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Top reasons to visit Cairns

• Stunning Beaches: Cairns boasts beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxation and water activities.
• Great Barrier Reef Tours: Experience the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef through exciting tours and charter boat excursions.
• Cairns Esplanade: Enjoy the vibrant Esplanade, featuring a beautiful lagoon, recreational facilities, and scenic walking paths.
• Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in local culture by exploring markets, theatres, and the Cairns Aquarium.
• Diverse Accommodation: Cairns offers a range of accommodation options, catering to families, adventurers, and business travellers alike.

Find great hotels in Cairns

Discover a range of accommodation options in Cairns, Queensland, tailored to suit every traveller's desires. From family-friendly hotels to adventurous hostels, Cairns offers a variety of lodging types for those seeking a memorable holiday experience. Whether you’re after a business retreat or an exciting getaway, you’ll find the best Cairns hotels to ensure your stay is comfortable and enjoyable.

• Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns: Experience luxury at its finest in this 5-star hotel that beautifully combines business convenience with adventure. Located in the heart of Cairns' shopping district, Shangri-La The Marina offers exceptional facilities for business travellers, including a business centre, conference spaces, and meeting rooms. For those seeking adventure, the hotel provides easy access to a variety of outdoor activities such as snorkeling, fishing, and hiking, ensuring an exhilarating stay. Guests appreciate the stunning marina views and upscale dining options available on-site, making this hotel a perfect choice for both work and play.
• Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns: This 4-star resort presents an inviting atmosphere for all, especially adventure seekers and LGBTQIA travellers. Rydges Esplanade Resort offers versatile business amenities, including multiple meeting rooms and a dedicated business centre, catering to corporate needs. Guests can indulge in exciting activities like kayaking, skydiving, and rafting during their stay. With its location along the beautiful Esplanade, the resort also features an array of dining options, pools, and facilities that create a welcoming environment for everyone, making it an excellent choice for a fun-filled getaway.
• Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort: Embrace family-friendly luxury at this 4.5-star resort, which boasts direct beach access and a tropical oasis atmosphere. Perfect for families, the Novotel offers amenities such as childcare services, free cribs, and a dedicated children’s pool, ensuring younger guests have a delightful stay. The resort features a stunning lagoon-style pool surrounded by lush gardens, inviting relaxation and fun. With its blend of upscale comfort and family-focused facilities, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is an ideal base for creating unforgettable memories by the beach.

Where to stay in Cairns

Discover the vibrant charm of Cairns, a tropical paradise perfect for family getaways and adventures. Explore the bustling terrace of Cairns, where friendly locals welcome you with open arms. Enjoy relaxing days and romantic evenings in nearby neighbourhoods, each offering a unique atmosphere. Whether you're seeking a thrilling experience or a peaceful retreat, Cairns promises an unforgettable holiday filled with sun, fun, and a taste of the tropics.

• Palm Cove: Nestled around Cairns, Palm Cove is a tranquil suburb renowned for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning beachfront. Here, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, making it a fantastic spot for families and those seeking a city-themed getaway. With its peak visitor months falling in June to July and September, the area offers a vibrant shopping scene, rejuvenating spa treatments, and the beautiful esplanade. The local beach is perfect for a family day out, providing a serene environment to relax and soak up the sun.
• Cairns Central Business District: The bustling heart of Cairns, the Central Business District is a vibrant neighbourhood that caters to families and couples alike. With peak visitor numbers during July to September, this area is teeming with life and activity. Enjoy a night out at the theatre, indulge in retail therapy at the shopping centre, or take a leisurely stroll along the esplanade. Nearby landmarks such as the urban park and marina provide a perfect backdrop for a romantic evening or a fun family outing, making it a must-visit.
• Trinity Beach: Located just a short drive from Cairns, Trinity Beach is a picturesque suburb that boasts a family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of outdoor activities. Visitors flock here during the peak months of June to July and September, drawn by the stunning beach and vibrant local markets. The area features a range of shopping options and golf courses for those looking to unwind. With its inviting family beach and the beautiful esplanade, Trinity Beach is ideal for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Things to do in Cairns

Cairns offers a fantastic blend of outdoor and family-friendly activities, making it a great holiday destination. You can enjoy theatre performances, shop at local shopping centres and malls, or embark on exciting reef tours and charter boat excursions. Don’t miss out on exploring the recreational facilities and local tours that showcase the stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture of this amazing region.

