Cairns Sport & Leisure
Cruise to the very edge of the world famous Great Barrier Reef and scuba dive, snorkel, fish, view the incredible marine life from a semi-submersible submarine, or simply swim in the cool, clear waters surrounding the reef before a tasty buffet lunch on the boat.
There are many beaches which extend north of Cairns, each with its unique feel. The first of these is Machans Beach, a short way up the coast. Near Cairns Airport is Holloways Beach, which is great for canoeing, sailing and fishing, and also has some pleasant shops. Beaches are accessible by local bus, but are all quiet and unspoiled.
The Esplanade is undoubtedly the busiest and most interesting street in Cairns. It has the sea on one side, while the other side is lined with restaurants, bars, hotels and backpacker hostels. As well as being a great place to enjoy the daytime sun, in particular the man made lagoon complete with beach and grassy picnic areas, the area really comes alive at night.
Other areas worth visiting are Pier Marketplace and its diverse range of shops, restaurants, tour booking agencies and a living reef aquarium, and Shields Street, which is a great night spot full of bars, pubs and clubs which attract crowds of visitors and locals.