Macalister Range

Cairns

This is where I grew up but I was back recently for a family wedding- it has grown beyond recognition. When I was a child it was the end of the train line with no stop lights, one lane in and out of town. Now it's a massive tourist hub. This picture is taken from the Skyrail, an absolute must do if you are there. It goes up to Kuranda, an artsy town in the rainforest. You can also get there by the train, which is great to - or go up one way down the other. This is a view out over Trinity Bay so called because Captain Cook sailed past on Trinity Sunday. Cairns is over the hill in the distance. #green #tropics #queensland #australia
This is where I grew up but I was back recently for a family wedding- it has grown beyond recognition. When I was a child it was the end of the train line with no stop lights, one lane in and out of town. Now it's a massive tourist hub. This picture is taken from the Skyrail, an absolute must do if you are there. It goes up to Kuranda, an artsy town in the rainforest. You can also get there by the train, which is great to - or go up one way down the other. This is a view out over Trinity Bay so called because Captain Cook sailed past on Trinity Sunday. Cairns is over the hill in the distance. #green #tropics #queensland #australia

Popular places to visit

This is great experience to see a rainforest from the top. Highly recommended and worth the money spend on the ticket.

Cairns Cable Ski

Hit the slopes at Cairns Cable Ski during your trip to Macalister Range. Discover the beautiful coral reefs in this walkable area, or enjoy its local tours.

Cairns Cable Ski
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 featuring a beach, tropical scenes and general coastal views

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
One of best things to do in Cairns is ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway. It's a 90 minute journey that takes you down the mountain to Cairns passing waterfalls, scenic lookouts and over old bridges. Catch the Skyrail up the mountain from Cairns and then catch the train back down. Or, vice versa.

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.

Cairns Central Shopping Centre
Cairns Marlin Marina which includes sailing, mountains and a 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

Things to do

Great Barrier Reef Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

P10,374
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
relaxing at the deck of a ship in Australia

Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour

P10,877
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour
Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class

Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets

P11,340
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets
passengers aboard amphibious DUKW drive through jungles in Cairns

Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest

P1,334
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest
Silverswift Dive & Snorkel Adventure

Silverswift Dive & Snorkel Cruise

P12,149
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Silverswift Dive & Snorkel Cruise
Wavedancer Low Isles Cruise on Luxury Sailing Catamaran

Wavedancer Low Isles Cruise on Luxury Sailing Catamaran

P10,877
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Wavedancer Low Isles Cruise on Luxury Sailing Catamaran
See all activities in Cairns

Top hotels in Macalister Range

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD
The price is P8,606 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
P8,606
P9,466 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
No not worth it

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade Cairns QLD
The price is P6,522 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
P6,522
P7,174 total
Mar 31 - Apr 1
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Ocean harbor views were fantastic

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2026

Hilton Cairns
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

4.5 out of 5
121-123 The Esplanade & Florence St Cairns QLD
The price is P5,849 per night from Mar 26 to Mar 27
P5,849
P6,434 total
Mar 26 - Mar 27
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
I absolutely loved my stay here! The staff were so helpful, my room was super clean and spacious and the location was perfect! 10/10

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street Manunda QLD
The price is P5,048 per night from Mar 26 to Mar 27
P5,048
P5,552 total
Mar 26 - Mar 27
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
Room very small, hotel very busy, there was no where to sit out and have a glass of wine, poolside cafe only. Our room was very small and sheets stained badly. Would have been ok for one night but I was sad I had to spend 3 days there. Travelling so seeing many hotels

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

4 out of 5
209-217 Abbott Street Cairns North QLD
The price is P6,108 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
P6,108
P6,718 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Great staff. Great restaurant. Ocean views

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

4.5 out of 5
122 Lake St Cairns QLD
The price is P7,837 per night from Apr 13 to Apr 14
P7,837
P8,620 total
Apr 13 - Apr 14
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (884 reviews)
Great staff, location, food. Expedia has this classified as a three star hitel; WAY BETTER!!! We are staying in three star hotels throughout Australia and this one puts them all to shame. Way to go Novotel Cairns!!!!

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2026

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
See all 1,975 properties in Macalister Range
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Macalister Range

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
Kewarra Beach. The best of Cairns' northern beaches. Stunning.

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
Palm Cove showing a beach, a garden and tropical scenes

Palm Cove

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

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
With a balcony boasting 180 degree views up and down the coastline Santai really is a special place to stay. plus - no kids allowed in the complex! So you can sip your poolside cocktails safe in the knowledge that no one is about to jump in and splash you...probably! www.cairnsluxuryapartments.com.au

Ellis Beach

Ellis Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Wet Tropics of Queensland and Macalister Range National Park.

Ellis Beach
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Trinity Park

When in Trinity Park, you can plan a visit to Half Moon Bay Golf Course and Moon River Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Trinity Park

Macalister Range