Cairns

The Cairns botanical gardens officially known as Flecker botanical garden is a botanic reserve in Collins Avenue. It is named after Dr. Hugo Flecker who is known for his immense botanical contribution to this place. Commenced on the 2 of February 2007, it has since become a world heritage listed site. It is also known as Fitzalan's Botanical gardens and Edge hill nursery and it is one of the best places to visit in Cairns.Having a special place in Cairns history this garden has its native sausage tree kigella pantana, hoop pines Araucaria cunninghamii and Cook pine Araucaria columnaris. Further down Goodwin street are the damson plum and a blue quandong. There are rainforest understory plants along the creek with paperbarks and a Leichhardt tree. Aroids and gingers are a part of the garden as well. The walking area is non slippery due to the use of exposed aggregate concrete.Location: Collins Ave, Edge Hill QLD 4870, AustraliaHighlight: The garden has its theme based on the botanical historical evolution of the new Queensland region.

Palm Cove is the shy, quiet chilled-out unique village which is referred to as the Spa capital of Australia. Some who visit it call it 'the ultimate tropical serenity'. It offers the best of tropical adventure with its reef, rainforest, and indigenous culture and it is one of the best places to visit in Cairns. Relax by the ancient paper bark Melaleuca trees lining the casually styled esplanade. There are various world class beach resorts and hotels here to pamper you and further cater to your every whim and fantasy. When you get tired of relaxing move out into the tropical sunshine and take part in Great Barrier Reef excursions and rainforest trips, go seeking thrill on a kayaking adventure or try fishing in your personal jetty. A Mecca of sophistication, Palm cove lets you pamper yourself with its various beauty salons and spas. Shop in its boutiques and take care of yourself by taking advantage of the health and fitness centers.Location: It is located 27 km North of Cairns Highlights: It is known as the Spa capital of AustraliaBest time to visit: September to November, March to May.

Most people come to Cairns to visit the Great Barrier Reef. There are many rainforests, white beaches, corals and abundant and diverse marine life. You can do several activities here at Green Island where the clear water invites you to dive, swim, and snorkel to your heart's content. Also very famous here is the semi-submarine ride and the glass bottom boat ride and it is one of the best tourist places in Cairns Australia.Both of these are excellent options if you are a marine life enthusiast. Visit Green Island has live commentary, the hosts of which expound the wonders of the corals and live fish feeding. There are 3 tours departing at 9 am, 11 am and 1 pm every day. The green island national park is also worth checking out. This is a once in a lifetime tropical island experience not to be missed.Location: It is situated 27 km offshore from Cairns, Queensland in Australia. Highlights: Green Island is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, which is the largest living thing on the planet and is even visible from space.

The St Monica's Cathedral is a Catholic Church in Cairns. This nondescript Building which most people miss is a delight in itself. A witness to the battle of Coral Sea, this unknown building is a hidden gem and a wonder of architecture and interior design. There are a number of stained glass windows of which 24 depict the creation. It is a modern Cathedral which does not require any sort of religious affiliation and it is one of the best places to visit in Cairns.Visit this church on a sunny day to see it in its full glory. The interior of this church holds its own even in comparison with bigger churches. Here the friendly staff and the caretaker are more than happy to explain the illustrious history and architecture of the Cathedral. Do attend the church on Sundays at 10 AM to listen to the mesmerizing music of the church choir.Location: 181 Abbott St, Cairns City QLD 4870, AustraliaHighlight: Come here for the stained glasses and the church choir.

Yourkeys Knob is your ideal Beach front Destination for your holiday in Cairns. You are encouraged to go and find your own piece of personal paradise on the golden treasures that lay here. The wide expanse of sand covered by a palm-fringed hammock will surely seduce you. With a large stinger net, you can swim all you want in pure unrestricted pleasure. There is just so much to do that it will be really hard to explore all of it in just one day and it is one of the amazing tourist places in Cairns Australia.Windsurfing and sailing are big attractions at Yorkeys. With Rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef nearby, your nature dose is never too far away. To complement that there are so many city bus tours, pick-ups and you can obviously rent your own car out there. When you do get hungry, do not forget to eat at the open air Yorkeys knob boating club which offers bistro meals. While eating there you can take in the exclusive view of the marina and the ocean. Location: It is located 13 km north of Cairns.Highlights: It is a very popular kite surfing destination. The south east winds provide brilliant thrust to your sail.Best time to visit: Come here between April to November for the Kite surfing.

Bask in luxury at this five star hotel that will spoil you with its luxurious facilities among the best places to see in Cairns. It is equipped with 127 lavish rooms where you are treated with your own spa bath and a garden which overlooks the city.The rooms offer a stunning view of the mountains and water which soothe the soul. The amazing hotel also offers a rooftop swimming pool, a gym, a boutique casino, many five star restaurants and bars along with a unique Wildlife Dome.  The elegant hotel lets you choose from its superior and deluxe rooms along with exclusive or presidential suites. Highlights: The luxury hotel is an ideal beach getaway with multiple amenities like casino, swimming pool etc. Location: 35-41 Wharf St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia

Hailed as the world’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest, this place is often quoted among Australia's wet tropics world heritage areas. The natural landscape will transport you into an ethereal realm where you can have the most amazing experience of your life. Hop on the Cairns Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to be mesmerised by the exquisite scenes of lush greenery greeting you. Prepare yourself to see the rainforests replete with cascading waterfalls, dense trees and rare wildlife.The rainforest ride takes you in gondola cabins for a 1.5 hour experience offering you the most magnificent views of the beautiful rainforest in Australia. Riding at 11 miles per hour, this cableway ride has a seating capacity of 700 passengers that covers some of the most beautiful places like Kuranda, Barron, Jumrum Creek Conservation Park etc. Highlights: The scenic cableway ride takes you through the amazon rainforest which is delightful for nature lovers.  Location: 6 Skyrail Dr, Smithfield QLD 4878, Australia

Hailed as one of the biggest flight aviaries in Australia, this is where you can see more than 1500 free flying tropical butterflies. This rainforest aviary is the enchanting getaway you want to experience to see the most exotic ones like Cairns Birdwing Butterfly and iconic Monarch. At this amazing aviary, you can opt for a guided tour which will tell you many interesting facts about these butterflies along with the breeding laboratory which has more than 4000 caterpillars.There is also a guided food plant walk where you can see the different caterpillar food plants that are grown at the place. A must visit for nature lovers, this park is an iconic tourist attraction in Cairns that you can't miss as you are surrounded by a plethora of exotic flowers and plants. The butterfly park’s star attraction is the Hercules Moth which is native to North Queensland Australia. Highlights: It is one of the biggest flight aviaries in Australia which draws in many nature lovers.  Location: 8 Rob Veivers Dr, Kuranda QLD 4881, Australia