Cairns and Barrier Reef
Travel Guide
Visit Cairns and Barrier Reef
Where to stay in Cairns and Barrier Reef
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
"Room was clean, staff was friendly. So close to the marina if you are doing boat rides to the reef, green island, fitzroy island or any other ferries. Didn't use the pool or try breakfast but looked great!"
Reviewed on 28 May, 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
"Nice place but not a lot on offer It’s in North Cairns so about $20 each way in a taxi to cairns central Good pools and grounds and may stay again"
Reviewed on 28 May, 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
"Public areas well maintained and clean. Room could have used more cleaning. Bed covering/duvet had obvious stains. Noisy air on system (even with fan turned off in room)"
Reviewed on 26 May, 2026
Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort
"Total 5 star experience"
Reviewed on 22 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
"Place was clean and nice. The host is a poor communicator and bordering rude. No clear directions for an after hour checkin. Didn't pick 10 calls. Had to hunt down their residence to get into the apartment."
Reviewed on 22 May, 2026
Check Cairns and Barrier Reef hotel availability
Popular places to visit
Cairns Esplanade
Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.
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.
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.
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.
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- Flights to Cairns Intl.
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- Visit Cairns Beaches
- Visit Cairns Central Business District
- Visit Cairns North
- Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland
- Visit Palm Cove
- Visit Trinity Beach
- Cairns Holidays
- Visit Cairns
- Esplanade Lagoon
- Visit Mowbray
- Visit Northern Beaches
- Visit Port Douglas
- Redlynch Central Shopping Centre
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station
- Smithfield Shopping Centre
- St Monica's Cathedral
- Stockland Cairns Shopping Centre
