If you’re curious about the hip side of Cairns and want an insider’s look at its street art, foodie scene, and stylish culture, then the Hipster and Street Art Walking Tour is worth considering. Priced at just under $30 AUD per person, this 1.5-hour stroll offers a lively glimpse into what makes Cairns Australia’s second-ranked hipster hotspot. Led by knowledgeable guides like Georgia, who truly enjoy sharing their hometown’s coolest spots, this tour is a compact yet rich introduction to the city’s alternative scene.
What really sets this experience apart is the focus on authentic local culture—rather than just ticking off a checklist of sights, you get to understand Cairns’ hipster movement from multiple angles. We loved how the guide highlights everything from graffiti art and tattoo parlors to eco-friendly shops and vintage stores. Plus, the inclusion of discount vouchers for the Cairns Museum and Tropik Nutrition adds a little extra value.
The only potential downside? Since the tour is quite short, it’s not an in-depth exploration of each stop. If you’re looking for a full-day adventure or a deep dive into each subject, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, for those wanting a quick, lively overview with plenty of local flavor, it hits the mark beautifully.
This tour suits travelers who enjoy walking, street art, food trends, and quirky shopping. It’s ideal for those who love discovering the local underground culture and don’t mind small groups—maximum of 12—to keep the experience personal and lively.
Key Points
- Authentic Insights: Learn about Cairns’ hipster scene from enthusiastic guides like Georgia.
- Varied Stops: From graffiti and tattoo studios to vintage and vegan shops, the tour offers diverse experiences.
- Cultural Depth: Understand how street art, fashion, and food trends shape Cairns’ alternative culture.
- Value-Added Perks: Includes vouchers for local attractions, making the experience more rewarding.
- Flexible and Small: Limited to 12 people, ensuring a personal vibe and easy conversations.
- Short but Sweet: Perfect for a quick, energetic introduction to Cairns’ trendy side.
A Detailed Look at the Cairns Hipster and Street Art Tour
Starting Point and Overall Structure
The tour begins at Cairns Museum on Lake Street, a conveniently central location. You’ll meet your guide, Georgia, at 10:00 am, ready for a 1.5-hour walk through the city’s coolest spots. The small group size (up to 12 people) ensures that everyone can ask questions and engage with the local scene comfortably.
Visiting Cafes and Food Trends
The tour kicks off with a quick visit to evo Burger, a well-loved spot for hipster café culture. While the admission isn’t included, you’ll get a sense of Cairns’ modern, laid-back food scene. Then, you walk to Slap and Pickle Low and Slow Smokehouse, a place to chat about food and music trends that resonate with the city’s alternative crowd.
Exploring Tattoo Culture and Arts
Next up is Cairns City Tattoo, where your guide discusses the history of hipster culture and how tattoos are a key characteristic in many urban creative scenes worldwide. You’ll learn why Cairns has a surprising number of tattoo studios per capita, reflecting a lively tattooing community. Nearby, the Blvk Temple Tattoo provides a chance to see the local tattoo art firsthand.
Unique Shops and Eco-Culture
A highlight is Makin’ Whoopee Gift Shop, which specializes in eco-friendly and handcrafted items—a core part of Cairns’ hipster vibe. The guide emphasizes the importance of sustainable shopping and local artisans. Also, stops at Earth Toys and Cartel Collective give insight into vintage clothing, records, and barber trends, rounding out the broader hipster lifestyle.
Art and Creative Spaces
NorthSite Contemporary Arts, formerly KickArts, offers a window into non-mainstream art in Cairns, illustrating how street culture and contemporary art intertwine. You can expect a discussion about the role of alternative art forms in shaping local identity.
Coffee Culture and Food Trends
Coffee lovers will appreciate the visit to Coffee Works Cairns, where the guide explains North Queensland’s role in coffee production. Cairns’ specialty coffee scene is a point of pride, and this stop highlights how hip cafes are about more than just caffeine—they’re hubs of social and artistic expression. The Source Bulk Foods adds to this narrative with its focus on health-conscious eating and zero-waste lifestyles.
