Surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef and backed by Daintree National Park, Cairns is the gateway to some of Australia’s most vibrant natural environments. The city itself is a laid-back spot to experience Australian chill—spend lazy evenings wandering the Cairns Esplanade and splashing in the swimming lagoon before enjoying a drink at one of the many patio bars scattered around the city. If you’re looking for more action, Cairns’ surrounding neighborhoods and suburbs offer plenty of excitement, from the luxurious beach of Palm Cove to the bustle of the Central Business District (CBD).
Eclectic downtown is where you’ll discover art galleries, restaurants, and museums that introduce visitors to Australian culture. Stroll along the Cairns Esplanade (a waterfront walkway) or take a dip in its free swimming lagoon. Next, visit the fascinating Cairns Museum, where you’ll learn about the diverse past of the city and its residents. Then there’s the Cairns Aquarium, where you can get up close and personal with the marine life which populates the nearby Great Barrier Reef.
With its long, calm beach lined with gently waving palm trees, this neighborhood is aptly named. Palm Cove is the perfect spot for beach strolls and sunbathing, and the waterfront here is lined with swanky dining options including the innovative Nu Nu Restaurant which features elevated Australian dishes and Vivo Palm Cove which highlights local seafood. You can head further afield by kayak and hope to spot turtles, or go to the nearby Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to chill out with koalas.
A 20-minute drive from downtown Cairns, the peaceful waterfront of Trinity Beach is a respite from the bustle of the city. This neighborhood is the perfect home base to explore Kuranda National Park with highlights including the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, the Kuranda Scenic Railway, and the Reforestation Nature Park. For those on a family vacation, the kids will love the chance to climb and test their strength on the jungle gym and flying foxes at Bluewater Playground. Later, make like a local and tuck into fresh seafood at the Trinity Beach Tavern.
Next to the Cairns Railway Station, the neighborhood of Parramatta Park is quieter than the CBD, but still located centrally—you’ll find everything you need at the Cairns Central Shopping Centre which includes plenty of grocery stores and shopping options. Nearby, you’ll find the Cairns Showgrounds which hosts each July the Cairns Show, a huge fair with rides, food trucks, and entertainment. You can also wander into the Divers Den SCUBA agency where you can take courses and get ready to explore the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef.
This is the home of the hipster, with health-food cafes and cozy coffee shops such as Guyala Café and Odett’s Café Cairns. If you want a break from the beach, you’ll find the modern Tobruk Memorial Pool complex with a lap pool, heated pool, and a FlowRider for surfing practice without the sand and salt. For photographers, the nearby Cairns Botanic Gardens offers a look at the region’s biodiversity and the chance to explore its lush tropical environment.
A little removed from the bustle of the downtown, Edge Hill is a cozy suburb with lushly green streets and plenty of small B&Bs. It’s the perfect spot for families, or those looking for a quieter vacation, but close enough to the CBD to be convenient. Be sure to check out the Tanks Art Centre–a unique arts venue that hosts everything from burlesque nights to children’s art workshops. Otherwise, make like a local and check out the Edge Hill Bowls Club for an evening of lawn bowls and people watching.
Sixteen miles (26 kilometers) away from central Cairns, Kuranda is ideal for those who want to be close to nature. As from Trinity Beach, you can explore Kuranda National Park with highlights including the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, the Kuranda Scenic Railway, and the Reforestation Nature Park. There’s plenty to see and do in the village itself, from the long-running Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets to the popular Frogs Restaurant which features twists on Australian classics including crocodile and emu.