Your weekly snapshot of life in Cairns

📅20/03/2026| Issue #1

Hi everyone,

Welcome to this week’s Cairns Region Roundup — your quick update on what’s happening around the region.

In today’s issue:

Let’s dive in.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle Crossed the Qld East Coast around 7.00 am This Morning Friday 20/03/2026 about 50km NE of Coen as a category 4 System .

With Winds up around 200km / hr near its centre it has left a path of destruction in its wake.

Being a Tight almost perfect fast moving Cyclone has spared the more populated areas to the south of Coen from major Damage . There has been some shoreline erosion from the Storm surge on the Northern Beaches of Cairns along with some minor flooding .

At time of writing it has only been 3 hours since landfall but initial reports from Coen are reporting they are battened down and coping . These are remote areas and may have a long wait for Power to be restored .

It may even take Ergon days till they can reach them due to the localised flooding that must be occurring . Narelle is still travelling West and is expected to cross the west coast around Arukun around 8.00pm Friday Night as a category 2 or a weak 3 , shows how strong this system is .

Whilst in the Gulf it is expected to intensify again and maintain its journey West crossing the NT coast and continuing onto WA .

Spare a thought for those in the path of this Cyclone as they already lead a remote and Isolated life without the infrastructure we enjoy a little further south they may be Isolated with no way of getting out for a long time after Narelle has gone .

4

👉 Warm and tropical, but slightly cooler than peak summer.

👉 April marks the end of the wet season, so rain drops off compared to Jan–March but still occurs.

👉 Still quite humid, but more comfortable than earlier months.

👉 Excellent for swimming, reef trips, and snorkeling.

👉 You’ll get a mix of sunny days and occasional showers.

Supporting animals, one bargain at a time. Animal Welfare Cairns is a community-driven op shop where every purchase helps fund vital care for local animals and owners in need.

Shoppers can browse a rotating mix of pre-loved clothing, homewares, books, and unique finds, all generously donated by locals. Behind the scenes, dedicated volunteers sort, price, and run the store—creating a welcoming space that benefits both people and pets.

Proceeds go directly toward rescue, rehabilitation, veterinary care, and rehoming efforts across the Cairns region. It’s a simple way for the community to make a real difference—whether by shopping, donating goods, or giving time.

Why it matters:

👉 Pop in, donate, or volunteer—every little bit helps give animals a second chance.

👉 Want your club or Charity featured? Reply to [email protected]

Tasting The Tropics
📍 Region Wide series of events
📅 1-30 April
Inaugural Advent Showcasing the regions exciting Food and Drink experiences

Four Mile Beach Monthly Clean-up
📍 Port Douglas
📅 2 April 1.00pm - 4.00pm
Come and join in our monthly beach clean-up! Registrations are essential - email Lucy, [email protected]. What shall I bring? Volunteers need to wear enclosed shoes, bring sun/rain protection, and plenty of drinking water (1 to 2 litres is recommended). We try to ensure that all Tangaroa Blue events are free from single-use plastic, so bring along your reusable water bottle. All equipment and drinking water top-ups will be provided. Why is it in the afternoon? Four Mile Beach is shaded in the afternoon making it a cooler time to be out on the beach. Most debris is along the vegetation or tide lines, so the afternoon reduces sun exposure. We look forward to seeing you out on the beach!

Feast Of The Senses
📍 Innisfail
📅From March 2026
The Feast of the Senses is North Queensland’s premier Tropical Food Experience and the Cassowary Coast’s major festival centred around the town of Innisfail, an hour’s drive south of Cairns.

The festival showcases the region’s impressive variety of rare and exotic fruits whilst also including an impressive range of produce including meat, seafoods, herbs, spices and wine.

Nowhere else will you find such a diverse and tantalising range of produce and culture, as in this region of Australia.

Malanda Community Garden
📍Malanda
📅30 March 9.00am -11.00am

Malanda Community Garden is behind the ECHO Neighbourhood House, 13 Eacham Place, Malanda.

We have updated the ornamental gardens by adding raised beds, a circular bed of tropical perennial plants, and fruiting trees and vines.  Our purpose is to learn and teach about growing food in the tropical highlands where we live, as well as social connection and gathering in pleasant surrounds.

The Community Garden is open 9am-11am Monday, or by appointment, and we are looking for visitors and volunteers!  Join us!  Everyone welcome.

We do not meet on public holidays.  Please wear appropriate footwear and a hat.

Quick facts readers enjoy.

Population: ~170,000
Visitors per year: ~2 million
Weather this week: ☀️ Tropical & warm

Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Kurrimine Beach sits about 130 km south of Cairns making it an easy coastal detour for travellers exploring the region. Facing the Coral Sea, it’s also one of the closest mainland access points to King Reef

Home to a small and welcoming community, Kurrimine Beach has a population of around 740 residents. This tight-knit feel is part of its charm, offering a peaceful alternative to busier tourist hubs.

Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying longer, there’s plenty to enjoy:

Life in Kurrimine Beach moves at a slower pace. The community is known for its friendly locals, volunteer spirit, and love of the outdoors. You’ll find a selection of accommodation, caravan parks, and a local Pub—everything you need without the hustle.

Kurrimine Beach offers a rare blend of natural beauty, simplicity, and authenticity. It’s the kind of place where you can disconnect, recharge, and experience Far North Queensland the way locals do.

👉 Looking for somewhere off the beaten track? Kurrimine Beach might just be your perfect coastal escape.

Cairns was founded in 1876 as a small port settlement to support miners heading to the Hodgkinson Goldfields, one of the region’s major gold discoveries. The town was named after William Wellington Cairns, who was the Governor of Queensland at the time.

Originally established as a supply port for inland mining communities, Cairns quickly developed wharves, stores, and accommodation for miners and traders. When the gold rush declined, the town shifted its economy toward agriculture, particularly sugar cane grown on the fertile coastal plains. The arrival of the Kuranda Scenic Railway in 1891 strengthened Cairns’ role as the main transport hub linking the coast with inland communities on the Atherton Tablelands.

Throughout the 20th century Cairns grew steadily as a regional centre for shipping, sugar production, and tourism. After World War II the city expanded rapidly, and by the late 20th century it had become a major gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical rainforests of Far North Queensland.

Today Cairns is an international tourism destination and a key economic centre for northern Australia.

Community announcements.

• Volunteers needed
• Local job listing
• Charity event
• School announcement

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