Experience arts and culture at Cairns Festival
Cairns , Australia • 
Underrated
Underrated
Walking required
No
Walking may be required
Walking may be required
Value for money
High
Most events are free, offering great value for couples.
Most events are free, offering great value for couples.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Vibrant Atmosphere
Couples loved the lively atmosphere and the diverse entertainment options.
Enjoyable Events
Visitors found numerous free events to enjoy, perfect for a budget-friendly date.
Romantic Setting
The fireworks and light displays provided a memorable and romantic experience.
Lacking Privacy
Couples felt the large crowds sometimes hindered a more intimate experience.
Event Schedule
Some couples found the event schedule and advertising could be improved.
Venue Crowds
The Esplanade was very crowded, making it difficult to find a quiet spot.
How to book
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Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Experience fascinating parade show at Cairns Festival.
Discover a captivating peek of Cairns Festival.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW
-
Open
Not recommended
January
LOW
-
Open
Not recommended
February
LOW
-
Open
Not recommended
March
LOW
-
Open
Not recommended
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Sunbus provides convenient access, with several routes stopping near the Esplanade. Key stops include Cairns City Station on Lake Street and Lake Street at Cairns Private Hospital.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber offer direct access to the festival precinct, with designated drop-off zones.
Walking
Recommended
The city center is compact and flat, making walking to the Esplanade a pleasant option.
Bike
Cairns is bike-friendly, with paths along the waterfront. Bicycle rentals are available, and the Esplanade has a flat footpath suitable for cycling.
Car
Driving is an option, with the Cairns Esplanade as the main thoroughfare. Parking is available at Southern Esplanade (Lagoon) Car Park and other nearby locations. Be aware of road closures.
Ferry
The Reef Fleet Terminal on Spence Street along the Esplanade is the departure point for Great Barrier Reef tours and ferries, providing access to the festival.
Shuttle
Shuttle bus services are available from Cairns Airport (CNS) to the city and Esplanade area.
Train
The Cairns Railway Station is centrally located, adjacent to Cairns Central Shopping Centre, and a short walk from the Esplanade.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Age
Suitable for all ages