Cairns is the heart of the Tropical North, and as such offers an ideal base for exploring and enjoying the rich, varied pleasures of this location. Founded in 1876 as the port for inland goldfields, cairns has matured from a flighty frontier town to friendly global gateway and has turned out to be the most welcoming of all Queensland cities.

In 1995 it was identified as Australia’s most liveable regional centre, which is mirrored in its rising population of some 100, 000 residents. Almost a century of architecture, from typical Queensland hi-set to modern high rise, blend on the tree lined streets. Much of the holiday accommodation is close to shops, restaurants, theatres, galleries, nightclubs and the two enjoyable fresh new venues of 1996- the glass-domed Reef Hotel Casino and the Cairns Convention Centre, featuring 21 meeting rooms, total number of people- 7330 theatre style with the largest assembly area capability- 5000 people theatre style.

The airport is basically a brief drive from the city and visiting cruise liners and yachts moor at a marina and wharves merely a block from the main centre. The Esplanade is a main focal point of the city, and invites you to stroll, fly a kite, chill out on the grass under a shady tree, or share a barbeque or picnic with friends.

At any time of the year, you will see the flocks of different birds which migrate annually from around the earth to feed on the tidal mudflats, very much to the pleasure of the world’s birdwatchers who pack cameras and binoculars and follow them here.

Excellent swimming beaches begin to the north and south of the city, and most vacation accommodation features a pool. Each day, over 600 sea, air and land tours depart from Cairns to just about each and every part of the Tropical North, with most including pick-up and return to holiday accommodation.

City retailers and duty free shops are very well stocked with souvenirs and luxurious merchandise from top Australian and overseas designers. There are enormous shopping centres in the suburbs, and buyers and browsers will find quite a bit to choose from amidst the city’s countless arcades, plazas and malls. Cairns Regional Art Gallery has permanent and unique exhibitions and private galleries offer original works by resident artists.

Restaurants, bistros, cafes, espresso shops and food halls open from early morning to late evening. Menus range from authentic Australian bush tucker to the tastes of home for overseas visitors.

On the city’s northern fringe, within walking distance of each other, are the Tanks Art Centre, the Royal Flying Doctor base, and the century-old Botanic Gardens together with extraordinary walks through the Mt Whitfield rainforest and the soothing Centenary Lakes.