Things to do
Whether exploring the botanic gardens, bush walking through rainforest, lazing by the lagoon, zipping along a flying fox or soaking up local, national and international musicians and stage performances, Cairns Regional Council provides something for all tastes.
While aimed at our local residents, visitors to Cairns region are encouraged to enjoy our libraries, cultural facilities, water park, playgrounds, patrolled beaches, sports grounds and walking and cycling tracks, and take part in free exercise classes, lectures and talks.
Follow the links below for more information or to be taken directly to the relevant website and check out the latest events across the region in our Upcoming Events calendar.
Active Living program
Council provides free exercise and wellbeing classes on the Cairns Esplanade. Visit the Esplanade website for more information. More
Babinda Boulders
Babinda Boulders is a popular swimming spot and picnic area amid tropical rainforest in the foothills of the Bellenden Ker Range. More
Swimming and Beaches
The Cairns region has some of the most beautiful coastline in Queensland. More
Botanic Gardens conservatory
Council's purpose-built conservatory in the Cairns Botanic Gardens houses palms, bromeliads, cycads, aquatic plants, orchids, carnivorous plants and more. More
Bouldering Park
The bouldering park (rock climbing at low heights) on the Cairns Esplanade is open every day and is free. Visit the Esplanade website for more information. More
Cattana Wetlands
This 80 hectares nature conservation park is home to a wealth of bird and plant life and a boardwalk through fern palm forest. More
Centenary Lakes Nature Play
Experience a playground with a difference! The Nature Play space encourages children to interact with nature, to explore and learn about their surroundings. More
Crystal Cascades Park
This secluded freshwater swimming hole, hidden in a tropical rainforest, includes a series of small waterfalls. More
Cycling and walking routes
Cairns has an extensive network of walking paths, bike tracks and cycle ways. The following maps show the on-road and off-road networks throughout the Cairns region. More
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
The 4800sqm Cairns Esplanade Lagoon free and open to the public from 6am-9pm daily except Wednesday when it is closed until midday for maintenance. More
Fun Ship playground
Today's Endeavour Fun Ship playground replaces an iconic, old timber fun ship that had brought hours of pleasure to many local and visiting families. More
Heritage drives and trails
Enjoy our scenic region by road or foot via our heritage drives and trails. More
Jack Barnes Mangrove Boardwalk
The Jack Barnes Mangrove Boardwalk is located off Airport Avenue on the way to Cairns Airport. It offers two walks through different zones of mangrove forest, showcasing 11 of the 29 mangrove species found in Cairns. More
Kuyurru Games Trail: Yorkeys Knob
Learn and play the traditional games that were played by indigenous children in many different parts of Australia. More
Lake Morris
Lake Morris Road is a steep but scenic road. A popular training route for runners and cyclists, the road is closed daily from 5pm to 8am from the first lookout. The road is not suitable for caravans, trailers, coaches or other large vehicles. More
Mt Whitfield Conservation Park
This 300ha forested mountain range is home to rainforest, eucalyptus and grasslands, and the popular Red Arrow, Blue Arrow and Green Arrow walking tracks. More
Munro Martin Parklands
Munro Martin Parklands feature lush landscaping with tropical plantings, dramatic vine-covered arbours and pergolas, shady paths, history trail, open air plaza and outdoor entertainment amphitheatre. More
Muddy's playground
Muddy's playground on the Cairns Esplanade has a splash playground and parkland that includes a flying fox, sound chimes, track ride, rope bridge, slides and play houses. More
Find a park
With hundreds of parks and reserves across the Cairns region, there are many hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered. Use our parks finder to find a park near you, or search by facility to find a park that meets your needs. More
Swimming pools
Our public swimming pools are available for use by the general public for a small fee. More
Skateparks & BMX tracks
There are a range of BMX and skate facilities in the City ranging from the skate park on the Esplanade More
Sugarworld Parklands
Sugarworld Gardens at Edmonton features a playground, orchard, barbecue areas and is a great shady area to enjoy family gatherings, functions and weddings. More
Sugarworld Waterpark
With a mat rider, tandem tube ride and supajet open body slide and interactive play area for under 7s, Sugarworld Waterpark is a must visit. Visit the Sugarworld Waterpark website for more information. More
Tanks Arts Centre, "The Tanks"
Nestled in the rainforest, Tanks Arts Centre hosts local, national and international musicians and includes an art gallery, all contained in restored World War 2 oil tanks. More
Zhanjiang Friendship Garden
The Chinese-themed friendship garden within the Cairns Botanic Gardens includes a lakeside pavilion and viewing platform, a pergola and a traditional Chinese "moon gate". More
Cairns Botanic Gardens
The Cairns Botanic Gardens is a tropical paradise, renowned for having one of the best exhibitions of tropical plants in Australia. The Gardens are open daily 7.30am to 5.30pm, and entry is free. More
Last updated: 01 November 2018
