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

Hotels in Macalister Range

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Our top choices for Macalister Range hotels

Outdoor pool, open 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, pool umbrellas, pool loungers

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Cairns Central Business District, 20.9 km from Macalister Range

Gustavo

includes taxes & fees

30 Jan - 31 Jan, 2026

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns North, 19 km from Macalister Range

Mary ann

includes taxes & fees

20 Jan - 21 Jan, 2026

Hilton Cairns

Cairns Central Business District, 21.1 km from Macalister Range

Mohamed

includes taxes & fees

29 Jan - 30 Jan, 2026

Pacific Hotel Cairns

Cairns Central Business District, 20.9 km from Macalister Range

Rosemin

includes taxes & fees

11 Jan - 12 Jan, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

Cairns Central Business District, 20.2 km from Macalister Range

Matthew

includes taxes & fees

29 Jan - 30 Jan, 2026

Crystalbrook Riley

Cairns Central Business District, 20.1 km from Macalister Range

Mohmmadaftabhusen Altafhusen

includes taxes & fees

27 Jan - 28 Jan, 2026

Pullman Cairns International

Cairns Central Business District, 21.2 km from Macalister Range

Riho

includes taxes & fees

18 Jan - 19 Jan, 2026

Oaks Port Douglas Resort

36 km from Macalister Range

Hong

includes taxes & fees

12 Jan - 13 Jan, 2026

Hydromassage showerhead, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels

Birch Resort Port Douglas

37.1 km from Macalister Range

Pam

includes taxes & fees

11 Jan - 12 Jan, 2026

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, pool loungers

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Cairns Central Business District, 20.3 km from Macalister Range

Christopher

includes taxes & fees

12 Jan - 13 Jan, 2026

3 outdoor pools, open 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, pool umbrellas, pool loungers

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Manunda, 18.1 km from Macalister Range

Ritesh

includes taxes & fees

22 Jan - 23 Jan, 2026

Palm Royale Cairns

Manunda, 19.3 km from Macalister Range

Zoran

includes taxes & fees

12 Jan - 13 Jan, 2026

Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, laptop workspace, free WiFi

The Benson Hotel

Cairns Central Business District, 20.9 km from Macalister Range

Hazel

includes taxes & fees

28 Jan - 29 Jan, 2026

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Cairns North, 19.7 km from Macalister Range

Xianzhong

includes taxes & fees

27 Jan - 28 Jan, 2026

Port Douglas Motel

38 km from Macalister Range

JAMES

includes taxes & fees

18 Jan - 19 Jan, 2026

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; sea views

Crystalbrook Flynn

Cairns Central Business District, 20.5 km from Macalister Range

Ellen

includes taxes & fees

28 Jan - 29 Jan, 2026

Minibar, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Pullman Reef Hotel Casino

Cairns Central Business District, 21.1 km from Macalister Range

Davoud

includes taxes & fees

12 Jan - 13 Jan, 2026

Oaks Cairns Hotel

Cairns Central Business District, 20.7 km from Macalister Range

Nhung

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan, 2026

Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas

35.2 km from Macalister Range

Bronwyn

includes taxes & fees

12 Jan - 13 Jan, 2026

Premium bedding, down duvets, desk, blackout curtains

The Abbott Boutique Hotel

Cairns Central Business District, 20.9 km from Macalister Range

Connor

includes taxes & fees

8 Jan - 9 Jan, 2026

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Where to stay in Macalister Range

Find the best Macalister Range areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Palm Cove

Relax on sandy beaches and swim in turquoise waters at a resort town between the Great Barrier Reef and the rain forests of tropical Far North Queensland.

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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.

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Trinity Beach

Unwind on this tranquil stretch of golden beach, relax under the shade of swaying palm trees and explore Tropical North Queensland at your leisure.

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Yorkeys Knob

Yorkeys Knob is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Half Moon Bay Golf Course.

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

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.

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Top Macalister Range Hotel Reviews

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

10/10 Excellent

"Excellent location and sea facing. Good customer service"

Frequently asked questions

What is Macalister Range like?

Travellers to the Macalister Range neighbourhood in Cairns will be sure to enjoy their stay. Make sure that you visit Kuranda National Park and Smithfield Conservation Park as part of your Macalister Range travel plans.

If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Macalister Range, will I receive a refund?

Yes, most hotel room reservations are fully refundable if you cancel prior to the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. If you booked a non-refundable reservation, it may still be possible to cancel it and receive a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Plug in your dates, click on "Search", then you can use the "fully refundable" filter to get the best options available in Macalister Range.

What can I see and do in this Cairns neighbourhood?

Spend some time exploring the great outdoors at Kuranda National Park, Smithfield Conservation Park and Macalister Range National Park. Cairns Cable Ski and Wet Tropics of Queensland are also a couple of places to visit in the neighbourhood. Clifton Village Shopping Centre, Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach are just a few of the places to visit in and around Macalister Range. While you're out sightseeing, Vie Spa Palm Cove and Kewarra Beach are a couple of additional sights to visit in Cairns.

Hotels in Macalister Range

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

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Our top choices for Macalister Range hotels

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Hilton Cairns

Pacific Hotel Cairns

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

Crystalbrook Riley

Pullman Cairns International

Oaks Port Douglas Resort

Birch Resort Port Douglas

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Palm Royale Cairns

The Benson Hotel

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Port Douglas Motel

Crystalbrook Flynn

Pullman Reef Hotel Casino

Oaks Cairns Hotel

Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas

The Abbott Boutique Hotel

Where to stay in Macalister Range

Palm Cove

Cairns Central Business District

Trinity Beach

Yorkeys Knob

Cairns North

Top Macalister Range Hotel Reviews

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Frequently asked questions

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