Cairns
Travel Guide
Visit Cairns
Where to stay in Cairns
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.
Cairns Central Business District
Cairns Central Business District is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Tropical North Waterfront.
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.
Cairns North
Beaches and abundant dining options are well-reviewed features of Cairns North. Make a stop by top sights like Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland while you're exploring the area.
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.
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.
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Very nice hotel. Great location, right at the seaside, next to the reef terminal, and close to the night market. Also friendly staff. Had a wonderful stay.
Reviewed on Mar 25, 2026
Hilton Cairns
Breakfast was pretty good and hotel was a 4 stars at best
Reviewed on Mar 27, 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Great walking location for restaurants and shopping. Nice quite room.
Reviewed on Mar 25, 2026
Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
The apartment has no elevator. We stayed at 3rd floor and was hard to carry heavy luggage to it. The AC is not cool at all. I don't recommend the 3rd floor living especially during the hot summer due to AC inefficiency.
Reviewed on Mar 5, 2026
Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort
Short visit, arrived late, left early but everything was great.
Reviewed on Mar 25, 2026
Sea Change Beachfront Apartments
Really nice stay we loved the big patio and use of the BBQ. Unit is righ on the beach, great location. One minor issue was the shower glass in our unit needs an upgrade as it leaked.
Reviewed on Mar 24, 2026
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.
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 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
Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets
Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest
Paronella Park and Mamu Tropical Skywalk Ticket Combo
