Getting active around Cairns

Active travel includes cycling and walking, and any transport that relies on human-power. Pedestrian walking paths and community footpaths provide an important part of the active travel network around Cairns, particularly given the outdoor lifestyle.

Benefits of Council’s Active Transport Strategy (containing the Active Travel Program) include increased social behaviour, improved health, and reduced road congestion, among others.

This week, Council approved the 2026/27 Active Travel Program (New Footpaths), with an overall Project Launch Budget of $1,500,000 (ex GST) and a completion date estimated for June 2027.

The Program will complete up to 11 routes across the Cairns LGA.

The Strategy encourages more people in Cairns to develop a more active and connected lifestyle and promote healthy living in Cairns communities. By committing to these new footpath works, Council is supporting the community by encouraging more people to walk and cycle more often, enhancing the quality of life in their neighbourhoods.

The Program includes new footpaths to be constructed in:

• Mount Peter
• Manoora
• Bungalow
• Westcourt
• Manunda
• Machans Beach
• Clifton Beach Road/Arlington Esplanade
• Smithfield

More information can be found about the Cairns Regional Council Active Transport Strategy here.