Access crossovers and driveways provide vehicle access to your property The access crossover / driveway needs to be constructed using the correct specifications and plans to provide safe and functional vehicle access If you are planning to construct a driveway you may need to apply for an Operational Works permit For your convenience, we have created an Access Crossover / Driveway fact sheet ( PDF, 0.63 MB ) which includes a self-checklist to help you assess if you will need a Development permit for Operational Works If required, a Development Permit for Operational Works MUST be obtained before the works can be started. Please refer to our Operational Works page for more information on how to apply Property owners are responsible for the construction and ongoing maintenance of the access crossover and driveway Council relies on the property owner and members of the construction industry to accurately assess the access crossover / driveway in accordance with Council's Town Planning requirements and technical standards This is to ensure there is no adverse impact on existing essential services It is also the property owner's responsibility to ensure gravel or debris does not wash from the driveway onto the road surface Property owners could be liable if there is an incident caused by the improper construction or lack of maintenance of an access crossover / driveway Note - extreme care needs to be taken when excavating the verge to ensure no damage is done to existing infrastructure Property owners will be liable for any damage caused to Council and/or other infrastructure It is important that access crossovers and driveways be designed and constructed using the standard specifications Correctly designed and constructed driveways avoid things like steep driveway slopes damage to significant vegetation on private property and street trees impacts on street parking and makes sure the driveway is safe for pedestrians The design standards for access crossovers are contained in the current version of the FNQROC Development Manual and the CairnsPlan 2016 (Planning Scheme) – Part 9.3.7 Parking and Access Code ( PDF, 15.71 MB ) Refer to the Access Crossover / Driveway fact sheet ( PDF, 0.63 MB ) for more information on the design and construction requirements of an access crossover / driveway  A Local Law Permit for the Alteration or Improvement to Local Government Controlled Areas or Roads  applies for all planting clearing or damaging trees on Council Land not associated with a Reconfiguration of a Lot Material Change of Use and/or an Operational Works Development Permit (e.g prescribed activity under Council’s Local Law 11) and that is not in accordance with: Refer to the Access Crossover / Driveway fact sheet   ( PDF, 0.63 MB ) for more information on the removal of vegetation for an access crossover / driveway This is the adopted Fees & Charges Schedule for Development The FNQROC Development Manual provides a comprehensive set of guidelines and specifications for carrying out various civil engineering works within Far North Queensland local government areas Latest versions of the main Queensland Government statutory DA forms (including DA Form 1 and DA Form 2) as well as guides Information about access crossovers/driveways including responsibilities of the property owner and Council design and construction requirements and more The greenery and natural ambience of the Cairns Botanic Garden provided the perfect backdrop for today’s launch of the Mayor’s.. May is the month of Masters in Tropical North Queensland with hockey teams mountain bikers and an array of athletes.. Cairns Chamber of Commerce and Advance Cairns have added their support alongside Master Builders and Access Housing.. Cairns Regional Council acknowledges and pays our respects to the Traditional Custodians of our region Gimuy Walubara Yidinji; Mandingalbay Yidinji; Gunggandji; Dulabed and Malanbara Yidinji; Bundabarra and Wadjanbarra Yidinji; Wanyurr Majay; Mamu and NgadjonJii peoples Postal address: PO Box 359 Cairns QLD 4870 Email: council@cairns.qld.gov.au Web: www.cairns.qld.gov.au Phone: 1300 69 22 47 After hours emergency phone: 1300 69 22 47 Cairns Arts and Culture Map Cairns Disaster Dashboard Cairns Libraries Cairns Performing Arts Centre Smart Green Economy Choose Cairns (Living in Cairns) Go Clubs Great Barrier Reef Masters Games Tanks Arts Centre Ticketlink Union members were in full voice as they marched along the Esplanade for worker’s rights at the annual Labour Day march Please call us on 1800 070 535 and we’ll help resolve the issue or try again later Any Questions? Please call 1800 070 535 Saturday & Sunday 7:00am – 11:30am (AEST) One of the most anticipated events of the Cairns property calendar with 50 properties set to go under the hammer “The results speak for themselves – with clearance rates consistently outperforming broader market trends even exceeding those in auction-centric cities like Brisbane and Sydney,” Mr Murphy said “Our last event achieved an impressive 70 per cent clearance rate with more than $14m worth of real estate sold unconditionally in a single evening “These events offer sellers unmatched exposure thanks to our extensive multichannel marketing push alongside full live streaming capabilities for interstate and international buyers.” Kewarra Beach is going under the hammer on May 19 the stories that emerged from these nights were what made them special “These nights bring a concentrated pool of serious buyers together and shine a spotlight on the strength and desirability of Cairns as both a lifestyle destination and an investment hotspot.” Smithfield is going under the hammer on May 19 The Cairns region has seen significant price growth with houses achieving an average of 7.5 per cent growth and units achieving an average of 10.3 per cent growth Ray White Group senior data analyst Atom Go Tian said prices in Cairns’ beachside suburbs continued to reflect the appeal of the tropical Far North Queensland destination “Average house prices range from $723,399 to $873,161 with one-year growth rates of 7.0 per cent to 8.3 per cent while unit prices span $405,880 to $527,135 and have seen stronger growth rates between 9.1 per cent and 11.7 per cent,” Mr Go Tian said “Yorkeys Knob-Machans Beach emerges as the standout performer recording the highest growth for both houses (8.3 per cent) and units (11.7 per cent) despite having the lowest house prices with its direct beach access and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef continues to attract tourists and investors alike “Trinity Beach-Smithfield combines prime beachfront living with convenient access to James Cook University and major shopping centres justifying its premium pricing ($804,922 for houses) and solid growth metrics renowned for its upscale properties and tranquil atmosphere commands the highest unit prices ($527,135) despite showing more modest growth rates “Cairns City itself maintains steady growth (7.1 per cent for houses 9.5 per cent for units) as the region’s commercial hub offering urban amenities while providing easy access to the area’s spectacular natural attractions including World Heritage rainforests and reef departure points.” Some of the property highlights of the event include 115 James Cook Drive The Ray White Auction Gala Event is on May 19 at The Pullman International from 4.30pm third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it completeness or reliability of the information nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content realestate.