What’s New
Investor confidence is soaring in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef, resulting in a magnitude of multi-million dollar investments being injected into the destination. Find out what new hotels, offsite venues, tours and activities have launched and what’s on the horizon.
Cairns Convention Centre Redevelopment
The Cairns Convention Centre commenced a complete redevelopment and expansion in 2020. The project injects $176 million into a refurbishment of the existing centre, plus the addition of 10,000sqm of new exhibition and function spaces and a total redesign of the exterior look. The refurbished existing footprint of the Centre reopened in May 2021. The extension and final part of the project is predicted to be finalised by early 2023.
Cairns Domestic Airport Upgrade
The Cairns Airport completed a $55 million renovation to the Cairns Airport Domestic T2 Terminal. The large scale refresh included a total restructure to the departure and arrivals lounge area where a line-up of local products and businesses were added, including Ochre Restaurant, Rattle’N’Hum, The Pier Bar and Café China.
Wildlife Habitat’s New CrocArena Experience
Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas has launched the CrocArena and the “Swim with the Salties” experience. The Queensland-first allows delegates to swim in the croc’s kill zone with only a sheet of perspex separating them from these modern-day dinosaurs with killer instincts. CrocArena is purpose built for crocodile shows, including grandstand seating for 300 people, and an underwater viewing area. Over the past three years, nearly every part of Wildlife Habitat has been rebuilt.
Crystalbrook Collection Joins The Line Up
Crystalbrook Collection has added three new 5-star properties to Cairns, totalling over $550 million worth of investment since 2018. The total development of Crystalbrook Riley, Crystalbrook Bailey and Crystalbrook Flynn has added 877 new accommodation rooms to the city’s inventory and an array of chic restaurants and bars, and versatile events spaces.
Oaks Cairns Hotel Redevelopment
Oaks Cairns Hotel was born after a a $12 million conversion of the prime corner in the heart of the Cairns central business district. The now five-storey hotel overlooks the newly redesigned Esplanade Dining Precinct and Lagoon, with views out to the Coral Sea. The hotel takes full advantage of this with rooftop restaurant and bar, Oak & Vine.
Silky Oaks Lodge Refurbishment
Silky Oaks Lodge, luxury accommodation in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest, has undergone an $20 million refurbishment. Owned by Baillie Lodges, this iconic property now competes with the world’s leading luxury lodges while reflecting the essence of the region.
Esplanade Dining Precinct Now Complete
Construction is complete on the $28 million Esplanade Dining Precinct. The engaging layout features new contemporary awnings that offer better weather protection, an extended dining area, gently curving road alignment, inviting vertical gardens and grassed mounds, and extra footpaths to improve pedestrian connectivity.
Cairns Court House Gallery New Event Space
The Cairns Court House has been restored to its original 1921 condition. The building is registered on the Queensland Heritage Register and is a key component of the Cairns Gallery Precinct. The classic venue has a multitude of indoor and outdoor event spaces in the centre of Cairns.
cairns.qld.gov.au/experience-cairns/arts-and-culture/arts-venues/the-court-house
Performing Arts Precinct New Venue Options
With the addition of the award-winning Cairns Performing Arts Centre, adjoining Munro Martin Parklands and nearby Bulmba-ja Arts Centre, the options for events in Cairns just got a little more fancy. Perfect for presentations, performances, welcome functions, engaging gala dinners, you name it!
New Reef Magic Pontoon
Experience Co. have launched the first new pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef in over a decade.
At 1003sqm, the new Reef Magic pontoon is one of the biggest on the Great Barrier Reef, and has a daily capacity of 250 delegates. Adding to a delegate’s traditional day on the reef, the pontoon has a fully functioning scientific lab where reef research and projects will be conducted.
Coming Soon…
Surf’s Up in Port Douglas
A $317-million plan to build a 3.5 acre wave park with 7ft waves, 5-acre fresh water lagoon and 160-room resort complex in Port Douglas has been approved. Construction on the project in Mowbray, just south of Port Douglas, is due to start early 2023. NorthBreak Port Douglas would be the region’s first wave park, opening up a new activity for delegates.
Nautilus Aviation’s E-Helicopters
Nautilus Aviation has partnered with Embraer’s Eve Urban Air Mobility solutions to develop electric vertical take-off and landing (e-VTOL) operations. Nautilus Aviation has ordered 10 e-VTOLs, ready to commence flying in 2026. The e-VTOLs program will mean scenic flights over the Great Barrier Reef will be using zero-emission electric aviation.
Fitzroy Island Resort Upgrade
Fitzroy Island Resort will undergo a $2.5 million refurbishment. The resort will have a new lighter, contemporary styling to reflect the spectacular ocean surrounds of Fitzroy Island. As well as new bathrooms, walkways, extended balconies, refreshed pool and pool bar area, the events space will triple with a newly constructed conference rooms on the way.
Fairmont Resort Port Douglas
With plans to open in Port Douglas in 2023, hospitality hotel group Accor will bring 253 rooms, several restaurants, a day spa, a treetop walk, and panoramic conference facilities, planned around resort-style pools and built to seamlessly blend with nature.
Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina Hotel Development
Crystalbrook Collection have announced plans are in development to build a 100-room, five-star hotel alongside a 30-room ‘ultra-lux’ hotel at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas – Australia’s northern-most developed yachting launch pad.
Cairns Airport International Terminal Redevelopment
Work has started on a the multi-million-dollar overhaul of Cairns Airport’s international terminal, the first major upgrade of the building since it opened more than 30 years ago. Overall, $40-$50 million will be invested in the upgrade.
Stay tuned for more updates from Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Accommodation on the Centre Stage
Accommodation options in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef are increasing, renewing and delighting delegates. Investment in the region is at an all time high, with new hotels and hotel refurbishments topping many What’s New lists this year!
A New-Look Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
A lot has changed in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef in the last five years, with investment in the region at an all-time high. After two years of COVID-affected travel, we invite you back to explore the improved ‘natural place to meet’.
Whatever the weather, Cairns is the natural place to meet
Cairns & Great Barrier Reef is a full sensory experience for delegates. Our seasons deliver warm days all year. Regular rainfall over summer and autumn keeps the landscape a rich green; the rainforest is at its most lush and waterfalls are full and spectacular for pre and post-touring adventures.
8 Ways to be a More Eco-Conscious Event Manager
In case you missed it, there’s a green-tourism revolution afoot, with travellers increasingly making more conscious choices. Business events are a big driver of travel so let’s keep the green momentum going for delegates.
