Explore the swampier side of Cairns on this revelatory wander into the wetlands. Eerie snap-crackle-slop noises provide a fitting soundtrack to the spooky surrounds, which are signposted with informative guides to the weird life forms scurrying in the mud below you. Slather yourself in mosquito repellent. The boardwalk (and its car park) is just before Cairns Airport.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cairns attractions

1. Tanks Arts Centre

1.31 MILES

Three gigantic, ex-WWII fuel-storage tanks have been transformed into art galleries; it's also an inspired performing-arts venue. Check the website for…

2. Cairns Botanic Gardens

1.4 MILES

These gorgeous gardens are an explosion of greenery and rainforest plants. Highlights include a section devoted to Aboriginal plant use, the Gondwana…

3. Captain Cook Statue

2.04 MILES

You won't be able to miss this mammoth statue, one of Australia's most controversial 'Big Things'. Looming over the city's main road since 1972, the 10m…

4. St Monica's Cathedral

2.39 MILES

Cairns' main Catholic church is famous for its themed stained-glass windows, the largest of their type in the world. There are 24 windows depicting the…

5. Cairns Aquarium

2.53 MILES

Cairns' multi-million-dollar aquarium is well worth a visit for its vast and gorgeously presented range of marine life, the Great Barrier Reef in…

6. Reef Eye

2.64 MILES

Soak up stunning views of the Coral Sea and Cairns city aboard this 35m-high Ferris wheel. The fully enclosed gondolas rotate 360 degrees (passengers…

7. Cairns Esplanade, Boardwalk & Lagoon

2.7 MILES

Sunseekers and fun-lovers flock to Cairns Esplanade's spectacular swimming lagoon on the city’s reclaimed foreshore. The artificial, sandy-edged, 4800-sq…

8. Cairns Art Gallery

2.78 MILES

The permanent collection of this acclaimed gallery has an emphasis on local and Indigenous work. It also hosts prominent visiting exhibitions and…

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