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to our Terms of Use. The Cairns City Precincts Urban Regeneration Project aims to stimulate infill CBD housing through targeted planning that takes into account wide ranging issues that impact liveability It seeks to develop a roadmap and precinct plans to facilitate investment and the delivery of infill diverse housing and improved amenity and liveability within Cairns CBD and two neighbouring precincts: the Major Events Centre (Barlow Park and Cairns Showgrounds) and the health precinct (Cairns Hospital and JCU Health and Innovation Precinct) Tell us your ideas to improve the CBD and neighbouring precincts What places are significant or would you like to see developed Are there any areas that you avoid walking or visiting Visit our project website to pin your ideas and comments on our interactive map Project website interactive map Note: Do not approach anyone you believe is displayed in these images Call Policelink on 131 444 and quote the reference number Local Sites Subscribe to myPolice Queensland Police News Answers submitted on this optional form will be used only to send you the newsletter you request. We will not give this information to third parties without your consent, unless required by law.More information about privacy Share CCTV Images Recruiting Our CBD’s population is projected to grow by 32% in the next 25 years So how can we encourage diverse and affordable housing while making it more a liveable and connected place Our new City Precincts Regeneration Project is looking at the unique challenges and opportunities of delivering well-located higher density housing and quality spaces in our CBD and neighbouring inner suburbs It aims to stimulate infill CBD housing through targeted planning that takes into account wide ranging issues that impact liveability It will deliver a vision for the CBD and two neighbouring precincts – the Major Events Centre (Barlow Park and Cairns Showgrounds) and the health precinct (Cairns Hospital and JCU Health and Innovation Precinct) including a roadmap of costed projects and policy recommendations There is strong alignment with work underway across Council including Major Events Precinct master planning Towards 2050 and City Centre masterplan initiatives This project complements Council’s existing efforts to provide additional housing in the CBD through the development and incentives policy which waives headworks charges for high quality infill development in targeted areas Council will support merger of the city’s two biggest horse racing events with a two-year The newly rebranded Cairns Super Carnival will bring together two of North Queensland’s most iconic events – the Cairns Cup Carnival and the Cairns Amateurs Carnival – into a thrilling nine-day celebration of horse racing This year’s inaugural event will take place from 15 to 23 August predominantly at Cannon Park with some smaller functions held at other venues around Cairns The racing program includes the national nationally broadcast nine-race program on Cairns Amateurs Race Day (Saturday 16 August) the Ladbrokes Newmarket Day (Friday 22 August) featuring an eight-race program and the nine-race Red Beret Hotel Cairns Cup Day (Saturday 23 August) Council had previously endorsed Major Events Sponsorship funding to the value of $225,000 ($75,000 annually) to support the Cairns Amateurs Carnival from 2024 to 2026 With the merger of the Amateurs Carnival with the Cairns Cup from 2025 Council today endorsed its support for the new Cairns Super Cup Carnival by committing the existing $75,000 per year sponsorship to the Cairns Jockey Club to assist the delivery of the 2025 and 2026 events With infrastructure and event costs continuing to rise merging the two events will create budget and operational efficiencies reducing the previous events footprint – a strategic and cost-effective decision Several road closures will be in place to allow for New Year’s Eve festivities in the Cairns CBD Celebrations in the city will begin at 5pm on New Year’s Eve with a four-hour concert on the Western Events Lawn at the Cairns Esplanade featuring DJ Chooky and DJ Bart along with the melodic harmonies of the local Anais Campbell Trio to give the expected sell-out crowd from the Cairns Taipans home game time to make their way from the Cairns Convention Centre to the Esplanade A second fireworks display will be held at the midnight to welcome in 2025 Additional fireworks will be held at 8.30pm at Walker Road Sports Precinct in Edmonton Shields Street to Florence Street: Closed from 11am on 31 December to 9am on 2 January Spence Street to Shields Street: Closed from 4.30pm on 31 December to 1am on 1 January from Florence Street Minnie Street: Closed from 7.30pm on 31 December to 1am on 1 January Espanade Dining Precinct from Shields Street to Aplin Street: Closed to all traffic from 11am to 5am daily Commercial access will be available from 5am to 11am daily and emergency vehicles will be permitted access at all times Council has welcomed a delegation from Zhanjiang as part of a three-day visit to mark 20 years of a Sister Cities relationship with Cairns A Sister Cities agreement was established between Cairns and Zhanjiang in August 2004 arts and culture to promote common prosperity and development The visiting delegation includes representatives from the Zhanjiang Overseas Friendship Association During yesterday's Mayoral Ceremonial Welcome at Council there was a traditional exchange of gifts and presentations highlighting the strong cultural exchanges shared by the two cities the delegation will tour Mulgrave Gallery and Botanical Gardens Visitor Centre meet with representatives from Tourism Tropical North Queensland visit aquaculture sites and engage with exporters and take part in activities organised by the Cairns and District Chinese