Freshwater
Cairns
Visit Freshwater
Popular places to visit
Cairns Esplanade
Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.
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.
Cairns Marlin Marina
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.
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.
Cairns Night Markets
During your visit to Tropical North Waterfront, 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.
Clifton Beach
This quiet beach north of Cairns offers long stretches of white sand and clear water.
Things to do
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest
Silverswift Dive & Snorkel Cruise
Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge and Daintree Rainforest Day Tour
Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Agincourt Reef Cruise
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour
Top hotels in Freshwater
Hilton Cairns
Balcony, good pool
Reviewed on Jan 8, 2026
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Had a fabulous view from my balcony; fab housekeeping; breakfast was amazingly, fairly central especially to dive/reef boats. Great stay overall.
Reviewed on Dec 31, 2025
Crystalbrook Riley
Paper Crane was terrific and well run. CC’s was still outstanding how it is run which is very Professional. A huge appreciation to Francisco as he Welcomed both my wife and myself with Great Professionalism. As soon as the bags were out of the Uber he was wheeling them in and then help check us in. ...
Reviewed on Jan 4, 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Breakfast was amazing staff very helpful cleaner extremely knowledgeable people every one was amazing
Reviewed on Jan 2, 2026
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Clean rooms staff good
Reviewed on Jan 7, 2026
Hotel Tropiq
Has everything needed in room, old building
Reviewed on Jan 7, 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Freshwater
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.
Whitfield
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Whitfield and surrounding area, you can visit Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens.
Edge Hill
You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Edge Hill. You might want to make time for a stop at Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens or Mount Whitfield Conservation Park.
Aeroglen
If you're spending some time in Aeroglen, Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and Skydive The Reef Cairns are top sights worth seeing.
Machans Beach
Though Machans Beach might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Australian Armour and Artillery Museum.
Holloways Beach
Beaches, restaurants, and gardens are some highlights of Holloways Beach. Make a stop by Yorkeys Knob Beach or Holloways Beach while you're exploring.
