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Australia

Queensland

Cairns Aquarium – Cairns Esplanade loop from Cairns

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Australia

Queensland

Cairns Aquarium – Cairns Esplanade loop from Cairns

Moderate

5.0

(3)

hikers

Cairns Aquarium – Cairns Esplanade loop from Cairns

03:28

13.2km

100m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 27, 2026

Tips

Temporary access restrictions

Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.

After 69 m for 119 m

Restricted: • 9:00 AM-5:30 PM (otherwise closed)

After 13.1 km for 119 m

Restricted: • 9:00 AM-5:30 PM (otherwise closed)

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1.14 km

Cairns Aquarium

Highlight • Structure

One of Cairns' main tourist spots that allows you to see the reef without actually going out to it!

Tip by

1.22 km

Palm Tree on Abbott Street

Highlight • Natural Monument

Very worth seeing, you have to see it

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.44 km

Bishop's House

Highlight • Historical Site

Very worth seeing, you have to see it

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.55 km

Viewpoint

5.91 km

The Red Arrow Circuit Lookout has views over Cairns, the airport, the coastline, and surrounding mountains. It’s a popular spot for sunrise and sunset since it's so close to the parking area. The approach is steep but worthwhile.

Tip by

6.17 km

Red Arrow Circuit

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Red Arrow Circuit climbs through bamboo-filled rainforest with paved trails and over 250 stairs, it's a great workout with rewarding views along the way. To extend this workout, add on the Blue Arrow Circuit. This forest is home to tree kangaroos, scrub turkeys, goannas, and rich birdlife.

Tip by

6.64 km

Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre

Highlight • Rest Area

The Cairns Botanic Gardens is a tropical paradise and an education centre on Australia's flora and horticulture. The gardens are free to visit and open every day from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, though they may close in bad weather. The visitor centre and café are open 8:30 am to 4 pm weekdays and 9:30 am to 2 pm weekends and holidays.

Tip by

8.19 km

Saltwater Lake

Lake

10.2 km

Cairns Esplanade

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Cairns Esplanade is a vibrant waterfront multiuse path in the heart of Cairns, stretching along Trinity Inlet with free access to walkways, parks, and attractions for visitors and locals. It's home to the iconic Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, a family-friendly swimming spot surrounded by restaurants, markets, and recreational facilities, making it a hub for relaxation and social activity. Since the late 1800s, the Esplanade has been a focal point of the city, blending scenic views of the Great Barrier Reef with opportunities for exercise, dining, and cultural events.

Tip by

11.9 km

M & Z Special Commando Units Memorial

Highlight • Monument

This monument honours the Z Special Unit, or Z Force, an Allied special operations group formed during World War II. It recognises the brave men who trained in Cairns and executed covert missions behind Japanese lines in Southeast Asia, including the famous raid on Singapore Harbour. This memorial pays tribute to a multinational force, mainly Australian, along with British, Dutch, New Zealand, Timorese, and Indonesian members, who risked their lives in these operations.

Tip by

13.2 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

10.9 km

1.23 km

687 m

414 m

Surfaces

6.87 km

3.63 km

1.59 km

1.14 km

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (90 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

Weather

Tuesday 7 July

23°C

15°C

36 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Cairns Aquarium – Cairns Esplanade loop from Cairns

Cairns Aquarium

Palm Tree on Abbott Street

Bishop's House

Red Arrow Circuit Lookout

Red Arrow Circuit

Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre

Cairns Esplanade

M & Z Special Commando Units Memorial

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