Association Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said it was a celebration not only of the deep friendship and mutual respect that have flourished over 20 years but also the shared achievements that have strengthened the bond between our two cities “The sister city relationship between Cairns and Zhanjiang was established with a vision to foster cooperation this partnership delivered significant economic and cultural benefits to both our communities.” The Mayoral Ceremonial Welcome included a traditional exchange of gifts and lunch Cr Eden said that while there been a range of high-level Mayoral meetings between the cities she was particularly proud of the grass roots connections two students from Zhanjiang visited Cairns as part of the Youth Ambassadors Program,” she said we enjoyed a soccer and culture exchange between Wuchuan No.2 Middle School and Trinity Anglican School “The opening of the Zhanjiang Friendship Garden at Freshwater Lakes in the Cairns Botanic Garden precinct in 2015 is also a beautiful “These exchanges have enhanced local industries contributing to the prosperity of both cities.” As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations the two cities participated in an exchanged artworks by local artists including 20 watercolour sketches by Cairns Urban Sketchers nature photographs by the Cairns Photographic Society and Indigenous artworks crafted by Yidinji and Yirrganydji artists Zhanjiang enriched the Cairns community with their Zodiac Exhibit at Tanks Arts Centre during the Chinese New Year celebrations North Queensland’s electricity retailer explained what caused the Cairns City blackout on Saturday evening as another 4000-odd customers go without power on Sunday in separate incidents A development permit issued today supports a new 150-unit development in Manoora An infill development - where housing is built on vacant or underutilised land in established suburbs - the unit proposal will add vital housing stock to the inner city Covering land at 164 and 172 Hoare Street and 10-30 Pease Street the complex is a mix of one and two-bedroom units across three standalone buildings Mayor Amy Eden said in-fill development would be crucial to supporting growth while retaining the character of Cairns “Our population is set to reach 241,000 by 2050 That’s a 32% increase on the current number of residents And they all need somewhere to live,” Cr Eden said “Infill housing creates these homes in areas that have existing water and close to services such as health and education reducing the need for large capital investments to provide these essentials “It’s a sustainable approach to addressing the housing shortage while preserving the unique character of our city.” Council has applied for $665,000 in Federal Government funding to deliver the Cairns City Precincts Urban Regeneration Project a roadmap to guide infill housing in the Cairns CBD and inner suburbs Police officers will help monitor live vision from Council’s camera network as part of a trial to enhance city safety Council’s CCTV network currently includes nearly 600 cameras across Cairns over half of which are located in public spaces like streets The trial will involve a police officer working side-by-side with Council staff in the City Safe Camera Facility during periods when high anti-social behaviour often occurs such as late on Friday and Saturday nights Mayor Amy Eden said the trial was another proactive measure by council in tackling crime on top of the more than $5 million worth of measures it already undertakes in community safety despite it not being a primary responsibility of local government "Council’s City Safe camera network is an important tool in the collective mission to keep the Cairns CBD safe,” Cr Eden said “With police officers in the control room we can respond quickly and effectively to incidents and ensure that our community feels secure "It's all about our efforts to create a safer environment for locals “I am confident that this trial will prove valuable for all involved We will be closely monitoring the feedback from officers and council staff and the results to make any necessary adjustments." “I thank Chief Superintendent Kevin Fitzgibbon and Queensland Police for embarking on this trial with council at our City Safe Camera Facility delivering another step forward in our already strong partnership." District Officer Chief Superintendent Kevin Fitzgibbon said he’s confident this trial will further strengthen the working relationship between police and the City Safe camera system "The City Safe camera network is an incredibly important and valuable tool police use to keep the Cairns CBD safe," Chief Superintendent Fitzgibbon said "Having police in the control room assisting council staff will provide an additional capacity allowing us to direct patrols to hotspot areas and respond to active incidents in the CBD." "Our City Beat and Cairns Station police continue to patrol the CBD Cairns locals have a chance to guide Cairns Regional Council’s priorities and improve services with the launch of the 2024 Our Cairns Survey today The survey will be open via Council’s website until the end of August to give residents the best chance to have their voices heard Council will seek views on a broad range of issues including topical issues such as residential green waste collection adding fluoride to the water supply and security patrols The 2024 Our Cairns Survey will build on the success of previous surveys completed in 2016 and 2020 It will also feature a tailored Our Cairns Youth Survey through local schools to engage young voices in shaping our city’s future The insights gathered from this extensive and detailed community survey will give Council a deeper understanding of resident perspectives Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said everyone will have an opportunity to participate “We are committed to giving all residents of Cairns a chance to actively guide Council’s priorities for the next four years,” she said “That starts right here at the Cairns Show where Council staff and your elected members will help people do the survey “We will use the survey results to tackle some of the big issues and guide Council’s priorities for the next four years.” a research report will be published with results set to inform the next Corporate Plan “We invite all residents to participate and share their views helping us create a vibrant and inclusive future for Cairns,” Cr Eden said “The launch of the 2024 Our Cairns Survey was a priority listed on my 100-day plan "Conducting this survey helps inform our operational planning ensuring your voices are heard in shaping our city’s future.” The survey will close at 6pm on 30 August 2024 