As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns offers numerous attractions that revolve around the water. Tour operators are abundant, with opportunities to indulge in adrenaline-pumping activities such as rafting, bungee jumping and four wheel drive tours.
For the more sedate, river cruises and rainforest walks beckon. There's also a world-class golf course located approximately 25 minutes from the hotel.
Check out these 10 things to do in Cairns when you have a few hours to spare.
Flecker Botanic Gardens
Covering 38 hectares and home to exotic flora and fauna, Flecker Botanic Gardens is one of Cairns' favourite tourist destinations.
Visitors will enter into a different world where the hidden beauty of tropical nature can be appreciated. The gardens are filled with colourful rare flowers, thick foliage and several types of trees.
Cattana Wetlands
The Cattana Wetlands is around 80 hectares of degraded land that Cairns Regional Council has rehabilitated into a nature conservation park. It's situated off Dunne Road in Smithfield, accessed by either Yorkeys Knob Road or McGregor Road, approximately 20km north of the CBD.
The wetlands are open every day of the year from 5.30am to 7pm. (Note: The park may be closed at different times during the wet season).
Facilities available are BBQs, picnic areas, toilets, bird hides and a 420m boardwalk through the feather palm forest.
Daintree
The Daintree Rainforest is a tropical rainforest on the northeast coast of Queensland, approximately a two-hour drive north of Cairns. At around 1,200 sq km (460 sq mi), Daintree is the largest continuous area of tropical rainforest on the Australian continent and is the oldest living rainforest on Earth.
The Daintree Rainforest is a very spectacular piece of natural beauty you will encounter in your lifetime. There are a number of tours, ranging from adventurous to relaxing, operating to Daintree each and every day.
Tjapukai Cultural Park
The 25-acre Tjapukai Cultural Park highlights the cultural and historical aspects of the tribal Aborigines. A great place to visit for both entertainment and educational purposes, the park often showcases spectacular dramas, interesting exhibitions, unique displays, lively music and dance performances.
Suitable for families, couples and children, Tjapukai Cultural Park is one of Cairns' unique attractions. It features the latest theatre technology to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of interactive activities where the original Tjapukai people teach guests the customs and culture of their traditions.
Cairns Regional Gallery
Experience the vibrant visual arts of Tropical North Queensland in this elegant gallery in the heart of Cairns.
Cairns Regional Gallery hosts major exhibitions of fine Australian and international collections covering historical and contemporary art. This includes the work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
Pier Shopping Complex
Encompassing multiple precincts, with a host of dining options, shopping outlets, specialty stores, offices, a gym, health spa and hotel, this is an urban lifestyle centre like no other. Reborn and re-branded, The Pier at the Marina boasts premier waterfront location, marina access, underground parking, not to mention stunning views.
Cairns Central
The Cairns Central shopping centre is a popular shopping destination in Cairns. Home to more than 180 stores, Cairns Central is the largest mall in the whole North Queensland area. The place also has several boutique shops where visitors are sure to pick up some interesting merchandise.
Night Markets
Located at the Esplanade and full of treasures, the Night Markets come alive each evening as crowds of people stream into this area. The markets are famous for the sale of art items, crafts and Australian souvenirs of all kinds. Visitors can also sample delicious cuisine at the food outlets.
Esplanade Markets
The Esplanade Markets, which are open on Saturdays, are ideal for those looking to purchase lovely trinkets and delicate jewellery.
Tanks Market Day
Popular markets in the city include the Tanks Market Day which is held at the Tanks Art Centre situated on Edge Hill. Held on every last Sunday of specific months, this market showcases a different theme every time.