Stratford Travel Guide
Tourist Guide

Visit Stratford
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.

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.

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 Stratford Hotel Deals

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
"Great place to stay with kids big and small"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
"Great location on the Esplanade. Breakfast is fantastic. Large room with a king bed and a balcony with two chairs and a small table."
Reviewed on 22 May 2026

Hilton Cairns
"Great view with a waterfront balcony. Front desk crew were “ok”. The dining room staff were great. Breakfast buffet included a self-serve juicer which included beets, apples, carrots & more for fresh juice. Loved that - we don’t usually find that at most hotels. Location is great - just around the ..."
Reviewed on 23 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

Crystalbrook Flynn
"Perfect no issues"
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Stratford

Aeroglen
If you're spending some time in Aeroglen, Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and Skydive The Reef Cairns are top sights worth seeing.

Whitfield
While there might not be top attractions in Whitfield, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and Tanks Arts Centre.

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 Cairns Botanic Gardens.

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.

