Tucked up against the rainforests of Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, Edge Hill moves at a slower pace than the rest of Cairns. Locals love the neighbourhood for its wide, tree-lined streets and village vibe. Visitors, too, will be charmed by the mix of cuisines, speciality coffee and socially conscious businesses.
1. Ten One Twenty Café
This rustic-chic café serves locally grown dishes such as Dead Ringer, featuring eggs from the Atherton Tablelands served on sourdough and jazzed up with chillies from their own garden. Another favourite is Pink Bitz – a take on avocado toast with pink citrus ricotta and beetroot dust. Don’t miss the Bloody Mary, made with house-made fermented hot sauce.
2. Wild Heart Yoga
Offering over 45 weekly classes for all abilities, co-owner Jay Horton says the studio’s main goal is to “promote a more positive and impactful life”. Profits go into wildlife conservation, including animals affected in the recent bush fires. Wild Heart also sells yoga pants made from recycled plastic.
3. Tanks Arts Centre
Camouflaged in the rainforest, giant cylindrical concrete tanks, used to store fuel during World War II, have been transformed into art spaces. Find exhibitions by local artists, world and Australian live music and events like the African Festival and Children’s Festival. The centre is next to the Cairns Botanic Gardens and Mount Whitfield walking trails.
4. The Lakes Resort
Beyond the bustle of the Cairns Esplanade, nearly five hectares of lush tropical gardens surround one, two and three-bedroom apartments for short- or long-term rental. Rooms offer an understated beach vibe, with most overlooking one of the resort’s many naturally landscaped pools.
5. Ozmosis
It was Lauren Vico’s mission to put creativity back into vegan fare when she took over this open-air café. Tuck into a nourishing bowl bursting with superfoods or try the Korean burger with barbecue pulled jackfruit and kimchi on an activated charcoal bun. From Wednesday to Sunday, enjoy authentic Italian dinners with porcini mushroom and truffle tagliatelle — a signature item.
SilkAir flies daily between Singapore and Cairns. To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com
SEE ALSO: Journey to the North: A scenic road trip from Cairns
This article was originally published in the March 2020 issue of Silkwinds magazine
