The Cairns CBD is a bustling waterfront hub where tropical adventure begins. This vibrant district borders the scenic Esplanade and marina, offering stunning Coral Sea views. Great Barrier Reef tour boats dot the harbour, ready to whisk visitors to underwater wonders. The free Esplanade Lagoon provides safe swimming with a postcard-perfect backdrop. Aboriginal art fills the Night Markets as travellers plan tomorrow's reef explorations. Modern hotels stand beside colonial buildings in this purpose-built tourist zone. The walkable district puts everything within reach – from seafood restaurants to the Reef Casino. Most visitors make this their base for discovering both reef and rainforest treasures.
Cairns North offers a laid-back alternative to the busy CBD with budget-friendly stays that attract backpackers exploring the Great Barrier Reef. This welcoming area blends residential charm with practical amenities like casual cafes and small supermarkets. Queenslander-style homes line quiet streets where tropical birds call from palm trees. Just minutes from Cairns Airport with regular bus connections to city centre, this area serves as a convenient base for regional adventures. Visitors appreciate the authentic Australian suburban experience and lower prices compared to central areas. The nearby Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland provides a pleasant green escape.
Edge Hill offers a leafy escape just minutes from Cairns, where tropical gardens meet authentic Australian charm. The stunning Botanic Gardens and Centenary Lakes showcase vibrant blooms and wooden boardwalks where water dragons bask in the sun. Towering palms create a lush canopy throughout this peaceful suburb. The converted World War II oil tanks of Tanks Arts Centre host cultural performances in their unique concrete spaces. Mount Whitfield Conservation Park provides scenic walking trails with mountain views. Classic Queenslander homes with wide verandas line the quiet streets, offering a glimpse into genuine Australian suburban life.
Parramatta Park offers a peaceful retreat from Cairns' tourist bustle with tropical gardens and quiet residential streets. This green oasis features traditional Queenslander homes alongside modern dwellings, giving visitors an authentic glimpse of Australian suburban life. Sports enthusiasts can catch events at Cazaly's Stadium or explore Barlow Park's recreational facilities. The area appeals to budget-conscious travellers with affordable accommodation compared to the Esplanade. Wide tree-lined streets create perfect walking conditions through this garden suburb. While dining options are limited within the area, the central shopping district lies just a short journey away.
Palm Cove charms visitors with its palm-lined tropical beach and upscale resorts. This peaceful coastal haven offers pristine swimming waters protected by stinger nets. The scenic esplanade features sophisticated dining spots and boutique shops. Wellness seekers flock to the area's luxury day spas offering tropical-inspired treatments. Beachfront cocktail lounges and wine bars create perfect sunset viewing spots. Palm Cove serves as an ideal gateway for Great Barrier Reef adventures.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Cairns
Photo by Tourism and Events Queensland
Open Photo by Tourism and Events Queensland
Cairns Esplanade
9.2/10 (7,071 reviews)
A vibrant 2.5-kilometer waterfront promenade with the iconic Esplanade Lagoon overlooking the Coral Sea. Enjoy free fitness classes, picnic areas, or dine at waterfront cafés while watching the sunset.
Palm Cove Beach
9.0/10 (4,218 reviews)
Palm Cove Beach dazzles with pristine white sands and majestic palms against rainforest mountains. Stroll the esplanade, dine at beachfront restaurants, or use it as your base to explore the Great Barrier Reef.
Photo by Caz and Craig @yTravelBlog
Open Photo by Caz and Craig @yTravelBlog
Cairns Central Shopping Centre
8.6/10 (5,059 reviews)
Cairns Central offers 180 speciality stores and a six-screen cinema complex in a modern, air-conditioned environment. Enjoy diverse shopping and dining options in Far North Queensland's largest retail destination.
Esplanade Lagoon
9.0/10 (4,257 reviews)
This 4,800-square-meter saltwater oasis offers safe swimming with sandy shores and stunning Trinity Inlet views. Enjoy a refreshing dip before relaxing on timber decks or using the free public barbecues nearby.
Cairns Convention Centre
8.0/10 (558 reviews)
This award-winning venue hosts conferences and sporting events with cutting-edge facilities in tropical Cairns. Catch a Cairns Taipans basketball game or enjoy the new ballroom with stunning Trinity Inlet views.
