Is Cairns a Walkable City?

There is a lot to do in Cairns, but how easy is it to get from one point to another?

The city centre of Cairns is mostly flat, allowing for leisurely walks through the city. There are lots of things located within walking distance from each other. The walkability of the city depends on where you are planning to go.

Esplanade

Cairns Esplanade is a great place to walk. You’ll find spectacular scenery and a lively atmosphere. You will come across plenty of options for food between the various markets and restaurants lining the walkway. You can also enjoy a refreshing dip in the Esplanade Lagoon after a scenic stroll.

There are a few exciting activities to enjoy along the esplanade as well. The Cairns Aquarium is home to a diverse range of marine life and ecosystems. You can visit the aquarium to learn all about the marine life in tropical Queensland. Another exciting attraction is Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome. Here, you can enjoy a thrilling zipline ride before seeing native Australian critters including koalas!

Walking Paths

The city has a range of walking trails available for more scenic hikes. You can enjoy a stroll in northern Cairns to take in the views above the city. To the west of the city, you can admire the lush flora on a hike through the rainforest.

An informative list of hiking trails in Cairns can be found here.

Travelling further

Cairns is surrounded by ocean and forest, which will require other modes of transport to access. Depending on where you are trying to go, there are more options for navigating through Cairns.

Bus

There is a bus service in Cairns that runs between the northern beaches and southern suburbs. This can be a good option if you are staying in one area of the city and are trying to get to another suburb.

Tour

Alternatively, you can leave the transportation in the hands of a tour company. We have lots of tours that depart from the centre of Cairns and take travellers to famous destinations that are not walkable.

Admire Cairns and the mountainous backdrop on this Cairns Dinner Cruise. You’ll sail around the Trinity Inlet as the sun sets, creating picturesque views all around. Adventuring inland, explore the magnificent forest on this Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation Tour. You can hike through the forest, cool off in pristine swimming holes, and marvel at the scenery where the Daintree meets the Great Barrier Reef. If you want to explore the Great Barrier Reef, this Deluxe Tour with a Dive departs from Cairns and introduces you to a magical underwater world.

Overall, Cairns is a walkable city with lots to see and do. If you are hoping to explore further outside of the city, consider joining a tour to make the most of your time in Cairns!