Cairns and Barrier Reef

Travel Guide

Cairns and Barrier Reef
Cairns showing cuddly or friendly animals and zoo animals
Cairns showing dangerous animals and zoo animals as well as an individual femail
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland

Where to stay in Cairns and Barrier Reef

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Palm Cove

Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Palm Cove Beach and Kuranda National Park.

Palm Cove
Trinity Beach which includes landscape views, tropical scenes and surfing

Trinity Beach

Travelers to Trinity Beach praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach.

Trinity Beach
Clifton Beach showing a luxury hotel or resort, golf and mountains

Clifton Beach

Travelers come to Clifton Beach for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while you're in town.

Clifton Beach
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Yorkeys Knob

Yorkeys Knob is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Half Moon Bay Golf Course.

Yorkeys Knob
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Kewarra Beach

Unique features of Kewarra Beach include the beaches and golf courses. Make a stop by Kewarra Beach or Kuranda National Park while you're exploring the area.

Kewarra Beach
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Barron

Though Barron might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Australian Armour and Artillery Museum and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station.

Barron
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street, Manunda, QLD
The price is P4,527 per night from Sep 6 to Sep 7
P4,527
P4,980 total
Sep 6 - Sep 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Three pools and 24/7 reception was very good."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P9,791 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P9,791
P10,770 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Nice"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Hilton Cairns
Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

4 out of 5
209-217 Esplanade, Cairns North, QLD
The price is P6,618 per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
P6,618
P7,280 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"This was a very nice property. We enjoyed it a lot. I was sorfy the restaurant was not open for dinner, but the breakfast buffet was very nice"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
See all 1,325 properties in Cairns and Barrier Reef
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mantra Trilogy

Mantra Trilogy

4 out of 5
101 - 105 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,260 reviews)
A great location
"Great location, room very comfortable and clean."

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2025

Mantra Trilogy
Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

4 out of 5
3-11 Water Street, Cairns, QLD
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,554 reviews)
"Noisy at night when guests use the pool. To be expected."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Coral Sands Resort

Coral Sands Resort

4.5 out of 5
Cnr Trinity Beach Rd & Vasey Esplanade, Trinity Beach, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (760 reviews)
"Apartment was clean and tidy Dissapointed that the smoke alarm was in the cupboard and not on the roof im pretty sure its a law you have to have a working smoke alarm Was nice and close to places to eat and to beach"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Coral Sands Resort
See all properties in Cairns and Barrier Reef
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cairns Esplanade which includes swimming, a luxury hotel or resort and a pool

Cairns Esplanade

Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.

Cairns Esplanade
Palm Cove Beach

Palm Cove Beach

Located in between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, this palm tree-lined beach is an idyllic spot to take it easy or begin an adventure.

Palm Cove Beach
Cairns Marlin Marina

Cairns Marlin Marina

Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.

Cairns Marlin Marina
Esplanade Lagoon which includes a coastal town and a hotel

Esplanade Lagoon

Relax after a day of sightseeing or cool down from the summer heat in this fresh-water lagoon, one of Cairns’ best city attractions.

Esplanade Lagoon
Cairns Night Markets

Cairns Night Markets

During your visit to Cairns, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Cairns Night Markets. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area, or seek out the local tours.

Cairns Night Markets
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway showing forests and rainforest

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station

Soar above the treetops of the rain forest, gorges and mountains of North Queensland in a glass-enclosed cable car.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station
Photo by Mike from Cairns

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