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.
Cairns Central Shopping Centre
During your visit to Tropical North Waterfront, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Discover the beautiful coral reefs in this walkable area, or enjoy its local tours.
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.
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 Marlin Marina
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.
Cairns Convention Centre
Learn about the events happening at Cairns Convention Centre during your trip to Tropical North Waterfront. Discover the beautiful coral reefs in this walkable area, or enjoy its local tours.
Things to do
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour
Big Cat Green Island - Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef
Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest
Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets
Top hotels in Freshwater
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
"Room was clean, staff was friendly. So close to the marina if you are doing boat rides to the reef, green island, fitzroy island or any other ferries. Didn't use the pool or try breakfast but looked great!"
Reviewed on May 28, 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
"Nice place but not a lot on offer It’s in North Cairns so about $20 each way in a taxi to cairns central Good pools and grounds and may stay again"
Reviewed on May 28, 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
"Public areas well maintained and clean. Room could have used more cleaning. Bed covering/duvet had obvious stains. Noisy air on system (even with fan turned off in room)"
Reviewed on May 26, 2026
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
"Everything is good about the hotel but the location is not very convenient. It takes about 30 minutes walk to the reef boat ports and 20 minutes to the downtown."
Reviewed on May 18, 2026
Hilton Cairns
"A great place to stay - awesome breakfasts. Walking distance to many places. We had minimal issues (eg: the TV was playing up) but the staff were eager to help out."
Reviewed on May 26, 2026
Crystalbrook Flynn
"The staff were very helpful in terms of tour bookings and dining suggestions. It was an excellent short stay and in a vibzy location."
Reviewed on May 24, 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 Tanks Arts Centre.
Edge Hill
You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Edge Hill. You might want to make time for a stop at Tanks Arts Centre or Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens.
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 Crystal Cascades & Lake Morris and Yorkeys Knob Beach.
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.