intricately woven with cutting-edge technologies Each facet of this extraordinary experience serves as a testament to the essence of Cairns boldly proclaiming our city's spirit and identity with dramatic flair The Lagoon show invites audiences to embark on a transformative journey alongside the young and talented creative team from Indigenous Design Labs (IDL) as they weave a spellbinding narrative of environmental stewardship Through the beguiling perspective of the stingray and its companions of the Great Barrier Reef you'll delve into a profound exploration of our interconnectedness with the marine world You will be transported across the vast expanse of the reef as well as reminded of the symbiotic relationship between humanity and the oceanic realm highlighting our collective responsibility to cherish and protect our planet Witness the ever-changing environment through their eyes and immerse yourself in insightful reflections on the state of their home festival@cairns.qld.gov.au Support is mounting for government intervention at a stalled Cairns CBD residential development originally destined to deliver hundreds of apartments In a city as adventurous as Cairns the key is to slow down and enjoy a refreshing drink as often as you can Whether you’re looking for rooftop sunset drinks you’re out and about on the esplanade and fancy a quick pick-me-up or even a late-night boogie with your favourite tipple Cairns plays host to a fun range of pubs and bars Hidden beneath street level, Flamingos Tiki Bar is all about neon hula girls and creative drinks flourished with fruit a Daintree Daiquiri or a Shark Bait Hoo Ha Ha or browse the extensive spirits list for your poison of choice Centrally located, the Cairns RSL Club offers fantastic views of the esplanade Enjoy a cold beverage from the Sports Bar or Diggers Bar and stay for lunch at the onsite bistro If you want to sip on Insta-worthy cocktail creations twelve floors up, head to the city’s highest rooftop bar Rocco offering 270-degree panoramic views of Cairns and the Coral Sea Rocco is renowned for its signature cocktails so you can expect to find an inspired drinks menu with both sweet and savoury flavours It’s hard to choose but the Ladi Charli with Absolut vodka and lychee liqueur softly combined with coconut cream and citrus sounds delightful Reserve a table ahead for your girls’ nightout at Rocco by Crystalbrook Watch the sunset over the Coral Sea on the terrace at Oak and Vine as the space transforms into a lively cocktail bar and a selection of artisan botanical gins with spicy tonics Or see their Sippin’ on Sunset Special which includes a mixed charcuterie board and two cocktails or a house bottle of wine for only $50 Indulge in cocktails and botanical gins at Oak and Vine Restaurant and Bar Rattle n Hum is a bustling bar and grill The Conservatory Bar may be small in size but its chilled-out vibes impressive wine list and Queenslander-style design have garnered it a big following enjoy the live music and order one of the impressive grazing boards to share with friends Curl up with a drink in hand at Conservatory Bar With 20 varieties of brews and ciders on tap, including at least 10 of its own, Hemingway’s Brewery has the beer lovers among us covered Housed in a heritage-listed building at Cairns Wharf with historical images above the bar and incredible views across Trinity Inlet it’s a really cool space to enjoy a frothy and excellent pub grub Take in incredible wharf views when you dine at Hemingway’s Brewery If a lantern-lit bar with flowing ponds and fire features lights up your senses, then you’ll love Salt House Pick an outdoor lounge area and while away the afternoon sipping into the sunset with a cocktail in hand Swing by Salt House for indulgent cocktails (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland) Hidden down a red brick laneway in the heart of the city is the charming Three Wolves wine and cocktail bar with an exciting menu Stop by for a chat with their friendly bar staff to discover your next favourite drink Head to the chic speakeasy at Three Wolves for a guaranteed good time (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/ Tourism Tropical North Queensland) For a splash of paradise, check out Wolf Lane Distillery for award-winning tropical gins and premium coffee liqueurs infused with luscious North Queensland tropical fruits and rainforest botanicals that make them entirely unique You can also find gin-tasting sessions here Had a heavy Saturday night? Spend your Sunday afternoon recovering at The Pier Bar it’s the ideal spot to catch up with friends beer and cocktail menu featuring delicious in-house creations as well as the classics If you’re craving a good old-fashioned watering hole with Guinness on tap, classic grub and Irish music gigs, you absolutely have to go to P. J. O’Brien’s From the Monday parma and pint to Friday pie and pint there’s a special no matter what day you go in Open seven nights a week until midnight, Downunder Bar offers a no-fuss Take your pick from nine pool tables (it’s free) The Downunder Bar is the biggest pool table venue in Cairns Known for heavily supporting the local music scene, stop in at Bar 94 for cosy lounges There are events happening every week (including music shows bingo and more) so if you’ve got an evening to spare and you’re happy to experience the unexpected For something a little more low-key, enjoy a drink at The Fox Small Bar a popular local neighbourhood small bar in the heart of Stratford with an extensive wine Order the charcuterie board with cured meats Open seasonally, the famous Kewara Beach Shack bar sits on a beachfront just metres from the shoreline Enjoy stunning views of the Coral Sea while sipping an ice-cold beverage with your feet in the sand and live music humming in the background There are often food trucks onsite too and it’s a great little spot to bring the kids Come to Kewarra Beach for the sunset and stay for the cocktails More than just budget accommodation, the legendary Gilligan’s has three quirky bars to explore (Main Bar Beach Bar and Attic Bar) with a character for everyone There’s no time to feel lost here as you’ll instantly be swept away into the theme of the night from Fireball Fridays to Wet Pool Party Sundays Join in the fun at Gilligan’s and soak up that party atmosphere Popular with backpackers, The Woolshed is another bar with plenty of action and different areas to suit your motive sit away from the music yet close to the bar on its mezzanine floor or head out to the balcony to look out over City Place and its lit-up fig trees With a funky underground vibe and the home of live music to a wide range of genres, Elixir Music Bar is the go-to place