Countdown to Cairns #4 – Downtime in The Tropics


As the heart of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics rainforest, Cairns pulses with energy. More than 600 tours a day make the most of the year-round outdoor lifestyle while world-class sporting events and festivals embrace the cosmopolitan city’s vibrant tropical culture.

Check out tours and day trip options here

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So tropical…
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The Smithfield MTB Park has many trails not used in the World Cup, and will be open to ride.

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Energised by nature, Cairns is the place to soak up the tropical lifestyle. Discover an exciting city that takes pride in its cultural heritage and where time seems to last a little longer. Swim at the Esplanade lagoon, sample local produce at a farmer’s market, enjoy free entertainment, shop for a summer wardrobe or cruise around the marina.

Take a tip from the locals for a cool dip at a secluded freshwater swimming hole, jump on a bike for a sightseeing tour along the city’s network of cycle paths, marvel at tropical plants in the Botanic Gardens, browse the galleries or catch an act in a unique rainforest venue.

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The Green Ant Cantina (above) was once a great old mountain bikers hangout, good mexican food in Cairns town.
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A short 40 minute ferry trip from Cairns harbour is Fitzroy Island, an oasis of clear water, swimming, and kayaking.
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The Woolshed – a wild night out guaranteed.
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Driving out from Cairns, west to Atherton is a great trip. Cane fields and epic views from up in the high tablelands.
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The old bowl is still there, an iconic playground featured in many a Mudcows film.
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Port Douglas is a delightful place to unwind, and soak in premium accommodation.
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The Daintree Forest a few hours north from Cairns is stunning. Where the forest meets the see.

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After dark choose a lively bar for drinks, taste local seafood at an award-winning restaurant, party on a dance floor, discover treasures at the markets or watch a local cultural show.

The compact city is easy to get around and has the reef, rainforest and outback on its doorstep. With the Cairns International and Domestic airports only 10 minutes from the Central Business District, Cairns is the ideal entry point for a Tropical North Queensland adventure.

Travel from the city’s Reef Fleet Terminal to the Great Barrier Reef and its islands, raft the white water rapids in the rainforest, step back in time with a train ride to Kuranda or treat your tastebuds to one of the many food and wine trails on the Atherton Tablelands.

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