AUSTRALIA'S premier regional city, Cairns is the international gateway into Tropical North Queensland, and carries with pride the mantle of safest tropical city in the world. Residents of the area are also proud to be custodians of two of the world's greatest natural treasures - the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforests. Both of these wonderful attractions are World Heritage listed, and there are very few places on Earth where two such treasures rest side by side. Cairns International Airport is the nation's sixth busiest in terms of international and domestic passenger movements, and the city also is rated the third most popular tourist destination in the country after Sydney and Brisbane. More than three million international and domestic passenger movements were recorded during 2003/04. The city is a vital, cosmopolitan centre and its residents enjoy an enviable tropical lifestyle.
PARKS
If you have some free time the Flecker Botanic Gardens are located on Collins Avenue 4 km from Cairns CBD. There are bus services or you could take a taxi. A wonderful way to spend a couple of hours admiring the beautifully maintained Gardens which display an excellent variety of tropical plants, both native and exotic.
There is a fernery, orchid house and a great area showing examples of plants used by Aborigines for bush food and medicine. The garden cafe is open 7 days a week from 9.30 to 4.30 and guided walks are at 1pm Monday - Friday. The Botanic Gardens are open from 7-30 - 5-30 Monday - Friday and 8-30 - 5-30 Saturday and Sunday. Entry is free although a donation is welcome.
Across the road from the Botanic Gardens is the Centenary Lakes Boardwalk. From the Boardwalk you can observe typical rainforest species including giant paperbark trees and Pandanus. The freshwater lake contains aquatic plants, tortoises and water birds. There are BBQ's and a childrens playground.
WALKS
If you want to stretch your legs and get a nice view of the city of Cairns and Trinity inlet at the same time do what the locals do and walk the Red or Blue arrow . The entrance to these walks is about 100 metres from the Botanic Gardens on Collins Avenue. Both walks take you through the Mount Whitfield National Park. The Red arrow is 1.3 km (about an hours leisurly walk). The Blue arrow extends from the red arrow and is 5.4km ( just over 4 hours)
SWIMMING HOLES
Waterfalls, lakes and lagoons are everywhere in North Queensland. We suggest hiring a car and visiting some of these amazing spots. Crystal Cascades is only a 20 minute drive from the CBD and is a beautiful spot to spend at least a few hours. Lake Placid is also very close to town.
