Cairns

A stroll through the galleries of the Cairns Museum takes visitors on a journey through time and into the tropics. This is the place to come to learn about the history of Cairns, its people and its surroundings. Through an amazing collection of objects and photographs, the museum tells the tale of how a small port town came to be the thriving tourist destination it is today. Gallery 3 showcases all the fun and frightening sides to living in the tropics, including some of the wildlife one hopes never to meet in person. A temporary gallery hosts intriguing exhibitions and a lovely verandah is a relaxing place for a game of chess.

Right on the esplanade, just steps from the lagoon, Doongal Aboriginal Art entices passers-by with its colourful display of indigenous Australian art. Paintings, some of them immense, cover the walls and display units. Each has a story to tell, every dot has its significance. Instead of writing things down, the Aborigines use music and art to pass traditions down from generation to generation. A large selection of beautifully decorated didgeridoos and boomerangs also have unique stories to tell. Everything in the gallery is for sale and shipping is free worldwide, making this a great place to find a priceless souvenir without worrying how to fit it into a suitcase.

Crackerbox Palace is a local institution. A place devoted to all things vintage and retro, it has been Cairns’ treasure trove for over 20 years. The owner has a keen sense of fun, setting up her shop like a stage. The players are salvaged shop mannequins, inviting shoppers to sample their wares. The props and accessories are a fantastic blend of contemporary, boho and vintage articles. Furniture, art, clothing, records, books, lamps and collectables of all kinds cover every inch of space. Some free time and extra baggage space are recommended for a visit here.

From the ocean directly to the plate. That’s how seafood is served at Prawn Star. An easy feat when the restaurant also happens to be a fishing boat. This classic timber trawler welcomes diners aboard for a convivial seafood extravaganza in Marlin Marina. Seating is limited despite the addition of Prawn Star Too in 2017, but the ice cold tap beer and friendly staff make any wait a pleasure. Other than prawns, crabs, salmon, bugs and anything else that may have been fished that day, there really isn’t anything else on offer. Just no frills, fresher-than-fresh seafood.

The Ganbaranba Noodle Colosseum serves – drum roll please – scrumptiously prepared noodles! The gyoza, served as starters, are to die for and should not be skipped. Slurping is encouraged in this understated Japanese restaurant where guests are greeted with a friendly and respectful ‘Irasshaimase’. While waiting for the goodies to arrive, diners can get started on their bottomless jug of icy Oolong tea, on the house. It’s only a matter of time before word gets out about this hidden gem on Spence Street. Best make the most of it beforehand!

Reptiles, amphibians and birds, oh my! And a few marsupials too. They can come as quite a surprise when zooming down a zip line. At Cairns ZOOM & Wildlife Dome, intrepid fun-seekers can swing, jump and climb their way through a number of rope course challenges under the amused gaze of creatures who need no harness when up high. There are of course activities for all ages here. Visitors can also observe the animals – and humans – as they play, from special internal walkways. And the catwalk around the dome’s lofty exterior, at the summit of the Reef Hotel Casino, offers exhilarating views of Cairns from high above.

The magnificent weapons and armour on display in this gallery are all authentic Japanese Samurai artefacts, some of which date back several hundred years. Katana, wakizashi, tantō, tsuba, menpō… If these words need no explanation, this is the place to visit – the gallery is a delightful detour for Samurai warrior enthusiasts. For the uninitiated, the owner loves nothing more than to share his knowledge of Japanese feudal culture. His passion for the subject is contagious. Everyone leaves a little bit wiser than when they came in. Some even go with a very special souvenir, as certain items are for sale. However, visitors from abroad should check customs regulations before slipping a Samurai sword into their suitcase.

The giant jelly babies standing guard outside have attracted many a curious traveller into KickArts gallery and shop. In fact, this hub for contemporary art welcomes 45,000 visitors per year who come to discover the latest exhibitions, participate in talks and workshops, or watch live performances. The cutting-edge art changes regularly and comes from around the world, with an emphasis on Australia. The shop is well worth a visit, filled with jewellery, homewares, artworks and books – a wonderful place to find a souvenir or gift.

