Cairns and Barrier Reef Travel Guide
Tourist 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 Vie Spa Palm Cove, 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 Yorkeys Knob Beach and Half Moon Bay Golf Course.
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.
Manunda
Shopping, gardens and spas are some highlights of Manunda. You might stop by Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland or Tanks Arts Centre while you're in the area.
Hilton Cairns
Messaged requesting an early check, didn’t receive a reply or acknowledgement. Very uncomfortable mattress & pillows.
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
We loved the Shanghai-La! The staff was wonderful, the rooms are clean and large , great location - a few minutes walk to the Esplanade!
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Ok
Reviewed on 25 Apr 2026
Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort
Great for kids, clean, basic necessities included. Staff very friendly. Overall a great stay. Only downside was wifi wasn’t great and I didn’t have very good phone reception, might have just been our spot in the park.
Reviewed on 16 Apr 2026
The Reef Retreat
Beautiful accommodation with everything you need in a gorgeous location. Really appreciated the 2 bedroom 2 bathroom setup which allowed us to have the space and privacy we needed
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2026
Coral Sands Resort
Great location and pool was superb. Bathrooms a little dated but rest of accomodation was nice.
Reviewed on 20 Apr 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.
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.
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 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.
