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 Marlin Marina
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.
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 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.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station
Soar above the treetops of the rain forest, gorges and mountains of North Queensland in a glass-enclosed cable car.
Things to do
Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest
Seastar Luxury Outer Great Barrier Reef Island and Reef Tour
Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Agincourt Reef Cruise
Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge and Daintree Rainforest Day Tour
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour
Silverswift Dive & Snorkel Cruise
Top hotels in Freshwater
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Pool, restaurants.
Reviewed on Nov 15, 2025
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Good hotel with helpful friendly staff. Shower I. Bathroom was a bit unsafe with scalding risk and the room had a very old and noisy fridge. We enjoyed our stay.
Reviewed on Nov 14, 2025
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
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Reviewed on Nov 14, 2025
Crystalbrook Flynn
This was an incredible place! We felt like absolute royalty staying here. The only reason I haven’t given five stars is because our room had an odd smell. It smelt like there was a water leak somewhere (that mouldy damp smell). We only stayed one night and alerted staff when we left. I’d think that ...
Reviewed on Nov 13, 2025
Hilton Cairns
Fantastic stay , great staff
Reviewed on Nov 15, 2025
Crystalbrook Riley
I happily give 5 stars for the overall convenient and scenic location, lovely facilities, helpful staff and chic eateries. On the "needs improvement" was the musty smell of the room (great ocean view!) and inconsistent cleaning crew. eg, sometimes the used tea bag/towels/pillows were replaced and ...
Reviewed on Nov 15, 2025
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.
