Afternoon City Sights tourBotanic GardensBarron GorgeMY 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 Queenslanderhomes 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 manyof Australia's native rainforest plants.Your tour ends when you are returned to your hotel in Cairns.In 1971 the Cairns CityCouncil named FleckerBotanic Gardens, inhonour of Dr. HugoFlecker, the founder ofthe North QueenslandNaturalist Club andFlecker Herbarium.The gardens consist of a collection of tropicalrainforest plants of bothAustralian native andexotic origins. Among the attractionsare a Fernery, OrchidHouse, Aboriginal PlantUse Section, as well asPalms, Heliconia, Ginger, Bamboo, Tropical fruits,and flowering trees,shrubs and vines.In 1935 Queensland’sfirst hydroelectric powerstation was opened onthe Barron River.In 2003 StanwellCorporation Limiteddeveloped a $28 millionstrategic plan to extendthe life of Barron GorgeHydro until 2055.Surprise Falls can beseen from the bridgethat crosses the BarronRiver.