Jack Barnes Mangrove Boardwalk

The Jack Barnes Mangrove Boardwalk is a stunning, unique visitor attraction right under the nose of Cairns International Airport.

For any visitor coming from colder climes and having never experienced a tropical mangrove forest, the short walk through the mangroves is an unworldly experience.

The vegetation is unique; its density, root formations and muddy footprint, which is alive with crabs, all create an experience in Nature that is unique and wondrous.

Jack Barnes Mangrove Boardwalk, Cairns Airport

History

Opened in February 1988 to commemorate the Queensland Bicentennial, the boardwalk was named in honour of Dr Jack Barnes, a Cairns physician and toxicologist. Dr Barnes was instrumental in discovering the cause of a specific jelly fish sting in local waters, known as Irukandji syndrome. With careful research Barnes identified the culprit as a tiny jelly fish that has been named after him - Carukia barnesi. Dr Barnes also advised on treatments for the sting and helped establish publicity and public warnings about the dangers of the jelly fish.

The mangrove boardwalk, although not widely promoted, had for many years been a popular attraction for environmentalists, birders, photographers, nature lovers and visitors. However in April 2019 the boardwalk was closed due to disrepair. Fortunately, local groups advocated for its reopening, and now, after substantial investment and repairs, the boardwalk reopened in August 2022.

Access to the boardwalk is from a small carpark off to the side of the airport access road. For safety, new road barriers have been installed to prevent vehicles crossing the road to the carpark in midstream traffic. Coming from the city, it’s now necessary to drive almost to the airport and circle back at the first airport roundabout, then access the carpark on the left hand side as you return towards the city.

From the carpark visitors have two boardwalk options - the northern and southern boardwalks, each with their respective separate entrances.
The northern track loops back to the carpark, taking approximately 30 minutes. The boardwalk includes a rest area and two lookouts, with views across a small creek within the forest.
The southern track is not a loop. It terminates 600 metres in near the mouth of Swampy Creek. Interpretive signage along the way provides information about mangrove forests.

Salt Marsh, Mangrove Boardwalk — Salt Marsh, Northern Mangrove Boardwalk

Rest area on the Northern Boardwalk, Jack Barnes Mangrove Boardwalk

The Jack Barnes Bicentennial Mangrove Boardwalk is located on Cairns Airport land, very near the airport runways.