Freshwater Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Freshwater
Popular places to visit
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Activities
Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail Tour
Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Admission Tickets
Paronella Park and Mamu Tropical Skywalk Ticket Combo
Big Cat Green Island - Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest
Our pick of the best Freshwater Hotel Deals
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 28 May 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 28 May 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 26 May 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 18 May 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 26 May 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 24 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Freshwater
Barron
Barron might not have many top sights, but Australian Armour and Artillery Museum and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
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 may 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 just a few things travellers enjoy about Holloways Beach. Check out Yorkeys Knob Beach or Holloways Beach while you're exploring the area.
Manunda
Shopping, gardens and spas are some highlights of Manunda. You might stop by Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens or Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland while you're in the area.
