Cairns and Barrier Reef Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Babinda boulders in the Atherton Tablelands, Cairns, Australia. Legend has it that the spirit of an Aboriginal woman resides in the Boulders waiting for the return of her love. Our tour guide told us the tragic love story of Oolana and Dyga. Oolana is a beautiful young lady destined to marry an Elder from her tribe. After the pair was married, another tribe wanders into their community and Oolana fell in love with a young, handsome man from the visiting tribe. As their forbidden love blossoms, they run away. But their respective tribes found the couple in the Babinda Boulder and soon, Dyga was captured and taken away from Oolana. Oolana, knowing that she cannot be with the person she loved, throws herself to the deep waterhole of the boulders. Today, it seems like Oolana is still looking for her true love as there are stories of mysterious deaths of young men swimming in the creek. Our tourist guide told us that Oolana lures these young men into the waterhole where her spirit resides, and realising that the man was not the true love that she was looking for, she brings his body back to the rocks. Of all the deaths that occurred in the creek, all but one was a male victim. The mysteries of Babinda Boulders are still being told and a warning sign is erected outside the creek, warning of the dangers of the Boulders. Fortunately, there's a shallow waterhole near the Boulders which still has pristine and cool water. This waterhole is safe to swim in. #gopro #goprophotography
Babinda boulders in the Atherton Tablelands, Cairns, Australia. Legend has it that the spirit of an Aboriginal woman resides in the Boulders waiting for the return of her love. Our tour guide told us the tragic love story of Oolana and Dyga. Oolana is a beautiful young lady destined to marry an Elder from her tribe. After the pair was married, another tribe wanders into their community and Oolana fell in love with a young, handsome man from the visiting tribe. As their forbidden love blossoms, they run away. But their respective tribes found the couple in the Babinda Boulder and soon, Dyga was captured and taken away from Oolana. Oolana, knowing that she cannot be with the person she loved, throws herself to the deep waterhole of the boulders. Today, it seems like Oolana is still looking for her true love as there are stories of mysterious deaths of young men swimming in the creek. Our tourist guide told us that Oolana lures these young men into the waterhole where her spirit resides, and realising that the man was not the true love that she was looking for, she brings his body back to the rocks. Of all the deaths that occurred in the creek, all but one was a male victim. The mysteries of Babinda Boulders are still being told and a warning sign is erected outside the creek, warning of the dangers of the Boulders. Fortunately, there's a shallow waterhole near the Boulders which still has pristine and cool water. This waterhole is safe to swim in. #gopro #goprophotography
One of the best ways to experience a place is from the skies. If you feel like splurging, a helicopter flight over Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef is a must-do when visiting Tropical North Queensland in Australia.
This is a popular swimming spot - and for good reason. Try to visit on weekdays and out of school hours for your best chance to beat the crowds. but even with them it's still a pretty awesome sight! #waterlust www.cheskiesgaplife.com
Stoney Creek Falls is one of the smaller more local swim spots and waterfalls near Cairns. Perfect place to chill out and cool down.

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Where to stay in Cairns and Barrier Reef

Palm Cove showing a beach, a garden and tropical scenes

Palm Cove

Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Palm Cove
Trinity Beach featuring tropical scenes, landscape views and surfing

Trinity Beach

Trinity Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Trinity Beach
Yorkeys Knob showing tranquil scenes and mountains

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.

Yorkeys Knob
Clifton Beach featuring a luxury hotel or resort, golf and mountains

Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Clifton Village Shopping Centre and Clifton Beach while in the area.

Clifton Beach
Rainbow at Holloways beach, Cairns, Australia

Holloways Beach

Beaches, restaurants and gardens are just a few things travellers enjoy about Holloways Beach. Check out Yorkeys Knob Beach or Holloways Beach while you're exploring the area.

Holloways 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
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 NZ$209 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
NZ$209
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
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 clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Safe,Clean,Comfortable with excellent Staff.

Reviewed on 14 Feb 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 NZ$144 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
NZ$144
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
Clean and spacious

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD
The price is NZ$263 per night from 5 Mar to 6 Mar
NZ$263
5 Mar - 6 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
The room was very clean. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. We loved the pool area too

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
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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.
Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

4 out of 5
3-11 Water Street Cairns QLD
Stay at this aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,611 reviews)
Wonderful amenities, room, staff, and most of all Air Conditioning!

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort

Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort

3.5 out of 5
23-51 Anderson Road Woree QLD
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (763 reviews)
The staff were so cooperative and helpful will be staying 2 nights next week now

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026

Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort
Drift Palm Cove

Drift Palm Cove

4 out of 5
Cnr Veivers Rd Williams Esp Palm Cove QLD
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (865 reviews)
Clean and spacious room, comfortable stay, and a great location. Staff were friendly and helpful. Would stay again.

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Drift Palm Cove
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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.

Popular places to visit

Cairns Esplanade which includes a luxury hotel or resort, a pool and swimming

Cairns Esplanade

Soak up the city’s relaxed atmosphere and admire the sunset over the Coral Sea as you wander along this popular walkway.

Cairns Esplanade
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 do some window-shopping at Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Discover the spectacular 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
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
Esplanade Lagoon showing a hotel and a coastal town

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
Cairns Convention Centre, Queensland: Aerial Photo of Iconic Architecture, Urban Landscape, Waterfront, and City Infrastructure in Tropical North Queensland, Australia

Cairns Convention Centre

Learn about the events happening in Cairns Convention Centre during your trip to Tropical North Waterfront. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.

Cairns Convention Centre

Cities near Cairns and Barrier Reef

Cairns and Northern Beaches showing signage

Kuranda

Barron Gorge at sunrise. I managed to get there before the white water rafters arrived.

Koah

If you're looking for an inexpensive but lovely way to spend an evening then hop on a sunset cruise with Cairns Harbour Cruises. At only $44 it's worth it to see the sun setting behind the mountains. #goldenhour www.cheskiesgaplife.com/a-delightful-evening-the-cairns-sunset-cruise

Portsmith

Crystal Cascades is one of the hidden gems in Cairns, a 1.5km long stretch of small waterfalls and swimming holes about 1/2 drive from the centre of town. There is a walkway along the length of the cascades and steps down to the most popular swimming spots, as well as picnic tables and seating areas, all surrounded by lush bush.

Lamb Range

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