Each day, over 600 sea, air and land tours depart from Cairns to nearly every part of the Tropical North, with most including pick-up and return to holiday accommodation. City shops and duty free stores are well stocked with souvenirs and luxury goods from top Australian and overseas designers. There are large shopping centres in the suburbs, and buyers and browsers will find much to choose from amidst the city's many arcades, plazas and malls. Cairns' Regional Art Gallery has permanent and special exhibitions and private galleries sell original works by resident artists. Restaurants, bistros, cafes, coffee shops and food halls open from early morning to late evening.
Menus range from genuine Australian bush tucker to the tastes of home for overseas visitors.
On the city's northern fringe, within walking distance of each other, are the Tanks Art Centre, the Royal Flying Doctor base, and the century-old Botanic Gardens which include spectacular walks through the Mt Whitfield rainforest and the relaxing Centenary Lakes.