to tap your foot with a beer while supporting the local arts scene We hear this bar has some of the finest fried chicken in Cairns too Be prepared and plan your next-day brunch at one of these top 15 cafes in Cairns and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" From the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland to the scenic Atherton Tablelands here are 15 Cairns waterfalls you need to chase right now... Australian Traveller Media acknowledges the traditional custodians of the Country on which we live and work Dogs will no longer be banned in the Cairns CBD from 1 July Council today removed the prohibition of dogs in the CBD except for the areas around the Esplanade Lagoon This followed Council’s endorsement in November 2023 of amendments to the Local Laws which streamlined the process for changing dog off leash areas and animal prohibition areas This has allowed Council to better respond to community desires and improve liveability During the four-week public consultation period undertaken as part of the Local Law Amendment project Council received 102 responses regarding dog off leash areas and animal prohibition areas Almost half of these (48 comments) were in relation to dogs being prohibited in the CBD which were predominantly in favour of removing and/or reducing the area where dogs where prohibited dogs will now only be banned at the Lagoon which extend along the waterfront to the marina area The decision to allow dogs in the CBD will further encourage people to visit live and participate in activities in the city Whether you’re hightailing it for your morning caffeine hit we’ve got you covered with the list below Best for: Locally sourced seasonal ingredients Caffiend is easy to spot thanks to the incredibly large mural that dons its entrance the artwork depicts the profile of an Ethiopian girl who watches over the cafe’s satisfied customers Stop here for unique food made with locally sourced seasonal ingredients Order a generous helping of chilli eggs alongside the house-made coconut and caramel-infused latte for a uniquely addictive shot of coffee Try the house-made coconut and caramel-infused latte Conveniently located on Cairns Esplanade next to the playground, Muddy’s Cafe is the ultimate kid-friendly and pet-friendly venue for a family meal Take your pick of take-away or breakfast options Find fresh smoothie bowls and all the classics at this kid-friendly and pet-friendly venue If Bondi and Byron Bay got together to create a light, airy hospitality baby and plonked it right in a former 1920s NAB Bank, they’d give birth to The Chambers Located right in the heart of the bustling CBD you’ll find the who’s who of Cairns inside this unique landmark The Chambers is housed within a former 1920s NAB Bank Its charming cafe features a lineup of breakfast all-stars from the banoffee French toast to smashed avocado and eggs benedict Turn breakfast into a special occasion with bottomless brunch – there are three alcoholic and one non-alcoholic version to choose from The space is also home to an in-house pastry chef who creates irresistible freshly baked sweet Or perhaps you take your breakfast in liquid form The Pantry and Juice Bar serves smoothies and cold drinks ready to go The smashed avo on toast is a standout on the menu With gorgeous inlet views in the background, sip on a mimosa overlooking the sea and watch the boats pass by at Wharf One Cafe this is the closest cafe to the water in the Cairns area Open for breakfast and brunch, you can expect to find home-style cooking in an easy-going atmosphere at Pete & Paulz From the benedict special with locally made black pudding or breakfast burrito to the brioche French toast with maple syrup No bookings are required — just rock up and grab a table Annee’s Caphê Sua Da is the city’s premiere Vietnamese iced coffee bar serving up A-Piece of Happiness with every perfect cup Vietnamese coffee is a strong coffee using a small amount of condensed milk and plenty of ice but what makes it extra special is that each drink is personalised to its customer for taste and preference It has become quite the phenomenon so make sure to stop by and order one of your own Annee’s Vietnamese iced coffees are the best Bang & Grind Spence Street has been a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award Winner for three years in a row and we can see why Stop in for a welcoming plate of fried eggs on Turkish toast or if you have a sweet tooth go for the banana split or homemade orange almond cake Bang & Grind Spence Street is a local favourite (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Andrew Watson) For awesome coffee, breakfast, lunch and yummy cakes, you can’t go wrong with Smith Street Cafe with macadamia and white chocolate muffin to follow You can’t go wrong with Smith Street Cafe From the everyday smashed avo or pancakes to wood-fired pizza, pasta, and banoffee delight, Hopscotch Cairns has you covered for breakfast With a relaxed atmosphere and attentive staff it’s the kind of cafe where you know you’ll be well looked after With two cafes in Stratford and Portsmith, Sipping Duck Coffee Roasters specialises in coffee The cafe makes everything in-house featuring such items as croissants with butter and your choice of spread bacon and eggs wrap with chilli pawpaw chutney and sweet delicacies Sipping Duck Coffee Roasters specialises in all our favourite hot beverages Nestled in Edge Hill, Ozmosis Cafe offers a casual outdoor dining setting From vibrant salads to mouthwatering smoothies the menu is brimming with fresh and healthy food options Ozmosis supports local farmers and growers by using locally sourced fruit and veg — often buying directly from the source Order up a stack of fluffy pancakes at Ozmosis Cafe + Kitchen Whether you choose to take away or dine in, you’ll soon find out that pastries from Woodward Street Bakery are some of Cairns’ finest Pick up a loaf of freshly baked sourdough and treat yourself to a coffee and pastry Local favourites include the almond croissant rhubarb Danish and its go-to vanilla slice A Far North MP has raised concerns over ongoing unrest at Cairns Regional Council with embattled Mayor Amy Eden having lost the confidence of councillors and key executives Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns Followed categories will be added to My News It is understood that some Cairns councillors have considered taking extraordinary action in the coming weeks calling on Ms Eden to step down through a no confidence motion Acrimony caused by Ms Eden’s recent efforts to undermine her new CEO repulsed councillors who staged a series of crisis meetings this month calling the city’s top office holder into line