Cairns on a Budget

FREE THINGS TO DO IN CAIRNS

CAIRNS BOTANIC GARDENS: Free to the public and open 7.30am until 5.30pm daily this lovely venue showcases tropical species from Far North Queensland and some South East Asian countries. There is a lovely orchid house for the orchid lovers and a great café for a nice meal. Only 10 minutes from the city centre it is approximately a one-hour walk, 10-minute drive or short bus ride on the public Sunbus.  http://www.sunbus.com.au/cairns/bus-timetable/

RED , BLUE, YELLOW & GREEN ARROW WALKS: Located on Collins Avenue near the Botanical Gardens these walks offers different levels of hiking in a rainforest setting. The Blue Arrow walk is longer and the Red Arrow walk is shorter but much steeper.  The Yellow arrow is the newest trail and very scenic.

BIRD WATCHING:  Walk along The Esplanade to see some of the most diverse range of bird life.  Pelicans, Curlews, & Collared Kingfishers - see the information shelters along The Esplanade for a full range of our birds. 

CAIRNS ESPLANADE AND LAGOON SWIMMING POOL: The Esplanade is 2.5km to walk, ride or skate.  Enjoy swimming in the lagoon pool , or you can exercise at any of the Fitness Stations.  Cook on the Free BBQ's with friends and family. The Cairns Esplanade hosts so many free activities like yoga, beach volley ball, Bouldering, Aqua Aerobics, Zoomba etc. Markets are held each Saturday morning and bands often play to the public for free.

GOOMBOORA PARK: Goomboora Park is a local family favourite for many reasons.  With wide open spaces, kids playground, dog off leash areas, biking paths, walking trails, picnic tables, BBQ's and beautiful swmming creek.  Insect repellant is recommended.

https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/

Goomboora Park is a local family favorite for many reasons. There is plenty of wide open space, large trees and shelter for shade, as well as picnic tables and even a waterhole to swim in! The great adventure playground features a flying fox and a rope play system. - See more at: http://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/region/things-to-do/find-a-park/goomboora-park#sthash.jJqIlsBJ.dpufGoomboora Park is a local family favorite for many reasons. There is plenty of wide open space, large trees and shelter for shade, as well as picnic tables and even a waterhole to swim in! The great adventure playground features a flying fox and a rope play system. - See more at: http://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/region/things-to-do/find-a-park/goomboora-park#sthash.jJqIlsBJ.dpufGoomboora Park is a local family favorite for many reasons. There is plenty of wide open space, large trees and shelter for shade, as well as picnic tables and even a waterhole to swim in! The great adventure playground features a flying fox and a rope play system. - See more at: http://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/region/things-to-do/find-a-park/goomboora-park#sthash.jJqIlsBJ.dpuf

CRYSTAL CASCADES:  A crystal clear flowing stream which cascades over gorgeous moss covered rocks offering both a fantastic photo opportunity and a cool swim in the summer months. No public transport goes to this site so you will need to self-drive to this beautiful location. It is an approximate 30-minute drive to the cascades car park from the city centre.

NORTHERN BEACHES:  Our lovely beaches start 10 minutes north of the city at Holloways Beach, this beach has a fantastic café with gorgeous wood carved chairs and tables, some in the shape of giant hands that you sit in for this unique experience. Yorkeys Knob beach is a casual blend of residential and tourist accommodation, if you want to blend more with the locals walking their dogs and having a chat this is the place to go. Trinity beach is a popular swimming beach as the southern end of the beach offers a little bit of protection on windy days. Palm Cove is our most northern beach suburb of Cairns and is very popular for its lovely esplanade that provides an array of cafes and restaurants. There is also a jetty that you can fish off and a children's playground. Public buses run regularly from Cairns city to the Northern Beaches.

http://www.sunbus.com.au/cairns/bus-timetable/

MUDDIES PLAYGROUND: A fantastic venue for families with young children up to approximately 10 years old. It has interactive wet and dry play areas, BBQ facilities and a café for the adults. Entry is free and it opens 0900 to 1900 daily.

https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/esplanade/facilities/playgrounds/muddys

SKATE PARK: This is a world-class outdoor skate venue for any members of the public to try out their skating skills. 

https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/esplanade/facilities/recreation/skate-plaza

EXERCISE FOR FUN: Many fun and physical activities are available year round, to mention a few:

• Zumba Fitness
• Aqua Aerobics
• Beach Volleyball

https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/facilities-sport-leisure/cycling-walking-fitness/active-living-program

ST MONICA'S CATHEDRAL: A visit to this cathedral is worth it regardless of your religious inclination. Stand in wonderment at the amazing leadlight windows. There are 3 main themes which are 'The Battle of the Coral Sea', 'Peace Windows' and the 'Creation Windows'. Opening hours and mass times will be available on their website.

http://www.cairns.catholic.org.au/

CAIRNS MARKETS 

1. The Night Market -  Open 365 days per year from 1630 - 2300.   Entry is from Abbott Street half way between Shields and Aplin St or it can be accessed through the Food Court on the Esplanade.  

http://nightmarkets.com.au/for-tourists

2. Rusty's Market trades Thursday to Sunday each week and is historically known as a fruit and vegetable market. Although there is plenty more on offer like cheeses, clothes, bakery items, fried foods, coffee stalls, entertainment and much more. Fridays and Saturdays they trade 0500 to 1800 and Sundays 0500 to 1500.

http://www.rustysmarkets.com.au/

CAIRNS REGIONAL ART GALLERY: On the corner of Shields and Abbott Street this venue showcases the creative works of local and international artists. Open Mon - Fri 0900 - 1700 Sat 1000-1700 Sun 1000-1400
https://www.cairnsartgallery.com.au/

CABLE SKI: CableSki is located 15 mins drive North of Cairns City. Come and try wakeboarding, kneeboarding and waterskiing. Family passes are available. Open daily from 10.00am-6.00pm.

https://www.cairnswakepark.com/

PARONELLA PARK: Paronella Park is a magical, unforgettable place nestled amongst heritage gardens and 13 acres of lush Australian rainforest situated at Mena Creek,Innisfail. The ruins of the Spanish Castillo feature on the grounds of Paronella Park, as do several other distinctive structures that were designed and built by the original owner of Paronella Park - Jose Paronella. Visitors can explore the architecturally unique ruins of the Castle and buildings of yesteryear, or wander through the lush gardens and Australian rainforest while being transported to another time.  Open daily from 9.00am-7.30pm.

http://www.paronellapark.com.au/