Cairns is the heart of the Tropical North, and as such gives you an perfect base for exploring and enjoying the rich, varied pleasures of this area. Founded in 1876 as the port for inland goldfields, cairns has matured from a flighty frontier town to pleasant international gateway and has turned out to be the most welcoming of all Queensland cities.
In 1995 it was identified as Australia’s most liveable regional centre, which is mirrored in its growing population of some 100, 000 citizens. Almost a century of architecture, from traditional Queensland hi-set to contemporary high rise, blend on the tree lined streets. Much of the vacation lodging 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 biggest meeting area capacity- 5000 people theatre style.
The airport is only a brief drive from the city and visiting cruise liners and yachts moor at a marina and wharves simply a block from the main centre.
The Esplanade is a major focal point of the city, and invites you to stroll, fly a kite, rest on the grass below 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 earth to feed on the tidal mudflats, very much to the delight 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 has a pool. Each day, above 600 sea, land tours and air depart from Cairns to almost every single part of the Tropical North, with most including return to and pick-up holiday accommodation.
City shops and duty free shops are well stocked with souvenirs and luxury goods from top Australian and overseas designers. There are large shopping centres in the suburbs, and customers and browsers will find a lot to choose from amidst the city’s countless arcades, plazas and malls. Cairns Regional Art Gallery features permanent and unique exhibitions and private galleries sell unique works by resident artists.
Restaurants, bistros, cafes, coffee shops and food halls open from early morning to late evening. Menus range from genuine 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 which include amazing walks through the Mt Whitfield rainforest and the soothing Centenary Lakes.