Cairns Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Cairns
Our guide on where to stay in Cairns
Cairns Central Business District
Cairns Central Business District is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina.
Cairns North
Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Cairns North. Make a stop by top sights like Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland while you're exploring the area.
Edge Hill
You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Edge Hill. You might want to make time for a stop at Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens or Mount Whitfield Conservation Park.
Parramatta Park
Parramatta Park is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Cazaly's Stadium and Barlow Park.
Palm Cove
Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Palm Cove Beach and Kuranda National Park, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
"Great location. Helpful concierge staff. Room is fine BUT shower blocked from second night. water got everywhere. We have to wait for an hours before the second person can shower. Otherwise the room would be flooded"
Reviewed on 2 June 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
"Our room was close to reception and the eating areas. Accommodation was suitable for the one night we stayed. We found the mattress a bit to firm for us and the pillows were the same. Small thing! there was no face washer or hand towel in the bathroom, just 2 towels and bath mat. Unsure if forgotten ..."
Reviewed on 31 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
Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort
"Total 5 star experience"
Reviewed on 22 May 2026
Coral Sands Resort
"2bdrm 2bthrm unit we booked had plenty of space and good kitchen and laundry facilities. Room wasn't that clean when we arrived. Beds were uncomfortable in both rooms and furnishings were tired and in need of updating. Shower in second bathroom could not be used as pressure was terrible and water ..."
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Jack & Newell Holiday Apartments
"We had a truly wonderful stay at this hotel in Cairns and couldn’t be happier with our experience. The location is absolutely perfect—right in the heart of Cairns, yet still peaceful and quiet. Everything you need is within easy walking distance: the beach, restaurants, cafés, and shops are all just ..."
Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026
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.
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 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.
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 Koala Gardens and Birdworld Admission Tickets
Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail Tour
Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest
Big Cat Green Island - Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour
Other places like Cairns
- Cairns Esplanade
- Reef Fleet Terminal
- Palm Cove Beach
- Esplanade Lagoon
- Cairns Marlin Marina
- Cairns Convention Centre
- Cairns Base Hospital
- Clifton Beach
- Cairns Night Markets
- Smithfield Shopping Centre
- Yorkeys Knob Beach
- Australian Armour and Artillery Museum
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station
- Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland
- Cairns Performing Arts Centre
- Crystal Cascades
- Half Moon Bay Golf Course
- Muddy's Playground
- Cairns Golf Club
- Sugarworld Waterpark
- Cazaly's Stadium
- James Cook University
- Clifton Village Shopping Centre
