Local facilities and activities in and around Cairns
Cairns is blessed not only with an abundance of nature-based activities which visitors and locals can enjoy, but state of the art facilities which rival those of bigger cities. Whilst the region is synonymous with the two major tourist hotspots (The Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics), Cairns also has so much more to offer locals, ensuring family and friends have plenty of indoor and outdoor opportunities to catch up or explore.
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10 Cairns quick facts and quirks
- 7th busiest airport in Australia (and 2nd busiest regional airport in the country)
- 14th largest city in Australia
- 500km + off-road paths for exploring our big nature on bike or foot
- 79% tree coverage - largest urban tree canopy of any Australian city
- 180+ cafes in the Cairns 4870 postcode
- Biggest stock of coconut palms maintained and de-nutted by an Australian council
- 72 languages other than English spoken in our homes
- Queensland’s highest mountain is in Cairns – Mt Bartle Frere, at 1611m
- Cairns is on the edge of the world's oldest rainforest - the 80 million-year old Wet Tropics and beside the Great Barrier Reef with its hundreds coral reefs and deserted islands
- Cairns is also at the start of one of Australia's most picturesque drives - the winding coastal road to Port Douglas and Mossman, and close to the quaint villages and food bowl of the Atherton Tablelands and Mareeba.
Performing arts and conferences
In 2018, the Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) officially opened, providing an exceptional audience experience and purpose-built facilities to suit an eclectic mix of performance types. From touring theatrical pieces, music, dance, circus, opera, comedy and world-renowned bands, the program of events also focusses on local performing artists and collaborations, particularly youth who play an integral role in the development and growth of arts in the region.
In addition to the CPAC Theatre, there is also a studio which is suitable for more intimate performances and Munro Martin Parklands which has become a favourite amongst locals to experience ballet, contemporary music, circus shows and Christmas pantomimes.
Bulmba-Ja Arts Centre managed by Arts Queensland showcases the unique stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Having undergone a $5.9 million refurbishment as part of the Queensland Government’s vision to support the performing arts, visitors can engage with the work of tenants JUTE Theatre Company, NorthSite Contemporary Arts, Miriki Performing Arts, The Pryce Centre for Culture and Arts, and Minjil.
For a more unusual venue, you can’t go past the Tanks Arts Centre. These historical buildings were once fuel tanks which were decommissioned in 1987 and redeveloped to form part of the Botanic Gardens Precinct. Along with Flecker Garden, they are now listed on the Queensland State Heritage register. Home to a wealth of music, exhibitions and workshops which are held throughout the year, there is always something going on at the Tanks.
The Cairns Convention Centre has also undergone significant expansion and redevelopment. Home to the local National Basketball League (NBL) Cairns Taipans basketball team, the centre also attracts international conferences, performers, and events with an auditorium which seats 2,300 delegates, and an area with 5,000 seats, breakout rooms and ballrooms.
The Great Outdoors
The Cairns Botanic Gardens is a tropical paradise, home not only to one of the best exhibitions of tropical plants in Australia, but also host to regular events, and free guided walking tours. Take a stroll around and discover more about the plants and animals who call the Botanic Gardens home. The friendly staff at the Visitors Centre are on hand to answer your questions and if you are in need of refreshment, there are several cafes to choose from. Relax with a bite to eat as you take in the stunning reflective exterior of the centre which was designed by Charles Wright Architects.
A short stroll from the Botanic gardens are popular local walking tracks known as the ‘red’, ‘blue’, ‘yellow’ and ‘green’ arrows. Varying in difficulty and duration, the tracks wind through Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, a 300 ha forested mountain range. With spectacular views, the tracks vary from one to five hours return. Favourite walking tracks in Cairns also include, north of the city, Earl Hill in Trinity Park, a dog-friendly track with ocean views from the summit; and the Ivan Evans Track in Bayview Heights, south of the city which consists of a series of switchbacks and travels over several boulders.
If mountain biking is your thing, there are some exceptional tracks which go for 700 kms through the Cairns region from five hubs. With trails to suit every rider, Cairns is home to the highest profile trail system in the world, hosting the 2014 and 2016 Mountain Bike World Cups as well as the UCI World Mountain Bike Championships. If you’re not sure where to ride, you can explore what’s available here.
Surrounded by mountains, it will come as no surprise to learn that there is an abundance of waterfalls in Cairns and the surrounding areas which are perfect to explore and cool down in during the warmer times of the year when rainfall is higher. Taking a quick dip to refresh the body and cool down, without resorting to air conditioning is something locals and visitors can indulge in freely. Ranging in ease of accessibility, you can drive, stroll, or hike to some of the best natural locations on earth.
Crystal Cascades is only a short drive from Cairns city, as is Stoney Creek, both of which boast a series of falls and swimming holes. If you want to travel further afield, Babinda Boulders, Josephine Falls, Davies Creek, Behana Gorge, Mena Creek, Hartley’s Creek and many more, are all located within an hour of Cairns. You can also take in what are arguably the most famous falls in the region – Barron Falls near Kuranda. It only takes a few days of tropical downpour to reach a flow of almost 265 mega-litres in a day!
Markets
Markets are a firm favourite with locals. From the night markets in town where you’ll find gifts, food, jewellery and a plethora of goods, to weekend markets at Holloway’s Beach, Woree, Palm Cove, Redlynch, Gordonvale, and Clifton Beach, there is something for everyone. Rusty’s Markets is the place to go at the weekend for fruit and vegetables but If driving is your thing, a trip up to the Atherton Tablelands to one of the many markets there, is a must.
The favourable climate makes meandering a pleasant experience and the perfect way to spend a morning at the weekend. Of course, there are times of the year when it is hotter than others, but this doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on your market fix. Mount Sheridan and Smithfield shopping centres have regular markets all contained within the comfort of air conditioning. If you’re on Facebook, you’ll find a list of markets here.
Libraries
Libraries are a great place to relax, unwind and open the mind and imagination to the joys of the written word. Whilst digital technology does continue to grow in popularity, there will always be something special about the smell of books and the experience of turning the pages as the stories unfold. But for those who do enjoy consuming digital tales, eBooks, eMagazines and eMovies are all available. There are also regular events for all ages including book and film clubs, movement classes for children and Conversation Corner for adults of all ages to share their stories. Find out more about libraries in Cairns.
RSL (Returned and Services League Club) and sports clubs
The Cairns RSL is a firm favourite with locals and that’s really not a surprise given the vista which boasts spectacular views across the esplanade and the Coral Sea. A family friendly venue steeped in tradition, there are two social bars, a sports lounge and gaming facilities. Members draws, Friday night raffles and delicious food will have you coming back for more, time and time again.
Sports Clubs in Cairns include Cazaly's at Cazaly's AFL stadium, Brothers Leagues Club, South Cairns Sports Club, and the Trinity Beach Sports Club and seven local bowls clubs in Edge Hill, Woree, Cairns West, Trinity Beach, Stratford, Gordonvale and Edmonton.