This is Australian cuisine at its absolute best. Kangaroo, wallaby, gulf bugs, tuna saku… The master chefs at Ochre Restaurant take native ingredients and make them dazzle, whisking diners away on a culinary tour of Oz. The location is idyllic, right on the creek at the water’s edge. The setting is modern and industrial, with a lively open kitchen at one end. One can definitely understand why this place is so popular. Ochre also runs an in-demand catering service and hosts sublime events for up to 150 people.

A tour that gives insight into Aboriginal lore and the southern skies, while treating participants to a convivial meal around a campfire at sunset, is a surefire way to create lasting memories. NightSkySecrets takes budding astronomers out on a fun field trip to a dark outback location from which the skies can be observed in all their celestial glory. Enormous telescopes reveal galaxies, star clusters, planets and sometimes even comets and nova stars. One thing that will not be on the agenda is the moon – its light too bright to see the stars well at night.

This 2,300-kilometre-long world wonder needs no introduction. Who hasn’t longed to explore its famed waters? Waters that teem with more than 1,500 species of fish that flourish in this impressive ecosystem of colourful coral. And not just fish! Six species of turtles, 17 different types of sea snakes and countless amazing birds call this place home. Its proximity to Cairns has shaped the city’s identity, turning it into the fantastic destination it is today. There are dozens of options when it comes to visiting the reef. Some involve wetsuits and snorkels. Many don’t. All can be found in Cairns.

It’s all about authenticity at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, the place to come for invaluable insight into Aboriginal culture. Back in 1987, a play was written about the ancient spirit of Barna. Performed by a modest group of black and white Australians, it was an instant success. That performance led to the creation of what is now the largest employer of indigenous Australians in the country. They impart their knowledge through interactive demonstrations, music, dance, food and arts, taking visitors on a journey from the Dreamtime to the present day. Technology, tradition and a passion for sharing come together at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, a must-do day trip when visiting Cairns.

In 1975, Emrys ‘Rusty’ Rees set up a farmers’ market in Cairns. What started out as an assembly of six market vendors has grown into an iconic establishment that now operates over 180 stalls. The festive atmosphere and cheery stall holders put a smile on everyone’s face. Displays overflow with exotic fruit and vegetables that range from familiar to downright unusual, and samples are happily provided. Beyond fresh produce, shoppers can take away all sorts of tasty delights, from steaming curries and homemade biscuits to fresh Italian pastas and sauces. They’ll also find jewellery, clothing, books, plenty of bric-a-brac and amazing coffee. Open Friday–Sunday.

The beautiful esplanade that looks out to the Coral Sea on Cairns’ waterfront was designed for leisure and recreation. It is a place to come with family and friends for a barbecue at the water’s edge while the kids play in the surrounding playgrounds. Or for a romantic stroll at sundown, a skate in the plaza, a game of volleyball, basketball, pétanque, rock-climbing… The options are endless and they’re all a lot of fun. The Lagoon is a vast saltwater pool, where swimmers can get all the benefits of a dip in the ocean without the worry of tides and unwelcome wildlife encounters.

It goes without saying that this is the place to come for some serious shopping in Cairns. Right in the city centre, this multi-storey mall is home to three department stores, a supermarket and over 180 stores and services. Cairns Central is also a pleasant place to come to beat the Far North Queensland heat. A stroll through its air-conditioned halls provides welcome respite. There is also a Vmax cinema complex and a number of cafés and fast food options. Opened in 1997, the centre now boasts over 10 million visitors each year.

Opened in 1995, Cairns’ award-winning public art gallery is the love child of an entire community. It took over 15 years and the unrelenting support of state officials, artists and citizens to finance the ambitious project. The heritage-listed building that houses the gallery was originally designed for government offices, and many of its original features were carefully restored during renovations. Visitors can gain historical and cultural insight into this unique part of the world through exhibitions of visual arts, crafts and design. Fun hands-on experiences are also possible, with regular workshops and discussions.