Freshwater
Cairns
Visit Freshwater
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.
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.
Cairns Marlin Marina
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.
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 Night Markets
During your trip to Tropical North Waterfront, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Cairns Night Markets. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area or seek out the local tours.
Things to do
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Wavedancer Low Isles Cruise on Luxury Sailing Catamaran
Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Agincourt Reef Cruise
Ocean Free 25 guest Great Barrier Reef & visit Green Island Tour
Silverswift Dive & Snorkel Cruise
Top hotels in Freshwater
Hilton Cairns
Nice ambience! Room was comfortable. Conveniently located. Pool was a plus
Reviewed on 10 Jan, 2026
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Had a fabulous view from my balcony; fab housekeeping; breakfast was amazingly, fairly central especially to dive/reef boats. Great stay overall.
Reviewed on 31 Dec, 2025
Crystalbrook Riley
Overall, enjoyable, but a bit too expensive. Particularly good breakfast buffet - but rather expensive. The breakfast buffet is quite similar but actually slightly better at Crystalbrook Bailey, where it's also significantly cheaper. Room had an okay view but was only a few floors up, so it was more ...
Reviewed on 10 Jan, 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Yes
Reviewed on 12 Jan, 2026
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Very friendly and helpful staff. Bed was comfy room had an awesome view of the ocean. Clean very spacious definitely be back.
Reviewed on 10 Jan, 2026
The Benson Hotel
Decent stay
Reviewed on 12 Jan, 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Freshwater
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.
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 Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens.
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.
Aeroglen
If you're spending some time in Aeroglen, Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and Skydive The Reef Cairns are top sights worth seeing.
Machans Beach
Though Machans Beach may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Australian Armour and Artillery Museum.
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.