After the mayor refused to apologise to Mr Gouldthorp all nine councillors forced Ms Eden to issue a statement publicly declaring the chief executive’s job safe last week along with a shock bid to buy a stake in the $3bn North Queensland Airports Group “Cairns Regional Council needs stable and collaborative governance for the wellbeing of our community,” Mr Healy said hope we will see some semblance of normality return along with respectfulness and proper governance.” Business leaders and constituents had even reached out to the Member for Cairns to discuss the latest council drama “The recent reports highlighting the dysfunction at the council should concern all of us,” Mr Healy said “The expectations by the community of their elected representatives is that we engage legally and respectfully which ensures the best outcomes for our community.” Advocacy for major projects and further investment in the region was suffering as a result of infighting at the council the shadow Jobs and Training Minister said “We have some great opportunities for our city and region and we need an effective and efficient Council to capitalise on these opportunities,” he said “We only need to look south to Townsville to see what a disrupted council looks like and transparent council have not been reflected in recent times “Cairns deserves leadership that puts the community first I am happy to provide whatever guidance and support necessary to the regional council to ensure they have the capacity to deliver for our residents.” Local Government Minister Anne Leahy didn’t respond to questions prior to deadline on Sunday afternoon Cairns Regional Council has refused on multiple occasions to answer questions from the Cairns Post regarding Ms Eden’s email scandal Retiring Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has blasted the ALP’s efforts to liken a Far North political hopeful to Donald Trump during the federal election campaign Far North leaders have cast their eyes’ ahead following Labor’s big win in Leichhardt with Matt Smith to be called on to deliver hundreds of millions in funding to kickstart the region’s crippled economy but the page you requested could not be found Subscribe to myPolice Far North Neighbourhood Watch Meetings Look To The Stars Acknowledgement of Country Cairns Regional Council joined the Welcoming Cities Network As part of Council’s commitment to being a Welcoming City the Welcoming Cairns Exhibition will showcase diverse stories of our migrant residents and those who are doing the important work of welcoming them The Welcoming Cairns Exhibition seeks to celebrate diversity in Cairns and foster feelings of belonging The exhibition will provide an opportunity for locals and migrants of all backgrounds to get to know each other and explore the diverse narratives that make up our city the exhibition tells the multicultural success story of Cairns and perspectives each culture brings to this region Join us to explore the vibrant diversity of Cairns and celebrate all our achievements as a proud Welcoming City Image credit: Cairns Indonesian Association A serious police incident is unfolding in a suburban Cairns street with police locking down the area and residents unable to return to their homes Any Questions? Please call 1800 070 535. Monday to Friday 7:30am – 6:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 7:00am – 11:30am (AEST) Play Duration: 7 minutes 9 seconds7m Brought to you by The seat of Cairns is usually considered a safe Labor seat in the Queensland state elections, having only once in history — in 2012 — been won by the LNP. This election is expected to be a lot closer than previous years, with the City of Cairns having a higher-than-usual crime rate, and other social issues, creating a feeling of change in the wind. The electorate of Cairns is now more hotly contested than ever. ABC Far North reporter Holly RIchardson investigates if an upset result really could be looming. The Cairns electorate has been held by Labor since 1904, except for one term in 2012(ABC Far North: Holly Richardson) Download the ABC listen app to text and call your favourite live radio CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) Follow along as we cover the AFL Cairns Good Friday clash between North Cairns and Port Douglas Lions make history with inaugural premiership over the North Cairns Tigers at Cazalys Stadium See the 40 snaps from the AFL Cairns women’s grand final >> A Cairns magistrate has labelled the behaviour of My Pathways director and former Deputy Mayor of Torres Strait Island Regional Council as ‘hypocrisy at its greatest’ as he sentenced him to 70 hours community service on two counts of common assault while intoxicated and one of public nuisance Whether it’s waterfront dining serving locally sourced flavours that pique your interest, fresh seafood straight off the trawler, or shared tapas bites with rooftop panoramic views, Cairns is home to an array of fabulous places to eat and pubs to drink at Feast your eyes on our pick of the best restaurants to dine at in Cairns right now Best for: Signature smoked mains such as chipotle and plum-smoked pork ribs There’s a sunny vibe inside and out at The Lobby Bar & Kitchen in the Sunshine Tower Hotel The restaurant has had a refresh as part of the hotel’s multimillion-dollar transformation and the ‘Paradiso’ theme echoes throughout Expect a pared-back coastal palette with timber tones and seating that ranges from beautifully upholstered banquettes to more intimate tables for two Cocktails are part of the Lobby Bar & Kitchen’s claim to fame The Lobby Bar & Kitchen welcomes hotel guests and visitors for breakfast seven days and dinner six nights a week with the choice of a buffet and a la carte There is also a menu of comforting classics entrees such as Szechuan crispy fried baby squid and salads What also makes dining at The Lobby Bar & Kitchen a treat is the friendly and welcoming staff Sit at a table by the pool where there is plenty of shade from palm trees and frangipanis Take a table by the pool on the shaded terrace at the Lobby Bar & Kitchen When in Cairns, do as the locals do and eat ramen at Ganbaranba You’ll recognise this place by the line that snakes up the street seven nights a week you’ll be rewarded with a busy yet wholesome joint that serves an array of traditional ramen soups and gyoza in a casual setting The ingredients are both locally sourced and super fresh They’ll even ask you how you want your noodles cooked; say medium Every meal comes with a bottomless serving of iced tea cementing this cheap-and-cheerful jaunt as one of the greats Best for: Wood-fired ‘low & slow’ BBQ meats Just 5 minutes from Palm Cove on a six-kilometre stretch