Cairns Night Markets
7.8/10 (3,363 reviews)
The Cairns Night Markets showcase over 70 stalls of local crafts and international cuisines in an air-conditioned venue. Explore handmade jewellery and savour fresh seafood while experiencing this vibrant evening tradition.
Reef Hotel Casino
8.2/10 (1,409 reviews)
Australia's finest boutique casino offers a blend of gaming, dining, and entertainment in Far North Queensland. Enjoy table games and live music at BAR36, or visit the Rainforest Dome for a unique wildlife encounter.
Trinity Beach
6.8/10 (10 reviews)
Trinity Beach offers a palm-fringed kilometre of sand between two scenic headlands, just minutes from Cairns. Enjoy beachfront dining along the esplanade or use the free barbecues for a picnic with Coral Sea views.
What to do in Cairns
Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef
"Staff are so rude and unhelpful I already wrote on review on google and Expedia. avoid this place if you want quality and polite staff. room nice enough but not worth the money , breakfast is fair at best, we tried it one time then we ended up having breakfast at the pullman and it was excellent"
"Receptionist very friendy and helpful.
Water cooler in Reception to full up water bottles. Umbrella you could borrow. Quiet. Close to waterfront.
Rooms could do with an update."
"Colonial Club is a home away from home .
I stay often as I am elderly & have a lot of Hospital Visits so my husband who is my Carer lives that this resort is clise to hisputal , has its own restaraunt , beautiful coffee & is ooen from 6.30 am for food.Rooms are comfy our favourite is Superior Room , staff are kind & caring & front desk always upgrades & has disability over toilet frame & shower chsir in room as I am in a wheelchair . We love the pools as well , such a great resort & suits...
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
You can grab a holiday package to this popular destination on Expedia. However, how much your holiday to Cairns costs will depend on factors like your hotel choice, length of stay and season.
What are the cheapest months to go to Cairns?
If you'd like to book a cheap Cairns holiday package, consider planning a trip in April, May and September. You'll typically find better prices on flights and accommodation during these quieter months — perfect for a budget-friendly break.
How many days is enough for Cairns?
We recommend planning a Cairns holiday for at least 3 days. This gives you time to visit popular sights such as St Monica's Cathedral and Crystal Cascades & Lake Morris, and check out neighbourhoods like Cairns Central Business District and Cairns North. You might even be able to squeeze in a day trip (or two) beyond Cairns.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Cairns?
Cairns has everything you need for a wonderful escape. Get your Cairns holiday off to a flying start by exploring popular attractions like Cairns Marlin Marina.
How to find the best Cairns package deals?
Start your search for a Cairns package deal by entering your destination and preferred travel dates under our "Packages" tab. Then apply a few filters, like "Guest rating" and "Property type," to tailor the results to your exact style. You can also sort by "Package discount" and browse offers that come with big savings. If you don't find the ideal Cairns package deal straight away, simply switch up your dates and search again. Keep in mind that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Cairns escape off to a flying start.
Is it cheaper to book a Cairns holiday as a package?
Expedia holiday packages are designed to help you keep more money in your pocket. Bundle your car rental, flight and hotel into one great-value price and you could save hundreds of dollars. You'll typically snag a better deal than booking each component separately. And you'll still enjoy the freedom to create a tailored Cairns holiday by choosing your preferred airline, accommodation type and car class.
When to book a holiday package to Cairns?
If you're planning a spontaneous Cairns adventure, browse our last-minute deals that can be booked up to one week before you go. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can find amazing deals on your flights and hotels by booking well in advance.
How to plan a trip to Cairns?
Choose the perfect time to travel: Your schedule, preferred season and the type of weather you enjoy can all influence your decision on when to visit Cairns.
Budget wisely: Besides the price of your accommodation, you'll need to factor in other expenses too. These include transportation, food and flights. Also, set aside a little extra for unexpected expenses that may crop up during your trip to Cairns.
Decide how long to go for: Now that you know more about Cairns, you can figure out the perfect length of your holiday. Create a rough itinerary and allocate enough time for all the things you want to do.
Bundle your accommodation and airfare: Once you've nailed down your trip dates and duration, lock in the perfect Cairns holiday package for you.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.