Last Minute discounts for check in & check out in the next 20 days with many smaller properties

Good beaches line the Pacific coast from 5 km north of Cairns all the way to Cape York. Unfortunately beach swimming is not possible between October and March due to stinging jellyfish except on major beaches where there are stinger nets, which offer some protection. Swimming out on the reef and outer islands is considered to be safer as the stingers are more common near the coast due to the prevailing winds however local advice should be heeded. Major coastal rivers are not recommended for swimming at any time as they are saltwater crocodile habitat.

	Cold, clear creeks run down the forested hillsides just 30 minutes from Cairns. Crystal Cascades is one such spot and easily accessable by hire car or two hours return on a bicycle (for the fit). Stop for a drink at the Red Beret Tavern in Redlynch on the way back. There are many other rivers and waterfalls suitable for swimming in the far north Queensland area.
	The area around the marina is the starting point for reef trips and a great place to stroll around. There are also several restaurants and cafes around the pier and marina and many more in the nearby city area.
	Shopping in Cairns is quite varied with lots of souvenir stalls, many with local crafts. Aboriginal arts and crafts are a speciality and Cairns is quite a good place to get Pacific Islander crafts too. There's also a good range of women's fashion - try the Pier Centre or Cairns Central, next to the Cairns train station. There's no shortage of upmarket stores for fashion and jewellery, with many of the international name brands represented.
	The Cairns markets on Fridays and Saturdays is full of local character and is the best place to get fresh tropical fruit as well as local and imported jewellery, local coffee, etc. Other markets in and around Cairns run weekly or monthly.

Cairns has a varied restaurant scene with Australia's multiculturalism showing through. Some restaurants highlight Aussie bush tucker like emu, kangaroo, crocodile and native fruits.

There are many excellent Japanese restaurants with some of Australia's best sushi and sashimi. Italian restaurants are also common with a large Italian-Australian community in the Far North. Asian food is very popular and many regional styles are represented.

For good pub food and draft Guiness in a lively atmosphere try The Cock and Bull Pub on the corner of Digger and Grove Streets or try one of the many typically Queensland pubs around town.

Being a holiday town the nightlife in Cairns is pretty lively. Johno's Blues Bar on Shields St near the esplanade is a local institution. The Woolshed on Abbott St is very popular and there are many other clubs that are open through the night. For a quiet drink overlooking Trinity Bay try The Chapel Cafe/Bar on the Esplanade near Aplin St or the Pier Tavern by the Marina.

Centennial Lakes and The Flecker Botanical Gardens are 5 km out of town at the foot of one of the many hills around Cairns. The Gardens have exotic plants from South America, Africa and Asia and local species. There is a very good cafe with special breakfast events.

A rainforest boardwalk connects the gardens to the lakes or try the Mt Whitfield walks from the gardens for views of Cairns city and the airport and lush rainforest groves on the longer walk (4 hours return, take water). You may even see a cassowary.

Great Barrier Reef Images

Passage between two reefs	Arlington Reef

Upolu Cay	Research Vessel