of beach is Ellis Beach Bar & Grill With rainforest backdrops and a casual and friendly vibe it’s the ideal place to sit back and unwind Here you’ll find quality creative dishes that offer value for money including wood-fired ‘low & slow’ BBQ meats Join a Sunday Session for $2 oysters and live music or enjoy a romantic twilight dinner overlooking the Coral Sea you can’t get much better than Ellis Beach With a stand-out reputation amongst locals and tourists alike, Corea Corea serves up tasty and authentic Korean cuisine at value for money If nourishing classics alongside live sports and music sounds up your alley, then it’s time to hit up Boardwalk Social Inspired by gastro-pub classics with a focus on local ingredients Expect to find a range of healthy to more indulgent mains on the menu at Boardwalk Social You’ll also find an impressive drinks list to match featuring local brews with 36 beers on tap The restaurant is set right across from the ocean in an open-air setting Located at Marlin Marina, Prawn Star Cairns is a floating restaurant serving fresh and local seafood straight off the trawler The atmosphere is laid-back yet enchanting with fairy lights strung across the boats Seafood just tastes better when consumed on a boat that doubles as a restaurant Here it’s all about delicious simplicity so forget the fancy sides and cocktails or the ultimate Sailor’s Platter to share If you want to savour the flavours of superior home cuisine, welcome to the Piato experience. Bringing the joy of casual Mediterranean dining to The Pier, Piato Cairns serves top-quality seafood and steak dishes and for dessert — mocha flavoured crème brulé For waterfront views and a taste of Australia, Dundee’s Restaurant on the Waterfront has a modern Australian menu featuring fresh local seafood tender Australian-bred beef grilled to perfection a dark chocolate lava pudding with a mini Magnum ice cream Or for a dining experience with a different kind of view, Dundees at the Cairns Aquarium features the largest tank within a restaurant in the whole of Australia With a 70,000-litre saltwater marine aquarium in the background enjoy the finest seafood and produce from Tropical North Queensland with a vibrant drinks menu to match A very popular Port Douglas restaurant, Salsa Bar & Grill is a local favourite known for its lively food Alongside its cool vibe and awesome cocktails take your pick from its fusion of culinary delights including gunpowder spiced calamari Best for: Dining amongst the treetops Perched in the treetops 10 minutes south of Port Douglas, Ospreys Restaurant provides a picturesque dining experience looking across the sparkling waters of the Great Barrier Reef Dine at Osprey’s Restaurant in Thala Beach Nature Reserve (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland; Matthew Evans Photography) Produce is sourced daily from local markets and suppliers to create a seasonal menu and an emphasis is placed on ethically sourcing ingredients direct from local neighbouring areas like the Atherton Tablelands and The Coral Sea Our pick is the slow-cooked pork belly with native plum and yakajiri crumb — and for dessert Take your pick from a selection of excellent mains at Osprey’s Restaurant With modern coastal décor overlooking the lagoon, Moku Bar and Grill boasts expertly crafted cocktails and island-inspired fare Pick from your fresh tropical favourites at Moku Bar & Grill Feast your eyes on a seasonal selection of fresh tropical favourites from whole-fried baby barramundi to their famous twice-cooked pork knuckle with smoked root vegetables Expect to find inventive dishes available to order at Moku Bar & Grill Offering a unique blend of Peruvian dishes made with Japanese techniques and fresh local produce, the city’s Oak & Vine Cairns rooftop restaurant and bar serves up share plates daily and soak in some of the best open terrace dining Cairns has to offer.  Pair your Peruvian meals with refreshing cocktails at Oak & Vine Cairns If you’re on the lookout for succulent meat and exceptional service alongside a superb Cairns waterfront location, look no further than Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse Renowned for its consistency in preparing and cooking grilled meats you’ll also find an inviting décor Best for: Middle Eastern flavours and panoramic views Boasting 270-degree panoramic views of Cairns and the Coral Sea, Rocco is the city’s highest rooftop bar and restaurant Rocco’s warm earthy tones set a cosy and inviting tone to the evening With earthy tones and Middle Eastern prints setting a warm ambience order from the delicious Mediterranean-inspired menu and choose a signature cocktail to go with it Relish in Mediterranean dishes at Rocco by Crystalbrook With plenty of awards to shout about, Mondo on the Waterfront is a go-to al fresco dining experience with stunning views of Trinity Inlet with signature dishes like Mondo barbecue and sizzling fajitas Owned and operated by husband and wife Kevin and Summer, Bellocale Italian provides locals and tourists with an upbeat ambience and modern Italian meals to create a welcoming dining experience The ambience at Bellocale Italian & Seafood Restaurant is simple yet classy Choose from an array of fresh locally caught seafood and dishes including tuna carpaccio and seafood ravioli filled with blue swimmer crab and black tiger prawns in a lobster bisque butter sauce The risotto alla pescatora is a standout on Serving up more than killer spicy margaritas and tacos, Guerrilla is a fantastic Mexican dining experience nothing says Sundays like taking a deep dive into the Mexican tradition of slow-cooked barbacoa Savour a special three-course meal with your loved ones whilst exploring boutique wines from the cellar For tastes of Asia with a playful twist, Paper Crane is an incredible fusion restaurant Signature proteins and local produce feature heavily with an abundance of fresh options from the region Their signature cocktails are a mix of sweet or spicy and a varied global wine list will keep you hydrated Satisfy your cravings for Asian cuisine at Paper Crane by Crystalbrook Serving fresh, innovative food, and utilizing the local region as their supermarket, NOA is a relaxed yet refined restaurant Owner Samuel leads the talented team sharing his simple philosophy towards food — fresh Head in for all-you-can-eat bao’s every Thursday evening or every Friday and Sunday evening for live music on the deck Bringing a taste of Italy to the tropics, Flynn’s Italian is loud Inviting you into its quintessentially Italian vibe ensuring you savour the light mix of fresh Dinner is complete with an assortment of Italian desserts from tiramisu and vanilla panna cotta to affogato and gelato