Free Attractions Guide - Cairns, Queensland

1. Barron Falls Lookout

There are several modes of transport through Barron Gorge National Park, including the historic Kuranda train and the Skyrail cableway. They provide spectacular views of the Gorge and the Barron River far below.

At the top of the gorge near Kuranda are the Barron Falls (Din Din). The Barron Falls (Din Din) Lookout Track begins with an elevated boardwalk traversing the rainforest just below the canopy. It then winds its way down the hill past several lookout points and rest stops to the lookout area which also acts as a railway platform.

The walk is well maintained, accessible to all, and is a wonderful way to view these huge falls. In the rainy season, you may be enveloped by a cloud of mist from the falls. Informative displays describing the area's Aboriginal and European cultural heritage are located at the beginning and end of the walk.

Barron Gorge National Park, Barron Falls Road, Kuranda

2. Cairns Night Markets

From 5pm Cairns comes alive with a unique shopping and dining experience that is a must see for everyone. With over 70 fascinating outlets promoting everything from homewares, giftwares and holiday packages right through to tattoos, crocodile skins and pearls.

71-75 The Esplanade, Cairns

3. Cairns Botanical Garden

The Cairns Botanic Gardens are renowned for having one of the best exhibitions in Australia of tropical plants including specimens from Northern Australian rainforests as well as notable species from Southeast Asia.

+61 7 4032 3200 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill

4. Josephine Falls

Located a half hour drive south of Cairns City in your campervan hire Cairns is the Josephine waterfalls which are ranked amongst the most beautiful in the Tropical North Queensland, and have been used in many television commercials. Visitors can swim in the crystal clear waters, and relax on the sandy beach as the gentle breeze rustles leaves high in the rainforest canopy.

1300 130 372 Wooroonooran National Park, Josephine Falls Rd, Bartle Frere

5. Kuranda Market

Welcome to the market in the rainforest! The village of Kuranda in Far North Australia is famous for its markets, and the Kuranda Heritage Market lets you experience the best of Kuranda in an all-weather covered market-mall, nestled in beautiful tropical rainforest. The Kuranda Heritage Market is open every day from 9 AM to 3 PM, with a wide range of stalls offering locally-produced and specially imported souvenirs, art and craft, jewellery, gemstones and clothing. The market also features native wildlife attractions Koala Gardens and Birdworld, as well as a choice of eateries from hearty lunches to tasty snacks.

5 Therwine Street, Kuranda

6. Mossman Gorge

Mossman Gorge, Daintree National Park is situated 80kms north of Cairns and is a very scenic section of the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park. Strangler figs and epiphytic plants flourish and the crystal-clear Mossman River cascades over granite boulders. The area is also home to colourful Boyd's forest dragons. Stroll along the 400 metre walking track to viewing platforms over the Mossman River. Look for the brilliant blue Ulysses butterfly and birds such as the eastern yellow robin. Take the two kilometre loop track through lush, green rainforest to learn about the plants and find out how the local Kuku Yalanji people use them in traditional ways.

1300 130 372 Gorge Road, Mossman Gorge

7. Port Douglas Markets

Port Douglas Markets are on every Sunday at Anzac Park from 8am to around 1pm. Located in Anzac Park, right on the waterfront overlooking the Coral Sea, the markets are a delightful mix of local art, craft, souvenirs and fresh produce.

Anzac Park, Port Douglas

8. Rusty's Markets Cairns

Rusty’s Market is now an established Cairns tourist icon & certainly worth a visit in your campervan hire. It has become renowned for its carnival atmosphere, colourful stall holders, sumptuous displays of exotic fruit, vegetables, exotic flowers, bric-a-brac, delicatessens, specialty products & an excellent selection of food & beverage stalls. When in Cairns why not drop in any Friday to Sunday. We are easily located in the CBD between Grafton & Sheridan Streets, just ask any local.

44 Spence St, Cairns