Dine your way through Cairns

Cairns and its surrounds is full of amazing flora, unique fauna, unbelievably beautiful wilderness and a climate that can only be experienced to be believed, so it’s no wonder this region also has an amazing variety of delicious produce on offer.

This Tropical North Queensland region’s warm climate is bolstered by its frequent rainfall and fertile soil – making it the ideal area for a thriving agricultural industry. In fact, the Cairns agricultural sector contributes significantly to the local economy and employment – particularly the regions sugar and sugar processing industries.

Some other large crops grown within the area include banana, avocado, mango, potato and papaya (paw paw). There are also producers of some rare and exotic fruits and vegetables too, like mangosteen, durian, longan, rambutan, and lychee, among others. All of these delicious foods grow plump and juicy in the Cairns climate, adding an amazing touch to local dining choices. Of course, there are also other interesting industries in Cairns, such as vanilla peanut, coffee, cocoa, tropical fruit wines and other delicacies – or ‘bush tucker’ – pulled straight out of the rainforests. The region’s beef, dairy and poultry industries also produce amazing food products, but why only indulge in these when you could try a perfectly seared crocodile or kangaroo steak?

If you are a seafood fan, you simply cannot visit Cairns without falling in love with the amazing range of delicious seafood on offer. The Coral Sea’s pristine, unpolluted water produces some of the absolutely best seafood in the world and Cairns residents and visitors can experience this seafood fresh!

Commercial fishing in the area is heavily restricted, yet, still able to supply an abundance of gifts from the ocean – thanks to the cooperative sustainability methods used within the region. As a result, you’ll find fresh and mouth-watering Tiger, King, Banana and Endeavour prawns, Coral Trout, Spanish mackerel, Yellow Fin Tuna, Nannygai, and Red Emperor, to name a few local favourites. Of course, it’s Cairns, so we can’t just offer the common species – how about a lovely fillet of Threadfin Blue or King Salmon, Saddletail, Goldband Snapper or Stripey Sea Perch, Trevally or Rock Cod?

To wash all of this delicious food down, there are a number of amazing beverage options. Because grapes don’t survive the heat of this region, winemakers decided to get creative and have instead created the world’s largest fruit wine industry! Your tastebuds will tingle with delight when you try some of the exotic tropical wine flavours available, such as dragonfruit, pineapple, mango, lychee, banana, Davidson plum and jaboticaba. Perhaps you’d prefer some of the equally creative spirits and liqueurs, boutique / craft beer options or one of the regions own juice, spring or rainfall water options, for those who need to drive.

To combine the stunning beauty of Cairn with an amazing taste indulgence, try the Cairns Sunset Cruise, Port Douglas Sunset Sail, Rainforest Dining - Flames of the Forest experience or the Food & Wine Tour - Food Trail Tours options. Simply Cairns – Simply delicious!