choose the three or four-course set menu with perfectly paired wines Fresh Italian flavours are the star at Flynn’s Italian by Crystalbrook In the hub of Cairns on the edge of the waterfront, dining out at the award-winning Ochre is a no-brainer Renowned for showcasing the best of Australia’s produce to the world diners from far and wide come to sample an inventive array of dishes such as salt and native pepper leaf crocodile or an Australian antipasto platter that comprises emu wonton and salmon green ant gravlax There’s also a Japanese dining menu available Sample an inventive array of dishes at Ochre Restaurant Located right on the heart of the esplanade, the expansive Salt House with flowing ponds and fire features is almost as iconic as the scenery that surrounds it The menu at Salt House is perfectly paired with iconic views of the Cairns esplanade The menu changes frequently depending on the seasonal produce on offer at that moment alongside a number of meats cooked on the custom-built Argentinian wood-fired grill Enjoy beetroot carpaccio with goat’s cheese at Salt House Featuring crisp white linen tablecloths and low-lit lighting on timber walls, Tamarind offers a sophisticated ambience complimented by its exquisite dishes handcrafted from the freshest local produce Have you heard of ‘Australian Freestyle’ cuisine it’s where the chefs embrace cooking styles and techniques from various cultures and cuisines Best for: A modern take on the traditional steakhouse  Inspired by the Australian outback, the award-winning CC’s Bar and Grill is famous for its steak with most of it sourced from Cairns’ backyard Premium steaks are served with grilled bone marrow and a choice of sauces Chill out with your friends at CC’s Bar & Grill Not only is CC’s known for redefining the traditional steakhouse but the extensive wine list also comes from some of the most exquisite wineries across the country It doesn’t get any better than dining at one of the country’s best beachfront establishments – the award-winning Nu Nu. This much-loved Palm Cove restaurant offers modern Australian cuisine with a seasonal menu focusing on locally procured ingredients from the rainforest Enjoy breakfast or lunch here so you can look out at the spectacular views across the Coral Sea Dine on the beachfront at Nu Nu Restaurant A dark cloud hangs over the future of a Cairns city councillor unable to pay a six figure defamation bill as council grapples with how to fill a potential vacancy and whether a by-election will be triggered Police believe 23-year-old Blake Wilson is the pilot who died after chopper crashed into DoubleTree by Hilton hotel The owner of a helicopter that crashed on to a hotel roof in Cairns says the pilot was a member of its ground crew who gained “unauthorised access” to a hangar early on Monday morning Queensland police on Tuesday night said initial investigations led them to believe the pilot who died in the crash was Blake Wilson “The formal identification process of the man located deceased following a helicopter crash on the Esplanade at Cairns City … is continuing and will take some time to complete,” police said in a statement Police said they are preparing a report for the coroner and will continue to investigate all lines of enquiry including the circumstances leading up to the crash Nautilus Aviation confirmed the pilot was an employee who had worked with the charter flight company for four months The statement said the man had a New Zealand pilot’s licence but had never flown in Australia and was “not authorised to fly Nautilus Aviation helicopters” The company said the man had recently been promoted to a ground crew position at another of the company’s bases and that there had been a “privately organised send-off” for him on Sunday night “This was not a work event and was coordinated by friends,” the company said “Nautilus Aviation have today completed interviews with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and QPS and have cooperated with full transparency and disclosure of all events leading up to and following the incident on Monday morning “We offer our heartfelt condolences to the individual’s family and all who have been affected by this tragedy and continue to offer our support to our employees during this very challenging period.” 1:31Witness describes moment helicopter crashes into luxury Cairns hotel – videoInvestigators said the fatal helicopter crash into the roof of the far north Queensland hotel could have been a lot worse Hundreds of guests were evacuated and two people hospitalised after the “massive explosion” at DoubleTree by Hilton in Cairns early on Monday The helicopter was seen flying for at least five minutes in the Cairns CBD before it crashed into the hotel roof smashing the windows of nearby rooms with one occupied by a sleeping elderly couple were taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation The Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s chief commissioner given that the rotor blades of the helicopter smacked into the hotel rooms “It’s miraculous … It certainly could have been a lot worse,” he told ABC Radio “It’s not only the enormous forces of the impact damage but then the post-impact fire that followed as well.” Sign up to Afternoon Update: Election 2025 Free daily newsletterOur Australian afternoon update breaks down the key election campaign stories of the day telling you what’s happening and why it matters Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup and many people were still walking around Cairns at 1am which Mitchell said heightened the risk of a more dangerous crash Investigators are examining the sequence of events with information so far indicating that the four-seater chopper was only airborne for five minutes Mitchell said they would focus on the final impact and whether something other than individual fault was to blame Police are also investigating how the helicopter was taken on an unauthorised flight isn’t something that anyone could do,” Mitchell said “You do need to have someone that has quite a detailed knowledge of the helicopter itself and how to fly it.” Other lines of inquiry will include whether the helicopter was stolen if the crash was deliberate and how fast the aircraft was flying describing it as travelling at a very fast speed “It was like an army helicopter but faster,” she said like it was going to come in and bomb you.” “Police went to great lengths to reassure the public here that they believe it is a one-off incident and there’s nothing else behind this because things like this are unsettling,” he said “We only have to look into the past history around planes into buildings and where that can potentially lead us.”