Free Stuff in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
- Take a dip in the Lagoon on the Esplanade. A man-made sea water Lagoon with a sandy beach and childrens play area. The Lagoon is surrounded by parkland, with plenty of space for a picnic or barbeque.
- The Red Arrow Walk, through Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, is situated next to the Cairns Botanic Gardens about 3 kms from the city. This is a good 1 hour loop walk through the rainforests, with fantastic views as far as Green Island. If you are really keen you can keep going past the viewpoint to do the blue arrow track which will take you an extra 2 hours and is in quite dense rainforest.
- Cairns Botanic Gardens are a tropical paradise where you can explore the beauty of tropical plants, relax in stunning surroundings and learn about tropical flora and horticulture. The evolution of some of this flora can be traced from millions of years ago, when Australia separated from Gondwana and small pockets of Gondwanan plants became isolated.
- The gardens are open every day of the year and are situated just 4 km from the centre of Cairns. Cairns Botanic Gardens boasts a modern visitor centre housing interpretive displays, a retail outlet and information on the area. The grounds also host a cafe and a restaurant. The cafe boasts one of Australias largest Chocolate Waffles..... worth a visit just for the waffles.
- A little further afield, Crystal Cascades is a beautiful section of the Freshwater Creek that is all rainforest and water holes. This is something of a 'locals only' secret, a series of swimming holes hidden in a tropical rainforest. Crystal Cascades is not serviced by public transport, but it isn't hard to find if you have your own vehicle. Just head to the suburb of Redlynch, and then follow the signs. It's about 20 kilometres from Cairns City centre.
- Mossman Gorge is 6 kilometres west of the town of Mossman, just over an hour's drive north of Cairns. This is where the Mossman River emerges from under the rainforest canopy, cool and clear in a series of swimming holes. Mossman Gorge is one of the most accessible and most visited spots in the Tropical North Queensland rainforest.
- Located in the southern part of the World Heritage Listed, Daintree National Park, Mossman Gorge is the spiritual home of the Kuku Yalanji Aborigines. one of the few places in the country that visitors can gain an insight into the lives, culture and beliefs of Australia's Indigenous population and their connection to the natural environment. The Kuku Yalanji Community strive to protect their natural heritage and share its unique qualities with visitors. Guided bush walks are available that give a rare insight into the special relationship the local indigenous people have with the rainforest, while traditional dance performances and artifact displays portray their rich cultural heritage.
