Experience True Adventure Cairns Hop on Hop off

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Cairns' only hop-on hop-off bus: a red double-decker that loops past the Esplanade Lagoon, the Botanic Gardens, Cairns Aquarium, the Art Gallery and the cruise terminal about once an hour. Ride the full one-hour loop or get on and off as often as you like all day.

Days

1 hour loop, or all day

Age

All ages

Group size

Shared hop-on hop-off bus

Start / finish

The Pier Marketplace, Cairns / city loop / The Pier Marketplace

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Red double-decker bus

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Experience True Adventure Cairns Hop on Hop off

View map

Included experiences

Esplanade Lagoon — free public swimming lagoon on the waterfront
Cairns Botanic Gardens — gardens beside Centenary Lakes
Cairns Aquarium — hop off for a visit (entry extra)
Cairns Art Gallery — hop off in the city centre (entry extra)
Rusty's Market and Cairns Central — markets and shopping

Experience True Adventure Cairns Hop on Hop off

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

THE PIER AND THE ESPLANADE

Hop on at any stop, but the loop begins at The Pier Marketplace, on the waterfront beside the Esplanade Lagoon, a free swimming lagoon that opened in 2003 so the city could swim without worrying about stingers or crocodiles. Bring your swimmers if a dip appeals. From the Pier the red double-decker runs along the waterfront to the Cairns RSL, the returned servicemen's club on the Esplanade, with request stops near the lagoon and at Muddy's Playground, the water-play park on the foreshore that families love on a hot day. The top deck gives you the best view of the Esplanade and the mudflats where wading birds feed at low tide.

THE BOTANIC GARDENS AND CENTENARY LAKES

Next the bus heads north to the Cairns Botanic Gardens, set up in 1886 and also known as the Flecker Gardens, with rainforest walks, palms and bright tropical flowers. A request stop serves Centenary Lakes, two lakes made in 1976 to mark a hundred years of Cairns, one fresh and one salt. Hop off here for an hour: walk the boardwalks, look for turtles in the lakes and birds in the canopy, and catch the next bus when it comes round.

BACK INTO THE CITY: AQUARIUM, GALLERY AND TERMINAL

Back in town the loop calls at Cairns Aquarium, opened in 2017, which follows the water from the rainforest rivers out to the reef, and the Cairns Art Gallery, housed in a heritage building from 1936 (entry to both is extra). Then it's the Cruise Liner Terminal on Trinity Inlet, named after Trinity Bay, which James Cook reached on Trinity Sunday in 1770, and the Cairns Central shopping centre. A request stop near Rusty's Market puts you at the city's tropical fruit and produce market.

HOPPING ON AND OFF

The bus comes past each stop about once an hour through the day, so spend an hour in the gardens or the aquarium and step back on when it returns. Short on time? Stay aboard for the full loop of about an hour for an easy look at the whole city. The service runs mainly on days when a cruise ship is in port, which makes it a simple way to fill a day ashore.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Any stop on the loop. The main stop is at The Pier Marketplace carpark, beside the Esplanade Lagoon.
Departure time: About every hour from mid-morning, roughly 9:15am to 5:20pm depending on the stop. Exact times are confirmed when you book.
Duration: A full loop takes about 1 hour; your ticket lets you hop on and off all day.
Suits: All ages and fitness levels. The bus takes wheelchairs and prams.
Please note: The bus runs mainly on days when a cruise ship is in port, so check your date when you book. Times can change in bad weather.

What to bring

Hat and sunscreen
Swimwear and towel if you plan a dip at the Esplanade Lagoon
Camera

What is included

Hop-on hop-off travel on the bus for the day

Not included

Entry to Cairns Aquarium, Cairns Art Gallery and other attractions
Food and drinks

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.