Tropical beauty at Cairns Botanic Gardens
Cairns, a fun and vibrant town that serves as the gateway to both the Great Barrier Reef and Kuranda State Forest, isn’t short of tropical splendour. Whether you’re diving down to see one of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems, taking the incredible Kuranda Scenic Railway through lush rainforests or exploring the gorgeous Atherton Tablelands, there is plenty to see and do in this tropical wonderland!
One of the most peaceful and lush places to visit in Cairns is the botanic gardens: a sprawling paradise that is home to one of Australia’s best tropical plant exhibitions.
The botanic gardens are divided into different exhibitions, including wondrous sites like the Aboriginal Plant Use Garden, Rainforest Boardwalk and Tank Arts Centre. Take your time to meander around the stunning gardens – you can easily spend a few hours taking in the diversity of its floral exhibitions.
A visit to the Cairns Botanic Gardens is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in the city itself, but what are some of the other joyous attractions that make a visit to Cairns a most memorable one?
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The Great Barrier Reef, of course!
Cairns is one of the best jumping spots to explore the marvellous Great Barrier Reef, with plenty of daily tours setting sail from the town. Divers, snorkellers and boat riders are spoiled for choice when it comes to incredible sites off the city, with the likes of Flynn Reef (home to a few little Nemos), The Cod Hole (where human-sized potato cod frolic and feed) and Osprey Reef (to see sharks have a feeding field day) all providing unique, unforgettable reef experiences!
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Rustic fun on the Kuranda Scenic Railway
The Kuranda Scenic Railway is an incredible journey that takes you from Cairns’ hustle and bustle, through lush rainforests and steep ravines, through to the charming town of Kuranda in the Atherton Tablelands. What makes this journey so memorable is the sheer beauty of its route, where happy passengers enjoy some of the most dense rainforest Australia has to offer.
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Laze on an island paradise
Fitzroy Island is situated some 29km from Cairns, and is the classic epitome of a tropical island paradise. From the gorgeous, non-nudist Nudey Beach, to the serene beauty of the Fitzroy Island National Park, this is an island that will have you wanting to come back and leave behind your worries on the mainland.