In 1876, Cairns was declared a town and named after
William Wellington Cairns, the then Governor of Queensland.
Cairns city's population in 1947 was 16,444 and 30 years
later was 34,830. In 1966 the combined city and surrounding
Mulgrave shire population was 42,859, and is expected to top
250,000 in the year 2010.
Completion of stage one of the $32 million Esplanade
Project, has transformed the Central Business District and waterfront into a safe, people-friendly area where
the new lagoon, barbecues, gardens and outdoor dining
and recreation make the most of our tropical climate.
Cairns' first Sister City was Hiwasa - Japan
The Treaty between Cairns and Hiwasa was signed in 1969
Boasting Australia's largest variety of commercially produced exotic
tropical fruits and vegetables, the region is also home to one
of the most
pristine marine environments in the world. Products sourced from our
waters
are considered world class in terms of quality.
The Cairns Seaport is the country's busiest cruise port with
136 cruise ship visits in 1999 and Queensland's busiest commercial
port with 26 scheduled services each day to the Great Barrier Reef
and islands off Cairns. It is a picturesque port, with passenger
terminals and marina facilities located virtually in the central
business district.
Cairns has advanced, state of the art health care and
education facilities
catering for local residents and international visitors.
Students travel from around the world to attend the university and
other education centres, particularly, English language colleges.
Cairns health care facilities and services attract patients from
throughout the Asia Pacific region.
The tourism industry contributes approx $1.3 billion to the
Cairns economy.
Fishing catch contributes around $144 million (QDPI).
At Centenary Lakes both Freshwater and Saltwater Lakes are
connected to Botanic Gardens by a boardwalk BBQ's, picnic shelters
and children's playgrounds are located at both Lakes.
Mt Whitfield Conservation Park just behind the Gardens offers
many opportunities for nature-based recreation and educational
activities along its two major walking tracks - the Red and Blue
Arrow circuits. From the top of the mountain range, sweeping views
of Trinity Inlet, the Coral Sea and the City of Cairns make the
1.3km Red or the 5.4km Blue Arrow walk worthwhile.
Sugarworld Waterslides at Hambledon Drive, Edmonton offers
four giant waterslides, fun pool, BBQ facilities which are open
school holidays and public holidays. Waterslides operate from
10.00am - 4.30pm. Admission fee applies.
Sugarworld Gardens are free and open every day of the week
from
7:30am - 6:00pm and offer tropical gardens, BBQ's and playground
equipment.
The Botanic Gardens festival is held annually on 1st Sunday
in September.
Organised by Friends of Botanic Gardens. A family day, includes
plant sales, food stalls, live bands, roving entertainers,
children's entertainment, sausage sizzle, street theatre.
Cairns International Airport is the nation’s fifth busiest
in terms of international and domestic passenger movements, and the
city also is rated the third most popular tourist destination in the
country after Sydney and Brisbane.
www.cairns australia.com.au
