A Festival of Wings: Diwali, Flying Foxes and the Soul of Cairns

A Festival of Wings: Diwali, Flying Foxes and the Soul of Cairns

Priya Kapoor returns to Cairns each October to celebrate Diwali with her family. This year, a morning errand past the Cairns Library — and the hundred thousand wings above it — sent her deeper into the city she had always taken for granted. From an Indigenous eco tour on Country with the Mandingalbay Yidinji, to ziplining above the Daintree with her parents, to the Giant Swing, reef fishing, and night kayaking, this is Cairns as Priya finally sees it.

A family visit for Diwali turns into a full reckoning with what Cairns actually is

Best Time to Visit: October–November for Diwali celebrations on the Esplanade. The dry season (May–October) offers ideal conditions for reef fishing and outdoor activities. Flying foxes roost year-round.

Getting There: Cairns is directly served by major domestic carriers from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. International connections via Singapore, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. The CBD and most attractions covered in this article are within a short walk, drive, or day trip of Cairns city centre.

Region: Cairns & Tropical North Queensland