Jack Barnes Mangrove Boardwalk, Cairns

Walk your way through the lush tropical mangrove system in Cairns.

The Jack Barnes Bicentennial Mangrove Boardwalk takes you through the tropical mangrove forest by Cairns International Airport. The elevated boardwalk takes you on a journey through the lush mangroves, a creek, and a salt marsh with views of the mountains. There are some seating areas on the boardwalk to take a rest and many signs to read along the way.

It’s fascinating walking along the boardwalk and discovering the tropical mangrove forest. You can spend around 30 minutes to an hour walking the boardwalks and reading the signs on the way.

When you’ve completed the Mangrove Boardwalk, there are attractions nearby that you can see to spend the rest of your day.

Cairns Botanic Gardens

Cairns Botanic Gardens is only a short drive from the Mangrove Boardwalk. The Botanic Gardens is one of Australia’s best tropical plant exhibits with different garden collections to see. You can do birdwatching, grab a bite to eat or join a walking tour and learn about the Botanic Gardens.

Yellow Arrow Walking Track

The 45 minute walking track is a great introduction to the tropical bushwalking in Cairns. The track takes you through the eucalypt forest, and you can stop for some breaks to read the signs. You’ll get some beautiful ocean views and see Cairns Airport where you can watch the planes taking off or coming into landing.

Red Arrow Circuit Lookout

The 1.5 kilometre circuit has 250 steps to reach the lookout point. Walk your way through the rainforest and keep an eye out for any of the Aussie brush turkeys, wallabies, lizards, and echidnas. The lookout point is at the top of the stairs where you can look over Cairns Airport and watch the planes coming into landing or taking off. If you want to follow up a steep pathway, there is a second lookout point that connects the tracks to the Blue or Yellow Arrow walks.