In Town
Flecker Botanic Gardens Established in 1886 as a recreational reserve, they are now the only wet tropical botanic gardens in Australia. The gardens display tropical plants from around the world, including a number of endangered species and over 200 species of palm. Follow the boardwalks through remnant lowland swamp to adjacent Centenary Lakes to see turtles and mangrove birds. Access gardens via Collins Ave.
Mount Whitfield Conservation Park: 2 major walking tracks through forested mountain range to summit for views of Cairns and Coral Sea; behind botanic gardens. Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre: highlights the history and achievements of the service, with aircraft display; closed Sun; Junction St. McLeod Street Pioneer Cemetery: honours local pioneers. Tanks Art Centre: multipurpose centre in revamped WW II oil storage tanks, including gallery with local art; Collins Ave. Regional Gallery: local artists exhibit in this National Trust-classified building; cnr Shields and Abbott sts. Cairns Museum: displays of Aboriginal, gold-rush, timber and sugarcane history; open 10am–4pm Mon–Sat; cnr Lake and Shields sts. Undersea World Aquarium: variety of tropical fish. See the sharks being fed by divers; Ground floor, Pier Marketplace. Bulk Sugar Terminal: guided tours by arrangement during crushing season (June–Nov); (07) 4051 3533; Cook St. Foreshore Lagoon: landscaped area with safe swimming lagoon; foreshore; closed Wed mornings. Kuranda Scenic Railway: trip through Barron Gorge to rainforest village of Kuranda; leaves Cairns Railway Station in Bunda St; see also Kuranda. Game fishing: boats moor at Marlin Marina, Marlin Jetty and Trinity Wharf and you can arrange fishing trips from here; end of Spence St. Dive schools: contact visitor centre for details.
