Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From markets to live gigs, free fitness classes to festivals, there's always something
happening on the Esplanade. Check the website for updates on events.
Flecker Botanic Gardens
(
www.cairns.qld.gov.au
;
Collins Ave; 7.30am-5.30pm Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5.30pm Sat & Sun, information centre
9am-4.30pm Mon-Fri, 10am-2.30pm Sat & Sun; 131)
These beautiful tropical gardens are an
explosion of greenery and rainforest plants. Pick up a walks brochure from the informa-
tion centre or ask about free guided walks. There's a great cafe and a new, well-camou-
flaged visitor centre (it's made of mirrors!).
Across the road, the
Rainforest Boardwalk
leads to
Saltwater Creek
and
Centenary Lakes
, a bird-
watcher's delight. Uphill from the gardens,
Mt Whitfield Conservation Park
has two walking
tracks through rainforest, climbing to viewpoints over the city; follow joggers up the
Red
Arrow circuit
(1.5km, one hour) or the more demanding
Blue Arrow circuit
(6.6km, four to five
hours).
GARDENS
Tanks Arts Centre
(
www.tanksartscentre.com
;
46 Collins Ave; gallery 10am-4pm Mon-Fri)
Three gigantic, ex-WWII fuel-
storage tanks have been transformed into studios, galleries showcasing local artists' work
and an inspired performing-arts venue. There's a lively
market day
.
GALLERY, THEATRE
Cairns Regional Gallery
MAP
GALLERY
GOOGLE MAP
(
www.cairnsregionalgallery.com.au
;
cnr Abbott & Shields Sts; adult/child under 16 $5/free; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri,
10am-5pm Sat, 10am-2pm Sun)
In a colonnaded heritage building (1936), exhibitions at this ac-
claimed gallery have an emphasis on local and Indigenous works, plus excellent visiting
exhibitions.
Tjapukai Cultural Park
( 07-4042 9999;
www.tjapukai.com.au
;
Kamerunga Rd; adult/child $40/25, Tjapukai by Night adult/child $109/59;
9am-5pm, Tjapukai by Night 7pm-9.30pm)
Allow at least three hours at this Indigenous-owned
cultural extravaganza. It incorporates the Creation Theatre, where the story of creation is
told using giant holograms and actors, a Dance Theatre, gallery, boomerang- and spear-
throwing demonstrations and turtle-spotting canoe rides. The fireside corroboree is the
centrepiece of the
Tjapukai by Night
dinner-and-show deal.
CULTURAL CENTRE
