Take advantage of business events breaks and enjoy some downtime with these easy on the pocket pastimes that delegates can explore. Activity, art, culture, food, history and fun. Cairns demonstrates that incredible experiences don’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Looking for free and low-cost things for delegates to do in Cairns? From the Esplanade and Botanic Gardens to galleries, museums and markets, Cairns offers plenty of ways to fill conference breaks and downtime without a significant spend.
These options can work for short breaks between sessions, informal delegate activities, family downtime or independent exploration before and after a business event.
Free Activities Along the 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 Reef 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 wooden playground structure features bridges, tunnels, ropes and slides – and a café and bar nearby for the big kids!
Conference Delegates walking beside Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Conference Delegates walking beside Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Aerial of Cairns City and Esplanade Lagoon
Aerial of Cairns City and Esplanade Lagoon
View from the "Arrows" Walking Tracks
View from the "Arrows" Walking Tracks
Cairns Botanic Gardens & Tanks Art Centre
Looking for some green time? The Cairns Botanic Gardens in Edge Hill are home to extensive tropical plant collections, with several garden areas and walking experiences to explore. 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 – three former WWII Royal Australian Navy oil storage tanks. Tank 4 Gallery hosts travelling art exhibitions and is 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, the Red Arrow offers a shorter, more active option, while the Yellow, Blue and Green Arrow tracks provide longer walking options.
Delegates at the Cairns Botanic Gardens
Delegates at the Cairns Botanic Gardens
Exterior of Cairns Art Gallery
Exterior of Cairns Art Gallery
Delegates along Cairns Esplanade at Night
Delegates along Cairns Esplanade at Night
Explore the Cairns Art Gallery Precinct
Explore three heritage-listed art spaces in the heart of Cairns, with free entry across the Cairns Art Gallery Precinct. The Public Curators Building, Court House Building and Mulgrave Building host changing exhibitions and programs spanning regional, Australian and First Nations art. The precinct is an easy option for delegates looking to add a short cultural experience to free time in the CBD.
Discover Cairns Museum
Cairns Museum, located in the historic School of Arts building, explores the people, places and stories that have shaped Tropical North Queensland. Admission fees apply, making it a low-cost option for delegates with time to explore between conference sessions.
Browse Rusty’s & Cairns Night Markets
For delegates visiting on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, Rusty’s Markets offers an easy way to explore local produce, food, clothing, craft and specialty products in the heart of Cairns. 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. With more than 180 stalls, it’s a lively option for delegates looking to explore the city independently during free time.
And if you’re really into market meandering, jump from Rusty’s during the day to the Cairns night markets. Located in the heart of the city and offers food, fashion, art, gifts and souvenirs, making it an easy option for delegates exploring after conference hours.
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.
