Macalister Range Travel Guide
Tourist Guide

Visit Macalister Range
Popular places to visit

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

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.

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.
Activities

Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour

Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Admission Tickets

Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets

Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Our pick of the best Macalister Range Hotel Deals

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 25 Mar 2026

Hilton Cairns
did not use the breakfast bar. But did order brekkie for room service. basic eggs and bacon brekkie was superb and a good price at 28 AUD!
Reviewed on 28 Mar 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Get the breakfast . It is excellent . Nice hotel in a great spot to get to laces like the marina , aquarium and night market
Reviewed on 29 Mar 2026

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Nice poolside staff helpful handy location
Reviewed on 29 Mar 2026

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
The were two curtain tracks in the first room we stayed at, but only one fabric curtain. This was not a problem on the first night (although it is nice when curtain tracks overlap so there is not a gap where the curtains meet). On the second night, it was a problem as several very bright bursts of ...
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Beautiful resort, grounds, staff and amenities. My only detractor is the bathroom really needed a deep clean.
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Macalister Range

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Trinity Park
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Trinity Park and surrounding area, you can visit Half Moon Bay Golf Course and Trinity Beach.
