Blog post

Delegates explore free fun in Cairns

Take advantage of business events breaks and enjoy some downtime with these easy on the pocket pastimes that delegates can explore.

Cairns Esplanade & Lagoon

The 2.5-kilometre Cairns Esplanade is packed with pocket-friendly activities from sunrise to sunset. Start the morning spotting resident pelicans with a power walk overlooking the inlet, before giving the free gym equipment a go if you’re feeling particularly fit! A lunchtime break under a tree on the lush lawns is the perfect way to reset for an afternoon of business sessions and an excellent opportunity to admire the unique art pieces dotted throughout the park. For those needing an extra dopamine rush, free fitness classes from yoga to Zumba operate throughout the week – grab your water bottle and jump right in!

Cool off in the clear blue salt water of the Esplanade Lagoon at any time of the day. Free to all and watched over by lifeguards, the lagoon features a sandy beach to squish your toes in after a day of stifling business shoes. Walk around the perimeter of the lagoon, and you will notice it’s shaped like Queensland, with the rock sculptures representing the Torres Strait Islands!

Delegates who have family flying in for post-touring will love the Esplanade for kids. Muddy’s is a splash playground featuring water play areas, a flying fox, sound chimes, playhouses and puzzles – hours of free entertainment for the kids while you enjoy a coffee (or a wine) at the Muddy’s Café. For a small fee, you can then jump on the Cairns Eye and check out the view (and the Queensland-shaped lagoon!)

Further along the boardwalk, kids will discover the ultimate treehouse. Built into a giant fig tree, the sustainably designed wooden playground structure features bridges, tunnels, ropes and slides – and a café and bar nearby for the big kids!

Cairns Botanic Gardens

Looking for some green time? The magnificent Cairns Botanic Gardens in the leafy suburb of Edge Hill are renowned as one of the best exhibitions of tropical plants in Australia. The gardens are split into several zones and collections, including an Aboriginal Plant Use Garden, Bamboo & Friendship Garden, Rainforest Boardwalk and spectacular Conservatory housing the Garden’s most valuable and tender plants.

While you’re there, wander down to the Tanks Art Centre – a series of converted WWII Naval oil storage tanks. Tank Four hosts travelling art exhibitions, free for the public to walk through.

Need to burn off more energy? Pack your joggers and take on one of the Arrow Tracks behind the gardens in Mount Whitfield National Park. A local’s favourite network of tracks, you can power the Red Arrow return in 20 minutes or go scenic for a longer hike on the Yellow, Blue or Green Arrows.

Cairns Art Gallery Precinct

Featuring three distinct gallery experiences, the precinct is free to visit and hosts both travelling and permanent exhibitions. The Cairns Art Gallery is a heritage-listed building repurposed in 1995 and now one of Australia’s leading public galleries – even hosting an Andy Warhol exhibition! From here, wander across the lawn to the Court House Gallery and performance space before finishing up at the recently restored Mulgrave Gallery. Originally the City Council Chambers, the gallery offers curated exhibitions and programs that celebrate and explore First Nations culture.

Cairns Museum

Speaking of art, the Cairns Museum, located in the historic School of Arts building and run by the Cairns Historical Society, houses a remarkable collection of photographs, objects and stories that define life past and present in Tropical North Queensland – all in air-conditioned comfort. A nominal fee is payable at the door and gives you access to this city treasure for 12 months!

Market Meandering

Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the city are centred around Rusty’s Markets. Born of an idea from a group of hippies in 1975 wanting to sell tie-dye, the fledgling market was taken over by local businessman Rusty Rees who set up in his old car showroom to help local farmers sell their produce direct. Rusty’s now boasts over 180 stalls showcasing paddock-to-plate, international foods, exotic fruit, clothing and craft, all bundled into a bustling tropical vibe.

And if you’re really into market meandering, jump from Rusty’s during the day to the Cairns night markets daily from 4 pm. Located in the heart of the city, you’ll find everything from fashion to food, art, gifts, jewellery and everyone’s favourite late-night snack – ice cream!

Activity, art, culture, food, history and fun. Cairns demonstrates that incredible experiences don’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

So, find your free in Cairns and take advantage of those conference breaks!

Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef is a complimentary service offering support to meeting and event planners looking to bring a business event to our breathtaking location in Australia – get in touch.