Atherton Tablelands: Lying just west of Cairns are the Atherton Tablelands. The plateau is a great place to hike and bike, while being a gastronome’s paradise. Don’t miss Gallo Dairyland, the hippy town of Kuranda and the historic village for Herberton. Also, pay a visit to the Nerada Tea Plantation and discover how tea is grown and processed to make the perfect cup. After touring the plantation, sit back and relax with a Devonshire tea.
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park: Located 20 minutes out of Cairns, the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park gives you a fascinating peek into the culture and traditions of Australia’s Aborigines (believed to be one of the oldest living tribes in the world). The Tjapukai Cultural Centre offers shows by indigenous performers. During the day you can enjoy interactive exhibits, and by night a fire is lit and bush meat served to the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo.
Holloways Beach: Holloways Beach, a 15-minute drive from central Cairns, is a picturesque, tropical beach. Popular with locals, the shore is lined with restaurants, and its golden, sandy beach is shaded with coconut palms and gum trees. Enjoy the beach the Australian way with one of the many barbeques dotted along the sand. This beach can have jellyfish, so swim within the stingers net.