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.
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.
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 Marlin Marina
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.
Activities
Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail Tour
Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Admission Tickets
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour
Big Cat Green Island - Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest
Our pick of the best Macalister Range Hotel Deals
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
"Lovely hotel. Super friendly and helpful staff. Great, peaceful location. Good restaurants nearby."
Reviewed on 13 May 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
"Great place to stay with kids big and small"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
"Some staff were unhelpful, answering "I don't know" when we asked for assistance. We were told we received an upgrade upon check-in but for $500 per night, we had a view of the carpark."
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
"The hotel is centrally located to the esplanade, marina, town. Several good restaurants nearby. The staff was pleasant and attentive. The room was good size but the finishes are dated and finishes needs updating particularly the bathroom which was very small. There was a musty smell in the room which ..."
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Hilton Cairns
"They don’t provide toothbrush and breakfast doesn’t have avocados 😮💨"
Reviewed on 22 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
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 Moon River Beach.
