Melaleuca wetland cycle and walking trail connecting Clifton Beach and Palm Cove. A tranquil shady forest with fine examples of paperbark trees, mangrove swamp and crocodile habitat. The pathway forms part of the Northern Beaches Leisure Trail, which, when completed, will connect all of the Cairns’ Northern Beaches with a continuous off-road cycle trail from Cairns to Palm Cove.

One of the most popular places near Cairns for a refreshing swim in a fresh water creek. The cool waters of Babinda Creek emerge from Mount Bartle Frere, Queensland’s highest mountain. Enjoy a swim in the upper rock pools or simply enjoy the pathways in the tropical rainforest. The Devils Pool Walk follows the creek and has platforms for viewing the fascinating giant granite boulders amid the swirling rapids downstream. 65 km.

Tranquility. It’s hard to imagine that these most tranquil waters belie the torrent that plunges over the Barron Falls a short distance downstream. A peaceful riverside track wends through forest affording stunning views. Catch the soft late-afternoon light for beautiful photos and allow the calmness to soothe your soul. 28 km.

Just 15 km from Cairns CBD, Lake Placid and the Barron Gorge make an interesting excursion. Discover the Barron Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station set in beautiful bush on the lower reaches of the Barron River.

35 minutes south of Cairns, Tringilburra / Behana Gorge is a popular walking track leading to the Clamshell Falls and swimming holes. It’s about a 45-minute walk uphill along a paved road in the forest, following a water pipe that supplies drinking water to Cairns. At the end of the trail, you are rewarded by a magnificent panorama of waterfall and cascades in a bush setting. If you are going for a dip, take care with the swift currents, slippery rocks and cliffs. 34 km.

North of Cairns City lie a string of idyllic beaches - from Machans Beach close to the city and near Cairns Airport, to the northernmost, Ellis Beach.

Palm Cove and Trinity Beach are the most popular tourist beaches.

Journey through a magical botanical world and complete tropical plant paradise. At any time of year all or part of the Cairns Botanic Gardens can be enjoyed. One of the best attractions in Cairns for a Nature lover. Just 4 km Cairns CBD.

A bird watcher’s paradise and tranquil restored wetlands with walkways, bird hides, feather-palm rainforest boardwalk. Located in Smithfield, only 17 km north of Cairns CBD.

Freshwater Creek emerges from the rainforest in the Redlynch Valley and provides a series of waterfalls and swimming holes, ideal for a refreshing swim on a hot day. Discover the secret Fairy Falls in a magical rainforest valley. 19 km from Cairns CBD.

Djina-Wu Trail is part of a network of trails that were traditional walking paths of the Djabuganydi Bama. 13 km from Kuranda.

Freshwater Creek Trail is a tranquil shaded pathway fringing the urban areas of Redlynch Valley in Cairns. The trail follows Freshwater Creek and is a popular recreational pathway for local residents.

Rainforest creek walks and off-leash forest heaven for dogs, Goomboora is a cool place to visit, just 7 km from Cairns city central. Children’s play area.

Enter an ethereal Waterworld of tidal mangrove swamp in the Daintree Rainforest, 77 km north of Port Douglas, en-route to Cape Tribulation. A short boardwalk through a botanical wonderland that has an otherworldly feeling. 133 km from Cairns.

Experience the unique environment of a tropical mangrove forest. Located near Cairns Airport.

Lake Barrine is one of two young volcanic craters (maars) in the Atherton Tablelands. The other lake to explore nearby is Lake Eacham. Barrine is a very scenic and tranquil lake with a walking trail encircling the lake. It’s a 5 km walk to do the circuit, just one to two hours depending on how many photo stops you make. Finish or begin your walk at the Lake Barrine Teahouse, renowned for its Devonshire Teas. 65 km from Cairns.

Close to Cairns, discover beautiful Lake Morris via a 30-minute drive through World-Heritage rainforest. Lake Morris is a freshwater lake that supplies drinking water to Cairns.

Pristine tropical lowland rainforest of pandanus and eucalypts, preserved for future generations as a national park. Walk the coastal path to Lugger Bay, or further to Kennedy Bay at low tide.

No visit to Cairns is complete without soaking up the magnificence of the Millaa Millaa Waterfall. It’s everyone’s favourite waterfall - a perfect cascade set in a green amphitheatre of bush-clad cliffs, framed by tropical undergrowth and an inviting crystal-clear swimming hole. 101 km via. the Gillies Range.

Cairns to Port Douglas - the journey - is a destination in itself. Leave time behind and simply enjoy the spectacular coastal drive; gentle hills and curves that wind in and out small bays, sandy beaches and rocky shorelines. Stop at the Mowbray River for viewing crocodiles in the wild! To the north of Port Douglas lies the Daintree, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, should you decide to venture further. Port Douglas is 67 km from Cairns, about an hour’s travelling time.

Fine sand, warm waters, shady walks, dining and beachside holiday apartments. Trinity Beach is recognised as one of Cairns’ most desirable places to live, as well as a low-key holiday destination. Explore Earl Hill, which overlooks Trinity Beach. Summit climb through forest (dog friendly) to enjoy great views. An alternative track circles back to the beach at Half Moon Bay in Trinity Park. 21 km north of Cairns CBD.

Vasey Esplanade at Trinity Beach is lined with beachfront holiday apartments; interspersed with restaurants and bars. Just 20 minutes north of Cairns CBD and Airport.

Combine a trip to Lake Eachem and the magical small waterfall of Vision Falls, tucked away in the rainforests of the Atherton Tablelands.

Explore the walking trails of Cairns, from hill climbs to shared cycle and walking pathways with accessibility for all.

The Wangetti Trail is a proposed cycle and hiking trail that will link Palm Cove with Port Douglas. The trail will span Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest following the Coral Sea coastline.