Cairns CBD

Cairns CBD is the hub of business and commerce in Far North Queensland. The CBD is large for a city Cairns’ size, with an area of 1.73 km².

Traditionally the CBD was dominated by business premises, with relatively few residential houses. So of the units that existed, most were used for tourism purposes. However recent decades has seen the growth of a CBD residential population. Indeed today, just over 3000 residents call the CBD home.

However, it is the small shops, restaurants and other businesses that remain the main focus of this part of town.

Cairns City Centre

There are a great number of things to do in the Cairns CBD. The area has world class restaurants, relaxed cafes, pubs and bars so you can enjoy a cool drink and some great shopping opportunities as well.

Cairns CBD Map

Things to do in Cairns CBD

Cairns is a popular tourist destination. Consequently, there is heaps to do, both for tourists and locals alike.

Muddy’s Playground

Muddy’s is a modern, fun, safe, splash playground and parkland incorporating active, passive, interactive and educational facilities with a combination of play equipment including:

• Water play areas
• Flying fox
• Sound chimes
• Rope bridge
• Slides
• Mouse wheel
• Play houses
• See-saw
• Trick track
• Puzzle games

Indeed Muddy’s is open every day from 9am to 7pm (including public holidays and weekends). However, sections are closed for maintenance on Tuesday and/or Thursday mornings until noon.

Another free activity you can engage in is to enjoy the Esplanade and the free parks in the area. Whether it is an afternoon walk or a picnic with the family, it is worth the effort, especially during the pleasant winter months.

Cairns Esplanade

The northern section of the Cairns waterfront is referred to by locals as the Esplanade (see below). Indeed it is the busiest and most popular tourist precinct in the Cairns CBD. Consequently, along the Esplanade you will find many food outlets from McDonald’s to high-end restaurants.

Explore the iconic Cairns Lagoon, Muddy’s Playground, award-winning skate plaza, and shaded paths and parklands.

In addition, there are many beautiful green spaces along the Esplanade, starting with Fogarty Park in the south. The Esplanade features three playgrounds that encourage active play on the city’s beautiful foreshore. Entry to all our playgrounds is free.

There are many exercise facilities to choose from along The Esplanade to suit your active lifestyle such as the Lagoon, Beach Volleyball Courts and fitness stations (green gyms).

Cairns CBD Shopping

In the past Cairns CBD had been a retail hub for locals to meet their shopping needs. However, the construction of Cairns Central Shopping Centre has seen that venue become the main retail outlet. It offers people undercover parking and an air-conditioned shopping environment, which is much appreciated in the tropics.

There are still many shops in the CBD. However, the Esplanade and east end of the CBD has become more of a tourist precinct, with backpackers and foreign accents the norm, especially during the winter ‘tourist season’.

Cairns CBD Wharf

Cairns original wharves were constructed in the late 19th century on the banks of Trinity Inlet. Around 1910 they were concreted. There have been a number of developments in the area since that time. However the heritage listed Cairns wharves remain largely in place.

In 2010 a state funded redevelopment project took place. This included the re-adaptive use of number 3 wharf shed as the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal. It is now an important part of the Cairns CBD.

Cairns Aquarium

Cairns Aquarium has been developed to provide a world-class venue for interacting with the incredible plants, animals, and habitats found only in Australia’s Wet Tropics, a region which borders two World Heritage Sites: The Daintree Rainforest and The Great Barrier Reef.

Relevant Material

• Bungalow Cairns
• Cairns City Council
• Cairns Post Office
• Fogarty Park
• Parramatta Park Cairns
• Portsmith

Other Areas

• Central Cairns
• Cairns West
• Mount Whitfield
• North Cairns
• South Cairns

Cairns