Afternoon City Sights tour                        Botanic Gardens Barron Gorge MY TOWN TOURS  provides a short and informative guided afternoon tour of Cairns to help you 'get your bearings'.   Your orientation City Sights bus tour begins when you board the air conditioned bus at your hotel. Our rich local history comes alive with fascinating stories from your local tour guide. You will see the general layout of the town including the major shops, restaurants and markets. Tour past major places of interest including some of the city’s oldest heritage listed buildings and industrial areas showcasing some of the region’s diverse industries. Magnificent old Queenslander homes will be seen in some of the older residential areas on your way to Campbell's Lookout for a panoramic view over the city. Travel through prehistoric rainforest and admire the waterfalls in Barron Gorge, the site of the hydro-electric power station. Visit one of our unspoilt tropical beaches. Light afternoon refreshments are included. Take a peaceful stroll through the lush Botanic Gardens with its Fernery, Orchid House and many of Australia's native rainforest plants.   Your tour ends when you are returned to your hotel in Cairns. In 1971 the Cairns City  Council named Flecker  Botanic Gardens, in  honour of Dr. Hugo  Flecker, the founder of  the North Queensland  Naturalist Club and  Flecker Herbarium. The gardens consist of a collection of tropical  rainforest plants of both  Australian native and  exotic origins.   Among the attractions  are a Fernery, Orchid  House, Aboriginal Plant  Use Section, as well as  Palms, Heliconia, Ginger, Bamboo, Tropical fruits,  and flowering trees,  shrubs and vines. In 1935 Queensland’s  first hydroelectric power  station was opened on  the Barron River.  In 2003 Stanwell  Corporation Limited  developed a $28 million  strategic plan to extend  the life of Barron Gorge  Hydro until 2055.  Surprise Falls can be  seen from the bridge  that crosses the Barron  River.