Cairns is the heart of the Tropical North, and as such offers an ideal base for exploring and enjoying the rich, diverse pleasures of this place. Founded in 1876 as the port for inland goldfields, cairns has matured from a flighty frontier town to friendly international gateway and has end up being the most welcoming of all Queensland cities.
In 1995 it was labeled as Australia’s most liveable regional centre, which is mirrored in its rising population of some 100, 000 residents. Almost a century of architecture, from standard Queensland hi-set to contemporary high rise, blend on the tree lined streets. Much of the vacation accommodation is close to shops, restaurants, theatres, galleries, nightclubs and the two fun 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 capability- 5000 people theatre style.
The airport is just a short drive from the city and visiting cruise liners and yachts moor at a marina and wharves merely a block from the main centre. The Esplanade is a major focal point of the city, and invites you to walk, fly a kite, relax on the grass under a shady tree, or share a barbeque or picnic with friends. At any time of the year, you are going to see the flocks of different birds which migrate annually from around the globe 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 holiday accommodation has a pool. Each day, over 600 sea, air and land tours depart from Cairns to virtually every part of the Tropical North, with most including pick-up and return to getaway accommodation.
City shops and duty free stores are very well stocked with souvenirs and luxurious items from top Australian and overseas designers. There are considerable shopping centres in the suburbs, and customers and browsers will uncover a lot to choose from amidst the city’s numerous arcades, plazas and malls. Cairns Regional Art Gallery features permanent and special exhibitions and private galleries market original works by resident artists.
Restaurants, bistros, cafes, espresso shops and food halls open from early morning to late night. 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 together with impressive walks through the Mt Whitfield rainforest and the calming Centenary Lakes.