Cairns Things to Do Tips by Anne12 Top 5 Page for this destination

NIGHT MARKETS

The Night Market entrance is off the Esplanade, through the food court or you can enter from the street behind the Esplanade.

The night markets have your everyday crappy souvenirs on offer.
It also has some great products, jewlery, Aus made lotions, little glass items that are made there, clothes and many other bits and pieces.

You can also get a quick shoulder massage. These are great, especially at around $10/$15 BUT I WARN YOU!!!! Once they have given you a massage, DON'T be hassled into buying a patch that they will be trying to sell you. This is something that really annoys me!! They firstly try to sell you a patch to put on your sore area, then a packet of these things....at $5 dollars per patch!!!! These guys are good at selling these, before you know it, you have three patches on your back and a packet of the bloody things.

These are open everyday from around 4.30pm to 10.30 pm

Address: Esplanade, Cairns

Directions: Entance from the Esplanade is through the food court.

FISHING

When you live in Cairns every second 4x4 has the spare wheel cover displaying * Don't Follow Me, I am Going Fishing*
There are so many places to fish here, you can go to the local creeks ( beware of the crocs), you can go to the inlet ( again crocs) and then there is the big one, out on one of the charter boats to the reef.
Also from Cairns there are fishing tours to the Cape.

There are so many charters you could chose. I would suggest that you do some reading and see what suites you.
If you are a boatie and hire a boat, be aware that there are VERY strick rules as to where you are allowed to fish around the reed area.There are HUGE fines for not following the rules.

There are also a number of large retail outlets where you can buy fishing tackle and all other bits and pieces you may need, from the very expensive to the cheap little hand line or crab net.

I would suggest that you go online and check this out, also once here you head to the marina and you will find heaps of boats to inquire about this sport.

Website: http://www.fishingcairns.com.au/

MISSION IS SKYDIVING!

There are a number of skydiving companies in the area, the one that looks great is where you land on Mission Beach.
I haven't done this, I would like too:)But I have sat on Mission Beach and watched as the divers have come out of the blue skies and landed on the beach. It looks fantastic and I am sure it is for those jumping.
I have spoken to a number of people that have done the Mission Beach jump and I have only heard positive feedback. I love the way peoples faces light up as they relive their jump.

I have put one of the companies that do this on the contact info

Address: 51 Sheridan Street, Cairns

Directions: City centre

Phone: 0740411511

Website: http://www.xtremeskydiving.com.au

WHITE WATER RAFTING White Water Rafting Review

There are a number of extreme sports you can do while visiting this area.
The two that stand out are White water rafting and Skydiving.

You have two main companies that do white water rafting. These are Raging Thunder and R@R white water rafting.
Raging Thunder do this on the Tully and Barron rivers.

The companies will pick you up from your accommodation and off you go for a day's adventure.

I would suggest that if you decide to do this, do the Tully rafting. I say this because some times during the year the Barron River one would be a disappointment, it doesn't always have lots of water in it and you could be pulling the raft more than rding in it!!! I have seen this happen on the Barron and I thought to myself, that ain't exciting, that is money wasted!!!!

Address: Cairns

Phone: 074037900

Website: http://www.ragingthunder.com.au

ESPLANADE SWIMMING POOL AND BOARDWALK

The Cairns City Council have got something right! This area is now looking really great and is very user friendly.
The swimming pool is huge, it has many different depths and is a fun place for young and old.
There is a life guard on duty, so this also makes it a safe place to be.
There are changing rooms, lockers for your gear and a well stocked cafe' for any eats you feel like. There is also a Police Beat area here.
It has security camers as well.

From here you have a view of the ocean, views of the Esplanade and Boardwalk, plus some great garden/lawn areas to lay around on.
This is where you can swim all year round!

At the moment it is closed Wednesdays for cleaning.

Hours Open are early morning to late at night.

Address: Esplanade Cairns

Directions: Head to the Esplanade area and you can't miss it.

Website: http://www.cairnsesplanade.com/

CAIRNS REGIONAL GALLERY Regional Gallery Review

I am going to admit that I have passed this Gallery many times and until today I hadn't taken a peek inside.
What a delight it is. Lovely old building, very nice reception staff and the art is great.
Today I saw the Atherton Wednesday Club's exhibition, just wonderful. They have a lot of talent in Atherton.
Also there is an exhibition of an Australian glass artist by the name of Klaus Moje, all I can say is I was so impressed, I would have loved tohad the money to buy a couple of pieces of this brightly coloured glassware.
Then in another area there was a an exhibition by David Hansen. Again I was impressed.
The exhibitions change regulary.
I would highly reccommend to visit this Gallery.

There is a cafe outside of the premises. The Gallery is in the city centre, easy walking distance from the Esplanade and other areas of the CBD.

