Explore the swampier side of Cairns on this revelatory wander into the wetlands. Eerie snap-crackle-slop noises provide a fitting soundtrack to the spooky surrounds, which are signposted with informative guides to the weird life forms scurrying in the mud below you. Slather yourself in mosquito repellent. The boardwalk (and its car park) is just before Cairns Airport.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
1.4 MILES
These gorgeous gardens are an explosion of greenery and rainforest plants. Highlights include a section devoted to Aboriginal plant use, the Gondwana…
Cairns Esplanade, Boardwalk & Lagoon
2.7 MILES
Sunseekers and fun-lovers flock to Cairns Esplanade's spectacular swimming lagoon on the city’s reclaimed foreshore. The artificial, sandy-edged, 4800-sq…
2.53 MILES
Cairns' multi-million-dollar aquarium is well worth a visit for its vast and gorgeously presented range of marine life, the Great Barrier Reef in…
2.85 MILES
Take your knowledge to new depths at this fun, informative centre, where marine experts explain how to identify specific species of fish and coral, and…
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
5.04 MILES
Managed by the area’s original custodians, this award-winning cultural extravaganza tells the story of creation using giant holograms and actors. There's…
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
19.98 MILES
North of Ellis Beach towards Port Douglas, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures offers a daily range of squeal-inducing events including croc farm tours,…
Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets
9.59 MILES
Follow the clouds of incense down to these atmospheric village markets. Operating since 1978, they're still the best place to see artists at work and…
2.39 MILES
Cairns' main Catholic church is famous for its themed stained-glass windows, the largest of their type in the world. There are 24 windows depicting the…
Nearby Cairns attractions
1.31 MILES
Three gigantic, ex-WWII fuel-storage tanks have been transformed into art galleries; it's also an inspired performing-arts venue. Check the website for…
1.4 MILES
These gorgeous gardens are an explosion of greenery and rainforest plants. Highlights include a section devoted to Aboriginal plant use, the Gondwana…
2.04 MILES
You won't be able to miss this mammoth statue, one of Australia's most controversial 'Big Things'. Looming over the city's main road since 1972, the 10m…
2.39 MILES
Cairns' main Catholic church is famous for its themed stained-glass windows, the largest of their type in the world. There are 24 windows depicting the…
2.53 MILES
Cairns' multi-million-dollar aquarium is well worth a visit for its vast and gorgeously presented range of marine life, the Great Barrier Reef in…
2.64 MILES
Soak up stunning views of the Coral Sea and Cairns city aboard this 35m-high Ferris wheel. The fully enclosed gondolas rotate 360 degrees (passengers…
7. Cairns Esplanade, Boardwalk & Lagoon
2.7 MILES
Sunseekers and fun-lovers flock to Cairns Esplanade's spectacular swimming lagoon on the city’s reclaimed foreshore. The artificial, sandy-edged, 4800-sq…
2.78 MILES
The permanent collection of this acclaimed gallery has an emphasis on local and Indigenous work. It also hosts prominent visiting exhibitions and…