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Cityport

Overview
The Cityport development is a world-class waterfront facility that shall strengthen Cairns' reputation as the pre-eminent gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Located immediately adjacent to the Cairns Business District with approximately 1 km of prime waterfront is Cityport... a place for the people.

Cityport is bounded by the Cairns Convention Centre in the South and the Cairns Marlin Marina in the North. Cityport is designed to cater for an increasing demand for access to the Great Barrier Reef and integration of the CBD with the waterfront and the Esplanade in a renewal project that has provided benefits to residents, the commercial community and tourists.

Ports North began planning for the redevelopment of the waterfront, in consultation with local business and the community, in 1994 as part of the overall Cityport project. The Cityport Masterplan opens the waterfront up to the public attracting more residents and visitors to this forgotten area of the CBD and revitalising this area of the City. The Cityport Masterplan provides a range of unrivalled waterfront tourism, commercial and residential development opportunities.

The Cityport project was first implemented with the construction of the Cairns Convention Centre in 1996. The first full stage of the project, Cityport North, was successfully completed in 2003 and included the development of the Reef Fleet Facilities, expansion of the Cairns Marlin Marina, the creation of the Reef Fleet Plaza and boardwalks and boulevard linking the Esplanade to Trinity Inlet. Since that time Wharf Street has been developed as a tree lined, pedestrian friendly access road into Cityport and the first of nine land parcels have been released for development.

The Cityport project features are:-

  • superior community access & enhanced pedestrian access from the Cairns CBD to the waterfront.
  • a modern reef fleet terminal facility.
  • an enlarged and protected marina providing for up to 250 berths.
  • a waterfront boardwalk along the entire length of Cityport that links with the Cairns City Council's Esplanade redevelopment to the Convention Centre with a public promenade that provides full public access along the Cairns foreshore.
  • retention of the historical clock tower and wharf sheds, including conversion of one of the sheds into the cruise liner terminal suitable for international and domestic cruise vessels.
  • a mix of hotel, residential apartments, tourist apartments, including a variety of coffee shops, restaurants, bars and offices.
  • a strong focus on landscaping and improved water views from major CBD streets.

Cityport will create a vibrant, unique experience that draws people into the city and will:

  • Increase the Port's useability for recreational craft
  • Increase the opportunities for waterfront activities
  • Accommodate the growing use of the Port by local reef operators and cruise ships
  • Provide greater community access to the waterfront

Cityport will be a place for everybody: tourists, the commercial community and residents.