There is a $5 entrance charge. This is because it is Council operated, not state, so they don't have the money poured into it like State Galleries.
There is a small gift shop which offers a range of lovely bits and pieces.

Open times Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm
Sunday and Public Holidays 1pm to 5pm
(Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day,New Years Day ans Good Friday)

Address: Cnr Shields and Abbott Street Cairns

Directions: Central CBD area of Cairns.

Phone: 0740464800

Website: http://www.cairnsregionalgallery.com.au

CENTENARY LAKES AREA

The lakes area is also tied up with Botanical Gardens and Tanks area.

You can either enter the Centenary Lakes from Greenslopes Street or from Collins Avenue.
Entering from the Greenslopes Street area you can walk through the lakes area and follow the signs to Botanical Gardens, after having walked over the boardwalk area you will find yourself opposite the Gardens.
OR you may go the other way, out the front of the Gardens, over the road and head into the tropical area where you walk along the boardwalk and into the Lakes area.

Here you can have a picnic on the grass areas or BBQ.

Another delight to visit.

Address: Greenslopes Street or Collins Avenue

Directions: You can grab a bus to this area, or drive, walk or ride a bike.

FLECKER BOTANICAL GARDENS Flecker Botanic Garden Review

This has to be one of my favourite places to visit.
This is situated in Collins Avenue, which has been recently given a road/garden upgrade, it's just wonderful to drive or walk along this road.
The gardens are beautifully kept. There is a large variety of tropical plants and walk ways through the gardens that are covered in shade by the over head palms and trees,while man made creeks run throughout these walkways.
Be sure to look towards the heavens as you will be amazed to see how many ferns have attached themselves to these trees.You will be delighted to see flowers in bloom and fruits of different plants.

The gardens are divided into different plant areas.
Each being bought together by lush green lawns.

A kiosk is situated here. You can sit among the flowering plants and enjoy breakfast, lunch or just an afternoon snack. There is an inside area, also an outside area, under umbrellas.

Hours are
7.30am to 5.30pm Week days.
8.30am to 5.30pm Weekend and Public Holidays

This is one place, like many others that is not to be missed.
The Gardens have a free entry.

Address: Collins Avenue, Edgehill, Cairns

Directions: You can catch a bus to the gardens, or taxi, or ride the hire bike and there is always a walk, for those that like doing it that way:).
They are situated in Collins Avenue, approx 5 k's north of the city in the suburb of Edgehill.

Phone: 0740443398

Website: http://gardens@cairns.qld.gov.au

TANKS AREA

The Tanks area is just beyond the Fletcher Gardens, this area is one of my favourites as well. You can walk from the Gardens through little walk ways to the Tanks area.
Here you will find, BIG tanks that have been converted into an Art Gallery, and an area for entertainment.
These tanks held oil in the World War 11. Now they have been transformed into an unique peforming and visual arts centre.
When in Cairns, check out what events are being held here.
Or if you haven't got time for this, just pop in and have a wander around. You will see some art work at the entrance of the Tanks area and little bits and pieces throughout the garden that surrounds the Tanks.

They also hold market days here. These are on a Sunday.

Address: Collins Avenue, Edgehill, Cairns

Directions: This approx 5k's from the city area.
There is a bus to this area, or you can walk, drive or grab a taxi

OUTER REEF

When most decide to come to Cairns they are usually looking to go out to the Great Barrier Reef and visit the Rainforest.

There are a number of Outer Reef trips available. I always reccommend the Quicksilver Outer Reef trip.
I think this trip covers all areas for the tourist/traveller. It is a great day out and has many options for you to try.

I have probably done this trip with the Quickie, at least 20 times. Yes, I know, it is a lot of trips but I have had the pleasure of knowing people that work for this company and well, how can I pass up a great day:)
I do not get any maony or trips for reccommending this comapny, I just think it is the best and I haven't had anyone come back to me and tell me they didn't enjoy.
It is very professional company.

The day out starts with you being collected from your accommodation in the morning, if you are staying in Cairns or Northern Beaches , the bus will collect you. If you are at Port Douglas, they will also collect you or you can make your own way to the Port Douglas Marina.

Once you are on the bus heading along the Cook highway to Port Douglas your driver will give you a little talk about what you are seeing and what you will experience during the day.
Handy Hint......sit on the right side of the bus, this is best view along the highway!!!:)

Once you are at Port you will board the boat, then you can get yourself a cuppa tea, biscuit and decide if you are going to sit inside or up on the deck.
Then off you go!!!! heading off to the reef.
There is a large Pontoon in the middle of nowhere, here you will pull up along side the pontoon and off you get to play. The pontoon has tables where you can leave your towels etc.
You then can go and get your snookle and flippers, then slowly walk down the steps into the ocean.
There is a rope surrounding the area where you snookle, so you can hang on to this if needed

TO BE CONTINUED