Cairns | Great Barrier Reef | Beaches | Palm Cove
Cairns, your gateway to the Atherton Tablelands
Cairns is a natural starting point for an Atherton Tablelands road trip, with two scenic routes climbing from the coast into the highlands. Travel via the Kuranda Range from Smithfield or take the Gillies Highway from Gordonvale, where the road winds its way towards Yungaburra and the Crater Lakes.
Cairns, on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef
Before heading inland, spend time exploring Cairns itself. It is the place to soak up the tropical lifestyle. Discover an exciting city that takes pride in its cultural heritage and where time seems to last a little longer. Cairns is the main gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, with boats departing the marina for islands, outer reef pontoons, snorkelling and diving trips. Back on land, swim at the Esplanade lagoon, sample local produce at farmer’s markets, explore the city’s cultural precincts and galleries, wander through the Botanic Gardens or follow the network of walking and cycling paths along the waterfront. Take a tip from the locals for a cool dip at a secluded freshwater swimming hole or catch an act in a unique rainforest venue.
After dark choose a lively bar for drinks, taste local seafood at an award-winning restaurant, party on a dance floor, discover treasures at the night markets, watch a local cultural show, or simply take an evening walk along the Esplanade.
Choose from a wide range of accommodation across the city and surrounding beaches, from five-star international hotels, luxurious resorts, waterfront apartments, family-friendly motels to fun backpacker hostels.
Cairns is compact and easy to explore, with reef, rainforest and the Atherton Tablelands all within reach. Cairns Airport is around 10 minutes from the city centre, making it a convenient arrival point for exploring Tropical North Queensland.
If you need a beach fix, head for Cairns’ Northern Beaches, a string of sleepy seaside villages about 15 minutes from the city. They are a favourite with locals and each has its own unique character, like the family-friendly Trinity, the kite-surfing hub of Yorkeys Knob or the relaxed Holloways Beach.
About 30 minutes north of Cairns, Palm Cove is a tiny beachside village centred around an esplanade lined with 500-year-old melaleuca trees. Walk around barefoot, choose a bike instead of a car and buy fresh seafood for a sunset barbecue on the beach. You can hire a kayak and paddle right off the beach or take a tour to nearby Double Island. The Palm Cove jetty is a great fishing spot, with plenty of Spanish mackerel, cod, whiting, stripeys and flathead to be caught.
From Cairns, follow the road inland and the landscape quickly changes as you climb towards the rainforest, waterfalls, crater lakes, farmland and country towns of the Atherton Tablelands.
More information: www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
