most including return to and pick-up getaway accommodation.
City retailers and duty free stores are very well stocked with souvenirs and luxury goods from top Australian and overseas designers. There are enormous shopping centres in the suburbs, and buyers and browsers will find a lot to choose from amidst the city’s many arcades, plazas and malls. Cairns Regional Art Gallery features permanent and unique exhibitions and private galleries sell original works by resident artists.
Restaurants, bistros, cafes, espresso shops and food halls open from early morning to late evening. Menus range from authentic Australian bush tucker to the tastes of home for overseas visitors.
On the city’s northern fringe, within walking distance of each other, are the Tanks Art Centre, the Royal Flying Doctor base, and the century-old Botanic Gardens together with spectacular walks through the Mt Whitfield rainforest and the stress-free Centenary Lakes.