Cairns: City Sights, Botanic Gardens & Palm Cove Tour

Summary

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You’ll wander Cairns’ harbor with a local guide, step inside St Monica’s Cathedral’s glowing stained glass, sample fresh-baked scones at afternoon tea, stroll through lush Botanic Gardens learning about tropical plants, and end your day with sand between your toes at Palm Cove beach—all with easy hotel pickup and drop-off included.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the minivan—misjudged how long it’d take me to find my hotel lobby (Cairns CBD hotels all look similar after a while). But our guide, Mark, just grinned and waved me in like he’d seen this before. The air-con hit first—sharp relief from that thick, sweet tropical air—and I realized I’d left my sunglasses behind. Too late. We were already rolling through Cairns’ city center, Mark pointing out old sugar wharves and the harbor where pelicans loafed on pylons. There was this faint smell of salt and diesel mixed together, which I weirdly liked.

We ducked into St Monica’s Cathedral next. I’d read about stained-glass windows but didn’t expect them to be so… massive? The light inside was blue and gold, kind of watery, and our group just went quiet for a minute. After that we wandered over to the Cairns Museum—a volunteer named Jenny met us at the door with this big smile and stories about cyclones and croc warnings (she said “just don’t swim where locals don’t”). My favorite bit was actually the old photos of 1960s swimmers in wild hats; you could re-enter for free later if you wanted more time but honestly I was ready for tea by then.

Devonshire tea came with scones so fluffy I nearly dropped one trying to split it open (the jam was sticky-sweet, not too runny). Someone made a joke about “proper” tea versus coffee—Mark said he drinks both because “it’s too hot to choose.” Then we headed out again for the Cairns Botanic Gardens walk. The air felt heavier there, full of green smells—ginger flowers, wet earth—and our guide showed us how some leaves close up when you touch them. Never knew plants could be shy.

The lookout stop caught me off guard: sudden open sky and this endless blue sweep of sea beyond the city roofs. Mark gave us a few minutes just to stand there—I think everyone got quiet again. Later at Palm Cove beach, I walked barefoot on sand still warm from the sun; watched two kids race crabs along the jetty railing while their mum laughed. Didn’t want to leave yet but the van was waiting and honestly my feet were sandy anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cairns city and nearby sights

• Drive through city center and waterfront
• Visit cathedral with stained-glass windows
• Tour Cairns Museum with guide
• Enjoy traditional Devonshire Afternoon Tea
• Walk through Flecker Botanical Gardens
• Visit lookout over Cairns and Coral Sea
• Walk along Palm Cove beach and jetty

Top questions

How long does the Cairns City Sights & Surrounds Tour last?

The tour takes place in the afternoon; exact duration may vary but typically covers several hours including all stops.

Is hotel pickup included for this Cairns city tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from Cairns CBD hotels are included.

What attractions are visited on this tour?

The itinerary includes Cairns city center, waterfront/harbor area, St Monica’s Cathedral, Cairns Museum (with exclusive guided visit), Flecker Botanic Gardens, a scenic lookout over Cairns and Coral Sea, and Palm Cove beach.

Is afternoon tea provided during the tour?

Yes, a traditional Devonshire Afternoon Tea is included with your choice of tea or coffee.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children under 4 years old are not permitted to travel on this tour.

Does the tour require high physical fitness?

No; it is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Can wheelie walkers or motor scooters be brought on this tour?

No; wheelie walkers and motor scooters are not permitted.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes pickup from your Cairns CBD hotel by air-conditioned minivan, an exclusive guided visit at Cairns Museum (with free re-entry for three days), entry to St Monica’s Cathedral with its famous stained glass windows, traditional Devonshire afternoon tea with your choice of drink, a guided walk through Flecker Botanic Gardens learning about tropical plants, panoramic views from a city lookout over the Coral Sea, plus time to stroll or relax at Palm Cove beach before returning to your hotel.