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Cairns And Surrounding Region

The city of Cairns is located in far north Queensland in an area with a long history of occupation by Indigenous Australians, with the Yirrganydji people being the traditional owners of the land in and around modern-day Cairns.

Cairns was named after Sir William Wellington Cairns, who was the Governor of Queensland between 1875 and 1877.

During World War II, Cairns played a significant strategic role as a staging point for military operations in the Pacific Theatre. The city continued to grow throughout the 20th century, with the development of tourism, agriculture, and other industries.

Today, Cairns is a popular tourist destination known for its tropical climate, gorgeous natural scenery, and its’ close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.

Things To Do In Cairns

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there are many attractions in Cairns to see and do.

Great Barrier Reef

Cairns is the most popular location to visit the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's most well known natural wonders. Popular activities include a boat tour or snorkel/dive out on the reef.

Kuranda Scenic Railway

This historic railway takes passengers from Cairns on a journey through the rainforest and gorges up to the village of Kuranda, where visitors can explore local markets and galleries.

Daintree Rainforest

This World Heritage-listed rainforest is located north of Cairns and is easily accessible by vehicle. The rainforest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can take guided tours or explore on their own.

Cairns Esplanade

The Cairns waterfront is a public space that features a swimming lagoon, a boardwalk, BBQ areas, bars, restaurants and parks for picnics and recreation.

Cairns Botanical Gardens

These gardens are home to a range of tropical plants and offer guided tours and events all year round. Admission is free.

Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park

The Tjapukai cultural park in Smithfield showcases the traditions and customs of the local Indigenous people through dance performances, art displays, and interactive exhibits.

Local 4WD Trails

If you’re in the local area and own a 4WD, there are several local attractions, trails, and parks within driving distance of Cairns that are worth checking out.

The barge that takes vehicles across the Daintree River.

Daintree Rainforest National Park

Located north of Cairns, the Daintree National Park has several off-road tracks that wind through the rainforest and along the coast.

Tinaroo Range

Located southwest of Cairns, this large lake and surrounding park has several off-road tracks and 4WD trails that offer scenic views and challenging terrain.

Davies Creek

This park is located 20kms west of Cairns and has several off-road tracks that wind through the rainforest and up into the mountains.

Cape Tribulation

Located north of Cairns, Cape Tribulation has several acclaimed 4WD tracks that offer access to secluded beaches and stunning rainforest scenery.

Bloomfield Track

This famous 4WD track is a must-see. Start in Cairns and wind north through the Daintree National Park and along the coast to Cooktown. It offers challenging terrain and spectacular views.

Just remember that some of these tracks and parks may require permits or have seasonal closures, so it’s best to check before setting out on your off-road adventure.

Groups of vehicles parked on the beach for recreation.

Vehicle Preparation and Modification

Regardless of where you want to drive, if you plan on tackling any of the off-road trails in and around Cairns, you should take a moment to prepare your vehicle to make sure to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some key things that should be on your checklist:

Vehicle maintenance

Before any serious trip, having your vehicle serviced will ensure it’s in tip-top shape. Check that all fluids, including oil, coolant, and brake fluid, are topped up. Inspect the condition of your tires, including the tread depth and tire pressure, and don’t forget your spare tyre!

Safety equipment

Essential safety equipment such as a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and recovery gear will make any indiscretions easier to manage. Common items including a tow rope, snatch strap, maxtrax and shovel.

Bring along a GPS unit or maps of the area if it’s your first time, and have a UHF radio on hand and know the local channels to use.

Get a Permit

Some National Parts require permits or approvals to access the trail you are planning to visit, try and organise these ahead of time to prevent any setbacks to your day out.

Fuel and Supplies

Ensure you have enough fuel and consumables, including food, water, and camping equipment if you plan to camp overnight. Bringing extra drinking water in case you get stuck and spend a few hours recovering your vehicle is an easy win, and you’ll be glad you did.

Check the Weather

Be sure to double check the forecast before setting out and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Bring along appropriate clothing and equipment for rain or heat.

Respect the environment

When using our local trails, it's important to respect the environment and minimise your impact. Needlessly causing ruts and trail degradation looks cool on instagram but really ruins the accessibility for drivers with less modified vehicles.

By taking these preparations seriously, 4WD owners can enjoy a safe and enjoyable off-road adventure in the Cairns region.

Torque Tyre, your local experts.

In conclusion, if you're planning an off-road adventure in and around Cairns and Mackay, it's essential to prepare your 4WD and ensure it's in tip-top condition.

At Torque Tyres & Trailer Spares, we offer expert vehicle servicing and inspections to help ensure your 4WD is ready for any challenge. Our team of experienced technicians understand the local conditions and we have a range of high-quality 4WD accessories and tyres to suit all needs and budgets.

We pride ourselves on offering exceptional customer service and expert advice to help you get the most out of your off-road experience. Whether you're a seasoned off-roader or new to the world of 4WDing, we're here to help you make the most of your adventure.

So, before you tackle any of the trails we've mentioned, come and see us at Torque Tyres. We'll ensure your 4WD is in top condition and ready for whatever terrain throws you want to challenge.