Macalister Range

Cairns

This is where I grew up but I was back recently for a family wedding- it has grown beyond recognition. When I was a child it was the end of the train line with no stop lights, one lane in and out of town. Now it's a massive tourist hub. This picture is taken from the Skyrail, an absolute must do if you are there. It goes up to Kuranda, an artsy town in the rainforest. You can also get there by the train, which is great to - or go up one way down the other. This is a view out over Trinity Bay so called because Captain Cook sailed past on Trinity Sunday. Cairns is over the hill in the distance. #green #tropics #queensland #australia
This is where I grew up but I was back recently for a family wedding- it has grown beyond recognition. When I was a child it was the end of the train line with no stop lights, one lane in and out of town. Now it's a massive tourist hub. This picture is taken from the Skyrail, an absolute must do if you are there. It goes up to Kuranda, an artsy town in the rainforest. You can also get there by the train, which is great to - or go up one way down the other. This is a view out over Trinity Bay so called because Captain Cook sailed past on Trinity Sunday. Cairns is over the hill in the distance. #green #tropics #queensland #australia

Popular places to visit

This is great experience to see a rainforest from the top. Highly recommended and worth the money spend on the ticket.

Cairns Cable Ski

Hit the slopes at Cairns Cable Ski during your trip to Macalister Range. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.

Cairns Cable Ski
Cairns Esplanade which includes a pool, swimming and a luxury hotel or resort

Cairns Esplanade

Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.

Cairns Esplanade
One of best things to do in Cairns is ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway. It's a 90 minute journey that takes you down the mountain to Cairns passing waterfalls, scenic lookouts and over old bridges. Catch the Skyrail up the mountain from Cairns and then catch the train back down. Or, vice versa.

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 Central Shopping Centre
Palm Cove Beach featuring a beach, tropical scenes and general coastal views

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.

Palm Cove Beach
Cairns Marlin Marina which includes sailing, mountains and a marina

Cairns Marlin Marina

Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.

Cairns Marlin Marina
Esplanade Lagoon showing a coastal town and a hotel

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.

Esplanade Lagoon

Things to do

Great Barrier Reef Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

S$225
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class

Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets

S$246
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets
Wavedancer Low Isles Cruise on Luxury Sailing Catamaran

Wavedancer Low Isles Cruise on Luxury Sailing Catamaran

S$236
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Wavedancer Low Isles Cruise on Luxury Sailing Catamaran
crocodile leaping at food being dropped by handler in Cairns

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures General Admission

S$43
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures General Admission
relaxing at the deck of a ship in Australia

Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour

S$236
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour
Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket

Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket

S$18
per adult
Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket
See all activities in Cairns

Top hotels in Macalister Range

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

5 out of 5
Port Douglas Road Port Douglas QLD
The price is S$329 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
S$329
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 12 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Comfortable rooms with lovely pools to relax after a travel day

Reviewed on 17 Feb, 2026

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

4.5 out of 5
121-123 The Esplanade & Florence St Cairns QLD
The price is S$152 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
S$152
18 Mar - 19 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
The day of the 15th, when the room was serviced, a few things were not done. I had to request tea bags, hand towels, etc. For a Hilton Hotel at $260 per night, I was slightly disappointed. Next time I stay in Cairns, I will choose another hotel. Buffet breakfast was excellent

Reviewed on 17 Feb, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD
The price is S$200 per night from 5 Mar to 6 Mar
S$200
5 Mar - 6 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,010 reviews)
Good service. Good facilities very comfortable bed

Reviewed on 19 Feb, 2026

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street Manunda QLD
The price is S$109 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
S$109
2 Mar - 3 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
For the price it’s pretty reasonable. The pools are great. Rooms are a bit outdated but for the price it isn’t bad.

Reviewed on 16 Feb, 2026

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade Cairns QLD
The price is S$159 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
S$159
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Very nice hotel. Unbelievable view! Nice breakfast. Great location

Reviewed on 17 Feb, 2026

Hilton Cairns
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

4.5 out of 5
122 Lake St Cairns QLD
The price is S$175 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
S$175
9 Mar - 10 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (878 reviews)
Everything was perfect! Had such a great weekend. Totally recommended

Reviewed on 16 Feb, 2026

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
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Other neighbourhoods around Macalister Range

Clifton Beach which includes mountains, golf and a luxury hotel or resort

Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Clifton Village Shopping Centre and Clifton Beach while in the area.

Clifton Beach
Kewarra Beach. The best of Cairns' northern beaches. Stunning.

Kewarra Beach

Unique features of Kewarra Beach include the beaches and golf courses. Make a stop by Kewarra Beach or Kuranda National Park while you're exploring the area.

Kewarra Beach
Palm Cove showing a beach, a garden and tropical scenes

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.

Palm Cove
Trinity Beach which includes a sandy beach, landscape views and surfing

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.

Trinity Beach
With a balcony boasting 180 degree views up and down the coastline Santai really is a special place to stay. plus - no kids allowed in the complex! So you can sip your poolside cocktails safe in the knowledge that no one is about to jump in and splash you...probably! www.cairnsluxuryapartments.com.au

Ellis Beach

Ellis Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Macalister Range National Park and Wet Tropics of Queensland.

Ellis Beach
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Trinity Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Trinity Park and surrounding area, you can visit Half Moon Bay Golf Course and Moon River Beach.

Trinity Park

Macalister Range