Cairns Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Cairns
Where to stay in Cairns
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yorkeys Knob
Yorkeys Knob is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Half Moon Bay Golf Course and Yorkeys Knob Beach.
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.
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
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
"Clean and great location separated by a small road from the esplanade. Staff was nice. Everything was satisfactory. The rooms are dated and worn out."
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort
"Loved our stay, heaps to do with the kids. Excellent facilities. Bed was comfortable, room clean. Will go again"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Coral Sands Resort
"Great stay, could hear the live music they have on a Sat and Sun from the pub on the corner which was great out on the balcony. Pool was great for the kids and great location to walk out to the main strip where there’s a playground on the foreshore and restaurants. Will stay again one day!"
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
The Reef Retreat
"Good size room and great location as everything is close. The staff are great and have good knowledge of the area. Definitely a good base to explore the region and reasonably priced."
Reviewed on 20 May 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.
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
Other places like Cairns
- Cairns Esplanade
- Reef Fleet Terminal
- Esplanade Lagoon
- Palm Cove Beach
- Cairns Marlin Marina
- Cairns Convention Centre
- Cairns Night Markets
- Cairns Base Hospital
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station
- Yorkeys Knob Beach
- Smithfield Shopping Centre
- Clifton Beach
- Australian Armour and Artillery Museum
- Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland
- Cairns Performing Arts Centre
- Half Moon Bay Golf Course
- St Monica's Cathedral
- Muddy's Playground
- Paradise Palms Country Club
- Crystal Cascades
- Clifton Village Shopping Centre
- Cazaly's Stadium
- Sugarworld Waterpark
- Cairns Golf Club
