The city of Cairns has used its natural surroundings to its advantage with the construction of several small theme parks for tourists. Among them are Rainforestation Nature Park, the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, and the Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which extends for 7.5 km over World Heritage rainforest.

A notable feature of the Cairns esplanade is a swimming lagoon with adjoining barbecue areas. In May 2003, the then Cairns Mayor Kevin Byrne declared that topless sunbaking is permitted here, as the area is a gathering point for people from around the world who may wish to do so. A boardwalk allows pedestrians and cyclists to move along the foreshore from the Lagoon in a sustainable manner.

Cairns is situated on lands on which Yidinj was the primary language spoken, over which the Walubarra Yidinji peoples claim prior ownership, and some continuing traditional property rights and interests.

Cairns experiences a warm tropical climate. It experiences a wet season with tropical monsoons from December to April, and a relatively dry season from May to November, though showers are frequent for most of this period. Tourism plays a major part in the Cairns economy. According to Tourism Australia, Cairns is the fourth-most popular destination for international tourists in Australia after Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. While the city does not rank amongst Australia's top 10 destinations for domestic tourism, it attracts a significant number of Australian holiday makers given its distance from major capitals.

Notable sporting grounds include Barlow Park, Cairns Showground and Cazaly's Stadium, the Cairns Convention Centre (basketball), and the Cairns Hockey Centre.

Cairns also has a National Basketball League (NBL) team, the Cairns Taipans. The Northern Pride Queensland Cup rugby league team will play their first season in 2008, and will act as a feeder team to the North Queensland Cowboys who play in the National Rugby League. In Cairns Australian rules football is followed, and there is an active local league.

Cairns is a major international destination for scuba diving due to its close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. Other recreational activities popular with tourists include whitewater rafting, skydiving, kitesurfing and snorkelling.

Feel free to give your feedback.

Full Day Cruise and Scenic Helicopter Flight

Spend the day cruising around two glorious reef destinations with an Aussie BBQ lunch and underwater activities such as snorkeling and semi-submersible and glass bottom boat are all included in your adventure.

Then it's time to view this majestic wonderland from a helicopter - taking in famous site such as Hastings, Norman & Saxon Reefs, before heading back down to sea level. Your afternoon is complete with a cruise back to Cairns, where you'll enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, cheese & crackers and a tropical fruit platter.

Meeting point and supplier's details are provided immediately after booking.