Cairns is one of Australia’s best-loved tropical cities, situated in stunning far north Queensland. The city is surrounded by a plethora of natural wonders and stunning landscape, which means it serves as a gateway to much of the region’s attractions, including the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and Atherton Tableland to name a few.
Cairns is a city on the rise – and you’d be foolish to dismiss it as just a base from which to explore the surrounding region. The city attracts a young and vibrant mix of travellers and backpackers that adds to the notoriously laid-back vibe of the city. In recent years, the cityscape has seen lots of rejuvenation, with newly built pedestrian malls bringing a new life and energy to the city. To take in as much as you possibly can on your stay to this tropical metropolis, pick up a hire car and start exploring on your own terms.
Unwind and live life like a local
In Cairns, the saying “it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere” is an attitude that the city embraces wholeheartedly without batting an eye. The city’s dressed-down vibe lends itself well to spending the day doing absolutely nothing at all – which explains why it’s so popular with backpackers and tourists looking for a holiday where it is possible to stand still and enjoy the warm weather without a schedule. And with its hot, tropical climate, a cold beer is always the first order of the day. With competition high, the city is awash with plenty of places where visitors can grab a feed and a beer on a budget.
People tend not to swim in the oceans because of the high risk of stingers in the area, particularly during the summer season. Because of this, the Cairns Esplanade works like the city’s beach. Made up of parks and boardwalks running alongside the shoreline, with a public swimming pool known as the lagoon, the Esplanade looks out over the ocean. The Esplanade Lagoon is a great hangout spot that more than makes up for the lack of ocean swimming.
If you’re not in town to visit the Great Barrier Reef, you can still cast your eyes on some of far north Queensland’s stunning marine life, courtesy of the recently opened Cairns Aquarium, which has brought some of the sought-after reef to the city. Conservationists have meticulously collected live specimens and transported them to tanks where natural habitats have been re-created to educate visitors about protecting the area’s precious ecosystem.
To experience a different sort of nightlife, look out for the flocks of fruit bats that can be seen flying over the CBD as the sun sets. These amazing creatures are fascinating to watch and are hard to miss if you’re in the city as dusk approaches.
Dining in tropical Cairns
Come morning when you’re looking for breakfast and coffee, Cairns is well-equipped to cater for those with even the most discerning tastes. Grafton Street is home to many great cafes, as well as great shops, bars and restaurants.
As you stroll down Grafton Street, keep your eyes peeled for a laneway sprawling with street art that leads to Caffiend - widely regarded to serve the best coffee in all of Cairns. Caffiend serves up a fresh and original menu of modernised breakfast classics, muesli, and seasonal smoothie bowls. Billy’s Coffee on Sheridan Street is also another locally favoured top spot to grab a roasted coffee. With coffee sourced, roasted, brewed and served by award-winning baristas, Billy’s Coffee’s mission is to use their love of coffee to make a better community. For a brew with a view, look no further than Wharf One, a cosy and casual café along the gentle water’s edge as you watch the boats glide by whilst you sip on your morning cup of joe.
When it comes to lunch and dinner dining, there is an abundance of restaurants and cuisine options within the city that caters to everyone. For ocean and rainforest views, the Salt House is arguably the best pizzeria in the city. Using a wood-fired grill, the Salt House not only serves up delectable-tasting pizzas from morning through to evening, but also cooks up a menu of steak and seafood dishes.
When you think of the beach, the first thought for food is fish and chips. The Apex Milk Bar is a restaurant that delivers this and more. From its menu of 12 styles of burgers to its simple but superb hotdogs, there’s a reason why this casual restaurant has been in business for over fifty years.
To make the most of your stay and everything Cairns has to offer, pick up a hire car and start exploring the city’s laid-back charm with ease today.
