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Cairns is a tropical gateway to two of Queensland's most remarkable natural environments: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest. The city itself has a relaxed waterfront atmosphere, with the Cairns Esplanade lined by walking paths, restaurants, markets, and a large lagoon for swimming. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is an important part of the region's identity, while the nearby rainforest offers opportunities to encounter unique Australian wildlife and lush tropical landscapes. Fresh seafood and produce feature heavily in the local dining scene.

The area surrounding Cairns is made for exploration by car. The Captain Cook Highway follows the coast toward Port Douglas, passing beaches, rainforest, and spectacular viewpoints along the way. Inland, Kuranda sits in the mountains amid dense rainforest and is surrounded by walking trails and waterfalls, while the Atherton Tablelands offer crater lakes, farms, waterfalls, and small country towns. Further north, the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation provide an even wilder setting where tropical forest meets the Coral Sea. Cairns is an ideal starting point for combining coastal adventures with Australia's tropical north.