An overview of Cairns
Cairns is the heart of the Tropical North, and as such offers an perfect base for exploring and experiencing the rich, diverse pleasures of this location. Founded in 1876 as the port for inland goldfields, cairns has matured from a flighty frontier town to pleasant global gateway and has come to be the most welcoming of all Queensland cities.
In 1995 it was referred to as Australia’s most liveable regional centre, which is mirrored in its escalating population of some 100, 000 residents. Almost a century of architecture, from conventional Queensland hi-set to modern high rise, blend on the tree lined streets. Much of the holiday lodging is close to shops, restaurants, theatres, galleries, nightclubs and the two exciting fresh 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 greatest assembly area 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 simply a block from the main centre.
The Esplanade is a primary focal point of the city, and invites you to walk, fly a kite, take it easy on the grass under a shady tree, or share a barbeque or picnic with friends. At any time of the year, you will see the flocks of different birds which migrate annually from around the world to feed on the tidal mudflats, much to the delight of the world’s birdwatchers who pack cameras and binoculars and follow them here.
Excellent swimming beaches start to the north and south of the city, and most vacation accommodation has a pool. Each day, above 600 sea, land tours and air depart from Cairns to just about every single part of the Tropical North, with most including return to and pick-up getaway accommodation.
City retailers and duty free shops are very well stocked with souvenirs and luxurious products from top Australian and overseas designers. There are significant shopping centres in the suburbs, and shoppers and browsers will find quite a bit to pick from amidst the city’s many arcades, plazas and malls. Cairns Regional Art Gallery has permanent and unique exhibitions and private galleries market original works by resident artists.
Restaurants, bistros, cafes, coffee 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 outstanding walks through the Mt Whitfield rainforest and the stress-free Centenary Lakes.