The best thing about Cairns' smaller size is you can cruise around the CBD hot spots on foot with ease. If you love to shop, check out the small boutiques in Oceania Walk or head to Galleria for high end designer stores.
There's excellent eating and drinking to be done here, too. For brunch, my pick is the burrito at Cairns institution The Lillipad Cafe. Then, explore the sprawling waterfront parklands along Cairns Esplanade. If you feel like getting wet, there's a massive free outdoor lagoon to cool off in. Or, you can wet your whistle instead with sunset cocktails at seaside bar Salt House.
Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland