A mere 15-minute drive from the city centre, but far enough away to revel in rainforesty repose, this delightful spot overlooks the aptly named Lake Placid: it's an excellent alternative to staying centrally if you're driving. Camping and a variety of well-priced, tasteful accommodation options are available. Within striking distance of a wide range of attractions and the northern beaches.
Lake Placid Tourist Park
Cairns
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
5.22 MILES
These gorgeous gardens are an explosion of greenery and rainforest plants. Highlights include a section devoted to Aboriginal plant use, the Gondwana…
Cairns Esplanade, Boardwalk & Lagoon
7.64 MILES
Sunseekers and fun-lovers flock to Cairns Esplanade's spectacular swimming lagoon on the city’s reclaimed foreshore. The artificial, sandy-edged, 4800-sq…
7.36 MILES
Cairns' multi-million-dollar aquarium is well worth a visit for its vast and gorgeously presented range of marine life, the Great Barrier Reef in…
7.62 MILES
Take your knowledge to new depths at this fun, informative centre, where marine experts explain how to identify specific species of fish and coral, and…
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27.45 MILES
This sanctuary endeavours to keep and showcase native animals in enclosures that mimic their natural environment, while allowing you to get up close to…
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Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
1.94 MILES
Managed by the area’s original custodians, this award-winning cultural extravaganza tells the story of creation using giant holograms and actors. There's…
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29.65 MILES
This broad stretch of squeaky sand wraps around the eastern side of the peninsula in a near-perfect arc of sand and swaying palms – access is off the…
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Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
15.94 MILES
North of Ellis Beach towards Port Douglas, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures offers a daily range of squeal-inducing events including croc farm tours,…
Nearby Cairns attractions
1. Australian Armour & Artillery Museum
1.91 MILES
Military and history buffs will love the largest display of armoured vehicles and artillery in the southern hemisphere. Go for a ride in a tank (adult…
2. Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
1.94 MILES
Managed by the area’s original custodians, this award-winning cultural extravaganza tells the story of creation using giant holograms and actors. There's…
3.97 MILES
You'll need a full day to properly explore this enormous complex, divided into three sections: a koala & wildlife park, the interactive Pamagirri…
4.29 MILES
Visitors are welcome at this rescue and rehabilitation centre for injured and orphaned bats, possums and gliders. Passionate volunteers are more than…
4.31 MILES
This unmissable boat-shaped building houses a gorgeous and authentic collection of Indigenous artworks and artefacts by local artists under the Doongal…
4.42 MILES
At this touristy market you'll find Australiana souvenirs – think emu oil, kangaroo-skin bow ties and Akubra hats – by the busload. It's also home to…
7. Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
4.44 MILES
Australia's largest butterfly aviary has more than 2000 tropical butterflies. Guided tours (included with admission) run for 30 minutes, and take in the…
4.44 MILES
Birdworld recreates the rainforest habitats of more than 80 species of free-flying native and exotic birds. Birds swoop and swagger freely around the park.