Cairns National Parks and Gardens
Rugged mountain scenery, steep ravines, tumbling waterfalls, rich wildlife and tropical rainforest make Barron Gorge one of Queensland's most popular and picturesque parks. The park features the most accessible rainforest close to Cairns. Take the Skyrail Cableway for a bird's eye view of the forest. See fascinating displays in the rainforest interpretation centre or go for a guided walk, keeping an eye out for native wildlife.
Barron Gorge is the traditional home of the Djabaguy people. Follow their long established pathways or take the routes of the early pioneers to the goldfields. Stop for a picnic on the shores of Lake Placid. Canoe around the lake or join a white water rafting tour along the Barron River. Enjoy the view over the gorge and falls from Wright's Lookout or the elevated boardwalk through the forest at Barron Falls lookouts.
| Near Kuranda at the Barron Falls Lookout, a wheelchair accessible, elevated boardwalk lets visitors explore the rainforest. Two viewing platforms provide spectacular views over the falls and gorge. The Speewah camping area toilets and Skyrail facilities are wheelchair accessible. | |
| Where: | Barron Falls is near Kuranda, just 15 minutes or 18km north of Cairns, or 50 minutes south of Port Douglas. Kuranda is 27km north-west of Cairns or 31km east of Mareeba. From Kuranda, take the 3km Barron Falls Road south to Barron Falls Lookout and other walking tracks. |
Take a walk in the only wet tropic botanic gardens in Australia. In the main garden, admire tall trees and palms supporting lianas and tropical climbers, and visit the fascinating Aboriginal food plant and Gondwana heritage sections.
Adjacent to the Botanic Gardens, discover the Centenary lakes. Enjoy a stroll along the Rainforest Boardwalk and see birds, turtles and waterlilies on the Freshwater Lake, and mudskippers, crabs, saltwater fish and mangrove birds on the Saltwater Lake.
| Where: | Cairns |
Experience a forest walk with view over the city. Mount Whitfield Conservation Park offers many opportunities for nature-based recreation and educational activities. It is a popular place for hikers and local residents looking for somewhere to escape the pressures of daily life. Most visitors encounter bush turkeys, orange-footed scrub fowl and red-legged pademelons.
Two linked circuit walks ascend the slopes of the Whitfield Range, providing views over the city and suburbs, Trinity Bay, the rich mangrove forests lining the Barron River, the airport and the Northern Beaches. You can walk either the shorter 1.5km Red Arrow Circuit or, for passionate hikers, the longer 6.6km Blue Arrow Circuit.
| Where: | Collins Avenue, Cairns. |
| Phone: | +61 (0)7 4044 3398 |
