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Copperlode Dam, Lake Morris, Cairns

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Things to see in Cairns

Tourist information: 

Cairns and Tropical North Visitor Information Centre
51 The Esplanade
Tel: (07) 4051 3588.
www.queenslandholidays.com.au

The centre is open seven days a week from 0830-1830.

There are a variety of free tourism magazines in Cairns, including Welcome To Cairns, available at Tourism Tropical North Queensland Gateway Discovery Centre.

Cairns Regional Gallery

Cairns Regional Gallery, housed within the majestic old Public Offices Building, displays a wide variety of work by many of far north Queensland's finest contemporary artists and also houses touring exhibitions of work by some of Australia's most significant artists.

Opening Times: Mon-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1300-1700.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Corner of Abbott and Shields Streets, Cairns, Australia
Telephone: (07) 4046 4800.
Website: www.cairnsregionalgallery.com.au
Cairns Wildlife Dome

This quite extraordinary zoo, located in the domed roof of a hotel casino in central Cairns, allows visitors to get up close to fascinating Australian fauna, such as koalas, snakes and kookaburras. But the star exhibit is the truly immense 4m-long (13ft) saltwater crocodile, nicknamed Goliath, which can be viewed underwater through its glass tank.

Opening Times: Daily 0900-1800.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Top level, 35-41 Wharf Street, Australia
Telephone: (07) 4031 7250.
Website: www.cairnsdome.com.au
Flecker Botanic Gardens

A walk through the Flecker Botanic Gardens, much wilder than most of Australia's botanic gardens, feels almost like a walk through the rainforest. The gardens are located only 4km (2.5 miles) from the city centre, and attractions include the Fernery , Orchid House and Aboriginal Plant Use section.

Opening Times: Mon-Fri 0730-1730, Sat-Sun 0830-1730.
Admission Fees: No.
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Collins Avenue, Cairns, Australia
Telephone: (07) 4044 3398.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway begins 15km (9 miles) north of Cairns and carries visitors over 7.5km (4.5 miles) of pristine rainforest to the beautiful village of Kuranda. It provides riders with unique views of the lush canopy of the ancient rainforest, as well as breathtaking views of the Barron Gorge and Falls.

Opening Times: Daily 0900-1715.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Corner Kamerunga Road and Cook Highway, Cairns, Australia
Telephone: (07) 4038 1555.
Website: www.skyrail.com.au
The Cairns Museum

This somewhat old-fashioned local museum, run by volunteers from the Cairns Historical Society, is packed with interesting exhibits, showcasing various elements of Cairns' history. Star artefacts include an extensive collection of weapons and hunting implements made by Aboriginal rainforest dwellers and the contents of a demolished Chinese Temple formerly located in the city centre. Other curios include a reconstructed dentist's room. Plenty of information about the history of aviation in the region is also available.

Opening Times: Mon-Sat 1000-1600.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Corner of Shields and Lake Streets, Cairns, Australia
Telephone: (07) 4051 5582.
Website: www.cairnsmuseum.org.au
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park

Tjapukai, which opened in 1987, was Australia's first Aboriginal cultural attraction and is still the one with the most awards to its name. It's located in a 10-hectare (25-acre) park just 15 minutes north of central Cairns. Visitors can watch traditional song and dance, learn about Aboriginal beliefs and history and even try their hand at boomerang and spear throwing, didgeridoo playing or boomerang painting.

Opening Times: Daily 0900-1700 and 1900-2200 (for evening shows).
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Kamerunga Road, Cairns, Australia
Telephone: (07) 4042 9900.
Website: www.tjapukai.com.au
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