The Reef Eye Travel Guide

Free Guide: Discover breathtaking views of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef from The Reef Eye, an iconic Ferris wheel on the Esplanade.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
The Reef Eye

A brief summary of The Reef Eye

Discover breathtaking views of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef from The Reef Eye, an iconic Ferris wheel on the Esplanade.

The Reef Eye in Cairns offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the stunning coastline. This iconic Ferris wheel is a must-visit attraction for tourists seeking unforgettable experiences in Queensland. Standing tall on the Esplanade, it provides a unique vantage point to admire the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and the vibrant atmosphere of Cairns. Whether it's day or night, the views are simply spectacular.

4.4 Very good · 93 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Every day10 am–10 pm

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
Esplanade, Cairns City QLD 4870
Website

Getting there

Car

If you're traveling by car, head towards Cairns City. The Reef Eye is located on the Esplanade in Cairns City, QLD 4870. From the Captain Cook Highway (A1), take the exit towards Cairns. Follow Sheridan Street until it merges into Spence Street. Continue straight until you reach the Esplanade. There are several parking options along the Esplanade, but be mindful of parking fees which can vary. Look for signs indicating parking rates and times.

Public Transportation

To reach The Reef Eye via public transportation, you can catch a bus to Cairns Central Station. Once at the station, transfer to a local bus that stops at the Esplanade. The bus services are frequent, and you can check the schedule on the TransLink website or app. After disembarking, walk towards the waterfront; The Reef Eye is located directly on the Esplanade, offering beautiful views of the area. Keep in mind that bus fares may vary based on the distance traveled.

Walking

If you're already in Cairns City, walking to The Reef Eye is a pleasant option. The Esplanade is pedestrian-friendly, and there are many signs guiding you along the waterfront. Depending on where you start, it may take around 10-20 minutes to walk to The Reef Eye. As you walk, enjoy the sights and sounds of Cairns, including the nearby lagoon and park areas.

Bicycle

Cairns has a bike rental service available for tourists. You can rent a bicycle and ride to The Reef Eye along the Esplanade. There are dedicated bike paths, making it a safe and enjoyable ride. Ensure to lock your bike at designated bike racks near The Reef Eye. Rental prices can vary, so check local bike rental shops for details.

Discover more about The Reef Eye

Overview

The Reef Eye is a captivating landmark nestled along the vibrant Esplanade in Cairns, Queensland. As one of the region's most popular attractions, this Ferris wheel offers visitors a unique opportunity to soar above the city and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Towering at an impressive height, riders can enjoy an exhilarating experience while capturing stunning photos of the Great Barrier Reef, the sparkling Coral Sea, and the lush green mountains that envelop the city. The wheel operates daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, making it a perfect activity for both day and night adventures. As you ascend, the changing perspectives reveal the vibrant colors of the coastline and the bustling life of Cairns below.At night, The Reef Eye transforms into a dazzling spectacle as it lights up, creating a magical atmosphere that enhances the experience. This is not just a ride; it’s a memorable experience that combines the thrill of height with the beauty of nature. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or that special someone, sharing a ride on The Reef Eye can be a romantic and unforgettable moment. Be sure to check the weather conditions before your visit, as clear skies will provide the best views. Additionally, consider visiting during sunset for an enchanting view that transitions the horizon into a canvas of colors. The Reef Eye is more than a Ferris wheel; it's a gateway to experiencing the natural wonders of Cairns from a unique perspective.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Explore The Reef Eye on the map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Reef Eye, mapped for you.

Get your free copy of our complete guide to The Reef Eye, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from opening hours and how to get there to Eve’s tips and the best time to go, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

More to explore near The Reef Eye

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery.

Activate your presence Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Explore more

Far North Queensland
More of the region

Explore more of Far North Queensland

Explore Far North Queensland: Home to the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and vibrant coastal towns like Cairns and Port Douglas.

Explore Far North Queensland
Australia
More of the country

Explore more of Australia

Discover the diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife of Australia, a captivating destination offering endless adventures and unforgettable experiences.

Explore Australia
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Far North Queensland

Discover Far North Queensland with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide offering comprehensive insights into attractions, landmarks, dining, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking of hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Plan your perfect trip to Far North Queensland with Evendo, your all-in-one, free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, book tours and experiences, and uncover local tips.

  • History of Far North Queensland and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips to experience Far North Queensland like a local
  • 'Near me' feature to find nearby attractions and amenities
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs
  • Coverage of over 7,000 destinations worldwide

Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate travel companion for exploring Far North Queensland, Australia. As a traveler, you want to make the most of your trip, and Evendo is here to help. This free app-based travel guide offers detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Far North Queensland. Imagine walking through the lush Daintree Rainforest, snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, or exploring the vibrant streets of Cairns—all with the guidance of Evendo. The app provides rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy to plan and organize your trip.

Feeling hungry? Discover top dining spots like Nu Nu Restaurant in Palm Cove or Ochre Restaurant in Cairns. Want to experience local culture? Visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park or take a scenic railway ride to Kuranda Village. Evendo also allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

With features like the history of Far North Queensland, travel essentials, and curated local tips, Evendo makes sure you get the most out of your visit. The 'Near me' feature helps you easily find what's around you, no matter where you are. And the best part? The app is 100% free, with no in-app purchases or additional costs. Evendo also covers over 7,000 other destinations worldwide, so once you’ve downloaded the app, you have the world in your pocket.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.

Select Currency

Choose the currency you want prices to display in.