A long-time local’s guide to Cairns
He’s called this tropical “holiday playground” home for more than 20 years, so it makes sense that General Manager Glen Macdonald knows a thing or two about Cairns and Tropical North Queensland. Today, he shares what he thinks makes this destination so spectacular.
Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Prior to becoming General Manager of the Cairns Harbourside Hotel, Glen was CEO of Fitzroy Island Resort, just off the coast of Cairns, where he was able to appreciate the marine attractions of the region first-hand.
Experiencing Tropical North Queensland’s coastal waters, and particularly the Great Barrier Reef, has left an indelible impression on him.
“I could have seen it as work, but it was always a pleasure,” says Glen.
“Snorkelling or scuba diving on the reef is truly remarkable, as is whale watching during the season, and fishing, so visitors need to factor in at least a day or two to appreciate why it’s one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.”
Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
“When I first came to Cairns many decades ago, I was told that even if you organised one new tour activity every weekend, you’d never get through everything this region offers across a year.
“And that is still true today – I’m discovering new attractions all the time.”
With so many options and offerings to choose from, where does one start when planning a tour on their trip to Cairns?
Lucky for you, Glen has shared his recommendations for the best touring experiences in Cairns and the surrounding area, so you don’t have to start from scratch!
Read on for his expert guide on what to see and do.
Waterfalls galore. Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
GET THE BEST OF the Great Barrier Reef
There are many ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef, from the large sightseeing vessels to smaller boutique yachts for the perfect snorkelling location.
There are specialised dive operators that cater for both inexperienced and adventurous divers. For instance, Agincourt Reef is easily accessible to Cairns and ideal for beginner divers and snorkellers, with abundant fish and coral to view. Experienced divers can explore the dramatic Blue Wonder Wall, with its coral gardens dropping vertically for more than 40 metres.
Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel offers a tour to two premium reef sites, and along the way the Indigenous rangers share their creation story of the Great Barrier Reef. It is an inspirational way of understanding the ancient relationship between man and marine life.
The Great Barrier Reef is also a rich playground for anglers. Fishing tours operate from Cairns throughout the year with species such as Coral Trout, Red Emperor, and Spanish Mackerel in plentiful supply.
Hot tip for harbour tours
If you enjoy mixing sightseeing with an adrenaline rush, take a Bad Fishy jet boat tour around the Cairns waterfront and Trinity Inlet. It’s an exciting tour plus really interesting information from the crew.
Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
DISCOVER Mountains and rainforest
Cairns has spectacular waters to the east and mountains and rainforest to the west, all within easy reach.
A perfect introduction to the rainforest is by taking the Kuranda Scenic Railway up to the village of Kuranda. Across historic bridges through dense rainforest and stunning gorges and past waterfalls and stunning gorges on the way up to the village, for shopping, galleries and markets. A visit to Birdworld is also highly recommended.
Come back via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and you can stop off along the way at two stations to explore the rainforest. The Edge Lookout at Barron Falls Station provides panoramic views. By going up by rail and coming back by Skyrail you get a truly mind-blowing view of the coast and Coral Sea as you come over the top of the mountain and back down to Cairns. If you’re game, you can get a remarkable view of the rainforest in one of the glass-bottom gondolas.
Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
See Australia’s largest rainforest
Daintree Rainforest is a must-see for visitors to Cairns and Australia’s largest rainforest. Located 90 minutes north of the city, there's a wide variety of day tours including river cruises – keep an eye out for crocodiles – and learn about the area’s Aboriginal culture. I recommend one of the Indigenous operated tours where you can learn some ancient hunting techniques from the traditional owners, as well as learning about bush foods and medicines which are often in plain sight.
For adrenaline lovers
White water rafting down the Tully River is adventurous, but as the water flow is regulated, it’s suitable for people of all ages. It is a stunning part of the world and the raft guides have excellent knowledge. For thrill-seekers, there is kiteboarding, skydiving and parasailing, but if you prefer to stay grounded, there are excellent mountain biking tracks and 4WD tours.
Come face to face with fishy friends under the sea
CITY SLICKING WITH TOP ATTRACTIONS
Within easy reach of Cairns Harbourside Hotel are attractions such as Cairns Botanic Gardens, the Museum, the Aquarium and an absolute Cairns landmark on the Esplanade – the 4,800-square-metre saltwater lagoon pool – where you can cool off throughout the year. It’s perfect for everyone – from toddlers to seniors – and it’s where you get to meet people from all over the world.
For something unique in Australia, the Samurai Gallery is a Cairns space that exhibits a private collection of authentic Japanese Samurai artefacts. It is Australia's only full-time gallery dedicated to the Japanese crafts and arts of the Samurai, with many exhibits dating back hundreds of years.
Wining and dining in Cairns
The Esplanade is definitely the place to be. It is considered ‘Eat Street’ because of the variety of dining and the harbourfront backdrop.
Our Harbourside Bar & Kitchen captures that vibe perfectly, providing alfresco dining throughout the day and evening, offering superb dishes with views across the parklands to the Coral Sea.
In such a naturally spectacular setting it is only natural to showcase both local produce and an extensive ‘natural wine’ list. I highly recommend enjoying a cooling drink on the balcony in the late afternoon following a busy day touring. Soak in the scenery as it really showcases Cairns at its best.
Waterfront dining at its best
About GLEN
Glen Macdonald has been a local resident of Cairns for more than 20 years, living in this beautiful part of the world with his wife and four kids. A seasoned hotel and tourism executive, before joining Cairns Harbourside Hotel as General Manager, he was CEO of Fitzroy Island Resort for over 12 years, and has worked at Sheraton Port Douglas before that.