Fashion, Vintage, and Gaming
Penlan Street Co showcases Cairns’ fashion scene, especially its vintage and handcrafted styles. Vintage Seeker is a must-visit for retro clothing and records, emphasizing the nostalgic and eco-conscious side of hipster culture. Earth Toys introduces you to hipster gaming culture, illustrating how niche hobbies flourish in these smaller communities.
Final Stops and Reflection on Culture
The tour wraps up with a deep dive into hipster grooming trends at Cartel Collective, an elite barber shop. The guide discusses how style and grooming are essential elements of hipster identity, making this stop both practical and fashionable.
Authentic Insights from Reviews
Reviewers like Roselle_P describe Georgia as “really friendly and enthusiastic,” which makes the tour feel engaging rather than just informational. She appreciated that Georgia “leaves bread crumbs” for you to explore more on your own, which is perfect if you want to continue discovering Cairns’ hidden gems after the tour.
Practicalities and Value
At $29.17, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck—especially with included vouchers for the Cairns Museum and Tropik Nutrition. The tour’s timing—just 1.5 hours—means you can easily combine it with other activities. The small group size ensures intimacy and allows your guide to tailor the experience to your interests.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is ideal for young travelers, creatives, and foodies curious about Cairns’ alternative scene. If you enjoy street art, vintage shopping, craft coffee, and trendy food spots, you’ll find this tour both fun and genuinely insightful. It’s also a good choice if you prefer guided walks with a personal touch over large, impersonal tours.
Final Thoughts
This Hipster and Street Art Walking Tour offers a lively, well-rounded look at Cairns’ underground and creative culture. Unlike some rushed city tours, it balances informative commentary with authentic local flavor, making it a perfect quick immersion into the city’s trendier side.
You’ll come away with a better understanding of how street art, fashion, food, and tattoos combine to give Cairns its unique identity as Australia’s second hipster capital. Plus, with small groups and a friendly guide, you’ll feel like you’re exploring the city with a knowledgeable friend.
Whether you’re a visual arts lover, foodie, or just curious about Cairns’ youthful scene, this tour offers a fun, accessible way to see the city’s creative heartbeat. It’s perfect for those who want a taste of Cairns’ alternative culture without committing to a full-day exploration—ideal for a morning or early afternoon adventure.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While most travelers can participate, the tour is designed for adults interested in street art, fashion, and food trends. Kids might find some stops less engaging, but families with older children could enjoy it together.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is popular and typically booked around 86 days in advance. Booking ahead ensures you secure your spot, especially during busy travel months.
Is the tour stroller-friendly?
Since it’s a walking tour around city streets, it’s best suited for those who can comfortably walk and stand for 1.5 hours. Strollers might be challenging on uneven surfaces or crowded streets.
What’s the cost?
It’s priced at $29.17 per person, which is quite reasonable given the variety of stops and included vouchers. You’ll get a lively overview of Cairns’ hip culture in a short time.
Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks at cafes are not included, but you’ll learn about local food trends and may want to visit some stops afterward.
What are the highlights?
You’ll love the graffiti art, tattoo culture insights, vintage shopping, and specialty coffee discussions. The guide’s enthusiasm makes each stop memorable.
How big are the groups?
Maximum of 12 people, which keeps the experience intimate and allows for personalized attention from the guide.
Is there any time of year better to do this?
While the tour is available year-round, Cairns’ warm climate makes it pleasant to walk outdoors most months. Check the weather forecast for a smooth experience.
What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle. The stops are all outdoors or in shop interiors, so dress for the weather.
Can I customize or extend the tour?
The tour is planned as a quick introduction, but you’re encouraged to explore the shops and sites afterward to dig deeper into Cairns’ hipster scene. The guide may offer suggestions for further visits.
This walking tour offers a fresh, engaging perspective that goes beyond typical sightseeing. It’s perfect for those wanting to connect with Cairns’ creative heartbeat without the fuss of longer excursions. You’ll leave with a better sense of how local culture is expressed through art, fashion, and food—plus some fun, quirky stories along the way.