Cairns is the heart of the Tropical North, and as such gives you an ideal base for exploring and enjoying the rich, varied pleasures of this place. Founded in 1876 as the port for inland goldfields, cairns has matured from a flighty frontier town to pleasant international gateway and has become the most welcoming of all Queensland cities.
In 1995 it was labeled 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 conventional Queensland hi-set to contemporary high rise, blend on the tree lined streets. Much of the holiday lodging is close to stores, restaurants, theatres, galleries, nightclubs and the two exciting 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 largest meeting room 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 key focal point of the city, and invites you to stroll, fly a kite, unwind on the grass under a shady tree, or share a barbeque or picnic with friends. At any time of the year, you’ll see the flocks of different birds which migrate annually from around the entire world to feed on the tidal mudflats, very 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 getaway accommodation features a pool. Each day, above 600 sea, land tours and air leave from Cairns to nearly every part of the Tropical North, with most including return to and pick-up holiday accommodation.
City stores and duty free shops are well stocked with souvenirs and luxurious items from leading Australian and overseas designers. There are significant shopping centres in the suburbs, and customers and browsers will uncover quite a bit to select from amidst the city’s countless arcades, plazas and malls. Cairns Regional Art Gallery features permanent and unique exhibitions and private galleries offer authentic 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 calming Centenary Lakes.