Cairns Aquarium – Cairns Esplanade loop from Cairns

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 walkable paths. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 22, 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

5.90 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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

Tip by

13.2 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

10.9 km

1.27 km

819 m

291 m

Surfaces

7.16 km