Some activities across Cairns can be expensive and hard to fit large groups, but here are some affordable and fun areas to enjoy:
- Fig tree Treehouse and Barbecues
(Source: https://www.kidsaboutcairns.com/fig-tree-playground/)
The Cairns Esplanade Fig Tree is a great place to play, with a playground embedded into the root’s and branches of a large Fig Tree. With a large grass patch, barbecues and tables this makes a great picnic spot.
Where: 34 – 38 Esplanade, Cairns City
Cost: Free
- Cairns esplanade fun ship
(Source: https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/esplanade/facilities/playgrounds/fun-ship)
The endeavour fun ship is the iconic cairns playground tying in with the marine theme of the Cairns esplanade. With barbecues and tables nearby and lots of seating this is the perfect place for kids to have fun.
Where: Cairns City, North end of the esplanade
Cost: Free
- Muddy’s playground
(Source: https://menalmeida.blogspot.com/2019/11/muddys-playground-cairns-photos.html)
The Muddy’s playground is a fun adventure playground with active and educational facilities. The playground includes water areas, a flying fox, hamster wheels, see-saw, puzzle games. Muddy’s includes barbecues and tables near the café and at the opposite end.
Where: Cairns City, Northern esplanade
Cost: Free unless purchasing from the café
- Centenary Lakes Nature Play Space
(Source: https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/region/things-to-do/natureplay)
This playground encourages children to interact with nature and explore their adventurous side. It includes a variety of balance logs, slides, rock and rope climbing, and a fairy garden. The area is great for fitting larger groups and includes picnic areas and tables.
Where: Greenslopes St, Edge Hill
Cost: Free
- Cairns Botanic Gardens
(Source: https://www.cairnsholidayhomes.com.au/things-to-do/flecker-botanical-gardens)
The Cairns Botanic Gardens is a beautiful garden full of wildlife of many types. This large area is great for groups to walk around or enjoy a picnic with the café hidden in the gardens. You can join guided tours such as the Bird Watching tour or Gardens and Tanks precinct tour. The Gardens conservatory is open daily from 7.30 am to 5.30pm. This showcases more plants that can’t be seen throughout the garden and some butterflies.
Where: 78 – 96 Collins Ave, Edge Hill
Cost: Free, fees may apply if wanting private group tours of the gardens or if purchasing from the café.
- Volleyball and basketball courts
(Source: https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/esplanade/venue-hire/locations/recreation/multi-use-court)
The multi-use courts are open all day every day and can be used for a range of sports such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, etc. Open for casual use for anyone or can be hired for groups.
Where: Northern Esplanade opposite the Cairns Hospital
Cost: Free
- Rock climbing wall – bouldering park
(Source: https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/esplanade/facilities/recreation/bouldering-park)
A rock-climbing wall at low height, perfect for all ages. Open all day every day.
Where: Northern esplanade opposite Cairns Hospital, near multi-use courts
Cost: Free
- Cairns City library
(Source: https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library/using-the-library/locations-hours)
The Cairns City library is a large library perfect for school groups to join in with the events that are run throughout the year. Open between 9am to 6pm every day, other than weekends (open 9am to 12pm). The library is a nice place to enjoy some quiet reading time or calming time for after an exciting day out. Events can be found on the Cairns Library website.
Where: 151 Abbott Street Cairns City
Cost: Free, fees may apply for events
- Cairns art gallery
(Source: https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g255069-d2294638-i449438935-Cairns_Art_Gallery-Cairns_Cairns_Region_Queensland.html)
The Cairns Art Gallery showcases artwork of national and international significances and unique history and culture of Far North Queensland. The Gallery is open to venue hire and open to groups to explore the exhibits.
Where: 40 Abbott St, Cairns City
Cost: Free, Fees apply for venue hire
- Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
(Source: https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/esplanade/facilities/lagoon)
The Lagoon is a salt-water swimming facility that offers the ‘ocean-experience’ in a safe environment with no stingers or crocodiles. A great play space for groups and includes sand for children to play on. Tables and Barbecues are nearby, allowing for picnics. Lifeguards are on duty when the pool is open which is between 6am to 9pm from Thursdays to Tuesdays and from 12pm to 9pm on Wednesdays.
Where: 52 – 54 Esplanade, Cairns City
Cost: Free
- Munro Martin Parklands
(Source: https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/region/things-to-do/munro-martin-parklands)
The Munro Martin Parklands is a large venue including a stage and a large grassed area for picnics, games etc. The park is for public use from 6 am to 8.30 pm every day, except for ticketed event days. Events can be found at the Cairns performing arts centre Website.
Where: 123 Sheridan St, Cairns City
Cost: Free, unless attending a ticketed event