Table of contents
Cairns Council Parks
Cairns parks are green, lush and well maintained. These parks are an important part of the identity of this tropical city. So from picturesque rain forest trails to breathtaking mountain views, get ready to explore the ultimate list of beautiful public spaces. Discover why Cairns’ parks are truly one-of-a-kind.
Cairns Esplanade
Cairns has a number of high-profile recreational retreats. Most well known among these premier parks is the Esplanade which is located on the Cairns waterfront.
The other two premier parks in the CBD area are Fogarty and Munro-Martin.
Cairns Parks Camping
Council Regional Council provides a number of campgrounds and caravan parks for use. The most well known are Greenpach and the Babinda Boulders.
However, camping is not permitted on Council-controlled land including roadsides, the Esplanade, cemeteries, public parks, car parks, sporting grounds, drainage reserves and beaches.
Cairns Parks Playgrounds
The playground equipment in most parks is fairly basic. However, the playgrounds at Muddys and the Pirate-ship on the Esplanade are of a higher standard, as is the Nature playground at Centenary Lakes. The fenced playground at Edmonton Sugarworld Gardens is also worth a visit.
Cairns Playgrounds
There is also extensive playground equipment at Goomboora Park and in Gordonvale.
North Cairns Parks
Barron Gorge National Park
The Barron Gorge NationalPark is a natural playground just north of Carns. This World Heritage-listed park has a key attraction – the iconic Barron Falls. The spectacular falls cascade over 100 metres off the Atherton Tablelands and can be seen from a range of viewing points. In addition, there are two well-maintained walking tracks to explore, with endless views of Karawina Gorge and past waterfalls cascading through remnants of rainforest.
There are also nice suburban parks in the northern suburbs of Aeroglen, Stratford, Cairns North snd Freshwater. These include:
Cairns West Parks
There are a number of green spaces in Cairns West. Three of them are:
South Cairns Parks
Lamb Range National Park
Lamb Range National Park is known for its lush tropical rainforest. This park has a variety of hiking trails, picnic spots, and lookout points across its countryside. Embark on the iconic Cathedral Fig Tree Walk to take in the incredible mountain views and diverse wildlife all at once. It’s an unforgettable experience that you’re sure to remember for years to come.
With hundreds of reserves and community facilities across the Cairns region, there are many hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered.
There are many beautiful parks and gardens. The most well-known in South Cairns is Sugarworld Parklands.
Other enjoyable parks in the South Cairns area are:
Gordonvale
Bentley Park
Edmonton
Mount Sheridan
Woree
Behana Gorge National Park
Just 30 minutes south of Cairns, Behana Gorge supplies Cairns with fresh water from the rainforest. With idilic swimming holes, amazing views and stunning waterfalls that flow into a deep granite gorge, Behana is a spectacular sight to see.
Explore the 6.6-km Clamshell falls trail. Considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of just under 2 hours to complete. Behana is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running. However, please leave pups at home — dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
Enjoy Cairns Parks.