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7 Must-See Cairns Neighborhoods and How to Visit

Cairns has it all—discover the spot that speaks to you.

A diving boat on the tropical waters around Cairns in Australia.
Hi, I'm Diane!

Based in Vancouver, B.C., Diane Selkirk enjoys writing stories where science, history, or social justice intersect with travel. Her work has appeared in BBC Travel, National Geographic Travel, and The Globe and Mail.

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).

1. Central Business District

Outside the Cairns Museum in the Central Business District of the city.
The Cairns Museum in the CBD is well worth the visit.Foto: gg-foto / Shutterstock

Head downtown to the heart of Cairns.

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.

2. Palm Cove

Funky, colorful buildings in the Palm Cove district of Cairns.
Palm Cove is known for its top restaurants.Foto: Norman Allchin / Shutterstock

A neighborhood full of laid-back luxury for the discerning visitor.

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.

3. Trinity Beach

A waterfall in Kuranda National Park in the Cairns area.
Kuranda National Park is home to beautiful waterfalls.Foto: Jam Travels / Shutterstock

It’s the spot for fun with your family.

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.

4. Parramatta Park

Fish among the coral reef system of the Great Barrier Reef.
Exploring the Great Barrier Reef.Foto: Andrew Watson / Viator

A sweet spot adjacent to the action.

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.

5. Cairns North

A man enjoys a swim at Tobruk Memorial Pool in Cairns North.
Take a refreshing dip at Tobruk Memorial Pool in Cairns North.Foto: PhotoMavenStock / Shutterstock

Discover a blissful waterfront wonderland.

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.

6. Edge Hill

Entranceway to the Tanks Art Centre in Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
The Tanks Art Centre is a highlight of the Edge Hill neighborhood.Foto: Stu W / Tripadvisor

A neighborhood that offers a warm welcome.

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.

7. Kuranda Village

People ride the cable car through the Kuranda National Park, Cairns.
Take a ride on the scenic railway when in Kuranda Village.Foto: Andrew Watson / Viator

Visit the “Village in the Sky.”

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.

More things to do in Cairns

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