Three ways the Cairns region is embracing Australia’s renewable future

Cairns, to outsiders, is known for its crocodiles, cassowaries and occasionally cyclones but the region is now embracing another big ‘C’: Clean energy.

An bus powered by electricity in Cairns. Picture: Danica Clayton

As the entry point for one of the most magical rainforests in the world and the home of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Cairns takes sustainability seriously.

Last month I stayed at Hilton Cairns to test drive the MG ZS EV and to see just how the Cairns region has embraced Australia’s renewable future.

Hilton Cairns seamlessly blends nature into the lobby. Picture: Danica Clayton

Renewable and reusable resources

Cairns is just one stop on the Queensland Electric Super Highway. Linking Coolangatta to Port Douglas, the Queensland Government has placed electric vehicle charging stations at convenient tourist locations along the Queensland coast. Local businesses in the region are also embracing renewables, with Hilton Cairns offering an electric vehicle charging station for guests in the underground carpark. I was also pleasantly surprised to see local tour operators opting for electric-powered buses to transport guests rather than the diesel-powered buses I’ve grown familiar with in Brisbane’s north.

An electric-powered bus in Cairns. Picture: Danica Clayton

It’s not just solar energy powering the region though, with wind farms scattered throughout the Atherton Tablelands. It added a new level of appreciation for the region, not only was it visually impressive but it was also comforting to know Cairns is part of Australia’s renewable future.

A solar powered laundromat. Picture: Danica Clayton

It’s almost as if business owners in the region were given the directive to make everything as sustainable as possible … and if that’s the case, they certainly stepped up to the plate. Spotting a solar-powered laundromat using locally-made biodegradable products at Kuranda was one of the highlights. It’s also the little things, too, that made my stay more comfortable. Hilton Cairns provides reusable water bottles to all guests as well as a water filter station on each floor. I ordered fresh orange juice from a cafe in the region and it was delivered in a biodegradable cup. Nothing was handed over without an afterthought.

A water filter station opposite our room. Picture: Danica Clayton

Locally made and designed

Cairns is simply a convergence of creativity. Bespoke artists are given an opportunity to showcase their talent, passion and vision. Cafes doubled as gift shops and even the airport introduced visitors to artisans in the region. In a gift shop I spotted a butterfly in a display box. The inscription explained the artist spent countless hours meticulously reconstructing every fine detail after a butterfly had passed. There is an abundance of commitment and passion among the locals.

This is a vegetable pancake served at Signature and yes, it tastes like magic. Picture: Danica Clayton

I was not surprised to see fast food giants like McDonalds and Subway, what did surprise me though was the variety of dining options. Almost every cafe in the region proudly added a note to the menu that all ingredients were sourced locally. Hilton Cairns restaurant, Signature, sources ingredients from the region and creates dishes that are not only delicious, they’re environmentally friendly.

Natural integration

Give me ferns and I’m in my happy place. Upon checking into Hilton Cairns I was in awe, plants were almost everywhere. Giant palm trees between floors as well as a natural garden on our balcony made me feel at home. The design wasn’t just memorising, it was smart. As rain fell it would land on the plants, ensuring the environment remained vibrant, green and clean.

Giant trees weave in-between buildings at Hilton Cairns. Picture: Danica Clayton

Everywhere, really, appeared to build around the beauty of the region rather than overtake it. The Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets were built around a rainforest. Each stall was created to intertwine with the natural topography of the land.

Environmental initiatives at Sailaway. Picture: Danica Clayton

Cairns also provides programs to reduce carbon emissions through carbon offsetting. While staying in the region I went on a sunset sail on the Coral Reef with Sailaway. A percentage of Sailaway’s ticket pricing goes directly towards sustainable reforestation and carbon offsetting through a collaboration with Eco Shamba Tree Farm. This, like everything else in the region, is a showcase of Cairns commitment to Australia’s sustainable future. I’m all for it.

This writer was a guest of MG Motors Australia and Hilton Cairns.