Shopping

Cairns Central Shopping Centre offers a vibrant mix of shops, entertainment, and dining options right in the heart of Cairns. For a unique experience, visit Cairns Night Markets for local crafts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, explore nearby shopping malls for even more variety.

Recreation

Explore Muddy's Playground for a fun family day with outdoor play and picnic areas. Enjoy a round at Half Moon Bay Golf Course, where you can soak up the sun while playing a scenic game of golf. For a cultural experience, visit Tanks Arts Centre for engaging performances.

Adventure

At Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, glide above the lush rainforest, taking in breathtaking views. Experience the thrill of ziplining at Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome, where you'll soar through the treetops. For a splash of fun, visit Sugarworld Waterpark, featuring exhilarating slides and pools perfect for the whole family.

Nightlife

Cairns offers a vibrant nightlife with venues like the Cairns Convention Centre and Cairns Performing Arts Centre, both showcasing culture and entertainment. For a more intimate vibe, Jute Theatre presents captivating performances, making every evening in Cairns a memorable experience full of romance and family-friendly fun.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cairns

Cairns is perfect for budget-conscious travellers, offering free attractions like the Cairns Esplanade, Palm Cove Beach, and Esplanade Lagoon. For transport, consider using the affordable bus system or renting a bike. To save on accommodation, visit during the cheaper months of February to March or November, and book about a month in advance. Wednesdays are the best day for lower hotel rates, while Saturdays are pricier. Look for last-minute deals on Expedia and combine your hotel with flights for extra savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Cairns are February to March and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel in Cairns about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Cairns is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay in Cairns is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Cairns hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions in Cairns

Cairns, Queensland, is perfect for outdoor, family, and city-themed holidays, offering stunning beaches, the vibrant esplanade, and a beautiful lagoon. Visitors can explore attractions like the Cairns Aquarium and the popular Cairns Esplanade, immersing themselves in outdoor activities and cultural experiences. This tropical paradise caters to those seeking a beach getaway, making it an ideal destination for all types of travellers.

• Cairns Esplanade: Stroll along the vibrant Cairns Esplanade, where you can enjoy the stunning waterfront views, picnic spots, and local markets. This lively area is perfect for couples and families alike, offering outdoor activities, playgrounds, and beautiful gardens.
• Palm Cove Beach: Relax on the pristine sands of Palm Cove Beach, known for its tranquil atmosphere and swaying palm trees. Ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a leisurely walk along the shore, this beach presents a quintessential tropical experience.
• Esplanade Lagoon: Take a refreshing dip in the Esplanade Lagoon, a picturesque man-made swimming area surrounded by lush landscaping. Perfect for families, it offers safe swimming and stunning scenery, making it a great spot to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.

Best time to go to Cairns

The best time to visit Cairns is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January and February are its hottest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	79.2°F (26.2°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
April	76.5°F (24.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	70.3°F (21.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	69.3°F (20.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	72.7°F (22.6°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
October	75.7°F (24.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	78.1°F (25.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	79.9°F (26.6°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Cairns

Flying into Cairns, Queensland is convenient with Cairns International Airport (CNS), located only 4.8km from the city centre. For luxurious accommodation, consider the 5-star Crystalbrook Riley, Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns, or Crystalbrook Bailey, all situated nearby. Each hotel offers easy access to the airport, making transfers hassle-free. Whether you’re arriving for a holiday filled with adventure or relaxation, these hotels provide a comfortable base to explore the stunning natural beauty of the region, including the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.