Things to See in Cairns

Flecker Botanic Gardens northwest of the city centre, are dominated by the magnificent rainforest, but there are also plots of bush-tucker plants and the Gondwanan Evolutionary Trail, which begins the 415-million-year heritage of tropical plants from blue-green algae (Quaternary) and reaches its standing ovation in the Age of Angiosperms (now).

Cairns Regional Gallery, in a gorgeous heritage building, is worth a wander. Exhibitions reflect the consciousness of the region, with an emphasis on indigenous art. The permanent collection includes works by Brett Whiteley, Russell Drysdale and Donald Friend.

The undisputed highlight of the Cairns Foreshore Promenade is the 4800-sq-m saltwater swimming lagoon, a feat in landscape architecture bringing the beach-cum-swimming experience to the heart of the city. Fitness enthusiasts blade, cycle or just walk the 3km Esplanade Walking Trail, and travellers meander lazily up and down the Esplanade, popping into restaurants and shops until the wee hours.